Hello all you beautiful people~! I hope you are doing fine and enjoyed the last chapter. Here we continue with the next chapter. Thank you for reading. :)


Training Day

All Gajeel found when he arrived to the Fairies' place was a note with an address from Levy. Bloody girl making me go too many places. Well, he did also get a warning from Makarov. What was it?

Makarov chuckled. "I'll let you know that McGarden won't let you go through things easily and her tactics are…different, but none the less, you'll be fine."

Gajeel looked up at the note and then the address. Yep this is the place. It looked like an old, abandon bar, but he entered. That's where he saw them…


It was the spot where girls could run loose, have fun, and catch up on the daily gossip. It was empty during the day, but lively at night. A spot to rent from an unknown owner and host the baddest parties around. Well, it was for the Blacks living there. I mean, they weren't always getting invited to the posh jazz parties, but they didn't really care.

Levy being one to hang out with Blacks had always been used to being looked down upon those with a rich status, but not that she really gave a damn. Things were changing for the better and quickly; plus, the only ones throwing the problems were from the States—here to escape the economic crash going on.

"So you invited that pretty boy over? Did Dreyar hire him or not?" Charlotte asked as she smoke her cigarette while the girls played a game of cards.

Levy awoke from her thoughts. "Yea Dreyar hired him and now I got to basically babysit." She threw in a card. "Boy can shoot a gun beautifully, but it's gonna take time for him to know the ropes."

Another woman from Levy's building, Daisy, stared at her cards before replying. "This is Redfox we're talking about? The bass player?"

Levy sighed as she picked up a card and cursed. She didn't need it. "Yea, that's the one. The cat plays the double bass—beautifully yes, but gruff as it can get."

Charlotte laughed. "You complain too much; I'd take Dreyar's offer if I wasn't with the Phantoms. Besides, Redfox is a looker. He can be as gruff as he wants as long as I can catch his eye."

Levy shrugged. Daisy groaned, picking up a bad card. "You still doing undercover work for Dreyar? Time will run out and Jose will find out soon enough."

Charlotte waved her hand. "It has good pay; plus, I learn a thing or too. Real shame it is that the boys so cruel though. Dreyar's gonna get them busted sooner or later."

Levy sighed as she threw her hand on the table. "Either way, they're gonna bust like this game." She stood up. "Let's get to work. I feel Redfox's eyes digging in my neck. I'll be back."

Levy walked around a corner and crossed her arms. "It's rude to stare."

Gajeel met her gaze. "It's rude to tell someone to meet them somewhere then make them go someplace else."

Touché. "Fine, you know how to play cards?" she asked getting to the point.

Gajeel shrugged. "A bit. Why?"

"First thing you should learn is how to play a good game of cards. Dreyar likes setting things up over a card game, and we usually make bets along the way." Levy answered as she started walking to the table. Gajeel saw two women. "This is Daisy, and you already seen Charlotte." The gals waved.

"So you telling me, I'm beginning with cards?" Gajeel asked doubtingly. Sounds a bit boring.

"Well, we can jazz it up with some strip poker. A fella from New Orleans taught me." Charlotte winked.

Levy blushed and shook her head. "No, no, nope. Not doing it. Alright let's go." She said before anyone could object. Gajeel snickered and they began.


"It was pure torture Lily. Those girls can play cards like it's nobody's business; I felt worthless." Gajeel groaned as he lounged on his friend's couch.

Lily laughed. "First day of training and you're already complaining. Though, I'm sure Levy gave you a run for your money. I just wonder what she can't do."

Gajeel nodded. "Don't we all." He paused as Lily passed his neighbor a cup of water. "Anyway, how's the shop?" Besides, being Juvia and Gajeel's manager, Lily worked at a shop selling a variety of knives and guns.

Lily shrugged and sighed. "It's going as it's going." He paused. "I might have to close it down."

Gajeel almost choked on his drink. "What do you mean? It's going good isn't?"

Lily took a seat by his old friend. "Business is great, but some people are thinking about buying it off, real money too. I don't know; it would help me out a lot."

Gajeel thought for a moment. "Hmm, you should do a deal with Dreyar. Sure, they could use it."

