"No." Levy said firmly, for the hundredth time. "This is not a matter to be discussed." The tiny script mage—well, now Iron Script Dragon Slayer—had taken the lead as soon as the group had been ushered into the Council chambers. "You have heard our terms. They are non-negotiable. We want these scrolls and the dragon slayers' heritage kept safe. If you refuse to assist us, then we have no choice but to keep them safe ourselves." She stood her ground, even as the new council tried to sway her into giving them power over the slayers.
"I understand your concerns, little one," Came a patronizing voice from one of the youngest, most inexperienced wizards on the council. Levy turned her glare on her. "But those scrolls would be much safer in the hands of the council, here, and you know it." The woman spoke to her as though she were a child. "All we are asking for is access to this…tomb…and for the scrolls to be translated. That is all."
"You say that as though this council is one hundred percent secure; however, I seem to recall a few times that the council was infiltrated, and we were betrayed. Who is to say that will not happen again?" Levy kept her voice steady even as anger flashed in the other woman's eyes. "Look, with this arrangement, we have to put a lot of trust in the Magic Council. We are handing you scrolls that detail the slayers' strengths and weaknesses, and the ways to create new slayers. We want this information safe, from all who would use it against us." She turned to let her gaze fall on the entire council. "I am not saying that no dragon slayer will ever translate the scrolls for you, or that we will never use them to create more slayers. We are asking you to protect this knowledge until we are ready to explore those options. Dragons do not trust easily. Dragons do not share easily. But you have dragons before you asking for help."
"If I may," Duranbolt stepped forward, face masked with respect for the council, hands behind his back. "Ms. McGarden does have a point. You have already said that this is the safest place for this information. But she is correct that the council's ranks have been breached before. Perhaps she is right to fear. The council does need to regain their citizens' trust. This solution may allow all parties an advantage. Think of how the kingdoms will look to the council when they understand their protectors have kept an army of dragon slayers from being awakened haphazardly by the wrong party."
His words got their attention. Levy just nodded, slightly peeved that they listened to him, and only when it was to bolster their egos. "Ms. McGarden," The eldest wizard there stood. "If you are certain in your terms, then we have no choice but to accept." His voice was filled with respect for her and for her courage to stand up to them. "The council will safeguard this knowledge until the dragon slayers have decided otherwise. As to the rest of your plan, however, who will be guarding the tomb from the team of archaeologists you intend to guide there?"
"I will, sir." Levy spoke, feet firmly planted, arms crossed over her chest as if daring them to object. "My mate and I—" Her eyes widened and she stumbled for a moment. She had not meant to mention that to them just yet. She did not miss the way each member of the council shifted forward curiously. "We will protect the dragons' sanctuary. It will be Gajeel Redfox and I, along with Lucy Heartfilia and Natsu Dragneel. The tomb will remain safe."
The mage nodded. "Then the bargain is struck." The other members stood as well, and a retinue of Rune Knights stepped through the chamber doors toward the chest full of scrolls. The slayers stood back and watched as it was carried away towards the council's stash of other, equally dangerous magical artifacts.
Levy bowed to the council. "Thank you. We will take our leave now. I will send word when we have returned to Claw Island with the archaeologists. I believe those of us returning, though, will need some time in Magnolia to set our affairs in order for our extended stay." She looked back and Gajeel, Lucy and Natsu just nodded to her. "One more thing," She said, stepping forward again. "We know of your grievances with the dark thieves' guild Mercury's Hammer." The council's attention was rapt. "I wanted to let you know that we intend to solve your problem with them." She turned on her heel and began walking away.
"We?" Asked the woman from before, voice incredulous.
Levy turned slowly, her face breaking into a feral grin. "Oh yes. I have a bone to pick with their master. The dragon slayers will destroy their halls and assure that none of their members will escape your wrath, council members." With that, her conversation was over, and she stepped into Gajeel's outstretched arms, their team walking away.
…
They separated at the train station. Levy hugged Sting and Rogue, both of whom looked slightly uncomfortable at the contact. The station was again crowded with citizens, all trying to snatch a glance at this reunion of friend and foe. "We'll see you." She said with a sweet smile. "I would love to pick your brains about a few things; keep in touch." They nodded and boarded their train back to their guild. Frosche waved happily at her before skipping after them, Hector sitting on Sting's shoulders.
