Shout out: Read the fic Last Goodbye to get all the GaLe feels and because my pal Crimsonwolfko wrote it! I helped her with the plot so I know it's good! Heck, it's in my favorites list, ya don't even have to hunt for it!

Ha! I'm back and I changed my pen name from wisdomk6906 to MsKtK. Why you ask? Because that name was outdated, I literally made it when I was in junior high and I am now 25 years old. Anyways ya all have a right to be pissed, but hey story isn't over I promise, it's still got quite a ways and as I mentioned before I won't abandon it even if it takes me longer to update. Really I've just been stuck in this part, because it's not the most exciting for me to write. Either way it was needed though and I had to get through it! So finally here it is and it's long! I apologize for the much longer than anticipated delay

***Also I will be writing another Fairy Tail Story with my pal CrimsonwolfKo under and account called FairyTailSyndrome soon. It will be a large scale AU involving almost all Fairy Tail characters, ships- The account is in my favorite authors. If you enjoy my writing please keep it in mind when I post the first chapter!

Notes to my reviewers below!

Recap:

He shoved the last of the mug in his mouth as he brought one hand up on the counter, then he pushed his upper body up. His red eyes were glaring in the direction of Salamander, Makarov and the cat. He didn't bother to hide his crime as he continued to chew the remains of the mug in his mouth. All of three of them were staring at him with wide eyes.

"No way! You were here this whole time?!" Salamander shouted the shock evident in his words. Apparently he hadn't noticed Gajeel's presence. Maybe, because he had been too distracted by what was going on?

"He's been eating the dishes too!" Happy was yelling is disbelief as his little arms waved in outrage. Gajeel was ignoring them both as he swallowed the last of his meal and started climbing over the bar; that was when Makarov questioned him with a voice full of hope.

"Gajeel! Will you fight for the guild?!"

Iron Gray Chapter 36 Queen of the Fairies

Gajeel's large studded boots landed on the floor nimbly without making a sound right after his body finished leaping over the bar. He slowly rose up to his full height with a proud smirk lining his face and a fist in the ready position. Makarov, Natsu and Happy were all staring at him with surprise and anticipation of what his answer would be.

"Might as well." He replied his tone light with the excitement he could feel building in his gut. His red eyes looked past their faces to the guild doorway ahead as his smirk grew into a toothy grin. "I've got a score to settle with that guy."

He paused for a few seconds after speaking, allowing himself to take in the significance of the moment as the three of them regarded him with wide hopeful eyes. Makarov was actually relying on him, coming to him to help the entire guild. That felt an awful lot like trust if he had ever felt it before and he was more than happy to burden the task on his shoulders. Desperately wanting to prove his worth and loyalty to the guild well still being under the guise of having a selfish motive so nobody would even consider that Black Steel Gajeel had gone soft. It was everything he had ever dreamed, feeling needed an important to a leader once again as he had once with Master Jose. Not only that, but he was getting the fight he so desired all packaged in with revenge and with the Master's approval. It was a win; win as far as Gajeel was concerned. He'd be able to cross off several things off of his long list of to do's all at once. Oh how the tides of this day were surely turning in his favor…

Gajeel couldn't make his grin go away if he tried, he stood tall and began marching towards the guild's open doorway like a man with purpose. His large muscled arms swaying at his sides as his large boots thudded the ground with each calm and cool collected step.

"Don't worry." He spoke confidently as he passed by the old man, his head and eyes still forward. "I'll handle him." He added resisting the urge to snicker as he smirked. His arrogance truly shining in such a way so that he could even out glow Salamander; who was forced to just sit there and watch him leave to save the day. How could he not smile about getting to one up that idiot…? And so he held that expression as he marched his way out.

Or… at least until his face suddenly collided into something solid just as he was about to exit the doorway. All three of his hopeful onlookers let out disbelieving screams of shock as they watched the iron dragon slayer fall victim to the same trap Natsu and Makarov had. Gajeel was paralyzed with shock as well. His body didn't even move as his cheek and chest rested against what appeared to be some invisible wall. His brain taking its good old time to register what had happened; his mouth and eyes hung wide open as he absent-mindedly brought a closed fist to the wall as if that would somehow help.

