JUPITER- I JUST WANT TO START OUT BY APOLOGIZING TO DIGI-CHAN FOR THE MISSPELLING OF YOUR NAME. I'M SO SORRY, IT WAS LATE AND I WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION AND I'M GLAD THAT YOU DIDN'T TAKE IT TO HEART. I'D ALSO LIKE TO SAY I'M SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING AS REGULARLY AS I'D HOPED. SO NOW THAT THOSE TWO THINGS ARE HOPEFULLY OVER AND DONE WITH I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE TODAY'S GUEST! IF YOU WOULD ALL GIVE A BIG HAND TO ONE OF FAIRY TAILS TOP S CLASS WIZARDS...LAXUS DREYAR!

LAXUS-YEAH HI, CAN WE JUST GET THIS OVER WITH? I HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO THEN SIT HERE AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.

JUPITER-...ALRIGHT THEN...SO LAXUS, HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE BACK IN THE GUILD AND KICKING ASS ONCE AGAIN?

LAXUS-...I

JUPITER-OH AND AFTER THE WHOLE GRAND MAGIC GAMES THING DID YOU EVER THINK YOU NEEDED AN EXCEED OF YOUR OWN?

LAXUS-..UM...

JUPITER- MAYBE A PIKACHU?

LAXUS- I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT IS.

JUPITER- DID IT FEEL GOOD TO BEAT UP THAT DADDY-O OF YOURS?

LAXUS-WELL I-

JUPITER- AND WHAT ABOUT AFTER, WAS IT NICE TO WIN THESE GAMES WITH SUCH A POWERFUL SUPPORTING TEAM? NOT TO MENTION YOUR WINNING BATTLE AGAINST ONE OF THE TEN WIZARD SAINTS.

LAXUS-IT WAS-

JUPITER-WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU LISTENING TO ON THOSE HEADPHONES OF YOURS?

LAXUS- YOU SEE-

JUPITER-WHY DON'T YOU EVER WEAR YOUR GODDAMN SLEEVES?

LAXUS-MY WHAT?

JUPITER-WOULD YOU PLEASE GIVE THE SHOUT OUTS?

LAXUS-THANKS TO-

JUPITER-THANKS FOR BEING ON THE SHOW LAXUS, HAVE FUN ON YOUR 'BETTER THINGS'! *SMILES*

LAXUS-...*LEAVES*

JUPITER-*LOOKS AT CAMERA* I HAVE THE BIGGEST CRUSH ON HIM, OH MY GOODNESS HE WAS JUST SO POLITE AND WONDERFUL AND GORGEOUS.

FREED-*LEAPS THROUGH A WINDOW, SHATTERING GLASS EVERYWHERE*

JUPITER-MY STUDIO! NOT AGAIN!

FREED- SORRY FOR BOTHERING YOU MISS, I AM LOOKING FOR MY COUNTERPART LAXUS.

JUPITER-HE JUST LEFT. BUT SINCE YOU'RE HERE WOULD YOU MIND ANSWERING A FEW QUESTIONS?

FREED-...WELL...I REALLY SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR LAXUS, BUT SINCE I ENTERED SO RUDELY I MIGHT AS WELL ANSWER A FEW OF YOUR QUESTIONS. IT IS THE LEAST I COULD DO.

JUPITER- THANK YOU FREED, PLEASE HAVE A SEAT.

FREED-*SITS CROSSING HIS LEGS*

JUPITER-NOW WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOUR FEELINGS TOWARD LAXUS?

FREED- WELL LAXUS IS ONE OF THE FOUR S CLASS MEMBERS OF FAIRY TAIL AS WELL AS THE MASTERS GRANDSON. HE IS BRAVE, HONORABLE, SOMEONE WHO YOU CAN TRUST. SO I GUESS YOU COULD SAY I...ADMIRE HIM.

JUPITER-ADMIRE? THAT'S NOT EXACTLY HOW I'D PUT IT. YOU'RE BORDERLINE OBSESSIVE, IF I DIDN'T KNOW ANY BETTER I WOULD SAY YOU WERE...

FREED-I'M WHAT?

JUPITER-IN...

FREED-IN?

JUPITER-IN LO-

BIXLOW-*CRASHES THROUGH OTHER WINDOW*

JUPITER-OH SWEET MAVIS NOT ANOTHER ONE!

BIXLOW-WHAT'S UP BABIES!? YOU FIND OUR MAN LAXUS YET?

FREED-I'M AFRAID I WAS A BIT DISTRACTED.

