Task 6: find your strength (Part 1)

Gajeel felt as he was losing control over everything: his body, magic, brain, vision and hearing. He kept seeing black stains, iron captured his chest and hands, made them fisted and frozen, breathing became difficult and his heart was racing way too fast. Jet's current wails didn't reach his mind, unable to break through heavy numbness which possessed him during Speed Mage narration.

Chunks of words surfaced here and there, trying to unite into a coherent picture, only to crumble and disintegrate again into pieces. He couldn't understand, fuck, even as dumb newbie in all this feelings crap as he was, he couldn't grasp what this moron in the hat was trying to explain.

He loves Levy? Ok, no shit, she is such an incredible warming sunshine it's only naturally that everyone is drawn to her. But why the fucking moron thought that because he claimed that he loves her this granted him a right to mislead her, got her to gods know where and leave her there all alone? Who puts someone he loves into such shit? And after this shitty act still blathers something about love? The hell?! Seriously how this can be considered right? What is wrong with this jerk?

Gajeel still hasn't come in terms with what exactly he felt toward lovely Script Mage, cause if was hard for him to acknowledge that he entered unknown universe filled with completely different emotions. His limited pack of anger, determination and arrogance suddenly was replaced with something nice and touching, something he never expected to feel toward other human being. And he didn't know how to name warmth, which flooded his soul, but of one thing he was sure – he never, under no 'justified' circumstances or lame excuses would intentionally put this tiny speck of light in any kind of danger or discomfort. He wanted to see her happy. He wanted to be able to make her happy. He didn't know what 'to be happy' means for her, and, truthfully he didn't dare to ask for now, but he knew that whatever it is he won't try to force her to anything. Even if her happiness doesn't include him in the picture.

And this is why his body and magic now has been fighting with his conscience. He wanted, oh he wanted so much, but decided not to kill Jet, despite his dragon soul demand to dismember him and watch as last droplets of blood leave his body. He knew Levy wouldn't want him to do that. So he won't – for her.

But it was so difficult to hold back. His iron arms were shaking, trying to reach Jet against his will.

Small leap into the morning of this day - events between Jet and Levy

Levy wake up early, smiling happily, and this smile didn't left her lips all morning. She spent some time dusting her room and organizing last addition of her books stack all the while recollecting previous evening. Gajeel asked her to go to the Ball with him. And through she planned to decline politely (she really has no choice, right?), but the thought that he wanted to go there with her and actually voiced it made her incredibly happy. It was an indication that he also has feelings for her. For what extent, was it interest, liking, attraction she didn't know and it doesn't matter. There was something and for now it was enough for her.

She dare not hope it may be love.

She finished her cleaning and decided to head toward the park where they agreed to meet. It was too early, Levy still had about 2 hours till appointed time, but the weather was nice and she wanted to be closer to him, so a slow walk to the spot, filled with sun and day-dreams, seemed too appealing. The girl took her dragon book and left dorm only to be greeted near gates by Jet, who apparently was waiting for her.

"Hey, Jet!" Levy welcomed him warmly. She hasn't seen her teammates much lately and was really glad that he was here.

"Levy!" Jet sounded a little agitated. "I am waiting for you. Come! I'll have to show you something!"

"What is it, Jet?" Being longtime friends they were used to prepare small gifts and surprises for each other. Levy felt a pleasant anticipation, assuming that he found some interesting book.

"You'll see. Come. It's not far."

She still had 2 hours, she can afford to spend part of it with Jet. Script Mage nodded and stepped aside, expecting him to lead the way. Instead he nervously lifted her up and sprinted at his full speed.

Levy was confused. She can't tell how much time had passed, but it certainly was not less than 15 minutes and Jet still has been running showing no intention to stop or even slow down. His magical speed was incredible, they probably covered considerable distance by now. But he said it wasn't far.

"Jet!" She tried to call him through wind which his movements created. "Jet!"

He didn't reacted.