All of his happy thoughts completely vanished at the cold realization that he couldn't leave. He was locked inside the guild along with Salamander and the old man. No hero for the guild, no revenge on Laxus, no trust being put on his shoulders, no outshining Salamander and no saving Levy… He was stuck!

His open mouth swallowed the air for a moment and it made him resemble a fish out of water as he attempted to cope with the reality of the situation. That of course was when Natsu decided to butt into his muddled and hopeless thoughts, breaking him free of all of the failed dreams and crashing him back into the present.

"Don't tell me you're over eighty too?!" The fire mage shouted as if outraged at Gajeel for perhaps portraying something he wasn't. This made Gajeel immediately get over the disheartening realization and forget his shock only to replace it with anger and annoyance. He pushed himself off the invisible wall and turned all his attention on the Salamander with a very crossed brow and outraged expression.

"Do I look eighty to you?!" He hollered back in complete annoyance at the stupidity of Natsu's comment.

"Well I don't know how old you're supposed to be?! You're not made of stone right?!" Natsu shouted back folding his arms.

"IRON, you moron! Or did you need me to remind you!?" Gajeel shouted back his temper rising along with an iron-bared fist in a threatening motion. At this reaction Nastsu's one hand was grabbing tensely onto his bulging bicep as he started marching right towards Gajeel. He made sure not to stop until he was right in the larger dragon slayer's face, his black eyes blazing right into Gajeel's crimson ones.

"Oh bring it on!" He began his voice only getting louder with each word he uttered. "I've been waiting for a fight all day!" Now the two dragon slayers face's were only mere inches away as they continued to glare at each other with gritted teeth and fist all clenched up ready to strike at a moment's notice.

"Stop it! Enough!" Makarov's demanding voice cried out as if irritated with them both. Surprisingly enough both dragon slayers heeded the order somewhat at least as they both let their fist down at the same time. It didn't stop them from exchanging glares, but they at least backed away some, giving each other a respectable amount of space back. Happy let out a sigh of relief as he hovered above their heads.

"C'mon guys, isn't there enough fightin' goin on between guild mates right now?" The cat chimed in, making Natsu finally close his eyes and fold his arms with a huff.

"Yea yea, maybe there would be if I had gotten to participate…" The pink haired dragon slayer mumbled earning an eye roll from Gajeel as he also folded his arms in a much similar fashion. Makarov turned towards the two of them with very serious eyes.

"We can't have you two wasting energy on each other right now. We're not stuck in one of the fighting enchantments, so we mustn't fight one another."

Maybe not, but we are most definitely stuck… Came Gajeel's thoughts as he narrowed his eyes at the invisible wall with the runes still standing with arms then looked down to the old man with a studded brow raised. He understood the basic gist of what was going on as he had overheard some of it well he was eating, but not all of it. He unfolded his arms so that he could move them to his sides as he regarded the old man who had turned back towards the invisible wall.

"So we're stuck, because of some enchantment and so is everyone else?" Makarov turned to face Gajeel with a grave and serious face.

"It's Fried's work…" The old man's gruff voice replied before continuing. "He set up enchantments all over town as traps and once two Fairytail wizards step in one; they are forced to fight until one of them is knocked out in order to escape."

"So that's the battle royal part I guess." Gajeel muttered lowly, but Makarov was able to hear him.

"It's foolish is what it is! This is all part of Laxus's plot to get me to hand over the guild!" Makarov's shouted as if exasperated, causing Gajeel's mouth to slam shut as he watched the old man with wide eyes. "Making them fight each other like this! Hanging the girls over our heads!" Makarov was clenching a fist so hard in front of him as he spoke that it was shaking and the veins on the back of his hand were popping out. It was painfully clear how upset the old man was as the anxiety raged through his tiny body and Makarov himself knew it. He paused for a moment in an attempt to allow his being to relax some as he let out some air through his nose. "I'll give him this much…" He began to say after regaining his composure some and his breath. Gajeel watched the old man's tight fist drop now much calmer than he had been seconds before. "He knows how to get to me." He spoke in a quiet tone. Makarov's eyes became downcast with the words and his voice almost sounded heavy with sadness.

Gajeel's brow lowered after hearing what the old man had to say. Deep within him he felt a slight tugging at his insides, unsure of what it was he tried to come up with something to say. His mouth opened, but no words could seem to reach his throat for some reason. He felt stupid that he couldn't speak, but luckily the master didn't have time to notice as a sound went off. All four of them looked up towards the open doorway where some runes were being displayed on the invisible wall.

