Alright lady's and gents (are their any guys readig this anyway?) here is part 2!


Chapter: 1 Part: 2


Upon her discovery of the Dragon's feeding and treasure holds, Levy had retreated to the main cavern for some fresh air. There she could breathe again and there she gathered her thoughts. She cautiously made her way to the opening of the cavern. Only darkness greeted her and the fresh air of the forest before her. Taking a few more tentative steps, a hand still touching the rock of the cave opening she looked at the view before her and gasped at the sight. Living in the Castle, she had seen some spectacular views, but nothing compared to this. She hadn't noticed the haze that shrouded that Black Forest but was now grimly aware of the black and purple aura that hung in the air amongst the trees. Even though it was sometime in the night, she could see rather well as there was enough moonlight to see for a few miles. The break of trees to the open fields was clearer than she had expected. Following the rolling hills she could see lights from the castle, throwing parts of it into illumination. Well beyond the castle she could see the faint outline of the Mountains of Fire softly glowing several hundreds of miles away. With the midnight blue sky and mass of sparkling stars it was quite a sight to behold.

"Wow, I could get used to a view like this. This is amazing!" She breathed, smiling despite the situation. She stood staring at the view for a moment before the shifting of rocks sounded behind her had her spinning around.

The plateau Levy was standing on which also held the opening to the Dragon's Layer, ended abruptly at a sheer rock wall that was the side of the mountain. There was another, shorter overhang that sheltered this bit of flat ground about fifteen feet above her, and it was on there that the noise had come from. Peering into the darkness Levy tried to make out what had made the noise. Suddenly something was peering back at her, his red demonic eyes glowing like flames in the dark. Her breath left her as fear moved into its place. Slowly, the Dragon leaned forward, a smirk twisted on his mouth.

She had to move, to get away or be this Dragon's snack, but she had nowhere to go but back into his layer. Black wings spread out behind the Dragon and he moved. She had no choice. As he lifted in the air, she darted back into the cave, the massive Dragon landing not a second later where she had just stood. Folding his wings close to his body he strode after the Princess, a growl escaping his throat. Levy squeaked at the sound of the Dragons growl echoing on the cave walls as he followed her. Once rounding the hairpin corner and entering the main room of the cavern she slid to a stop. Frantically she looked around for a place to hide, but the smooth cave walls gave away nothing. Feeling the hairs on the back of her neck stand up, she darted forward and sprinted around the fire, turning to face the beast as he entered the cave calmly, his blazing eyes making to burning fire seem dim.

Standing in the entrance to his home, the Dragon eyed the fearful woman on the far side of the cave. She stared back, not moving. Several minutes past where neither of them moved, Levy didn't even dare breathe. The silence stretched out between them, the only sound that of the crackling fire and the wind softly moving through the trees outside and through the cave. Finally Levy couldn't take it anymore and forced herself to take a deep breath and a slow shaky step forward. The Dragon's eyes seemed to snap at the movement.

Swallowing hard she spoke, "W-what, do y-you want-t with m-me?" Her voice was quiet and shaky but she managed. There was no response from the man on the other side of the fire.

After a pause he moved forward towards her. Instinctively she took a step back but then held her ground, biting her lip to do so. The Dragon stopped a few feet from the fire and raised a pierced eyebrow at her actions. Folding his arms over his broad bare chest he seemed to stretch back to his full, terrifying height and stare her down over his pierced nose. There was another long pause.

"I… I said, what d-do you w-want -?" Her voice was stronger now less shaky, her courage growing. Still they stared at each other, "What, d-don't you kn-know how to speak?" It had not occurred to Levy that the Dragon might not speak English. His eyes moved and she tensed as he slowly looked her over. She felt as if he had just torn her clothes off with that look and was burning holes in her skin. She shivered.

"I understan' humans."

A shudder rocked her body and her eyes closed momentarily, before they refocused on his. The sound of his voice, softer than velvet yet gravelly, it was unlike anything she had heard in her life. It was terribly deep and masculine, but also sharp and surprisingly quiet.

"What's the matt'r Missy? Scared?"

She gritted her teeth,"…Yes… yes, I am afraid." Her voice was small and weak, but her gaze never left his, "What, what do you want with me!?"

As if mocking her, he suddenly threw back his head letting out a laugh that echoed around the cavern. Levy clamped her hands over her ears at the sound. It was a terrible, evil laugh. His laughter died slowly and was replaced with a look of annoyance. He captured her gaze again and Levy felt as if he was digging through her brain with a stick. Pressing her fingers into her temple she held his gaze. His eyes narrowed,

"Yer annoyin' little girl. Askin' the same damn thing over an' over." His voice changed suddenly, reaching a horrid high pitch, "'What ar' ya' gonna' do mister Dragon!? What ar' ya' gonna' do!' Gihihihi! As if askin' again would make me respond faster. What a stupid lil' brat ya' ar half-pint." He mocked her before giving her a sinister sneer.