Levy tried to speak louder, she even attempted to shout. No indication that he heard her. The girl started to feel uneasy, she wasn't afraid, it was Jet, her friend, teammate, almost brother, but something felt off. She tried to squeeze his shoulder, that brought his attention to her, but he quickly averted his eyes and continued to run. Where it was impossible to tell, landscape moved past them too fast.

Levy started to squirm. She suddenly felt very uncomfortable in his arms, in response his grip tightened and one of palms moved a little lower, at spot where Gajeel's hand laid yesterday.

'Gajeel'. Levy froze. Oh, God. How much time had passed? Has she enough to return? She shouted as loud as she can begging Jet to stop. He didn't respond, although she was certain that he heard her this time. She begged again. When no reaction came Levy braced herself and jerked forcefully, slipping from his arms. She landed hard, almost crashing herself, for several seconds unable to move due to the pain, but then managed to sit. Jet already was beside, checking her, while she moved slowly.

"Levy, Levy, you all right? Say something! Levy! Why did you do that? You may be seriously hurt. Levy!"

As soon as she could she tossed his arms away. It was her turn to ignore his cries. Script Mage's face wasn't angry, but she clearly was in pain and not only in physical one. There was something in Jet's eyes she never saw before. She couldn't understand his act and it deeply pained her that he had lied. Levy prepared to ask him about what's going on, when he jumped to her, grabbing her arms.

"Levy, you…, we… we were close all our life. You said that our team is the best and you wanted us to be together forever. You said… you love us. You really do value what we have, right, Levy?"

"Eee…" Taken aback, the girl stared at him with wide eyes. "Of course I love you and Droy. You are…"

"Then let's take a next step!" Jet interrupted her. "We know each other so well, we are good together, both in missions and on everyday life. I want us to be together, really together, Levy. Droy will understand! And we 3 still be a team!"

"Jet…"

"You know that I love you, I always did. Very much, very! There is no one who can care for you more than I. You are the one, special for me. You'll be happy with me, Levy."

"Jet…"

"We'll have a happy life. With guild, our old friends, your books. I don't mind if you'll read as much as you used to. And we kept our team. We don't need anyone else. No one."

"Jet…"

But he already was leaning to her, one arm moving to her check. Levy pulled away, capturing his palm gently, her lips stretched in a sad apologetic smile.

"Jet, I can't. I am sorry, but I can't."

He stayed frozen in half leaned position for some seconds, than jealousy and fury flushed in Speed Mage's eyes.

"It's because of him, right? RIGHT?"

"Jet…"

"Answer me, Levy, it's him? This iron scum? IT'S HIM?"

"Jet, please…"

"WHY? Can you explain, why? Did you enjoy that he beat you up? Or it's his white clown suit? Disgusting hear? Or piercings? I also can have them. Do you want me to do? Huh?"

"Jet…"

"How could you chose him over me? Why you did this to me, Levy? I was near all the time, I waited. I WAITED FOR YAERS! I never hurt you. Or maybe you like brutish guys? Someone to abuse and scoff you? That's the reason, Levy?"

"Jet, please, stop." Levy's voice was tearful and sympathetic. She felt as she was breaking his heart, hurting him and she wanted to stop, to fix it, to do everything to fix it except the one thing he asked. She couldn't accept him. She just couldn't.

"I know you didn't really mean all you just said. Let's return home and forget about this. Please. You and our team are very important to me. Please!"

"Returning home?" Jet's voice became low and unpleasant. "Why? Impatient to see him?"

And seeing the affirmative in the momentary light, which sparkled in her eyes, the man furiously jumped to his feet, spatting venomously at her.

"Sorry, I can't help you with that. But as you are so eager I think you can easily reach your metal junk by foot. Though it may take some time and I doubt he'll wait, probably will find someone else to toy. He looks like THAT type of guy."

And he was off in a flash, turning into a small point on horizon in a couple of minutes. Levy was left alone with torn dress, ached body and bleeding arms, crushed by his attitude and words and her fear.

She didn't know where she was and didn't have enough strength both physical and inner. She definitely wouldn't be able to return home in time. What will he think when she won't show up? Will he want to see her again?