A/N: Hey everybody! I know it's been a while since I've updated this story and for that I am so sorry! But now I'm back, no not from outer space, and I'm looking to try and keep with updating on a semi-regular basis again. This is a shorter chapter, but the next one is a bit longer, and some fun things are going to happen. I already have the next chapter typed up, and will be posting that one as soon as possible. SO please forgive me, put away the torches and pitchforks, I'm back to continue doing writing in what free time I have from work. Please remember to read and review!

Chapter 14 The Chained Iron

Gritting his teeth, hating knowing that what he was about to say was sure to shake the groups already crumbling world, he let the name go with a growl, feeling like he wanted to scrape the top of his tongue off repeatedly for even saying it.

"Acnologia."

The silence that fell around the group was deafening, causing many sets of ears to start ringing. Of all the people it could have been, it was him? The knowledge alone was almost too much to grasp for many, but the silence didn't last long as deep menacing growls broke through the still air.

"Acnologia?!" Natsu seethed, fighting for the control that was only barely within his grasp as the temperature around him rose by several searing degrees. The blood pounding in his ears and the rage that quickened his heartbeat made him deaf to the pained gasp from Levy as she was quickly yanked away from him by Laxus. Tilting her head back, she saw Laxus staring hard at Natsu and she realized that he was gauging how close Natsu was to losing control again.

After a few tense moments passed as everyone watched him closely, the temperature slowly lessened, making it easier to breathe again as Natsu continued taking deep breaths.

"So what you mean to tell us, is that it's because of Acnologia that we're losing our mages to some crazy chick he took in for his own goals?" Laxus asked bluntly, turning his attention to the two new dragons.

"That's exactly what we're saying." Metalicana huffed, leaning back to cross his arms over his chest.

"And you know how to find Lucy and Gajeel?" Mira asked, stepping up to lay a hand on Levy's shoulder. She could feel her trembling and knew that she was close to tears once more.

"We're still not sure about Lucy, as we don't yet know why she even wants Lucy. Gajeel on the other hand, we can find by following his smell, as well as the connection that I have with him since he's my son." Metalicana explained.

"There is something I still don't entirely understand." Freed said, watching the group closely. When they turned their gaze to him, he straightened his shoulders. "How is it that Igneel and Metalicana came to be here at this time? It seems like they're only showing up in just the nick of time so to speak."

No one missed the looks or sighs that the two dragons exchanged.

"That is something to be explained at a later time." The master cut in, answering for the dragons even as Igneel opened his own mouth to answer. "Right now we should be focusing on the fact that they are here to help, and can provide assistance to us that we did not have before."

"He's right, and it's something I'm sure they'll explain to use once our current problems are solved. For now, Metalicana, please, help us find our nakama." Mira stated, her eyes determined.

"Of course. Levy, I can smell Gajeels iron on you, can I please borrow it for a moment?" He asked, turning to the small fairy with an oddly gentle smile. Blinking, she stared at him for a moment, uncertain as to what he was talking about.

"Oh! Of course!" Scrambling for her back, she yanked it open to dig for the bracelet that she took off when she was reading and writing, but always kept with her. Blushing slightly, she pulled it out to hand over to Metalicana. Holding it close, he couldn't help but smile at the intricate details of the dragon that made up the bracelet to reside on Levy's wrist.

"He's definitely gotten better in his craftsmanship, I'll give him that. But that aside for now, give me a moment, and do as I say alright?"

"Yes sir." Was echoed throughout the room. Taking a deep breath, Metalicana held the bracelet in one hand and started focusing his magic. It took a few moments, but soon enough, the piece of jewelry started glowing and a thin red line, like that of a laser, shot free from it, pointing to the west. Glancing at those surrounding him, he nodded his head before heading up the stairs.

"Maki, have the rest of the guild stay here, but a few of us will follow, and please keep the exceeds safe." Igneel stated before rushing after his brother. Levy was quick to scramble behind him, with Mira and the other dragon slayers. Watching them go, Makarov felt the weight of all that was happening sit heavily on his shoulders and he could only hope that they found their missing nakama. For everyones sake.

A few hours later, two large dragons touched down at the edge of a large lake, letting those riding on their backs down before shifting into their human forms. The group of eight stood on the shore, eyeing the crumbling castle that they were sure had once been magnificent in its place on the lake.

Now it was a crumbling ruin, but sure enough the glowing bracelet being carried by Levy still pointed towards the castle.

"So he's there?" Levy asked. She had a million other questions she wanted to ask, but she also knew that right now she just wanted Gajeel back with her. Her questions could wait.

"Yes. Since he made that bracelet out of his own iron, I can track him with it. Unfortunately you wouldn't have been able to do so before now, because only another dragon can do that type of tracking spell, and it wasn't one that had been taught to the slayers." Metalicana explained gruffly, arms crossing over his chest. "So now the question is, how do we get over there?"

With a small smirk to his lips, Gray stepped up to the edge of the water, kneeling down to place his hands against the water. "Don't worry, I've got this one." He didn't have to look to know he was getting scowled at. When the original group of six had tried to leave without him and Erza, they had latched on and refused to let go until Wendy and Levy spoke on their behalf and the use that they could end up being. "Ice Make: Path!"

A moment later a wide path led from the shore of the lake to the castle itself, and without any prompting, they started crossing the massive lake.

After about half an hour of silent walking, they finally reached the castle, and they stopped for a moment to take a look around, before glancing back at Levy and her bracelet. By now she had put the bracelet on to help keep from losing it but still be able to use it. Pushing past those who stood in front of her, Levy scrambled up the stone steps that led from the shore, into the quietly crumbling castle. Barely heard cursing could be heard behind her as the others followed.

As soon as they entered the castle, they could feel how damp and cold it was; water could be heard dripping, with the occasional scurry of little feet that belong to a variety of rodents. Levy was so focused on finding Gajeel that she didn't hear any of those sounds, her gaze flicking around her, and back to her bracelet to make sure she was going the right direction. She didn't even notice when the others branched off to see if there were any answers to be found about this enemy.

Seemingly endless steps later found her staring at a dim doorway. Without a second thought, she stepped through, somehow knowing that this was where her mate was. How she found him though, had her stomach clenching and tears burning at her eyes. Even in the dim light of a single torch, she saw him chained up, spread out, with his head hanging and his hair, the hair she loved to play with, laying limp against his back. Biting her lip, and swallowing back her tears, she was quick to cross the room and lift his head with gentle hands, brushing his sweat heavy hair back from his face.

"Gajeel? Please baby, I need you to wake up…." Levy whispered, touching him carefully, running her fingers over his piercings, hoping that her touch would bring him back to her. A low groan could be heard, and she brought her eyes to his…only to whimper in fear. One eye was his usual ruby red, while the other was solid black with a slitted red pupil.

"Sh-shrimp….run…" Gajeel whispered hoarsely, trembling. The sound of his voice made her whimper all that much more. It sounded like he had been screaming for hours.

"No way in hell. The others are here as well, we'll get you out of here Gajeel, I promise!" Levy whispered fervently, cupping his face in her hands. She saw his eyes widen in anger and fear and she stepped back to turn; only to feel a shooting pain pierce her back. Feeling something explode from her chest, she looked down to find the tip of a sword quickly puncture up into Gajeel. Into his heart.

The scream of pain and anger that escaped her at the point caused even the birds beyond the castle walls to take sudden flight.