Levy let him poke fun at her and kept her head. Staying quiet she clenched her hands into fists and stood her ground. Her reaction seemed less than pleasing to him as he cocked his head and frowned.

"How ol' are ya anyway, eleven?" His voice maintained his mocking tone but held a hint of boredom and displeasure. This, if not the insults he had thrown at her, annoyed her.

"I-I'm, almost nineteen. But what d-does it matter? Does it ch-change what you w-want me for?" What does it matter? He's probably going to tear you apart and eat you alive! No, I have to keep him talking. As long as we're talking I'm alive. And while I'm alive I need to get out of here! He snarled and she recoiled, "Wha'd I say about askin' the same damn questions? I ain't gonna' answer any faster!" He was snarling now.

"You're not giving me any sort of an answer at all! You're just asking more ques-"

She was cut off by the Dragon's roar of frustration as he ran a clawed hand through his mane and tossed his head, "Enough! C'mere ya little brat!" He lunged for her.

Squeaking Levy darted away just in time for the snarling Dragon to swipe at the empty air she had been standing not a second before. Scurrying away around the far side of the fire, Levy watched as the Dragon spun on his heel and faced her again, his expression twisted in annoyance. A growl rumbled in his throat and echoed around the cavern. Panting, Levy never let the Dragon out of her sight as he started to move forward again. When he moved so did she; keeping the fire between them they circled each other.

Finally he seemed to grow bored and relaxed his stance, shifting his weight from one foot to the other he let out a long sigh through his nose. Again folding his arms over his chest, he tucked his chin and gave her a hard look. It almost appeared that he was pouting, almost.

"So…" His voice was drawling now as he spoke again, "Ya' said yer' almost nineteen, eh?" She held his gaze, and at the Dragons raised brow in response to her silence, quickly nodded. "Ain't tha' 'bout the time ya' nobles start marryin'? That why ya' were in the Forest? Runnin' away from yer' duties? What? He not rich enough fer' ya'?"

"No, that's not it…" Her voice was quiet and confused, was he not just angry with her two seconds ago? Or was this some sort of ploy to catch her off guard? Whatever the reason, he was talking again, and talking meant she still had a chance.

"To ugly fer' ya'?"

"No-"

"Not ugly enough? Gihihi"

"No, I-"

"He not treat ya' like yer' the center of his whole world?"

"I would-"

"Well fuck kid, I almos' pity the poor bastard that's stuck with ya' then."

"What I want has nothing to do with it!"

He was silenced at her little outburst, surprised that she had the balls, no, the nerve, to snap at a Dragon. The silence heled for a few moments as the woman caught her breath and calmed herself. He waited, he had all the time in the world.

"I… I don't have a choice. I have to be married before summer's end or the Kingdom will be thrown into chaos. I have a, a duty, to the people of Fiore… Oh! What am I telling YOU for!? What does it even matter!? You don't care!" She hid her face in her hands and turned away from him.

Well. This was not something he had expected. Frowning he regarded her. "Duty? What are you, the Princess?" he huffed the last word, she sure didn't act like no princess he had ever known. Why would the Princess be in the Forest anyway?

Slowly Levy turned back to him, peering at the hulking beast through her slim fingers. Lowering her hands she sniffled, "Yes, actually I am." She didn't meet his gaze.

Gajeel froze.

The bloody Princess!?

He openly gaped at her, shock written across his features. There was a long awkward silence before he threw his head back and roared with laughter. Levy felt herself flushing at his brash laughter, it was the most unusual sound next to his actual voice that she had ever herd. Looking away she frowned at the dirt of the cave floor, what was so funny anyway?

Several moments passed and still the Dragon laughed and laughed. She was growing impatient, her cheeks starting to puff and her jaw clenching. Just as the Dragon was starting to regain control of himself, he caught a glimpse of her frustrated pout and was off again, even louder than before. He never thought he could die from laughing, but damn! He was close!

Finally regaining his composure, with a few "gihihi's" slipping out every now and then he grinned at her, his teeth flashing sharp and white.

"Well Lil'mis, Gihi! That explains a lot! Gihihi!"

Levy crossed her arms, being careful of her injury, and glared at him. It didn't have the effect she had hoped, sending him yet again into a fit of strange giggles.

"Oi, my, gihi! Apologies your highness, forgive me I didn' think yer'self being Royal. Yer' but a child! GIhihi!" Levy's frown deepened, "Oi, oi! Naah, I though' there'd be a height requiremn'! Can ya' even reach the thrown!? GIhihihi!" He was clutching his stomach now but continued nonetheless, "Ya' needin' a booster fer ya' seat at the table too!? GIHIHIHII!"