"What's that?!" Natsu began to say as he stepped up beside Gajeel with wide eyes.

"It says Fried verses Alzack." Makarov responded. Gajeel's eyes narrowed on the names. Fried…? That was the enchantment guy… but he couldn't place the other name. He immediately looked back to the Master who had his back to him once again as he watched the runic words with wide eyes.

"Does this Alzack, stand a chance against this Fried guy?" Gajeel questioned, Makarov's head just looked down to the floor, as he stayed quiet.

"Aw no way! Fried is good!" Natsu shouted.

"What kind of attitude is that Natsu! We don't want Fried to win! He's with Laxus!" Happy hollered angrily at his dragon slayer who just folded his arms again in response.

"Look I'm just telling it like it is! No harm in that, this is a fight to see who is the strongest and I can promise you Alzack isn't it!" Natsu just chimed back.

"You still think this is some kind of game? Natsu wake up!" Happy shouted back now getting in Natsu's face.

"I am awake! Look at my eyes, wide open!" Natsu was shouting back, at this point Gajeel's red eyes were shifting back and forth between the arguing pair. A frown had formed on his lips as he endured their annoyingly loud voices.

"Oh, are you? The girls are in trouble Natsu, or did you forget that?!" Happy snapped back.

"I didn't forget! You think I'm stupid Happy?! I'm not blind; in fact I'm the only one who sees this for what it really is! This is all just a bluff for Laxus to have a tournament! I don't believe for one second he's gonna go through with any of that! He's one of us!" Gajeel's, frown faded at the Salamanders words as his brow stretched up in surprise. He really thinks that… After everythin that guy did? Is he really that stupid?

At this point Natsu and Happy were now giving each other the angry stare down. Maybe not to the deadly degree of rival dragon slayers, but instead more like the kind upset best friends give each other. Gajeel couldn't help but let his eyes play over Natsu's serious face, as he tried to comprehend why the other dragon slayer believed the words coming out of his own mouth. He could read the sincerity in Natsu's black eyes as they blazed back into Happy's, there was faith there, but why? Was Salamander just that naive or did Laxus give him a reason to have faith in him, other than the fact that he dawned the Fairy Tail insignia? Was that all that it took to gain the Salamander's trust? No... Can't be…Gajeel's head turned slightly as his eyes now landed on his own left shoulder with the black Fairy Tail insignia on it. He dawned that mark too and he couldn't swallow the idea that Natsu trusted him. That was when a sudden memory struck him, one from the day before when he had been in the infirmary with Levy. She had giggled well treating his face after Natsu punched him causing him to immediately to question why...

"Yes I did laugh, because I noticed something. When Natsu punched you his fist was on fire… But he must have held back somehow, because he didn't actually burn you. I just found it funny… He acts like such a tough guy, but he was going easy on you. He must have thought just the force was enough… and kept his magic at bay." She had smiled at Gajeel when she said this and her eyes closed happily. Causing Gajeel to just respond back with,

"Salamander's just a wuss." This made Levy open her eyes and look at him doubtfully.

"Oh come on, you of all people know that isn't true." She had said in a 'I'm not buying it' voice.' Gajeel had grinded his teeth in response to her words, but he didn't deny it again.

"So what." Was all he said next closing his eyes as if satisfied and then he folded his arms as if the conversation had been done. This made Levy look at him with a small warm smile, but he specifically remembered her eyes looking sad, almost as if she had pitied him in that moment when he looked at her again.

"Don't you get it? He didn't want to hurt you, because you're part of the guild now. He was fighting you just like he fights with Gray… I feel bad that I yelled at him now..." She had said softly, her eyes looking down as if shamed slightly and then she went back to her work leaving Gajeel to ponder over her words.

