Chapter Ten
He wished the words didn't come out his mouth, but it was too late. He had to figure out a solution later. Gajeel needed to keep the act going. "Gihi, what should I do?"
"Rape her!"
"Beat her!"
"Break her spirits."
"Anything, just make sure she remembers the name, Snake Venom." The monotone man answered.
"Gajeel, Gajeel what's wrong?" Lily was concerned with his friend's behavior. Ever since he came home last night, Gajeel didn't say much just went to the bottle for comfort. Luckily, Levy was at Lucy's for the night. They were now waiting outside of Chief Makarov's office.
"Nothing." He grunted.
Makarov opened the door. "Gajeel, you can come in." The iron dragon-slayer walked in; Lily slipped in and stayed in the shadows to watch. The two men took a seat. "You don't look so well. What concerns you?"
Gajeel sighed. "Last night, I was at a meeting with Snake Venom. And I got a job."
Makarov nodded. "Oh really, I hope it's nothing dangerous or problematic."
"That's the problem;" Gajeel replied, "it involves Levy." Lily couldn't believe it. This is gonna be an issue.
Levy blushed at the thought. Lucy explained what happened the night she did the paperwork for Jackson's investigation. It seemed like everyone got drunk that night. However, she wanted to know what happened after all the alcohol and strip poker. What had Gajeel done? Levy sighed. I guess I shouldn't worry too much. He said I went to sleep. I should trust him. But what about that dream?
She was walking towards the department building from Gajeel's house. Natsu came over saying Chief wanted to see her. I wonder why. She was getting closer when she saw Lily walking towards the bar. She called for him, but it looked like he didn't hear her.
Levy went straight to Chief's office. When she walked in, Chief Makarov looked stressed. "Yes sir, you wanted to see me?"
"Take a seat. There's a problem we have." He said with gloomy eyes.
She was real nervous. What happened? She sat. "What's the matter?"
Makarov cleared his throat. "It seems that you've been targeted by Snake Venom." He began.
Levy couldn't help but laugh a little. "I'm well aware of that, sir."
Chief slowly looked up at Levy. "I know, but this is about the person they sent to attack you…it's Gajeel."
A cold shiver went down Levy's spine. Shock went through her body. "What?"
"Snake Venom wants Gajeel to come and attack you. Now, we are still trying to solve the situation. We-,"
"Let him do it." Levy choked the bold words out, but Makarov knew she was serious.
"Levy-,"
"No sir, I'm serious. We have to keep them thinking that Gajeel's on their side. I'm willing to keep everyone else safe even if that means I get hurt myself." Levy said with little tears coming out her eyes.
"I'm not doing it, shrimp." Gajeel said from behind her. His voice sounded strained She knew he was there. She could feel his presence. He was in the shadows of the office.
Makarov sighed. This is such a difficult situation. "We're not letting that happen, Levy." She took a deep breath. "I'm still going to find a solution, but for now I need you both to relax and help me. Gajeel, when do you think this needs to happen?"
"Before the next attack." He answered.
"Two days." Levy whispered.
"Alright, this is either gonna happen today or tomorrow, but we can't have anybody get hurt. You two are dismissed. I'll call you in later." Chief said. Levy got up and went for the door; Gajeel stepped from the room's shadows and exited with her.
The atmosphere was still very tense. "You too strong sometimes, ya know." Gajeel said looking at the bluenette. She shrugged. "You need to share the load, take some off ya shoulders."
"I just didn't want anyone to get hurt." Levy replied.
"I know, but I wasn't going to do. I couldn't." Gajeel responded.
"I know, that would have been horrible for you. I shouldn't have asked; I'm sorry." Levy wiped her eyes.
Gajeel shrugged. "Don't worry yourself. We'll solve this easy."
"Okay, I'm going to the library. I need to distract myself." Levy said.
"Have fun." The two exited the building and went their separate ways.
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After about 45 minutes, Chief Makarov left his office and went to the infirmary floor, upstairs. Porlyusica was sending out a couple of girls when he arrived.
"What do you want old man?" she grunted as he approached her.
Makarov gave her a sweet smile. "Is it too much to tell an old friend hello?"
The older woman walked into her small office. Chief followed. "With this war that you declared, I doubt that. You know that I don't like humans, but I'm being compassionate. These girls have been through some struggles. Again, what do you need?"
