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The forests outside of Clover Town were quiet save for a few wildlife scampering here and there. The river was down due to a lack of rain in this area making it easier for Levy to use the large rocks and cross it cutting down the time it took her to return to the campsite. The trio had been traveling in the area and had stayed in Clover Town for a couple nights to help with her alibi but last night she had snuck back, she knew Gajeel would be getting into town and she wanted to make sure he was okay, the dreams were starting to get to her. She could see and smell the campfire smoke and knew she was cutting it close, the sun would be rising soon and she needed to get back undetected.

Levy silently creeped back into the tent where the two soldiers were still asleep, the sleeping spell she had used would wearing off soon so she didn't have much time to get herself settled and back into her own sleeping bag as if she had never left. She slipped off her boots and carefully slid into her bag, it was terribly cold from her lack of being there for most of the night so she huddled closer into her cloak. It had taken her much longer than she had originally planned to get in and out of the town, his soldiers were getting out of hand, she had a feeling Cobra had sent them, Acnologia wasn't concerned enough to send troops after her, he had assigned these two to her after all.

They had been her personal guards for a few years now, she never use to have guards when she had stayed within the castle, but she eventually started getting antsy and when Acnologia was gone one day she had managed to sneak out. Cobra had been the one to find her and things did not go over well, after he had seriously reprimanded her for even stepping foot out of the castle and finally giving into her he demanded she had guards at her side at all times. Cobra had picked two of the finest soldiers he had under him, a set of twins, and Levy had freaked. Thankfully, Acnologia had given her permission to travel and agreed with her having guards but he paired her with Jet and Droy; she knew the real reason behind it, and while she hated admitting he was right, he was very much seriously right in his choice, the twins would have garnered too much attention and these two- as capable as they were- were not attention grabbers. Cobra would beg to differ, but then again he wasn't fond of the whole situation in the first place, he wasn't a fan of Levy; the feeling was mutual.

Jet was beginning to stir, she had barely made it back in time. Levy shifted in order to get a better look as he moved himself out from his own sleeping bag. He was staring at her boots- her wet boots. Shit. She hadn't realized they had gotten wet from where she had to cross the river otherwise she would have dried them off. Jet looked back over to where Levy was supposed to be sound asleep and then back at the wet boots, she silently prayed he wouldn't make the connection between them and a possible late night escape. He gave a heavy sigh and looking back at the would be sleeping Levy he stepped out of the tent; he knew.

Levy followed out after him a few moments later, she found him with his arms crossed leaning his back against a tree nearby sporting a very unsatisfied facial expression. "Lady Levy, how am I suppose to keep my word to Lord Acnologia when you're making things extremely difficult? He put Droy and myself..." His hand moved to rub at his temples, "he personally assigned us to your safety! When you decided to go on this little temper tantrum of an adventure we agreed to go with you, but we told you to not leave our sight!"

Levy was quick to defend herself "Jet, I'm sorry. I only went to the river!" She was cut off quickly by the tall man.

"Do not lie to me, Lady Levy, do not lie to me." He spoke slowly and with more authority than she was use to hearing come from him. "Where did you go? I have my speculations, but I would prefer to hear it directly from you."

She took a deep breath and breaking her eye contact with the tall slender man she spoke, "I went back to Clover Town. The man we helped outside of Oak Town, I wanted to make sure he was okay, I knew he was there and wanted to make sure he had made it safely. I snuck in, confirmed his well being and came straight back." She didn't mention the fact that she had been chased both in and out of the city.

She could see the frustration spread across his face as he rubbed at his temples, but he seemed to believe her half truth. He took his job very seriously, and as nice as him and Droy were she still couldn't be fully dependant on them, they were unaware of the true identity of that man and if she wanted her plan to go off without a hitch she had to keep them in the dark somewhat.

"We're going back to Crocus, you've had your fun, this little adventure is over." Levy's eyes grew and when she started to disagree he held his hand up and silenced her. "I'm going to wake Droy and once we are packed we will be teleporting back to His Lordship. I suggest you gather your things, this is not a request M'Lady." He walked away from her without allowing her to speak a word. She rubbed at her eyes before the tears could fall and pursed her lips. She looked back in the direction of Clover Town and sighed before making her way back to the tent.