Gajeel's eyes were still staring at his own Fairy Tail insignia as the memory faded from his mind. He glanced back up at Salamander who still seemed to be going back and forth with his cat. Was it true? Did Salamander trust him too; did he consider Gajeel as part of Fairy Tail? How could he? After everything he had done? Gajeel's brow lowered, he didn't deserve it, that was for sure. He knew that, but he also knew that he himself did trust the other dragon slayer. He had too; he had even ensured Levy's safety to him the night before…. So was it possible that Natsu could be right about Laxus? He knew he could trust Natsu to keep people safe, but his judgment was a whole another story. He could feel that same tension building inside his chest, the one Laxus made him feel. He wanted to have faith as Natsu did, because he wanted to believe that Natsu was right, but he just couldn't... After watching Laxus do everything he had…

His eyes shifted back over to Makarov who was still quiet with eyes downcast. The old man seem to be lost in thought as well… He doesn't trust him… his own grandson… If he doesn't, how am I supposed to? Gajeel's thoughts were questioning as he thought about the blind faith Salamander carried. Gajeel wasn't made to trust people like that what with being a loner for most of his life, despite how he wished he could. He closed his eyes and let out a small breath. This was why he couldn't get close to anyone…

Suddenly there was the sound of the rune numbers changing once again making Gajeel's eyes open and glance back up. Natsu and Happy finally stopped their bickering as well as they both turned to look and see what the invisible wall said. Makarav's head snapped back up and his eyes filled with disappointment.

"Fried verses' Alzack, the winner is Fried…" His eyes went back down. "I was hoping the boy's conviction to save Bisca would be enough…" Gajeel's eyes perked up at the name, Bisca… He turned to look at the statues behind them, his eyes landing on the one that had had the green hair and been the sniper. He remembered her name from the competition vaguely and then he remembered the dark haired kid who had been cheering for her similar to how the dogs cheered for the shrimp. Finally putting a name to the face, that kid must have been this Alzack that had failed…

"Look! It looks like the numbers are changing!" Happy's voice suddenly hollered out drawing Gajeel's attention back to the invisible wall. All four of them looked on with wide eyes. There was a brief pause where they all just stared at the runic numbers with disbelieving faces as they wrapped their brains around what it said.

"Only two left in the guild?!" Makarov finally shouted confirming what they all read was true. Gajeel's eyes were wide with this news. They all have been wiped out already…!? Natsu immediately took this as an opportunity to turn on Gajeel once again interrupting the iron dragon slayer from his thoughts.

"You sure you're not faking being stuck in here?! You trying to copy me?!"

"In your dreams!" Gajeel shouted back in disbelief at the ridiculousness of Natsu's words. Natsu began to wave his arms frantically as he continued to get louder.

"Now I'm hungry and it's all your fault, jerk!" His voice screeched. At this Gajeel immediately clenched both his fist and shouted back defensively.

"Quit blamin' everythin on me!"

"No way…" Makarov was saying as realization struck him, but his voice was almost ignored as the two dragon slayers continued to yell at each other.

"If your not gonna fight then at least go get me some food!" Natsu had just finished shouting as they both turned their attention to the master with confusion.

"YOU'RE THE ONLY TWO LEFT!?" Makarov shouted in both panic and disappointment as Natsu and Gajeel looked at each other for the first time with a loss for words.

"But what about me Master?! I'm a member too, aren't I?" Happy sobbed, but he was ignored as Makarov let the thought take priority in his mind.

"There's nobody left who can take down Laxus." His voice came out as if the idea left him breathless; his wide eyes were looking graver and more fearful than they had yet before. "It's all over." The old man added all hope and color draining from his face. Gajeel was watching the old man with disbelief; he could feel his own breath get caught in his throat. Was Makarov giving up? He never imagined seeing someone whom he feared and respected as much as the master of Fairy Tail giving in as he was. That was when Natsu suddenly spoke up though gaining all of their attention back to him.

"I've got no choice." All three onlookers regarded Natsu with deep confusion. The flame dragon slayer just folded his arms and looked as though he were pouting, completely ignoring the questioning looks he was getting. "I guess I'll bring Erza back…" He moaned the words; almost as if it was chore he didn't want to do.

"Do what?!" Both Makarov and Happy exclaimed, but the fire dragon slayer was already marching back towards the stage. Gajeel was just staring at the Salamander's back with a studded brow raised and a look that seem to say, you've lost your mind.' Natsu again seem to be ignoring them all though.

"Man… this sucks." He was mumbling under his breath. "I thought I was finally gonna have a chance to show her up." He added as Makarov and Happy both reached out to him as if to make him stop. Gajeel just stood there mouth shut as he watched Natsu walk away. What the HELL is he talkin' about?!