Levy had about enough. Face flushed bright red with embarrassment and anger she stomped her foot and shouted over his ridicules laughter, "You should show some respect to a member of the Royal Family! How dare you mock me!? You, you – over gown… Gecko! Why are you such a bully!?"

Gajeel sobered instantly, save for the dangerous grin he wore. Slowly he raised his head from where he had doubled over and, eyes wide with mirth and something like insanity, bellowed back just as loudly has his laughter had been, "'Cause, Princess, I'ma Dragon!"

Levy didn't miss a beat.

"What kind of an excuse is that!? I don't care if you're a stray dog! At least the dog would have the decency to-to, UGH! " she threw up her hands in defeat and glared at the being across from her, "At least then maybe people would respect your kind better, if you had any sort of manners!" she hissed through her teeth.

Gajeel stared at her incredulously, was she actually serious? Did she even realize he was more animal than human? Manners? He was a Dragon for the sake for the Gods! He didn't need manners, or the sympathy of humans, much less this little Princess. The shock and amusement having worn off, he was becoming frustrated again.

"EXCUSE!? Manners? Why in the name of the Gods would a Dragon need Manners?" he snorted, "Look here Princess, I ain't no Knight in Shining Armor here, I'm a DRAGON, Humans and Dragons don't get along! Does a wolf use manners when hunting a rabbit? NO!-"

"Well maybe we would be more willing to live in peace if you were not such a BRUT about it!" her response was snappy as she cut him off, throwing him off kilter for a second with her boldness.

"Why would I need, why would I want the company of humans!? Yer' nothing but a plague on the earth. Ya' destroy and conquer anythin' and everythin' in yer' way, and don' give two shits about anyone other than' yer'selves!"

"I could say the same thing about you! You terrorize and kill for sport. You're greedy and disgusting! UGH!" she spat the last word before giving sound to her word. His voice was a solid snarl as he responded, "Yer' Damn right ther' Shrimp!"

She rounded on him, acutely taking a step forward, and shocked him again in the few moments of their argument, "My NAME is Levy! Not shrimp, or shorty or whatever! It's LEVY! And that's Princess Levy to you!"

Rolling his eyes at her he cocked a foot and took a relaxed stance across from her, arms loosely folded over his chest, shoulders relaxed and a "really now" look on his face. Despite her unusual behavior, she was of no threat to him, "FINE. Yer' damn right Princess Levy." He spat her title, it tasted funny and he didn't like how he had to curve his lips in a specific way to pronounce it.

Silence surrounded them. With the amount of noise and the volume of it, the lack of reverberations was deafening. It seemed to stretch on for ages, neither one looking at the other nor saying anything. Finally, ever so slowly, Levy turned to face the Dragon again. Fiddling with her skirts she looked up at him through her bangs before raising her head to look properly at him. Thought his face was turned away, he was watching her from the corner of his eyes.

"Um…so. Uh, what's your name?"

Her voice was quite, much softer than before. If it would not have been for his enhanced hearing he would have missed her voice, the silence had been so loud after their yelling match. He had to admit, she was unlike any human he had ever met before. She was spunky and had nerves of steel for standing up to and yelling at a Dragon of all things. Never before had he been even close to matched by anything other than another Dragon before. He gave her some credit, she was tougher than she looked.

"Gajeel"

Levy started at the harshness and force of his voice.

"What?"

He turned to face her fully, giving her a frown and slight glare, "Gajeel. My name is Gajeel."

"Oh!... Ga-jeel? Gajeel?" she tested the word her cheeks flushing slightly with color. He nodded once when she had it, his eyes darting over the pink in her cheeks.

There was silence again between them, the only noise being the crackling of the fire that still separated them. The tension that had filled the air had dissipated some, replaced with awkwardness.

Quietly Levy spoke, "um…Thank you, by the way…"

Again, the only way Gajeel had heard her was thanks to his superhuman abilities. Even still he didn't think he heard her right.

"What."

She looked up at him, surprised, then away before clearing her throat and repeating herself. For the second time that night, Gajeel gaped at her. Was, was she really, no. She didn't just. For what? What had he, a Dragon, the ultimate enemy of all human kind, done so that she thanked him? When he didn't answer, Levy glanced up at the Dragon and caught his expression before he quickly became passive again, the usual scowl replacing his shock. She couldn't help the tugging at the corners of her mouth, he really did have some interesting facial expressions when he wanted.

"What in the name of the Gods are ya' thankin' me for!?"

"For taking care of me..." She stated with a small, sad smile. He had in fact saved her life by removing her from the forest so that no wild animals could get her. In a twisted messed up way, she owed him her life, even if he was the one who had scared Moonlight into bolting and tossing her rider.