EVERGREEN-*CRASHES THROUGH ANOTHER WINDOW*

JUPITER-YEAH SURE, JUST BREAK ALL MY WINDOWS! GO AHEAD! IT'S NOT LIKE I JUST GOT IT REPAIRED OR ANYTHING!

EVERGREEN-BIXLOW AND I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR LAXUS ALL DAY AND HERE YOU ARE GETTING CAUGHT UP IN SOME SILLY SHOW! GET IT TOGETHER FREED.

JUPITER-HEY DON'T IGNORE ME! AND THIS SHOW IS NOT SILLY!

FREED-YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT EVER, LET US BE OFF.

FREED, EVERGREEN AND BIXLOW-*BREAKS THROUGH FOURTH WINDOW, LEAVING JUPITER ALONE IN A ROOM FULL OF BROKEN GLASS.*

JUPITER-OKAY, HOW MANY WINDOWS ARE IN THIS PLACE HMMMMM? YOU KNOW WHAT? HERE'S AN IDEA, HOW ABOUT INSTEAD OF BUSTING THROUGH GLASS YOU COULD JUST, I DON'T KNOW...USE THE FRONT DOOR!

PIKACHU-*BREAKS THROUGH SMALL WINDOW*

JUPITER-OH YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.

PIKACHU-PIKA PIKACHU?

JUPITER-HE'S LONG GONE MY LITTLE FURRY FRIEND.

PIKACHU-*NODS* PIKACHU! *RUNS OUT ONE OF THE BROKEN WINDOWS.*

JUPITER-MAYBE NOW I CAN FINALLY GET SOME PEACE AND QUIET.

*DOOR CREAKS OPEN.*

LAXUS-HEY JUPITER I FORGOT-

JUPITER-LAXUS! THANK GOODNESS!*HUGS* CAN YOU DO THE PROPER SHOUT OUTS NOW? PLEASE?

LAXUS-UH...SURE...THANKS MYSTERYDAYDREAMER, DIGI-FANCATT AND PRETTYRYTHMNARUAYASE FOR YOUR REVIEWS, AND THANKS TO LOKI921 FOR THEIR FOLLOW AND FAVORITE. FAIRY TAIL IS OWNED BY HIRO MASHIMA AND FUNIMATION.

JUPITER-THANK YOU FOR READING AND PLEASE ENJOY CHAPTER TEN!

LAXUS-CAN YOU LET GO OF ME NOW?

JUPITER-NEVER!

CHAPTER TEN; RUN! JUMP! AND RELAY! LEVY'S EQUESTRIAN TRIATHLON!


LEVY'S POV;

"Gajeel! Pantherlily! We saw the explosions. What happened?" Lance and Levy trotted towards their two companions, each of them sitting cross legged in front of an unconcious child Lucy. The blunette could see several scrapes and bruises adorning the iron dragon slayers chiseled features, but nothing tremendously life threatening. Gajeel and Lily grinned up at her, and she couldn't help but glower at the two mages. The solid script mage dismounted the large draft horse, wobbling slightly as her feet hit the ground. She took a moment to steady herself while Lance made his way to the child. The stud dipped his gargantuan head to the hers, nudging her face with his nose, rousing the girl awake. Levy on the other hand stood over Gajeel with a somewhat frightening look in her eyes. In truth the petite wizard was livid. Not only had this brute of a man not gone for help (though really who expected him to?) he didn't even come find her after the battle was over! It was like he was trying to give her a heart attack.

"Gajeel..."

"What is it squirt?" He asked, scratching his chin indifferently. He didn't even care that she was upset! Well she would teach him...

"WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL FOR ME?! I mean, I know I'm not so good at fighting but I could have helped! Look at you! You're all beaten and bloody...and those explosions..."

"C'mon Shrimp. It really ain't that big a deal. It all worked out no problem. These scratches are nothing."

"That's not the point! You!...I was so worried...STUPID GAJEEL!"

Levy turned her back to him, sprinting away from the dragon slayer, heading outside the town. She ran outside the toy land and back into the woods, through the dense trees, only stopping when her legs had become jelly. Her small chest heaved, sucking in dry air in an attempt to catch her breath. She supported her hands on her knees, huffing out short panting breaths. She craned her neck up, the sky's hues twisting into all sorts of dark grays and blues, the plum colored sun setting behind the tree tops.

Was it really sunset already? A day gone and they were not one step closer to finding Lucy. A wave of guilt washed over Levy. Here she was, being an immature brat because Gajeel didn't understand how she felt. Had she already forgotten where she was? Why she was here? Was she really that self centered? Levy leaned against one of the trees wide trunks, which surprisingly felt soft on her bare shoulders. She slid down the wood, tucking her head between her two legs. Why was she even chosen for this mission anyway? Natsu was an obvious choice. He and Lucy were partners, and both shared an even more profound bond. Anyone could see that. Erza, Gray, Gajeel and Juvia were huge powerhouses, it was understandable for the two masters to pick them. The three exceeds could fly and Lily can even fight! Not to mention Edeya's experience with this kind of mind weirdness. But Levy...what did she contribute? Here she was, hindering the mission by running away for something so childish.