...

The sky was an ominous dark as the storm rolled in, the shops had closed early and many of the townsfolk had retreated back to their homes. The smell of rain lingered heavily in the air and the flashes of lightening across the sky accompanied by the earth shaking boom of thunder gave way to the storm's not too far off arrival. A dark cloud of smoke had appeared and was hovering in the courtyard of the castle; the soldiers outside came to an immediate halt and presented themselves at attention as the cloud of smoke began to dissipate and from it three cloaked figures walked out. One taking a generous leading step forward and the other two flanking behind. As they walked up the steps to the castle the large stone doors opened and they stepped inside.

The foyer was large, massive more like, a huge chandelier hung in the middle of the of the room framed by two curving staircases leading up to two hallways, one leading off to the east and west wings of the castle and a center hallway leading up to the throne room. Where portraits of past royals once were, now large framed paintings of dragons hung; large, beautiful, destructive, mysterious dragons. The guards gave a salute as their audience approached.

"You're dismissed." Levy paused to make her command and when she saw the nod of their heads they turned to start up the left staircase as she turned to continue up the one at the right.

The guards stationed along the hallway to the throne room bowed to her as she made the long trek along the dingy wine colored carpet to the large mahogany doors. The doors opened for her to continue inside and shut behind her as she marched right on in, upon seeing the empty room she walked behind the raised area where the throne sat and walked up to a door hidden from curious eyes. The door lead into a secret room that would also connect to the personal quarters, this room was often used for meetings or quick escapes. She closed the door behind her and turned to see Cobra and Acnologia leaning over a large map of Fiore, at the sound of her entrance the two men turned to look upon her.

"Ah, my dearest Levy. I've missed you." Acnologia stepped away from his post and walked towards Levy.

"As I have you." She allowed him to remove her hood and unfasten her cloak, feeling the weight fall from her body and hearing it drop to the floor while exposing her travel gear. She wore a loosely fitted white cotton blouse and dark brown soft cotton trousers -that were tucked into her now dry dark leather boots- accessorized with a belt housing an attached pouch on her left hip full of various flasks, jewel, and other trinkets paired with a dagger hanging on her opposite side. Her eyes met with Cobras as she felt him slide her sleeve and shirt down to place a kiss above her left breast.

His lips felt cold against her warm skin and when he was satisfied with his marking he lifted his head and walked back towards where he had left Cobra standing. "Where have you been, My Dear?"

Levy followed him and sat down in chair close to where the two men stood by the table but still out of the way. "Here and there. I believe Jet and Droy were getting bored with my adventures and they forced me return. Things were getting a little complicated anyway" She could feel the glare radiating in her direction from Cobra.

Levy looked about the room, various weapons hung on the walls, two large tapestries hung on each side of the room, one was tattered beyond recognition and the other was an image of a lion and a unicorn. Levy hoped this conversation would end quickly, she didn't want to be in room with Cobra and Mavis forbid the man take a hint and leave them some privacy.

The door opened before Acnologia was able to respond and a very flushed guard walked in. "My apologies My Lord but you are needed immediately." The guard composed himself and bowed in the direction of Levy, "My Lady, welcome home." She acknowledged him with a smile and a nod.

Levy watched as Acnologia gave a knowing nod to Cobra and turned to leave with the guard. As he passed by Levy he took her hand in his and placed a kiss on her knuckles. "I will be back as soon as I can. Do try to stay out of trouble My Dear." He returned her hand and left the room.

Levy stood from the chair and turned towards Cobra, "All those soldiers looking for me was hardly necessary. Do you really not trust my personal guards to keep me safe?" What she lacked in stance she made up for with her tone of voice and disgust filled glare.

