The party was in full swing when the doors swung open with a violent force, tossing the doormen back. Heads turned as two men - one with blonde hair in a red suit, the other with teal hair wearing a brown suit that he seemed to be struggling to keep on - marched in. All eyes, however, were on the dark-haired woman that glided in behind them. Her dark blue dress hugged her curves perfectly, showing off more skin than any other girl there. It was her face, however, that everyone focused on. A storm seemed to race across her features, her green eyes glinting dangerously in the light while a scowl adorned her lips.
Levy moved closer to Gajeel, feeling the way he stiffened beside her as his eyes immediately darted over to where Jellal stood with Erza, Mira, and Makarov. Immediately, her eyes followed his, noticing the way Jellal squared his shoulders as Erza's hand went to her hip where Levy knew she'd hid her glock. The blunette took note as the others that had shown up went into a protective stance of the person they had been assigned to. Even Lucy, with as tiny as she was, looked as if she was trying to protect the big man that she'd been assigned to watch over.
Before anyone could move, however, Makarov was making his way forward, Erza and Jellal following him with matching expressions of annoyance. Levy watched as the crowd respectfully parted for the tiny man, allowing him through the throng unhindered.
"Lady Minerva," He greeted, his voice seemingly too loud for such a small body. "What brings you to our door at such a late hour?"
She glared down at him, "Don't toy with us, Makarov. We know what you did."
"And you really want to start a fight here, in front of all of my honored guests?"
The brunette gritted her teeth together as the blond interrupted.
"My lord Makarov," He said with a bow. "Please forgive my lady. She has been very concerned over the tensions between her father and yourself which causes her to speak unduly. She merely wanted to express the fact that we are offering a truce. We would like to discuss the details with you in three days time at our head office."
Makarov chuckled, "While peace sounds good, Master Rufus, you'll forgive me if I decline going into your head office. Last time one of my people went in there they seem to have had some trouble finding their way out."
The blond bowed once more, "Perhaps we could find more suitable arrangements then?"
Makarov smiled, "If it is peace that you wish to discuss my offices are always available. Or if that is not acceptable there is a nice little Café downtown that I hear has excellent pastries and coffee. Whichever is more preferable to your master, of course."
"We will inform him of your generous offer," Minerva said, composing herself. "A messenger will be sent before the three days to inform you of the time and which place he chose."
Makarov nodded, smiling still, "Of course."
The three turned as one, quickly leaving the ballroom to look on in confusion. Levy stood tense next to Gajeel as Makarov turned, apologizing to his guests before turning back to Erza and Jellal, whispering with them. Levy sighed heavily when, a few moments later, Jellal was gathering them for a conference.
"You stay here," Jellal informed her as he pulled Gajeel off. "You and Juvia can look after the crowd while we discuss the plan."
Levy glared at her brother, knowing that once more he was trying to keep her out of the plans.
"Fine," She sighed, rolling her eyes in annoyance as the two boys left her to her own devices.
Lucy followed behind Natsu, worry creasing her face as she considered the possibility that Sabertooth might be planning an attack of sorts. Natsu's hand wrapped around her own as he turned to face her.
"Are you worried about their intentions?" He whispered.
She nodded, biting her lip.
He grinned, "Well, that's why Jellal's having this meeting, right? To make sure that Makarov has protection."
The group entered a small conference room off to the side and quickly sat, staring at Jellal in concern as he paced the floor.
"Obviously we cannot allow Makarov to go to this meeting without some sort of protection," He finally began, turning to look at the others for confirmation.
They nodded in agreement, waiting for him to continue.
"So we need to devise a strategy. I'm sure their master will also have protection of some kind, so we will need our best. Erza, you will obviously have to be there."
The red-head nodded once before looking over those gathered around the room.
"I wouldn't mind having Rogue, Natsu, and Gajeel for back up," She stated, looking at the three boys. "They're our heaviest and best hitters if something goes down."
"Natsu's been trained in various weapons," Jellal sighed as he looked over at the two new-comers. "Please tell me that you two have at least some sort of weapon's training."
The two nodded in unison, "Guns and knives."
Erza smiled, "That's good. We can use that. Makarov is important, people. So we need to do everything we can to protect him."
The group bent over their plans once more to discuss how they were going to protect the tiny man.