Makarov took a seat along with his old friend. "Levy has been targeted by Snake Venom, and they're sending Gajeel to do it. We need something to trick them into thinking that he did without getting her hurt."
Porlyusica groaned. "I've been wondering when the McGarden girl would hit a bump." She sighed. "I wish you wouldn't hurt these kids so much." She thought for a moment. "I think I have what you need but I need at least two hours."
Makarov smiled with joy. "Thank you, I knew you could do it."
"Whatever, get out my office before I get the broom." She replied with cold eyes.
1984, by George Orwell…good book but I don't want the animalistic romance scenes. Ooo, I haven't read this one yet: The White Fang, by Jack London. Levy grabbed the book and checked it out.
She left and decided to take a walk around the town. As she was walking she saw a girl get pulled into an alley. She ran in and looked around, but she couldn't find her. She heard a dark laugh from deep into the alley.
"I would think one of Fiore's finest could tell the difference between an illusion and reality." The voice said.
"Grr, where are you?" Levy demanded.
A man stepped out into her view. He was holding a magic staff. "Levy McGarden, me and my gang got a bone to pick with you."
Levy was ready for battle Suddenly, her vision was pitch black. Fuck, an illusion.
"It wasn't my job, but I'm sure Kurogane can get you later." Soon little scratches made their way to her body. Goodness, I can't fight like this.
"Solid Script: Fire." She whispered trying get at least an idea of where the man was.
There was more laughter. "Sorry kid, there's no way you can use magic here."
It's just an illusion. There has to be some way out of this… I can't think of any. The cuts began to get deeper in the skin. Soon, Levy sunk to her knees. I can't do this much longer… I need some help.
A loud, quick draft blew over Levy, and suddenly the illusion was broken. She looked up to see Gajeel holding the man against the wall—with a hand around his neck.
"Kurogane! You traitor, you dare save her?!" he cried.
Gajeel growled. "Didn't I say I was gonna do it? You don't want to get away from me doing my job." He whispered menacingly. The man had a great look of terror on his face. The man squirmed trying to get free. "Levy, get out real quick. I don't want you to see this."
Levy slowly wobbled out the alley and leaned against the wall. Then, she heard a loud cry for help, and then a thud. Gajeel came out dusting his hands off. "You alright?"
Levy nodded. "Yea, why did you come?"
Gajeel shrugged. "I was looking for you, but then I noticed a small dark, magic cloud hovering over the alley."
"Oh." Levy looked at her arms the scratches covered them. "It seems like I have injuries now. That should fix the problem, for now."
Gajeel leaned against the wall right by her. "Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm sure when the low life wakes up he'll report the incident."
Levy sighed. "Oh so you didn't kill him."
"Nah, but when he wakes up he won't be feeling too cheery. No one hurts my comrades." Gajeel replied nonchalantly.
Levy thought about what Gajeel said earlier. "There's just never an easy way out, is there?"
"Nah, but that makes it an adventure." He paused, "Let's get you to the old hag."
Levy blushed a little. "Um Gajeel, I can't walk…that well" She said scratching her cheek.
"Gihi, finally need me to carry ya." Gajeel chuckled.
Levy groaned. "I'm starting to think you're enjoying this." Gajeel picked her up and placed her on his back.
"Oh hush, and hold on tight." He replied. Heh, I'm avoiding the question.
"So you earned some new injuries." Porlyusica looked up at Gajeel. "Would this fool Snake Venom?"
"Nope. The guy who did it would report something sooner or later." He answered.
"What are we gonna do?" Chief Makarov asked.
"I found a remedy; it's in my office." The woman exited the room to grab the remedy.
Chief turned to Levy. "How are you feeling my dear?"
"Okay, sir. " She answered.
He sighed. "There are times you need to relax with the formalities."
Porlyusica came in. "Here it is." She was holding a bottle with a bright green liquid. "This is an ancient potion that will bring back wounds that use to exist; strangely it cures your current ones. There will be some slight tingling." She took a deep breath. "However, there's no guarantee in that and whether or not the wounds that come back are physical or emotional. Furthermore, all effects last only a day. The choice is yours."
"I'll do it." She answered bravely.