Gajeel grimaced. He didn't deserve thanks. He had only brought her here to test a theory. But he couldn't tell her that. "I don't want nothin' but ta' be lef' the hell alone."

Confused, she tilted her head to the side, "Don't you ever get lonely?"

Her question caught him off guard. Damn her for being able to do that so easily! "No," He lied, "I'm always alone. I like it that way."

"Oh," her face seemed to fall making him frown. He brushed it off for now, his mind moving to something else, "Ya don't smell any more…" She frowned and puffed up her cheeks again causing him to smirk, "Ya stank of fear before, now… not so much." He grinned suddenly, white teeth flashing, "Not bad Shrimp, I don' think I've ever met someone who ain't afraid'o me." He stepped forward as he spoke as if challenging her to defy his words and back away. For a moment it looked as if she might, but she held her ground and stood firm. He moved to be only a few feet from her, stepping easily around the fire to grin down at her.

"No, I was afraid, but I'm not. You are correct." Despite her words, there was a bit of a tremor in her voice, "Then again, if you were going to do something… well you've had plenty the opportunity too." She swallowed and looked him in the eye, craning her head back a little to accomplish the feat, "No, I'm no longer afraid of you, Gajeel-" His smirk slipped when she spoke his name with a hint of defiance, "-in fact, I feel a little sorry for you." His eyebrows shot up to his hairline at that, "You say you like being alone, but I know that there is not a person, nor beast, that can bare solitude forever." She flushed at her bold words and looked away quickly. The Dragon did not answer for a long time, simply taking in what she had said and thinking it over.

"Why did you save me?" her voice was quiet and soft, "And what are you going to do with me? Am I going to be like the piles of corpses in the back?"

Oh so she had seen that had she? And she was still so bold and unafraid of him. She really was different. The Gypsy's words floated thought his brain once again causing him to growl and bare his teeth. Levy took a step back at his reaction, surprised.

"Don' reed inta' it Shorty, I figure'dya' was Noble by yer' dress, thought I could get a bit'o gold fer' ya' if anyone came a'lookin'…" Lies. Well, mostly. But he wasn't going to admit the real reasoning behind why he wanted her here. He still wouldn't allow himself to accept that that might be the reason she was here anyway!

Levy gave a sad smile folding her hands before, "Oh I see. Hmmm," Her tone caught the Dragon's attention and he glanced at her. Seeing she had his attention she grinned at him, "See you can care a little bit!" She giggled. The sound was like small bells ringing, filling his ears and traveling down into his stomach waking the long dead butterflies and causing them to flit about suddenly. And that smile, he gulped. It was like the cave had brightened a few shades with the radiance of that smile. Her face was bright and happy and warm, and so many things Gajeel didn't even know how to describe it. She was radiating light with a simple smile and laugh and it scared him. Maybe, just maybe, she wasn't so bad after all.

"I guess you can be somewhat human too." She said thoughtfully, "I mean, you have some human features… Why not, that you couldn't feel human too? Are you able to shape shift at all? Or maybe just your appearance? Is that part of the powers you have as a Dragon? I remember reading once that Dragons can morph some but I don't really remember, we have such limited information about Dragons in the Castle."

It was like a switch had gone off and he didn't know what had caused it, but he wanted it to revert. She was talking quickly and almost seemed to forget that he was even there. This girl really was a strange one…and he was getting a head ach listing to her chatter.

Finally growing impatient he snapped at her, maybe a little harsher that intended, "Enough! Gods, again with the questions." To his slight surprise, yet again, she didn't seem offended or even deterred by his gruffness, instead she simply shrugged, "I like to know things. I find that knowledge is very powerful." Grinning he muttered under his breath, "Geek gihihi!"

"Ugh! Again with the bulling!" He honestly didn't think she could have heard him, but evidently she had as he cheeks puffed up and she gave his a disinterested look that did nothing more than send him into a small fit of giggles.

"Gihihi! I gotta' say, not too bad for that royal pain in the ass! 'Might just keep ya around for some entertainment!" His amusement grew as she folded her arms over her chest and gave him a full on glare, her cheeks flushing and puffed to their fullest, she even threw in a small foot stomp and a huff. The Dragons was further entertained by the little woman's sudden yawn that seemed to catch her completely by surprise as she blinked several times after the yawn before another caused her to stretch and cover her mouth.

"Gihihi, look's like the lill' Princess is sleepy." Levy frowned at him as she rubbed an eye, she was very tired. Now that the adrenalin was out of her system, she was suddenly exhausted. Stifling yet another yawn, much to the Dragon's amusement, she shuffled her feet tiredly. Grinning madly at her the Dragon stepped a side and gave her a mock bow, inviting her to return to the mas of furs that was his bed. Levy glanced at him hesitantly. Was this even a good idea? Sure she was tired, but it was the Dragon's bed, or nest, or… whatever! It didn't quite feel right to her that she rest there, much less sleep in the layer of the Dragon. Sensing her unease, Gajeel rolled his eyes and straitened and turned towards the mouth of the cave,

"Sleep yer' majesty, ya' look like hell. Gihi!" he shot at her over his shoulder as he raised a clawed hand in parting.