"Now hold on a second!" The old man was yelling as Happy moaned out of concern from what Natsu was going to do. "What are you about to do?!" The old man questioned sternly immediately chasing after the pink haired wizard. Natsu stopped in his tracks and turned towards the old man and his blue cat with a blank expression, almost as if the answer should have been obvious.

"I'm gonna use my fire on her." He stated plainly as if it were the clear answer. "Ya know, to melt the stone off." He added before continuing to where Erza's statue was on stage.

"Say what?!" Makarov was shouting in disbelief as Natsu jumped up on the stage and began to carefully move Erza's statue away from the others. Gajeel had to smile slightly at the stupidity of what Natsu was saying. He ran over to where he was thinking, man I gotta see this…

"She's not covered in stone, she is stone, so it's not gonna melt off of her!" Happy shouted. By this time Natsu was already gently setting the white stoned Erza down on the ground. He had decided to lay her down carefully on the stage floor. Gajeel, Makarav and Happy had already joined him on the stage to inspect what he was about to do, all three of them confused. The fire dragon was kneeled down before her and looking on as he waited for the others, Makarov and Happy were both nervous wrecks.

"Won't know until we try, right guys?" Natsu questioned.

"This is madness! You're gonna roast her alive!" Makarov was still yelling as Natsu's hands light up with flames. The fire dragon slayer just laughed evilly to himself as he smiled wickedly as the stone version of Titania laying on the ground.

"Ha ha! It's toasty time!" The pink haired dragon slayer was exclaiming as his hot hands neared the white stone cautiously.

"PLEASE be CAREFUL!" Makarov was pleading from over Natsu's shoulder. Gajeel was leaned over watching from above his fellow dragon slayer's head with a lowered brow.

"No joke, watch where you put those fire hands bro." Gajeel stated somewhat amused.

Natsu's hands were just about to touch the white stone when a strange chipping noise sounded off. Natsu, stopped and moved his wide eyes up to discover a small crack forming on Erza's forehead, not only that, but it was growing. Natsu, Happy and Makarov suddenly screamed out of pure terror. Gajeel just jetted back some with wide eyes. He hadn't expected the idiot to mess up that bad! Natsu hastily gripped Erza's still stone shoulders with such dire need as if somehow that would stop her from breaking

"I didn't mean to break her! Ahhh! Somebody get me the glue quick! Help me! Happy!" Natsu was suddenly shouting between panicked screams as his head shifted around back and forth in hopes that somebody could stop what was happening. Happy was no better off as he flew in panicked circles above all of their heads. Makarov was just wailing as tears began to form in his eyes and Gajeel just stood there frozen with wide eyes as if he was one of the statues as well.

"DO WE EVEN HAVE GLUE?!" Happy was wailing out the question now also in tears. Gajeel suddenly got hit wits about him as an idea struck him. He stood behind Natsu his face showing the direness of their situation as his fist formed into an iron bar.

"That's not gonna do anything you idiot! We gotta use your fire and my iron to weld her back together!" He shouted as he watched Natsu continue to panic with tears streaming down his face. Makarov was so upset at this point he was just basically sitting in the background on his hands and knees balling and yelling,

"ERZA NOOOO!"

All four of them were completely useless as the crack on Erza's forehead started to grow larger and spread over her entire face. Natsu fell to his hands and knees, his hands together in prayer as he began to bow his head repeatedly all the mean while the tears continued to stream down his cheeks.

"Noooo, nooo. I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry, So sorry, I'm sorry!" He wasn't even looking as the cracks continued all the way down her body until all of the stone began to break into puffs of white dust. In seconds the last two large pieces of the stone cracked off and hit the ground, becoming dust and revealing a perfectly fine Erza Scarlet.

She was sitting there in an awkward position with her still very promiscuous attire on, her face dawning a blank almost confused expression. Happy, Natsu, Gajeel and Makarov all turned to look at her with shocked and confused faces. Everyone paused and there was a moment of silence as they all realized what had happened. The only sound was Natsu's sniffling from all of the tears he had just been shedding. That and the sound of Happy's wings beating as he hovered above them holding what appeared to be a bottle of glue he had finally managed to find during the chaos. Finally it was Erza who spoke breaking the relieved yet awkward silence.