Porlyusica quickly turned and pointed at Gajeel and Makarov. "Alright now, that's her decision. Get you two, too many humans in here." Levy giggled. The men exited. "Listen up girly, this is gonna put you to sleep. Your soul will decide what will appear again. Are you ready?"
"Yes." Porlyusica uncorked the bottle. She poured a specific amount into a cup. She handed it to Levy. "Here goes nothing." Levy slowly drank it. She licked her lips. "It has a unique taste—like strawberry kiwi lemonade." She hiccupped.
"Alright girl, lay down." Porlyusica commanded. Levy laid down on the medical bed she had been sitting on. "Good now, close your eyes, relax, and try to go to sleep." Levy did as instructed. She took a deep breath. It's good; everything will be fine.
"Be strong Levy-chan." The nurse's voice was the last thing she heard.
…"Mom? Dad? Where are you?" a young Levy roamed her home. She searched all over for her parents. "Mom! Dad! Where are you!?" The girl was abandoned. She couldn't find anyone. She soon entered her father's office. There was a note on the desk.
Dear My Lovely Daughter Levy,
If you find this, this means that your mother and I have passed. I should inform you that both of us were in translating an ancient, yet dangerous language that linked to a dark magic. Many criminals wished to unlock the magic. We wish you to be strong now, and chase after your own dreams. We will always be with you. Take care, and chase life without fear. We love you, Levy McGarden!
-Love Mom and Dad
Levy couldn't believe she was experiencing this, again. It was when she learned her parents were gone. She had feared loneliness, and experienced such an emotional pain. Levy thought if she still felt this way. She decided that when she joined Fairy Tail, and Chief got her into reading more than her parents. That pain went away.
Levy felt the shock go through her body. It was cold, and border-line evil. It imprisoned her senses. She could couldn't move or keep up with the motions of the moving figure. All she saw was her friends—Jet and Droy—utterly crushed in front of her eyes. Soon the figure was done with the boys and stood in front of Levy, looking down at her. She wanted to scream, but nothing would happen no matter how hard she tried.
The figure had a darkening smirk, pleased with the damage it caused on the girl. Levy tried looking down to avoid the eyes of the person, but for some reason she looked up. She felt her body shaking with fear. The eyes meet. Terrified hazels with cruel, merciless reds.
She woke up with a loud gasp. Levy tried to catch her breath. It was the night Gajeel attacked her and her companions. The night that she feared of the unknown. What would happen? Was she done for? How would this effect the perpetrator?
Porlyusica was startled at first, but quickly became serious. "Levy," she saw how the bluenette was sweating, and breathing heavy. What happened? "Levy-chan, this isn't over. You have to drink more. Your current wounds aren't even healed."
Levy turned. She tried to slow her breath. She took the cup from Porlyusica. I've got to be strong.
Soon came the physical damage, she was battered up. Couldn't imagine a way for it to end, the pain was unbearable. How could someone be so strong? Levy tried to push it away. Gajeel had changed; she forgave him; it was over; he was her friend…
She had grown stronger now. She could take almost everything that was thrown at her, but one incident challenged that.
Jet and Droy chained together was unbearable. With one look, Levy could feel the agony they went through for her sake. They were good friends. If Ezra wasn't here, she would have truly exchanged herself for their freedom from Snake Venom. But how would they see it? Could she really put them through losing her? It was a question she still thought about.
It had been hours, but Levy was still in there—fighting a war with herself. Gajeel couldn't do it. Painful memories were his weakness. It would have torn him to pieces, but in there was the one of the strongest people he knew. She would make it, right?
"You understand she'll be fine, yes?" Chief Makarov had been sitting outside the room with him the whole time.
Gajeel sighed. "I know."
"Good. Levy's strong. She'll fight for her friends' safety even at her own expense. Be there to support her." Chief replied with smile. She's grown so much.
"I will." Gajeel answered.
Chief got up. "Thank you. Now, I have to go, but be here to help her out. We don't know this will affect her." He walked down the hall to the stairs. "Bye."
It was finally over: the emotionally distressed nightmares, the deep thinking decisions, the fight to keep her sanity; Levy had won.
It had been about 13 hours that Levy was asleep, but it didn't matter. Gajeel stayed the whole time: partly for his relationship with her, and partly because he promised Chief he would.