"Wait!" He paused and frowned at her, She blushed, "Where are you going?" His frown deepened and he turned back to the entrance of the cave, "Out." Was the growled response.

Levy watched the Dragon disappear, his long tail twitching out of sight around the corner. She hadn't really expected him to tell her where he was going or what he was doing. She stared at the spot he had just vacated before she yawned yet again and turned to the pile of furs. Slowly she made her way to it. He had invited her to it. And he had even left her be so she could rest some. It was rather kind of him. A smile made its way onto the Princesses mouth. She was starting to figure out this strange beast, or was he more man than beast? Maybe there wasn't as much to fear from Dragon's as she had been raised, if this Dragon was any example of the species. Sighing, she turned and sat, scooting her way back and to the side so that if and when the Dragon returned, and he so wished, he too could take refuge in the mass of animal skins. Pulling the white pelt of the Snow Lion over her body, and being careful of her injured arm, she settled back into the softness of the furs. It was not long before sleep overcame her and pulled her into its warmth. Her last thought was about how strange it was that she was willingly sleeping in a Dragon's cave, curled in his nest-bed, and more so the fact that she was almost completely content. Something that had eluded her for some time.


In the throne room a tall, well-muscled blond man was pacing back and forth before the golden chairs that were the thrones of Fiore. He was clad in emerald green, gold and rich plum garments from head to foot, silver armor polished so much so that it glinted in the sunlight streaming through the high windows in the throne room. The long black and plum interior cloak strapped to his shoulders billowing behind him as he paced. Lost in thought the blond ran gloved fingers through his golden locks, fingers unconsciously tracing the thunderbolt shaped scar over his right eye. His thoughts ran over the situation at hand. The Princess was missing, or so he had heard through the Castle Guards as they flited about. Where could that little brat have gone? And for what reason? Why would she just take off, it was not like her. Was she perhaps running away? It was no secrete that she did not want to marry either of the two men presented to her, the only ones who weren't aware of it were the poor dogs themselves. Was Levy taking the easy way out and faking some freak accident, faking her death? No, she was too noble and smart for that, besides where had she to go? The cold blue eyes of the dethroned prince narrowed, the scar over his right eye stretching as his face moved. He had received the scar many years ago from The Black Steel Dragon himself, could the Dragon have something to do with this?

Laxus was not eager to hunt down the Dragon for the second time, he had been so stupid in the past. He was young and stupid. He was just about to turn 19, to be married and claim the throne that was rightfully his by birth. But then his grandfather had introduced that little blue haired brat that was to be his successor and Laxus went on a rampage. In his fury he had sought out the Black Steel Dragon to prove to his grandfather that he was what the Kingdom needed as a ruler, not some spoiled little girl. High on adrenaline and lusting for blood, Laxus had been foolish enough to go right to the Dragon's front door and demanded that he lay down at his feet, lest he be slayed.

He would not be so stupid again.

He owed the Black Dragon a scar to match his own, and if Laxus had it his way, it would be the last he would ever receive. But that would have to wait until after this business with the Princess was over. Still pacing he turned and stood in front of the one thing that he had always wanted, something that was his by birthright, that no one had the power to take from him. Though it had been. The throne of Fiore.

The only way for Laxus to get the throne now, was to either marry Levy, his half-sister, or to get the King to reinstate Laxus as a Royal Prince of Fiore. Both were unlikely, the latter being damn impossible. Lost in thought he ascended the few steps to where the throne sat coming to a halt before it. Reaching out a hand he stroked the arm rest of the golden chair with long fingers that moved slowly, tenderly over its smooth surface. A look of hungry longing filled his eyes and his mouth was suddenly dry as he watched his fingers move.

There was another way for him to get the throne he so desperately desired… It was something he had tried before and failed. Kill the King and the Princess. Make it look like an accident – and not get caught this time. He smirked evilly at the memory of his father's dyeing face as Laxus watched the life leave the King through the vein Laxus had opened. He remembered the warmth of his father's blood on his hands, on his face. He remembered the scream of his mother and her Lady when they had found him drawing pictures of his future in his fathers' blood on the black marble floor that was not at his back, covered head to toe in stained red. He was quick to kill the Lady, but his mother had escaped and was able to tell someone of what she had scene before Laxus was able to get to her.