Lily thought about it. "I'm not sure." They sat in silence for a while. "So, you wanna play some cards?"

"Like hell!"


Juvia smiled. "You're getting better Gajeel-san. It's good that you have been practicing; Juvia was getting tired of letting you win all the time."

Gajeel exclaimed. "You've been what?" Gajeel groaned as he placed a hand on his head. "I actually thought I knew something."

Lily laughed. "You do; we didn't do it all the time." He smiled.

"Great, you were in on it too. Whatever. I'm going home. I have a gig tomorrow and I need some sleep." Gajeel said standing up.

He said his goodbyes and exited, going to his home next door. If only he knew he was being watched.

A voice chuckled. "So Redfox is back in town? I thought it was a rumor."

"Oui, but is he doing business with Monsieur Dreyar?" another asked.

"I don't know, but he must be doing something with McGarden earlier." The other answered.

"Madam McGarden? I thought she was on break." The voice questioned.

"Me too. But it's okay. Jose will give him an offer he can't resist. We'll get him and Juvia back." A chuckle replied.

"Oui."


"Always know who works for who and don't let an innocent smile distract you from work." Her voice warned in a lovely tone as she sat at the table with him.

"Tch, I definitely know that—especially after meeting you." Gajeel grunted. "Anyway, why are you even here? This is an invite-only." He asked seeing that she was at his gig.

Levy sipped her drink while she reached for a slip of paper. "A party that claims to be one of the biggest parties in the city, of course I get invited. The host wants this party all over the papers." She answered as she handed him her invite.

The paper had a gloss to it and her name was written in bolded cursive letters. It described her to be an honored guest. Gajeel grunted at it. All he got was a scrap with an address and a pay amount. "Oh, so this is for work." was all he could say.

"Yea, well a little side job. I still have a much bigger prize I need to hunt down." Levy chuckled as her eye glinted at Gajeel.

"I'm still your prey?" Gajeel smirked.

Levy grinned as she swished the drink in her glass. "As long as you fight, I'll tug—not that I don't like a good battle." Yea, but I can't have the editor breathing down my back every day.

Gajeel sighed. "I have a feeling you won't be going away any time soon."

Levy shrugged. "We still have our other work." She said with the flow of the tongue. "But I don't think you'd run away, not with how things are going." She paused to looked around. "Is Juvia not here today?"

Gajeel shook his head. "Nah, they don't want any singing, so I'll be in the band—" He looked at his watch, "which I should be doing right now. Lovely dinner, McGarden."

Levy smiled. "You too Redfox. I'll catch you around. I need to go talk around anyway."

Gajeel warmed up and joined the musicians on the stage. He cracked knuckles and began playing for the few hours.


He found her blushing at their table as a crowd of young men swarmed her with compliments.

"What do you have behind that cute, innocent face? Do you want to reveal it at my place?" one told her.

"Cute girl like you don't got a man of choice? How about I fulfil the role?" another replied.

"Well doll, do you mind if I show you the town?" one asked

Levy giggled. "Boys, I don't know what to say. I have a lot work to do; I can't please everyone."

"Oh no problem chere, how about we take this outside?" a man black hair and red eyes—who seemed to be younger than Gajeel—whispered in Levy's ear.

Levy gasped a little. "You seem a little persistent, but my answer's still the same."

"Maybe, I can keep trying and be rewarded, ma belle." He replied

"Maybe, but everything right now is strictly business. I'm catching you later." She continued to chatting with the men, while asking questions about the party.

Gajeel watched from a wall as she worked her magic almost caught himself being enticed by her spell. However, some of the men were getting a little persistent with the bluenette, so Gajeel figured to step in.

"Well McGarden, let me take you out while the night still somewhat young." He chuckled behind the group. They turned to him.

"Redfox." The younger man said.

"Cheney. I see you're back." Gajeel replied.

Rogue nodded. "Yea, New Orl'ans wasn't treating me well. I'm sorry to tell you that Ms. Levy and I already had something planned."

"Well if you can't be accepted there, you shouldn't try here." Gajeel commented. "Anyway-,"

Levy stood. "Well, let me take Redfox out back. We can go soon." Levy winked as she took his hand and let him out back.