Her relationship with the right hand man of Acnologia had been bad from the very beginning. He had instant dislike for her ever since she came to the castle, he couldn't understand why his Lord had chose her of all people. She was nothing more than a simple daughter of a noble, and not even a well known noble. She held no value in his eyes, but Acnologia insisted she was the only one for him. Cobra kept civil with her due to her importance to his Lord and even if she was not particularly careful with her own safety he ensured she was never in danger.

"Don't bullshit me Lady Levy, it's you I don't fully trust. When reports from my guards came in they said you were alone. I must ensure your utmost safety, and you are far too daring for my liking. If I had it my way you'd be locked in the castle or those two guards would be replaced with the twins, but alas that is not on his to do list."

"Be mindful of your tongue and it's tone, Cobra." Levy straightened herself, she was still rather tiny compared to the second in command but she had just as much if not more authority as him. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be going to my quarters now." She turned to leave through a second door in the back of the room.

...

Gajeel was sitting at a table drinking from his no less than fifth mug of ale. The group had arrived in Magnolia a few hours prior; Gray was instantly drug away to a bedroom by his crazed woman, Natsu and Lucy were catching up with old friends and Gajeel was waiting for Makarov to get back so he could talk to him.

Makarov had been one of Gajeel's grandfather's closest friends and that friendship had trickled down to his own father, Metalicana, he had been on his council and was a trusted confidant. Makarov probably knew more secrets about the royal family than Gajeel himself did. Metalicana had secretly confided in the old man that he knew a war was coming and even before Acnologia had attacked Makarov had already started prepping per the King's orders and taken preventive measures in Magnolia. When Makarov had come completely clean with the Prince things went sour between them and Gajeel had left Magnolia in a fit of rage and distrust towards the old man; this was his first time back since that ordeal happened, they had kept in touch and conversed in different forms but as far as actually seeing each other, Gajeel hadn't bit that bullet yet until now.

"Brat."

"Old man." Gajeel continued looking forward drinking from his mug. With one last chug he finished off the amber beverage and set his mug down. He stood from his chair and followed the short, older man to a room at the back of the large hall.

Makarov had set up a safe house of sorts for various people associated with the royal family, most of them were children of nobles and council members whose parents had trusted the man with the safety of their lineage and then some were council members themselves. They could come and go as they pleased but they always knew there were safe here. A code name of sorts had been established amongst the safe house, Fairy Tail, and that's what people had come to call the place. Not everyone in Fairy Tail knew Gajeel's true identity and he preferred it that way, the select few that did know him knew better than to say anything on the matter.

"It's been a long time since we've seen each other. You look well." Makarov sat down at a large oval table.

"Enough of that old man, did you receive my last letter?" Gajeel wasn't one for sentiments, he wanted to get straight to the point and preferably before either of his male partners joined them.

"I did. You didn't leave me much to work with but based off the description of the area you found her in and her very brief description, I believe the girl you are seeing in the dreams of your memories is the daughter of a noble by the name of McGarden, I am unsure of her name." Makarov placed his crossed hands on top of the table as Gajeel sat across from him.

"Never heard of 'em."

"Not surprised, he wasn't a very well known or liked noble for that matter. He was a widower and I assume he attended most of the gatherings at the castle, you may have come across the girl a time or two. I unfortunately don't have any more information than that my boy, I do apologize."

"Thank you none the less. What else have you got for me?" Gajeel inwardly sighed, he was hoping the old man had more information on his dream girl, but then again he had said it himself Gajeel hadn't given him much to work with.

"No leads on the trio. And as for what else we need to discuss I'd rather do that in the presence of your partners, I do hate repeating myself as do you I am sure."

"Very well, if you'll excuse me then." Gajeel walked out of the room slightly less frustrated than he had been when he entered, but it was hardly anything to brag about.

...