"I feel… hot." She stated simply. Her dark eyes stared into Natsu's and her brow suddenly lowered into a fierce deadly glare. One so deadly that even Gajeel got a slight tingle of fear as he heard Salamander gulp beside him. "It was youuu, wasn't it?" She questioned her tone angry and already confirming she knew the answer. This… This can't be good… Gajeel thoughts went off as he took in the Fairy Queen's scary appearance. Natsu didn't even have time to respond, as Titania was on her feet in seconds and already punching the fire dragon slayer so hard that he flew into Gajeel causing both of them to fly back about ten feet. All Gajeel could think as Natsu's body crashed into his was… What the hell did I do! Ugh! He groaned as Natsu's full weight hit him.

"WERE YOU TRYING TO COOK ME!" The red head shouted as she watched their bodies slide across the wooden floor of the guild. Happy had his paws in the air and had on a bright smile.

"Erza's back in business guys!" The happy blue cat was crying out as if it was a godsend. Natsu and Gajeel were too busy groaning as they slowly untangled themselves and stood up to listen. Makarov approached Erza with a relieved expression; ignoring the two dragon slayers and the pain they were in.

"Thank goodness, but how was the spell broken?" Makarov questioned her. Erza hesitated for a moment her eyes going downcast.

"Honestly I'm not quite sure." She answered as she brought a hand up to her face letting her fingertips graze the eyebrow above her right eye. "But if I had to guess, I'd say it probably has something to do with my right eye." Makarov's mouth hung open for a moment forming and 'o' shape as if it were obvious.

That's it! Her artificial eye must have weakened the affects of the spell! His mind was speaking as a flash of memories ran through his head of Erza when she first came to the guild with an eye patch over her right eye. Happy flew up by Erza's face making her glance to the blue cat.

"Erza, do you know what's going on right now?" The small cat asked her.

"I think so. Even though I was stone I was still able to hear most of what was said." At this Makarov was clenching a fist, his hope rekindled. Gajeel and Natsu were finally both back on their feet.

"Alright!" He announced drawing everyone's attention. "It's time to strike back!" Gajeel looked to the red head known as Titania with a strange peculiar eye. That was all it took to get Makarov's hopes back up, was her… He had heard many things about Titania Erza, Queen of the Fairies. Hell, she had been the one to stop Phantom's cannon and then she had even fought Master Jose after the fact! He knew the stories had to be true, what with all the signs showing as they were. She really had to be just as good and impressive as everyone said she was. But standing in her presence as he was now, it was hard to imagine it. Her reputation being so godly and yet there she stood looking very human beside him.

The five of them approached the invisible wall once again just as the runic numbers were beginning to change.

"Look! There's three now!" Happy cried out excitedly.

"The runes have already added me to the fray? That's impressive, it updates automatically, but there's only three left?" Erza spoke her questions sounding more like statements in her deep strong voice. Happy brought a paw up as if pointing to the numbers.

"Actually it's just you!" He announced to the red head. "Natsu and Gajeel are stuck here, because of the enchantment!" Just as the words left the cats mouth the runic numbers suddenly changed again, the number turning from a three to a four. "Wait! Now it says there are four!" Happy announced not missing a beat.

"It went up…?" Gajeel muttered out as everyone gasped out of confusion.

"Who could it be?" Natsu questioned as they all turned to look back towards the stage to see if any of the other girls had turned back to normal, but nothing had changed. There were still six white stone statues sitting on the stage, none of them had moved an inch. Gajeel's eyes stayed on Levy for a moment as he tried to comprehend what the hell was going on.

"The girls are still stone, so it can't be any of them." Makarov stated. That was when Erza smirked and let out a small laugh. Everyone turned to her with confusion still etched all over their faces.

"Aren't you guys forgetting about someone? A member who is frequently out of town?" Her voice implied. Natsu's brow lowered, as did Makarov's as he regarded her knowingly, Happy still appeared confused, as did Gajeel.

"Hold on-you don't mean him!" Natsu started to speak as it suddenly hit him who she was referring too, at this Happy gasped.

"And he's back just when we need him the most!" Makarov added with an eager fist. Erza just continued to smile with a determined face.

"He's always been one to make a grand entrance." Titania stated proudly. "It looks like the real battle is about to begin…" She added, her voice now becoming eager. Gajeel stepped up his arms folded and his studded brow lowered in confusion.

