So, for you guys, a new chapter. Frankly, I'm still in shock. I have over 30 followers on this story, plus 20 favorite... I wasn't expecting this. I know it sucks in comparison to a lot of other stories out there, so I'm just grateful for you guys.

*edit* I just realized that this was a non-edited version. MAJOR FAIL THERE _ Reposted with the edited version.

The Great Hiro Mashima-sama will always own Fairy Tail and its characters. No exceptions. These guys, though awesome, don't belong to me.

Levy's POV

"…. Well, I have to admit, it's somewhat extravagant." Extravagant is the mild way of putting it. Every single female here is dressed up as if they're going to a party. Puffy princess gowns, cosplays, you name it. Heck, I think the only slightly normal female outfit here is what the maids where: a dress with an apron. At least, it matches the profession. I can see why the guide wanted me to wear this. If I wore what I usually do, I would have been stared at a lot more than right now… It's odd though that all of the guys aren't; casual here is about as casual as it can be in Magnolia.

"Levy, what've we gotten ourselves into?" You ask me, I ask you, Gajeel. To be honest, I'm just hoping that we can get that appointment at this rate. Still… someone's watching us. Well, everyone is, considering we're newbies, but someone here is not giving us a warm welcome. It's kind of cold and sharp, like ice to my head. I keep getting shivers and it's not settling well with me.

"Why hello there, Miss…" … my, you have quite the… bright outfit. I swear, she has too many jewels. Her dress wrapped around her, similar to robes that the Orientals wear. The gown is a bright crimson color with rubies studded all over the dress. Had today been a sunny day, I would swear that I would have gone blind. She wore her hair up in a bun with a pin cover with what looked to be red stones similar to jade.

"Miss Levy Redfox, ma'am. May I ask your name?" Might as well stick with the formal tone.

"Miss Elizabeth Kladvenska, one of the many noble ladies here. Pray, tell me why you have come here, Miss Redfox. We rarely have anyone come here for anything but trading. Our crafts are beautiful, no? Why, they must be the finest of the land." Yeah, they are beautiful, but when I inspected them, I felt a tad bit of a sadness. The jewels, though shining brightly, glow like a dim light than brightly like these ladies do with their sense of fashion. The delicate carving and handiwork, though beautiful, seem to be covered with symbols that don't resemble happiness; they relay a story of anguish and desire.

"We are merely here to admire the handiwork of your lovely crafts in person. Rest assure, I have no intention of spilling your secrets, but I am curious about something. The men here. Why are they dressed so?" That's the one thing that's bugging me the most. Clothing, I can get used to, but the way these men act; it's too suspicious. It's as if the females are superior to the men in every aspect: money, status, confidence. Not that I don't think it's interesting and all, but… the men here are kind of aloof. They're not like the guys back home. Well, Fairy Tail men aren't necessarily normal, but the townspeople: the guys there at least try to flirt with the girls or do normal work. These guys, they're just staring out into the distance, as if they're not really here.

"Ah, those men? They're merely on break. They will return to their crafting shortly. Now, none of us women are obliged to show you the process. We are, of course, very cautious about our art. However, should you and your… servant require a guide to explore our wonderful scenery, I would be happy to suggest you one." … servant? Did she just call Gajeel a servant?... That is not going to sit well with him… Oh crap, he's already pissed. The clenched fist and cross eyebrows says it all but luckily, he's holding back. Well, there is definitely something wrong. That gaze I felt, it is definitely still here. It's not coming from this woman, though I am tempted to toss her into a wall. Rather, it's coming from behind us…

"Levy, we gotta go. Somethin's not right here." Yeah… I don't like it. These women, though kind of bitchy, aren't like what I would have expected. They thrive on fame. I would have thought that they would have welcomed more people, like they 'welcomed' me. Something else is keeping this country isolated…

"Tell me, Miss Kladvenska. Is there a mountain nearby where my HUSBAND can explore? I am sure that he would rather enjoy the untamed wildlife over the wonders of the city. After all, men are quite different from women, are they not?" Oh, I enjoyed that. That face, slightly tensed. Looks like your nerved are going to burst. Is that a sweat drop I see? Good. I may not be the strongest in terms of fighting, but I can throw a damn good word lashing if need be.