This situation brought Tenrou Island into her mind. She wasn't much help there either. Even though she was qualified to take part in the S class trials...even though she tried so hard...even though he said he'd make her big...Levy sure felt small now.

Levy, we've been looking for you.

The blunettes head snapped up, partially hidden in shadow was Lance. His humongous body standing tall under the branches, hooves digging up the soil. Levy searched around him, it seemed that the horse was alone. She could see no other figures accompanying him.

...Hi Lance...where's Gajeel and Lily?

Pantherlily has taken the town while I search the forest. The dragon slayer stayed behind to look after Lu. It seemed that he was very worried about her.

Oh...I see.

Worried about Lu, not her. Not Levy McGarden. Though why would he? It wasn't like they were dating or anything...it wasn't like he was obligated to look out for her.

We should probably head back, the woods are not safe at night.

Okay.

Levy stood, brushing the back of her dress off before walking just in front of Lance.

Which way?

Lance reared back, slamming his head into the unsuspecting Fairy Tail mage. Her small body flew easily letting out a short gasp as she collided with one of the trees. Black splotches began to cloud her vision and before long...everything went dark.


MEANWHILE AT THE GUILD...

"W-what just happened?!" Droy shouted, dropping to his knees. From what they could tell, Levy was being dragged through the woods by the horse who called himself Lance. He and Jet ran forward, sizing up Dancing Gypsy's master. "What just happened to Levy?!" They both yelled in unison, getting into the now perplexed woman's face.

"That is enough you two! There is nothing we can do about it out here! And shouting is not helping." Master Makarov clenched his fists, if he could he would take the young blunettes place. Though he knew it impossible the old man wished he could go inside Lucy's head and fight along side his precious children. He was getting older, and they could not risk the possibility of one his 'spells'. It had been awhile since Fairy Tail's master collapsed...but it was still plausible and they could not afford carrying around dead weight.

"We need to find Rathal and whoever else is behind this. Fortunately I've sent the best teams possible to Salem Blades known branches. They will find Rathal and believe me..." Makarov's face twisted savagely, veins throbbing atop his forehead. "they will crush them."


JUST OUTSIDE THE BORDERS OF MAGNOLIA...A TEAM OF EIGHT FAIRY TAIL MEMBERS DISCUSS THEIR PLAN OF ATTACK...

"I say we keep the original teams together. Thunder legion and then...the others." Evergreen suggested coyly, hanging on the arm of Laxus, who didn't seem to be paying attention. She flipped her long brown hair, glasses slipping down her nose.

"The others? What's that supposed to mean Ever?" Elfman grunted, crossing his arms.

"What did I say about calling me 'Ever'!?" She exclaimed, smacking the giant takeover mage with her fan. He covered his head with his hands, crushing his spiky white hair beneath thick fingers.

"Now now, lets not fight." Mirajane scolded gently.

"She is right, we have to split into teams of two regardless. There are four known branches of Salem Blade, one to the north, one to the south, one to the west, and one to the east. We will have to attack each branch simultaneously if we don't want the infiltration magic user and Rathal to catch wind of our assault and escape." Freed explained for the umpteenth time.

"That means that we'll have to leave right away, if we want to get there before the 48 hours are up." Wendy nodded, determination evident in her child like features. "I may be small but I'll try my best!"

"That's the spirit kid!" Bixlow cheered, giving the sky dragon slayer a smack on the back. His tongue popped out his mouth, showing his guild mark. "Now's who's ready to get rocking?!"

"Be careful child, we don't want you to be influenced by these hooligans." Carla commented worriedly.

"Harsh." Bixlow laughed. "Harsh! Harsh!" His babies chorused.

Was this really okay? The white exceed wondered. Wendy was just a child after all...but no matter what, she would protect her.

"I have an idea!" Mira clapped her hands together cheerily before taking out eight slips of paper and her magic pen. "Why don't we decide teams this way; I write numbers one through four on two separate pieces of paper and whoever has the matching numbers are part of a team."

"I don't know big sis..."

Mira quickly wrote the numbers on the paper, making them invisible for good measure.

"Now the number will only be visible once you open it. See? Now it's fair!"