"Someone wanna fill me in over here?" The iron dragon slayer asked clearly annoyed about being left in the dark. Erza graced him with her crossed brow and proud smirk.

"We're talking about a man who may very well be the strongest wizard in Fairytail…" She paused dramatically. "Mystogen." She answered. Gajeel's brow stretched up at the name, he had heard it before. In fact he knew Mystogan to be the one supposedly responsible for taking out all of Phantom's branches during their war with Fairy Tail. That guy… one of Fairy Tail's other S-Class wizards…

"Erza you need to find Laxus… and please hurry." The old man began making Erza turn back towards him, his head looked back towards the statues. As the old man looked back at the six white statues so did everyone else with a grim expression. Gajeel's red eyes automatically landing back on the smallest of them all. "We are running out of time." The old man finished. Erza looked back down at the master and nodded.

"Don't worry Master, I won't let Laxus harm the girls." Her head went up towards the doorway with a firm look. "Or anybody else…" She added. Makarav regarded her with a firm look; he knew he could trust his Fairy Queen. She had never let him down, and he had complete faith in her. He just nodded his head as Happy's paws flew in the air.

"Yea! That's Erza for you!" The blue cat was shouting proudly. Natsu was laughing and smiling.

"Give him a punch for me Erza!" Natsu stated, Erza just turned to him with a small smile and nodded. Gajeel just stood there quiet watching the odd exchange between all of them not really feeling like he belonged in it. With that Erza's hand came out to her sides and there was a bright flash. Two swords suddenly appeared in each of her hands and then without another word she took off as a full out sprint, her two swords trailing behind her.

"Ya think she'll win gramps?" Gajeel heard Natsu's voice question as he watched Erza's form get smaller and smaller as she took off down the street. There was a brief moment of silence.

"I have faith in her." Was the old man's answer.

Duh! Who wouldn't have faith in Erza! So the girls will be back to normal in the next chapter and you can expect the thunder palace- and I wanta say some very important Gajeel Levy stuff in it or quite possibly the next one. What do ya guys think of this one?

Hey if ya all still reading this be so kind to let me know through review! I'd appreciate that and it would probably motivate me to get moving on this faster. Also don't be afraid to PM either, I will respond to all reviews and PMs!

HEY THANK YOU! Thanks for being patient, reading, following, favoring and reviewing Iron Gray. Since I haven't updated I've had a lot of time to think EVEN more about the direction this story is going and I've got a lot of plans so please bare with me!

To/For Reviewers:

PepperTally: Thank you! It didn't use to take me long to update, but I'm kind of having stonewall my way through this part. Anyways thanks for reading and reviewing.

ValinNight: I'm always happy to see your reviews, sorry for the long wait this time around. The fight maybe another chapter or two away, we shall see. Thank you for reading and reviewing as always.

Samantha: I really wish you had a fanfiction account so I could PM you! I wanted to tell you I downloaded that song you mentioned and I loved it! You said it has nothing to do with my story, but I disagree. I think it was related to the last chapter and I have plans on Gajeel's inner monster being a consistent theme that arises throughout this story. I'm happy you enjoy my story and I hope you will keep reading, and I apologize for the long wait. Thank you so much for reviwing!

AndreaRei: Well that's awesome cause that's definitely the plan. I'm happy you are reading and hope you will still be after this long wait, I have a lot of plans. Thank you for reviewing as always!

Guest: (chap 35) Wow thanks I'm glad to see you are reading and enjoying my story! And In apologize for the long wait, anyways it can be tough following the show at times, because of certain limitations-especially in these parts when I have the write the actual scenes that happen- but you are right. My liberty with this lies in the viewpoint of the character I am following and making this story about. This is what I find most fun about writing in general, getting into characters head. Thank you for your review and I hope you will still read.

Guest: (chap 10) HA ! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading and letting me know! :P

Jragon65: Well I hope you continue to read and enjoy the whole story! I have lot of plans for it and it won't be ending anytime soon! I thank you for your review!

Arnora: Yes, I'd love to write a book, but really wanta finish this too! I have no intensions of doing any GrayxLucy in this story or really any other ship-It's pretty much just a GaLe. Other characters just act and interact as they normally would. And YES, Gajeel is definitely cute even if he doesn't want to be! Thank your for reading and reviwing!