"A-ah! I see! Well… I would not suggest that, even for HIM. Currently, the mountains have been under… some issues. Rest assure, there is nothing dangerous with the wildlife, but… HE may not be able to traverses the land steadily. The rains have soften the ground."

"Gajeel, I assure you, can handle himself quite nicely. But do tell. I love a good gossip. What sort of issues are there? Not wildlife? Are you sure? Certainly, a little rain would not stop one from exploring the woods." Come on, lady. I know something's up, probably related to the reason why Gajeel has been… well.. horny. If it's the dragons or some weird magic, then I am not holding back. Come on, you can't hold out forever…

"W-w-well… there has been some… turbulence in that area. I suppose~… that we could explain…" Bingo.

"But first, a test. We must prove that this… person has the capabilities to do so. Would you KINDLY… sir, show us your skills? Surely, brute strength is not ALL you have, is it not?" … she's getting on my nerves. Gajeel? Do your stuff.

"Lady, I suggest ya step back." Go, metalball, go. Do your... well, that's a surprise.

I'm used to his usual "creating metal rods out of his body" moves, but Gajeel… I didn't think that you would go for this method. Fact is, I'm downright surprised. Instead of the usual metal rods, he shapes the iron from his body to form wings. Not the angelic type, for your information. Daggered shaped feathers with metal studs throughout the wings. I may not be one to fully understand aesthetic taste, but damn. He looks like a fallen angel right now.

"I ain't done yet. Levy!" You got it. 1,000 earth balls at your disposal.

As if to do some wild dance, Gajeel destroys the balls of earth by creating daggers from his wings, dispersing them as each ball starts to fall to the ground. Sure, if he just destroyed them, it would have been impressive enough. It shows his skill, but right now, Gajeel's pissed and wants to throw that lady off her high chair. Who am I to stop him? Instead, he cuts each individual one up, turning the balls of earth into little carvings of dragons. Not detailed, of course, but come on. 1,000 dragons carved from earth made in 10 seconds. I do believe that would be a record, if my information's correct.

"Well, Miss Kladvenska. Is my husband ill-qualified?" Oh, I see a flinch.

"…Creatures of some disgusting sort have taken residence in the forest. In all's honesty, we are unsure as to how to approach the situation since there is some sort of barrier that prevents the men from entering. A woman has foolishly attempted but to no avail." Hmm… if normal mages can't go in, maybe Gajeel can. Who knows what powers dragon slayers have that other mages lack?

"However, I wonder. Why the insistence? Surely you are not intending to solve* this issue? The men here, though they do not seem to be, are quite strong and yet, none have entered. What makes HIM so special?" Why he's special? Aside from his powers? Well, that's for me to know and you to wonder about.

"Miss Kladvenska, I am not proclaiming that we are special, but we are an outside party offering to solve an issue on your side and we have not asked for payment." If you have any sense of costs and benefits, I say this is a steal on your part. Not that we don't benefit. Your confusion is understandable, but I'll make this clear.

"Do not misunderstand; this is not charity. We are here to find out something for our benefits. Whether or not it is related to the method that you use to create your craft is not our concern. Our concern lies closer to our home and family."

"… you are very straightforward, no doubt. However, I must request one requirement then." Oh?

"If he is to go, then there must be someone from our side to watch over him. I still retain my doubts, but if it is so, then this cannot be delayed any further."

"Very well, miss. I thank you for taking the time to listen to my request. Now, if you would kindly excuse us." Although I'm not a fan of this sort of talk, at least we have a lead.

Well, guys. How do you like the new chapter? I'm trying to change my style just a bit since a friend suggested I give the story a little more meat. Give it a little R&R and have a good summer break for those out of school! Those still in and close to finals, FIGHT ON!