The hand on the throne tightened into a fist at that memory of the cold eyes that held his, that didn't waiver as the woman's body fell limp from her son's arms. Jellal. The bastard had used that damn magic of his to block his attacks, and then to capture him and bring him before his grandfather.

No. No if he were to kill again, he would have to do it in absolute secrecy. He was not the stupid arrogant brat he was all those years ago. Close to his 30th year on this earth, he was reaching middle age for men of this realm. Most did not live to see their 50's, life as a knight was a short one. If he had lived the average life of a man of Fiore, hell even as a Royal Prince had he not been de-crowned, he would have a wife and three children by this age. But no, he had been a foolish teenager, though an adult, and lost all that was to be his.

Now he had to discover another way to regain the throne, to remove all those in his way. There were too many people for him to simply attempt to take the crown by force, he had tried that and this is where it had gotten him. He refused to go to Bosco in hopes of persuading his allegiance to the King there and starting war. He wished to stay away from waring with other countries at this point. That would be too much of a hassle.

He returned to pacing in front of the chair again. He could use The Black Forest perhaps. He was rather familiar with the place as he had chased the Dragon in circles for days when he had tried to slay him. No one dared enter there, for no one ever returned in one piece. He was a damned lucky fool to, not only return, but with a scratch as his most serious injury. Yes, the Forest that might work, but it was risky, very risky. And how would he get the King and the Princess, into the forest?

He toyed with his first option in his mind as his fingers graced over the back of the throne as he stopped before it once again. Marry Levy. There were only two things, people really, that stood in his way of that. The two sons of bitches that had come to take her hand. They would have to be eliminated first. Then it was a matter of… persuading… Levy to wed him. He was very good at charming people, and his half-sister was no different. After that it was all glory for him. But first, eliminating the suitors. How could he do that… his mind turned the thought over in his head, The Black Forest again returning to the foreground of his mind. As he thought he heard footsteps from the hall leading to the throne room. Turning to face the grand archway that lead to the hallway, he watched as a Knight entered the throne room and paused a few steps into the room before continuing towards him. Laxus glared at the Kinght, recognizing the fiery red and gold armor the man adorned. This was Natsu Dragoneel, the Greatest Knight in the Kingdom. The only one to have earned the title of Dragon Slayer in nearly 400 years and was known as "The Red Dragon Natsu" throughout the land; for his great defeat of the Fire Dragon of the West. Besides the Black Steel Dragon, it was theorized that there were only a handful of the great beasts left in Fiore, much less the world. Leave it to Natsu to lower that number by one. Laxus did not like Natsu, and Natsu did not like Laxus. So why of all people was he here?

Natsu stopped at the steps to the throne, looking up at Laxus with a glare of his own. "The King is asking for you." he snarled, spitting after he spoke, as if getting rid of a bad taste in his mouth.

Laxus raised an eyebrow, oh and what did he want? It was rare for the King to summon him. Did grandfather want his help in finding the lost Princess perhaps? "And what does His Majesty want?" Laxus drawled

Natsu's fist clenched against his arm and he frowned, obviously restraining himself, Laxus smirked, "How should I know? All Mest said was to find you and report to the King immediately."

Ah, so it was so important that the King had sent Mest eh? Well then he would be more than obliged to assist Him, he thought sarcastically. Hmm, yes well that was one way to woo his wife to be into marriage, tut there was still those two in his way, Ahhh… Yes…. That was it; that was how things would go. He smiled evilly as the last piece of the puzzle snapped into place in his mind. Turning back to the throne he addressed the knight behind him,

"Natsu… Do something for me," his voice was silky and melodic yet deep and powerful.

"Oh yeah?" A snarl again, much like the Dragon he had slain.

Laxus sat in the Kings throne with a flourish of his robes, a sinister smile on his face that twisted his scar in an unnatural way. "Go get those two thorns in our sides. Bring them too me here. Then I will go to the King. I'm sure you know of whom I speak?"

Natsu didn't move and glared at the arrogant man on the throne before him. Laxus crossed one leg over the other and clasped his hands together in his lap, shooting the knight a brilliant smile. The two were at a standoff, neither willing to give an inch. They glared at each other for long moments. Finally Natsu broke the silence.

"The day I take orders from you is the day I die! If you want those two, you get them yourself. Now. Get your grimy ass of that seat before you soil it permanently, and come with me to the King!"

Laxus laughed, high pitched and strained. Hit grinded on Natsu's ears.

"What's so funny!?" The knight snarled.

"Ho-ho-ohh, you poor little knight, you don't even realize the gravity of what you just said," Laxus was on his feet in the blink of an eye, "Though you will understand in time. Boy." Slowly the blond stepped down the stairs to the knight, his arms held open as if he was at a party greeting some great guest or an old friend. Natsu's hand fell to the hilt of his sword as the man approached him, easily slipping onto a fighting stance. Laxus just laughed again, the noise echoing around the room.