"You're such a jealous bimbo, you know." Levy chuckled.

Gajeel rolled his eyes. "Tch, I don't know what you're talking about."

Levy giggled. "You can't stay out of my work even when it's not about you, eh?"

"You telling me that was all work?" Gajeel grunted.

Levy shrugged. "I already told you that musicians want the attention," she paused as she slowly let her hand dance on his chest, "well except you that is, but I always get what I want. It'll only be a matter of time." She whispered.

"Shrimp," Gajeel nearly growled.

She stepped away and smiled. "Anyway, go out and have some fun. I need to go work. I hear the Sabers are doing well and I need to get some word. Besides, I have to get to writing. Bye Redfox."

Gajeel watched her leave. Some woman she is.


"How was your date with Cheney?" Mira asked as she cleaned around the bar.

Levy waved her hand as she looked at the scattered papers around her. She sipped some water. "Not a date, work." She corrected before reading over the papers once again.

"Everything has to be work for you. Was the party even good?" Cana asked.

"Don't you have a speakeasy to run?" Levy retorted.

"Cops were in the area, so I closed early. Answer the question." Cana replied.

"It was fine—got to talk to some people and give Redfox some tips along the way." She explained as she wrote a few things on another piece of paper.

"You and Gajeel have been spending a lot of time together." Mira smiled.

"Work." Levy said as she continued to write.

Cana waved her hand. "Then you must love your job, getting sheiks like that all the time."

Levy shrugged. "You sure nothing is going on between you two?" Mira giggled.

Levy continued working before looking up. "Sorry what was that?"

Cana sighed. "You need to take a break. I mean, who goes to parties as work and not likes it."

Levy groaned as she rubbed her head. "I never said that I didn't like it; it's the writing that can bother me. I have to constantly remind myself not to get too swept up with in the festivities so I can have something to write about." She ran her pen through her hair. "Give me another word for fancy."

"Love," Mira replied.

"Attractive, enticing, sexy." Cana grinned. "You describing Redfox, right?"

Levy's face beamed. "Not like that! I'm talking about the party." She quickly retorted.

"He was at the party." Mira responded.

Levy groaned. "Fancy…ah! Elegant." She thought up before finishing the page she was writing. She held out her papers in delight. "Alright, I finished the draft." She grinned.

"Well then, let's see what you have there, shrimp." A voice rumbled from behind. Gajeel grabbed the papers and began reading.

Levy looked up. "Gajeel, come on. I haven't even read it from the top; plus, I still need to edit it."

Gajeel kept reading. "Sure do, you only gave me a sentence to myself." He said as he gave it to her.

"Let me guess, Cheney had at least a paragraph." Cana slurred from her mug.

"Sure as hell, he does. What's up with that?" He growled at Levy.

The reporter shrugged. "Maybe you have to catch my eye." She mimicked his words. "Besides, last I checked, you're not the attention seeker."

"Tch, try me woman." Gajeel replied.

"Oh that reminds me, Mr. Dreyar has a job for you two." Mira interjected.

Levy turned to her. "Wait what! He's not ready; he can barely handle a card game."

Mirajane winked at Levy. "It's okay; it's that job."

Levy's eyes shot wide. "Oh god," Levy paused in thought, "I guess he'll take it."

"What is it?" Gajeel asked.

Cana laughed. "This should be fun. I wonder how he'll do."

Levy collected her papers. "Follow me," she told Gajeel. I won't bring them along, that would be a mess.

"What's the big idea? What's the job?" Gajeel asked.

"You're going to meet probably one of the most stubborn women you'd ever meet." Levy answered. They walked through the building and upstairs.

"Levy-chan!" the men smiled as they worked behind desk.

Levy returned the gesture. "Hello, Jet and Droy. I'm about to go see her."

The boys stared at her. "Oh Lord, why? Did you get in trouble or something?" Droy asked.

Levy motioned her head up to Gajeel. They followed. "Oh Redfox, wait since when did he join?" Jet asked.

Levy waved her hand. "A short while ago. We can talk later. He's under my wing for a now."

"Tch, you say that." Gajeel grunted.

"So you need the folder?" Droy asked. Levy nodded. "Good luck, you're gonna need it."