The bath water felt amazing, it had been a long time since she was able to relax like this. The scent of lavender and vanilla crept into her senses and the tension melted away, she played with the bubbles scattered across the top of the water. If there were any perk to being back at the castle this was definitely it Levy thought to herself. It was one of the few rooms in the personal quarters that Acnologia had left untouched, mostly at Levy's request. The room was a bright white, a contrast to the mostly dark atmosphere that now lingered throughout the castle. She wondered who had once claimed this room as their own, it was smaller than the others but just as elegant. A beautiful crystal chandelier hung above the bath and a graceful vanity stood at the far end. Inside the bedroom, was a large four-post bed accentuated with lace curtains. The same unicorn and lion tapestry from the hidden room also hung on the wall.

A knock at the door brought her back to reality and thinking it was most likely her handmaid, Yukino, she didn't react much. "Come in."

She was surprised when it was not her handmaid but instead Acnologia, Levy drew herself up to preserve what modesty she could. "My Dearest." He closed the door to prevent anyone from following him in. Levy hugged her legs closer to her small frame.

"I'm nearly finished if you give me a moment I will meet with you outside." She said softly but he replied with shaking his head.

"Not necessary, I won't be long. I will be leaving for a few days, I wanted to tell you personally." He held his hand out waiting for her own while he sat on the rim of the large bathtub.

She placed her hand in his and hugged her self tighter with the other, thank goodness she had chosen to go overboard with the bubbles. "I see," She knew even if she asked he wouldn't tell her where he was going, but she asked anyway, "where are you going?" She looked up at him with soft yet sharp eyes.

"Bosco." He had answered her, the look of her face must have gave that thought away because he chuckled as he kissed the top of her hand and she took it back, dropping it back into the water to wrap around her legs. "Do behave." He stood and walked towards the door turning the knob and opening it, before exiting he turned to look at the small bluenette and gave her a cold half smile.

"Be careful yourself." She said as he left the room.

After his exit Yukino walked in and Levy let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "My Lady, I assume we will not be using the gold colored dress tonight?" Levy shook her head with a smile as her handmaid helped her out of the bath and wrapped a towel around her. "I shall go prepare your gear for you then." Yukino returned her smile and skipped from the room.

Cobra had stayed behind in the castle and Levy knew he wouldn't come looking for her, if whatever was going on in Bosco was serious enough for Acnologia to have to leave the castle Cobra would definitely be too busy to make sure she was in her room. Playing that to her advantage, Yukino had given her the all clear and Levy snuck out to the courtyard, without her guards. She made her way around to the back garden, that was now littered with thorns from rose bushes that hadn't grown in years, tall weeds and various other ugly plants. She had once seen this garden in its prime and she remembered how beautiful and regal it had once been, it made her heart ache to see it in such shambles now. She quickly looked around and without wasting any more time she pulled her hood up and dissipated along with the smoke around her.

...

Magnolia. This was where he was, and she knew he was at Fairy Tail. She had to see him again, she had to talk to him again. She crept along the walls of a dark alleyway and slipped in through a window that thankfully someone had left unlocked. She was trying to adjust her eyesight to the dark when a light suddenly flickered on with nowhere to immediately hide she turned around to face who had just yelled at her.

"Who the hell are you? How did you get in here?!" It was the pink haired man that traveled with the Prince, she recognized him instantly. She held up her arms in a defensive manner but he had already begun to swing at her.

She dodged his attacks just barely while trying to tell him to stop, he wasn't having it, he was too blinded by the fight he was trying to antagonize. She fell into a shelf, knocking off the contents and hitting her square in the back. It knocked the wind out of her and while she was recovering he took the chance to grab her and fling her across the opposite side of the room away from the exit.

Skidding across the floor and smashing against the far wall she quickly picked herself up and rushed back at him landing a punch to his jaw, while he was busy rubbing at the spot she had make connection with she dropped down and swung her leg out, effectively knocking him off balance and smacking his back against the hard floor. With him down she made a break for the door.

The door suddenly swung open nearly hitting her and she paused at the sight of Gajeel walking in, "What the hell is going on in here?!" He looked down at the floor where Natsu was getting back up and then met with her eyes.

Her eyes grew large and she shot towards him, before she was able to fully say his name, merely getting out a "Gaj-" before a board hit her in the back of the head. She stumbled and fell to the floor in an unconscious heap.


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