Each of her comrades stared at the she-devil like she'd knocked a few screws loose. How exactly was drawing lots anywhere close to an intelligent strategy. Well except for Laxus, he stepped forward, taking one of the slips out of her hands. "We don't have time to argue right now. Lets get this over with so we can rescue Lucy." So after a few seconds every person had their own papers. "Everyone ready?" Laxus inquired, unfolding his slip. They nodded, also looking at the numbers assigned to them.

AND SO THE TEAMS WERE CREATED...

HEADING NORTH, EVERGREEN AND ELFMAN...

SOUTH WOULD BE BIXLOW AND WENDY...

ON THE WEST SIDE FREED AND CARLA DEPARTED QUITE GRUDGINGLY...

AND FINALLY HEADING EAST WAS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS EVER CREATED. MIRAJANE AND LAXUS...


LEVY'S POV;

Her head was spinning, it was like the blunette had become of one of Erza's dancing partners. With each small movement the solid script mages vision blurred. She must of hit her head. From what she could see she was in some sort of horse stall; and from what she could smell it wasn't at all out of use. If she concentrated she could hear horses gnawing at hay and feed.

OI! SHRIMP YOU AWAKE?

Gajeel?

GET A HOLD OF YERSELF', YOU GOTTA GET OUT OF HERE 'FORE THAT RACE HORSE REJECT GETS BACK.

Where are you?

THAT AIN'T IMPORTANT! YOU GOTTA GO! MOVE THOSE HOOVES WOMAN!

Hooves?

Wow, Gajeel must have hit his head harder than She have if he thought She had...hooves!? Levy leaped up, standing unsteadily on four legs.

I'VE BEEN TURNED INTO A HORSE! OH HOW ON EARTH AM I GOING TO BE ABLE TO TURN BOOK PAGES NOW?!

OF COURSE THAT'S WHAT YER WORRIED ABOUT. TYPICAL BOOKWORM. The slightest chuckle could be picked from the dragon slayers tone.

Levy soon began to panic, bucking and kicking wildly, slamming her hooves into the maple wood walls. She cried out, pushing full force on the stall doors.

CALM DOWN PIPSQUEAK, I ALREADY TRIED THAT. IT AIN'T GOING TO MUCH OF ANYTHING. JUST RELAX, WE'LL THINK OF SOMETHING.

She took a few panting breaths, bowing her now gigantic head.

GOOD. NOW LET'S BRAINSTORM.

Where's Lily?

NO IDEA, LAST I SAW HIM WE SPLIT UP TO LOOK FOR YER ASS.

...Oh. So you did look for me? You weren't to worried about Lu-chan?

THE BRAT'S FINE. WHY DO I NEED TO BE BY HER SIDE ALL OF A SUDDEN?

Nevermind...

She lifted her head over the door, and inside the stall opposite of her was a what she thought was a Clydesdale. At least what she thought a Clydesdale looked like. It had a lovely steel gray coat, with a dark black mane mangled and obviously unbrushed falling down its neck. Crimson eyes stared back at her, a question in their depths.

Gajeel?

YEAH I KNOW, I'M A FUCKING HORSE.

You're very...pretty...

DON'T YOU BE CALLING ME PRETTY! I AIN'T PRETTY!

I agree, In my opinion Levy is much more beautiful. She has such a shiny dappled coat. Oh and to be an Arab, that is a wonderful breed...

LANCE!

The horse slid between the two Fairy Tail wizards, and Levy could see black stuff coating the inside his nose, bubbling when he took a breath. It looked like obsidian snot.

THAT'S THE SAME GOOP LU HAD ON HER CHEST! IT MUST OF HOPPED ON THIS STUPID DONKEY WHEN I RIPPED IT OFF HER.

Let us go Lance, we have to save Lucy!

The draft horse swung his head into Levy's, noses brushing slightly. The goo slivered over her slightly, sending shivers down her spine. She reared back, moving to the corner of the stall.

LEAVE HER ALONE BASTARD!

I can't do that Gajeel...she's important to me...Levy I have a proposition for you.

Proposition?

Yes, you see I've fallen in love with you my sweet mare. I've fallen for your weakness...so I'm willing to strike a deal. Become my mate and I'll let him go. Refuse and I kill him.

WHAT!?

YOU GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HER RIGHT NOW! Gajeel neighed loudly, bucking the back wall of is stall.

Or there is a third option. Beat me and I will let the both of you go free. I choose the challenges. I choose the arena. I'll even return you to your original forms. Show me your strength...or your weakness. Your choice my dear.

...Bring it on...


SO WHAT DO YOU THINK? I KNOW THE BOLDING AND ITALICS CAN BE A BIT CONFUSING. PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW FAVORITE AND REVIEW!