Levy and Gajeel went back down stairs and sat at a table. "Who were they?" he asked.

"Jet and Droy-,"

"Oh the boys you play around with." Gajeel said.

Levy blushed as she punched his stomach. "Stop saying that."

"Gihi, but you've haven't told me yet. Who is this mysterious her that everyone seems to be scared of?" Gajeel replied.

"You're aware of Wendy's mentor, right?" Levy said.

Gajeel stopped walking and looked at her. "You don't mean-," Hell, he couldn't even finish the sentence.

Levy nodded. "Yep Ms. Porlyusica herself. The brilliant composer is the first person you have to go through if you want some jobs from Makarov."

"Yes she's brilliant, but doesn't the old hag claim to hate humans or something?" Gajeel asked.

Levy nodded. "And she does. It's funny how the world contradicts itself."

"So besides the fact that this woman might be a bit psychotic, what's the big deal with doing a job with her?" Gajeel questioned.

"First, you have to go through a music lesson with her, and trust me, she's nit-picky about everything. Then, you go running errands for her. The thing is, everything she wants is in some bad part of town and you have to avoid being jumped or something near that matter." Levy explained.

"Oh god, the first part sounds like hell itself." Gajeel replied.

Levy shrugged. "I wouldn't know. I only did the second."

"Tch, and why would that be?" Gajeel said a bit irritated.

Levy smiled a little. "Not a musician, remember?"

Gajeel rolled his eyes. "A girl with the voice of gold and she doesn't go through the hag's wrath. How great."

Levy looked at a nearby clock. "Think of it as an initiation of some sort. You'll be fine. Do you have a gig this week?"

"I might have if someone gives me more than a sentence in the paper." Gajeel grumbled.

Levy laughed. "Suffer the consequences. I can give you the front page."

"Earn my trust." Gajeel grunted.

"Earn mine." Levy smiled sweetly even if her words were with a bold tone. "Anyway, take this folder and read up on it. It has her address and some things she'll expect you to play. I'd go home now and practice if I were you."

Gajeel took it. "Fine, fine, but I got a question."

"Shoot it." Levy said as she took out her papers and a pen.

"Who's 'training' Juvia and Lily? I've only seen them down here twice." Gajeel asked.

"Erza. You can join them if you want, but they've already done the job." Levy said as she scanned her papers.

Gajeel groaned. "I'll pass. Scarlet is not a force to be reckon with, and to be on the level, she scares the shit out of me."

"She's sweet, but words of advice, don't piss her off and especially, knock over her cake." Levy warned.

Gajeel raised a brow. "What would happen if I-,"

"Natsu! Gray!" Scarlet's voice rung through the building. It was heavy with murder.

Gajeel nearly jumped in his seat. "Oh god,"

Levy nodded. "Exactly. Now scat, I don't need you failing this test, and I have to work."

Gajeel stood. "Alright, alright. Catch you later."


Gajeel knocked on the door and heard a rough voice from behind. "Get the door child."

He heard small footsteps and saw Wendy open the door. She looked up at him. "Oh Mr. Redfox, we weren't expecting you." She gave a shy gentle smile.

Show Wendy the folder; she'll understand. That's what the folder said. Gajeel flashed it to her. "Business."

Wendy's eyes shot wide. "Oh, okay. Give me a second to tell her." She went in the living rooms. It had papers scattered all over the floor—containing finished and unfinished music, two couches, and a music stand. Porlyusica sat in her own chair. "It's Mr. Redfox." She told her.

Porlyusica scoffed. "So Makarov has sent me another? Alright Wendy, bring him here. You can go run along."

Wendy smiled. "Okay, thank you." She went back to the front door. "She's ready for you and good luck." She told him before exiting the house.

Gajeel entered and went into the living room. There she sat. Porlyusica was clad in a long black dress with long sleeves—it seemed fitting for an older woman who was old fashion-ish.

Anyway, she glared as she took in the sight of the man. The folder said wear a suit which he did. It was tannish brown with a matching tie and white collar. She continued her glare. "That suit clashes too much with your eyes." She told him.

Everything clashes with my eyes. She'll always tell me. "It's been a long time." Gajeel stated.