He heard Levy yawn as she woke up. He wanted to run in and check on her, but Gajeel he needed to stay calm down. They were some words exchanged between Levy and Porlyusica, but Gajeel didn't want to be noisy and tuned them out. The door opened. Levy walked out along with Porlyusica. "Hey brats, go make a scene to trick Snake Venom." She quickly said before slamming the door. Levy and Gajeel were startled by the sudden outburst.
She took a deep breath. "Hey,"
Gajeel calmly looked up at her. "How was it?"
Levy shrugged. "Alright, I guess." She looked down at herself. The wounds looked almost fatal as if someone was trying to send a message. Gajeel noticed too. Levy looked at him again. "Were you here the whole time?"
Gajeel stood up. "Yea."
Levy tried not to blush. "You know it's around 8 o'clock, right?"
"I know, okay." He quickly spat out. "I needed to make sure you were alright. I didn't want to leave ya." He muttered.
Levy blushed. "Oh," She headed for the door. "Let's go." The two partners walked down the stairs and out the building silently.
They found a dark, quiet alley. For about twenty minutes, the two acted as if they were fighting each other fiercely. Levy stayed behind lying down—'defeated'—while Gajeel left the 'victim'. The act was done and Levy wobbled off far enough to meet with Gajeel. They quietly walked home.
Gajeel broke the silence first. "So what happened when you were asleep?"
Levy turned her head away from him. "I don't want to talk about it."
The dragon slayer was a little surprised at first, but could understand. "Okay."
Levy quickly turned her head back at him. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to seem like I don't trust you. I-," she rapidly stuttered.
"Levy calm down. It's not really a problem. Let's get you home, so you can relax. You can tell me whenever."
Levy nodded. "Okay."
Levy let her body soak in the hot tub. It felt real good on her muscles. Of course she wasn't hurt at all by Kurogane, but 13 hours on a hard bed isn't exactly comfortable. She looked at the wounds. She groaned. Of course, they would have to come from Gajeel. She then sighed at the thought of the nightmare. I'll admit that was one of the hardest fights of the nightmare. I wouldn't believe I'd have to fight the fact that if I trust him or not. I know I do. *Inner sigh* Who knew how the slightest of doubt can be put against you? Levy laid in the tub a little longer.
She washed her body, stepped out, grabbed a towel, and went out to the guest room. When she closed the bedroom door, she let out a sigh. It's always good to take a shower here, and not make a fool of yourself. Levy was still nervous about the time she had went to grab a glass and fell. She got dressed into some day clothes—planning on heading out. But she remembered that she had to keep it on the down low, so Snake Venom could think she was injured. Gajeel suggested about three days, but Levy wasn't quite sure. The next battle was tomorrow, and she wanted to wish her friends off—especially Lucy.
I can wait a few hours, then slip out when it's dark. Levy was pleased with her plan. She called Lucy to tell her.
"Levy-chan, I'll be fine, but you need keep Snake Venom thinking you're injured." Lucy said through the phone.
Levy groaned. "I don't want to. I-,"
"You don't want this to fail right?" Lucy interrupted.
Levy sighed. "Fine. I want you to safe."
"Of course."
Lily came home to pack his stuff for his trip. In fact, he was just at the bar, and him and his group decided to leave later on that night. He quickly packed. He looked around for Levy. She wasn't there when I got here, was she? He found her quietly sleeping in the guest room. She looked nice, gentle, and sweet. She's the perfect girl for Gajeel. He giggled a little.
He grabbed a notepad and wrote two notes—one for Levy and one for Gajeel. He slipped out the house and was on his way to meet up with his group at the bar.
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Dear Levy-chan,
I wish we could talk before I left, but circumstances affected me to leave this evening. I should still be at the bar by the time you read this, but you still need to stay inside—at least for today and all of tomorrow. I hope you're alright with Gajeel. Please take care of him while I'm gone. He can be kinda reckless at times. Also, please tell him to buy more kiwi juice. I hope you see me soon.
-Lily
Levy giggled at the note. It was cute, yet she could hear Lily saying this in his typical deep voice tone. She was so used to living with the two boys; it was weird. She wonder if Gajeel had gotten a note.