"You silly, silly boy, that won't help you. Not now, not in the future. But by all means draw your sword." Laxus stepped by the angered knight with ease as he left the room. Growling Natsu released his sword, once Laxus' footsteps faded away.

"Ggaahhhh! I really HATE that guy!" His cry reached Laxus down the hall for his laughter echoed back to the throne room as Natsu whirled and stalked off after the Prince.


Black leathery wings closed against his broad back as clawed feet struck earth. With a flick of his tail the Dragon had disappeared into his cave, the last remaining moon light reflecting on his many body piercings and black silver scales. Rounding the last corner he stopped in his tracks. That scent hit his senses like a brick wall. Instantly he was overcome with the sensation it gave him, his eyes rolling into the back of his skull and his body slowly racked by tremors of pleasure. For a moment he stood, captured by the feelings and smell, then, as if a switch had gone off in his head, he snapped to attention. Pupils undulating as he lowered his chin from where he had thrown his head back, Gajeel growled into the dimly lit cavern.

A Gypsy flashed behind his eyes and he bared his teeth once more. Lurching forward he stalked into the body of the cavern, tossing the dog sized hare down by the embers of the once strongly burning fire. Striding his way past the glowing embers, the Dragon effortlessly lifted several logs the size of his massive thighs and unceremoniously tossed them onto the coals. With in moments the fire was blazing once again and the Dragon made about cooking the massive hare. He normally did not cook his food, being mostly an animal, he preferred to eat raw, but the rodent wasn't for him. No, he had his fill earlier in the night, and there was always his reserves of metal in the back caverns. No this hare was for the little bundle curled up on his bed.

Gajeel stole a glance at the white pelt rolled into a ball with a tuft of brilliant blue peaking out of one side. His eyes trained on the slow rise and fall of the huddle as she breathed, catching the slight movement with his Dragon eyes. Once he was looking at her he found it hard to look away. It took him several tries to drag his gaze from where she slept. Even if he couldn't see her body, he knew she was there by her sent, oh Gods her scent, just the thought threatened to overtake him once more. He had to get control of himself. He returned to setting up the hare for roasting before letting himself steel another look at where she lay. Finally he couldn't take it anymore.

He had known she was injured the instant before it had happened, he could smell and sense the sudden increase in her heart rate just before that horse threw her and her skin ripped open. Rising he slowly made his way to where she slept. He knew she was out hard by the depths of her breathing. She was either incredibly stupid, which he doubted due to their earlier discussions, or extremely exhausted or… no he couldn't allow himself to think like that, not now, he wasn't allowed hope. Once at her side he slipped to his knees beside the edge of the bed. It was a long moment before he moved again, then slowly, ever so slowly, he used a claw to remove the obtrusive pelt from her face and shoulders, dragging it off her body until it only rested over her knees and calves. The intensity of her smell increased and he closed his eyes for a moment to clear his suddenly foggy mind. When did he become so sensitive to her smell? Sure in the beginning, but he should be used to it by now…

Ruby red eyes traveled over milky colored skin and lavender cloth to her right arm, the one closest to him and the half-assed bandage that adorn it. He could smell the blood from miles away. Without thinking his hands worked and before he realized what he was doing he had removed the bandages and exposed the just scabbing wound. It was a deep cut and, had it been on the underside of her arm, she would have surely blead out in moments. But she was lucky, damn Royal. He paused and marveled at how tiny her wrist was in his fingers. Her forearm was the thickness of three of his fingers put together, and even with their enlarged size, that wasn't much. She looked so foreign in his grip. Her smooth, perfect, off white, silk like skin against his scared, tanned and scaled flesh that showed the years of his life. Turning her wrist over in his fingers he marveled at the similarities and differences. True he was somewhat human, more beast than man, but they shared characteristics. Satisfied for the time being he raised her arm to his face and inhaled. He had been expecting the shock to his system, but not the relief of having her scent fill him once again. He shook his head violently, his messy mane flopping around as he did so.

It is a little known fact that Dragons are magical beings. Their horns and teeth and claws have been used to make unbreakable blades and spears, their scales make the toughest impenetrable armor, and their blood is said to give the drinker the strength of 100 men. But their saliva, that is the thing that was most coveted. It was thought that the saliva of a Dragon could heal any wound, even if the person was recently dead from said wound, a Dragon's saliva could reanimate them. Of course that was all nonsense. Dragons hadn't given fangs nor scale nor one drop of anything to anyone in thousands of years.

So when Gajeel raised the Princesses wounded arm to his lips and kissed the damaged flesh, allowing his tongue to roll over the tare, he really didn't know what would happen. Pausing when reaching the end of the cut he glanced down. Curiosity grew in his eyes as he watched the effects. Again he lowered his lips to her wrist and licked up her arm to the elbow, and again and again, each time watching as the skin flushed a bright tender pink and slowly stitched itself back together. Amazed he smirked and raised his eyes to the face of the woman.