Porlyusica nodded. "It has. Almost a decade since your delinquent self broke in here."

"I was 12." Gajeel explained. That's when he was roaming town for food after the orphanage kicked him out in Oak Town. He ended up in Porlyusica's house for food and ended up being beaten with a broom. However, it was where he also grew an interest for music.

"Yes and that makes it better? You were lucky I fed you; I was in the middle of writing a piece." Porlyusica told him. "Anyway, we can catch up later. So you've join the fairies, great to know. I don't like humans so let's this over with. Where's your bass?"

Gajeel scratched his cheek. "I didn't bring it." He mumbled.

"What! I should fail you right now for wasting my time. Who's training you anyway?" she asked.

"McGarden." Gajeel answered.

Porlyusica nodded with slight amusement. "The shy reporter girl. Well, I'll talk with her later. Now go get your instrument!"

"What? Can't I just go run the errands first? Besides, I live on the other side of town." Gajeel retorted.

Porlyusica reached into the purse by her feet. She took out some money. "Catch a ride." She told him.

Gajeel groaned as he went to her. At least I didn't get hit with a broom. Spoke to soon, one came from behind her chair and Porlyusica whacked him on the head. "Damn ya bloody hag!" Gajeel cursed.

"Get on with it you brat, I don't have all day!" Porlyusica answered. She watched him go. Lord, that bimbo hasn't changed a bit.


"Again!" Porlyusica told him sternly as she walked back n' forth in the well sized living room.

Gajeel growled as he played the scale for the hundredth time. God now I know why this torture. No one would want to deal with her giving a lesson. Perfections is her favorite word to say damn it.

"Hag, can we take a break?" Gajeel questioned. "My fingers are gonna cramp."

"Stop calling me that you brat… I'll be nice to you." She took out a list and handed it to him. "Complete these things and we're good to go. I even put the location since I knew you'd probably get lost."

Gajeel glared as he stood from the small wooden chair and took the sheet. "I'll be back." He mumbled before leaving.


There were three things on the list. Three absurd thing on the list:

1. Pick up ink from the Juliet Blue shop

2. Buy liquor from Clive's after eight

3. Pick up a gun from the Exceeds Shoppe during the night hours.

Okay so number three was not bad because Lily was working during that time tonight, but everything else was sure likely to get him shot and either in a hospital or a morgue. All the places were parts of town not so safe and scattered about Magnolia.

Gajeel groaned as he pocketed the paper in his suit jacket pocket and began walking. I need to get this over with. But first, I haveta get out this suit.


Now in tan casual pants and a white button up shirt with brown suspenders, Gajeel walked to the Juliet Blue Shop for the ink. He entered.

"Hello sir, what can I do for you today?" an older man said with a smile.

"Um can I get some ink please?" Gajeel asked.

The man's face turned serious. "Who you work for?"

Oh god, mood change. "Um Dreyar-,"

"Get lost." The man said.

"Hey, I need this." Gajeel growled. Like hell, I'm gonna get held back now.

The man glared at him as he put a bottle under the desk. "I don't care. We don't do business with fairies."

Gajeel cracked his knuckles. "Then, I guess you're gonna have to make an exception." He went to the desk and lifted the man by his shirt collar. He reached and grabbed the bottle of blue ink. "Nice doing business with you." He said after he put the man down.

Gajeel exited the shop and was walking. Well until he heard: "Get your ass over here!" the man said with a gun in hand from the door. Gajeel's eyes shot wide as he began running with bullets flying by.

What the hell! It's only fucking ink! Gajeel ran as he looked down at the bottle- Juliet Blue Ink: Made from Indian Blueberries. The fuck! Does India even grow blueberries? Gajeel didn't have time to ponder and kept running down the sidewalk and turned when he heard the man curse and the shots ceased.

Gajeel leaned against the wall, panting as he tried to catch his breath. He pocketed the ink. Well, it's time for job two.

Clive's was a juice joint owned by Gildarts Clive—father of Cana Alberona. It was where the woman learned from but also learned what not to do. Now, Clive wasn't an alcoholic but sometimes he did drink too much; the bad thing was that he would take long 'business' trips with very bad managers in charged. The only reason it was still open was because Alberona would stop by every now and then to straighten thing up. But it did have some good liquor though.