She turned her attention to the rest of their party. She nodded to Laxus, who grinned and vanished in a bolt of lightning. Then she bent and picked up Panterlily, cuddling him close and stepped towards the train to Magnolia with Natsu, Lucy, Gajeel and Wendy.
During the train ride, the six of them talked about everything—the goings-on at the guild, the inevitable drunken parties that would be thrown in their honor, how Lucy and Natsu had gotten together, and how Levy and Gajeel had. Levy blushed during the entirety of that story. She had seduced him, plain and simple. She had teased and worked at him until he couldn't control his pent-up sexual frustration and just had to have her. She noticed soon, though, that Natsu and Gajeel weren't fighting. They, in fact, seemed completely at ease, and more relaxed than she'd ever seen them. Perhaps their squabbles had just been because they were both unmated males defending territory and potential mates. They dozed off after a couple of hours, comfortable in each other's arms. Lily lay in Levy's lap, purring contentedly.
The team was surprised when they were met at the Magnolia station with a massive, cheering crowd, as well as Jason from Sorcerer's Weekly and a team of cameras. Levy's mouth opened in a silent 'oh' as she gripped Gajeel's arm in shock. "So cooooool!" Jason yelled as he ran up to them. "You four are gonna be the main story in our next issue! You're the next big things—the power couples of Fiore." Levy blushed, and Lucy grinned. "As soon as I heard about the engagement, it was decided."
"Wait, how'd ya hear 'bout that?" Gajeel grunted in surprise.
"Mira told me, of course, you sly dog." He said. Gajeel shared a look with his mate.
"Laxus," She confirmed with a sigh. "Of course." She gave Jason her sweetest, tired smile. "Thank you so much, but if you don't mind, we have had a long and eventful journey. We would love nothing more than to sit and talk with you, but we really do need to report into Master, and get some rest."
Jason backed away quickly. "Of course. So sorry to keep you. You must be exhausted. We can talk later." Natsu and Gajeel shot her a thankful look and they headed towards the guild hall, curled around each other with a trail of curious townspeople following.
The second they stepped through the guild hall doors cheers rang out. Natsu and Gajeel were met with slaps on the back, and congratulations from the guys, and Lucy and Levy were immediately surrounded by the other girls and enveloped in a big group hug and lots of squealing and tell-us-everything's. The roar got louder and louder, Lucy and Levy flinching down as their newly heightened sense of hearing overwhelmed them, until Master Makarov finally yelled for silence. He raised a glass to the couples. "To your health," He said. "It is always good to see my children coming together and making each other happy. I wish you the best." He downed the glass amidst the guild's 'here, here!' Then he sauntered over to them and grinned up at Levy and Gajeel. "Of course, I am expecting lots of grandkids from you two." He grinned, and Levy hid her face in Gajeel's side as her mate threw back his head and laughed.
"Gihihihi," He chuckled finally. "Oi, master, Laxus talk to ya 'bout what's goin' on?" He asked more seriously, still grinning.
Makarov nodded. "He has. He also said the four of you would be heading out as soon as you gathered your things together. Do you know how long you will be gone?"
Levy spoke up. "Gajeel and I will be here for several days before we leave. I am not sure about Lucy and Natsu," She turned to them, and Lucy nodded. "We will stay for maybe a week? I have several things to get in order here. Then we will head back to Claw Island. I'm not sure how long it will take. Gajeel and I didn't get a chance to explore much while we were there. It could take weeks, or months. But they will probably need help with any translations or placement of artifacts, so it might be best if we remain until they have finished their work. Don't worry, we will return as soon as we can." She leaned forward and kissed the master on his forehead when she saw him tearing up. "And I think it might be best if Happy and Lily stay here when we go." She met no one's eyes and blushed deeply. Lucy caught her train of thought and nodded vigorously.
"It would be for the best." She agreed quickly. "We don't want to tempt Guardian's patience with extra intruders." Natsu gave her a strange look before catching on with a big grin.
Pantherlily shook his head and chuckled. "You know, I think you're right. I don't know that I want to tag along with the lovebirds right now." Finally the whole guild caught on, and leered at them.
"Oh, I get it now, little blue," Cana said from Levy's side. "You guys go have fun, and be safe. And—"
"Cana," Levy warned with a glare.
The barmaid grinned evilly. "AND WEAR A CONDOM!" She yelled, backing away into the crowd before Levy could lunge at her. Laughter filled the guild hall as Gajeel pulled his grumbling mate out the door, letting it shut behind them.