Dear Gajeel,
I'm sure you know I'm leaving later on tonight. I don't want you to do anything stupid while I'm gone. If I get a complaint from Levy-chan, I'm killing you. Understand, I'm not saying don't be 'romantic'—if that was at possible with you. But if she says something, I'm blaming you. Don't get drunk. Also, buy me some kiwi juice. I took the rest with me on the trip. Be a good boy.
-Lily
Gajeel grunted after reading Lily's note. He should be telling her not to drink. He thought about two nights before. It was fun alright. Gajeel couldn't really argue with that. He shook the thought away. He opened the door to the living room. He had just taken a shower.
He saw that Levy was sitting—"Indian" style—on the floor in the living room with some books surrounding her. She had her eyes closed. It seemed like she was chanting something. Hm, what's the shrimp up to?
She was definitely concentrating hard. "Body Restriction Magic: Conceal!" A powerful magic wave came from her body and went through the house. It hit Gajeel's body. He felt as if he could move his body at all. Wow!
Levy sighed and opened her eyes. "It didn't work." The spell was gone. Gajeel body was free.
"Hehe, I don't think so, shrimp." Gajeel said.
Levy turned her head to see him standing at the master's bedroom. "Oh when did you get home?" He was staring again.
"About thirty minutes ago. You were asleep." He replied. Levy nodded.
She looked at the books around her. "I just can't seem to get it right."
"Actually, it did. I wasn't able to move the entire time your eyes were closed. That's one powerful spell you mastered." Gajeel corrected.
Levy blushed out of embarrassment. "Really! I'm so sorry! Are you alright?!"
Gajeel shrugged. "I'm fine, but didn't you feel the magic leave your body?"
Levy sighed. "That's good. No, I didn't. But that spell is far from mastered. I need to do it with only my hands, standing up, eyes open,-"
"Shrimp breathe." Gajeel interrupted. Levy took a deep breath. "It's fine. I'm sure you'll get it soon." He paused. "You know it's gonna be me and you for a day or two."
Levy nodded. "Yea, Lily left me a note. He said to buy more kiwi juice."
Gajeel grumbled. Damn cat. "I know. I got a note too. Why were you working on the spell?"
"I figured that if I figure out how to use it, I can counter some else who tries to use it on me." Levy answered. "I was just about to do a levitation spell."
Gajeel thought for a moment. "Then what were you doing that one time you had slipped from the bar after Chief's announcement?"
Levy realized what he was talking about. "Oh that was something that can happen because of the wind magic lacrima. You can turn it off, but I like using it if I have a lot of paper." Levy noticed that Gajeel's hair was somewhat down and wet from his shower. She giggled. "Come sit." She patted a spot on the floor in front of her.
Gajeel was quickly reminded of the night was drunk. She had said pretty much the same thing. He told himself that nothing would since she was sober. He took the seat.
Levy sat up on her knees and ran her fingers through his hair. "I always liked your hair." She giggled. Gajeel shrugged. She took a hair-tie from her wrist and fixed Gajeel's hair into a ponytail.
Gajeel growled. "Do I look like a fucksing doll?"
Levy pouted. "Don't be so mean." She replied in a playful voice.
Gajeel sighed. Let's play. He suddenly reached behind him and grabbed Levy, then put her in front of him. "Eep, Gajeel!" she screeched. He laid her down. "Stay still." Levy calmed down for a second.
"Gihi," He started tickling her.
Levy couldn't help but laughing. "Gajeel, stop! That tickles!" she continued to laugh.
"That's kinda the point," Gajeel chuckled.
Get him back! For a split second he stopped, but Levy took the opportunity to get him back. She got him at his ribs. Gajeel tried holding it in, but after a while let out a hearty laugh. "Haha! So you are ticklish!" Levy cheered. Gajeel tried escaping by laying on him back but Levy wouldn't bug.
"Shrimp stop, it's not funny." He laughed.
"Yes it is." They went back n' forth tickling each other to distract themselves from worrying about their friends tomorrow. Soon, it was over.
"Ha, I still win, shrimp." Gajeel said after the bluenette cried 'mercy'. Levy through a pillow from the couch at him.
"Whatever, let's go to sleep."
There you have it folks. The next chapter will be a battle. Thank you for the reviews.
As usual, ideas, reviews, criticism, corrections are appreciated. I hope you have a great weekend. You guys are the best!
-Ciao!