Gajeel entered the shady looking place. The man stood there behind a bar in an all brown suit somewhat complimenting his orange hair. "Can I help you?" he asked.

"Clive, I need a bottle. Just give me something." Gajeel said.

Gildarts nodded and reached under the bar and pulled a small bottle of brandy. "You got the money for it?"

Just tell him. Porlyusica had said. "With Dreyar."

"Oh a rookie, good to hear. I've already had two other ones earlier this week." Gildarts handed him the bottle. "Good luck and send Ms. Porlyusica my greetings."

Gajeel grunted. "Will do." He pocketed the bottle and was on his way.

Gajeel walked through a few alleys on his way to Lily's work. "So Redfox, you're still in town."

The man turned around to see Boze. "I thought you got shot." He grunted.

"I did. You don't think wounds heal?" Boze replied then cracked his knuckles. "But don't worry, I'll repay the favor."

Gajeel rolled his eyes, turned, and resumed walking. "I don't have time to deal with this." He was almost out the alley when he heard the air shift and caught Boze's punch. Gajeel looked down at him. "Fine boy, I can spare you some time."


Lily rested his head in his hand as he leaned on the storefront counter. Gosh business is slow at night. The bell rung as someone entered. Lily straightened up. It was Gajeel.

Lily looked at his outfit. "Why the hell are we matching?" he asked.

Gajeel sent him an annoyed gaze. "You don't have suspenders on. Anyway, give me a gun."

Lily took in his friend's appearance. "What happened to you?" he had a few cuts on his cheeks and it seemed he took a few punches.

"Got into a fight. Now give me the gun so I can report to the hag." Gajeel answered.

"With who?" Lily asked as he readied a purchase. Is he doing the thing for Porlyusica?

"Boze." Gajeel answered.

Lily nodded. "Oh I get it. Where did you put him?"

"Tch, I left him in the alley. He was asking for it." Gajeel placed some money on the counter.

Lily took it and counted. "Great, you better hope the cops don't find him." He handed him a pistol. "Here,"

Gajeel sighed. "Thanks, I'm having a rough day. Wanna get a drink?"

Lily shook his head. "Maybe tomorrow. I have work to do." Gajeel nodded and left. Gosh, she didn't go easy on him.


Porlyusica sighed as she went to the door after a loud, heavy set of knocks. "So you're alive." She told him dryly.

"I almost got shot." Gajeel groaned.

Porlyusica let him in. "But you didn't. Did you get everything?" she asked.

"Yes, and why the hell do you need ink from blueberries? Does that even really exist?" Gajeel replied.

"You look like hell." The old woman said—ignoring the question as Gajeel gave her the things. She put the ink on the table and poured Gajeel a shot. "Here, you need this." she examined the gun. She gave it to him. "Keep that too."

Gajeel downed the shot. "So you basically sent me on my own shopping trip?"

Porlyusica shrugged. "Yep, but I needed the ink." She gave him another shot; she knew he had gotten into a scuffle and needed something to numb the pain.

"Tch, tell me I at least pass." Gajeel mumbled.

The woman nodded. "Congrats, you do. Now scram, now that I have ink, I can get to writing. Take care of yourself brat."

Gajeel pocketed the brandy and gun. He went to the door; he stopped before leaving. "Hey hag,"

Porlyusica scoffed. "What do you want?"

Gajeel grinned. "Thanks, for everything."

The woman smiled. "No problem brat."


Terms to know:

Man of choice: a girl's boyfriend or love interest
Bimbo: Tough guy
Doll: an attractive woman
Speakeasy: an illegal establishment selling liquor (also for juice joint)
Bimbo: a tough guy
Sheik: men with sex appeal
To be on the level: to be honest
Scat/Scram: to go, leave
Scuffle: a fight


There we have it. How are you liking the story? I'd love to hear from you.

Please review, comment, suggest, criticize, and all the other words for feedback I can't think of right now. Just to let you all know, school begins in a couple weeks so updates might slow down, but thank you for the support.

Have an awesome weekend.