Only to meet her shocked, wide, honey colored eyes staring back at him. Every muscle in his body froze as red met doe-brown. For the longest moment in his life he locked gazes with her. An awkward tension filled the air between them and not a sound was made save for the fire burning at the Dragon's back casting shadows on his face. For which he was grateful, so that she could not see the surprise and shock of, not only being caught in the act, but the act itself and the fact that he took some sense of pride to it. For how often does one discover they are capable of something thought forgotten and erased from knowledge for more than a thousand years?

From the far end of the cavern, the grey morning breeze whispered to the couple in their seemingly awkward positioning, he kneeling at her side on his strange bed, her hand in his, her arm extended with his mouth mere inches from her pink flesh, almost mockingly and yet, there was something unusually warm about the late spring breeze. The scene was like something out of the romance novels Levy read. Never did she imagine she would be in such a position, much less with a Dragon of all creatures. Slowly she blinked, and the hint of a flush filled her cheeks, it was quite the situation to say the least, the absolute least. With painful slowness her eye shifted from his to her arm in his talons and the way the hard black scales wrapped around her pale flesh. She had expected him to be cold like the Iron or Steel he was named for, but he was warm, much warmer than she herself was, and soft, or was it smooth? Something like a snake's skin, at least that's what his fingers and palm felt like to her, the underside of a snakes' belly. Not that she was overly fond of snakes, but she had always been a humanitarian and treated all animals, even the ones that were a little creepy, with respect and curtsy, easily helping small critters out of her path when the occasion arose when she was out and about, rather than let one of the Knights in her protection detail kill the creature.

Yes, she decided, he was like a snake, in many ways now that the thought caught her attention, his eyes, personality – of what little she had seen – movement and poise. It must have something doing with his tail and the snake-like feature it was in itself. Resurfacing from her thoughts she focused on what her eyes were trained to and blinked to refocus them. Seemingly as slowly as she had altered her gaze, her jaw dropped. She could not believe what her eyes were telling her. There was no way. Nothing she knew about, not that she was a healer or anything of the sort, though she had read about healing many a time, could do what had seemingly been done to her arm, lease not in the timely fashion of present.

She was healed? But how could that be? The wound had been a deep one and would have required many stiches once, if ever, she had returned to the Castle. So how was it that here the injury looked several days, no weeks, healed!? And had the Dragon, who was still gripping her wrist in his talons, not been just licking her arm? Could that have been the reason? But that was absurd really! Who knew of – wait. This was a Dragon after all. Was he not supposed to gobble her up right away before a Knight in shining armor could come and slay him to rescue her? Well that was certainly not the case. Maybe there was more to this Dragon than met the eye. Yes, there was much more to him than she could see. Her curiosity was peaked.

"How… How did… What, what did, how, huh!?" he voice was soft and but a squeak yet she somehow managed to form words least a sentence. Her only response was silence. Stammering still she returned her gaze to the Dragon, and after staring him down a moment – yes she had just stared down a Dragon! – whispered, "Why?"

She watched his pupils dilate very wide, almost rounded like hers were, before becoming very thin almost to the point of disappearance all in the matter of a second before he suddenly pulled away from her and stood to his full height – quite the feat since he was nearly two feet taller than her. His face covered in shadow he turned on his heal and stalked to the fire, his tail and wing tips just missing her nose as he whorled. Recoiling at his sudden movement, Levy gasped drawing her arm up against her chest. She watched the Dragon fiddle with the beast roasting over the fire. When had that gotten there, and how long had he been back anyway? How long had she been sleeping for that matter? There was no way to tell day from night in the depths of this cavern. So many questions bounced around in her head.

Her lack of answers was turning into frustration, "Hey! Gajeel! I'm talking to you!" The Dragon froze in his work, clawed fingers inches from the fire as he was about to turn the beast again. With wide eyes that clearly showed his shock of her little outburst at him, he slowly turned to look at her, crimson eyes reflecting the firelight as he did so, "Im tired of you not answering my questions!"

She was pouting now, cheeks puffed up and little brows pulled together angrily, her arms folded over her slight chest as it rose and fell with the bit of effort she had used to shout at him. Gesturing to her arm she exclaimed, "What did you do? And why? What am I doing here?" now gesturing around the cavern, "Why haven't I been eaten yet? I don't get it! It's not like anything I know, why is that!?"

My but she had a temper. So much anger in that little vesicle. Had he really pissed her off so much? What a nuisance. Maybe he should have left her in the Forest… but then there was that damned Gypsy woman flashing behind his eyes again and he growled his eyes glowing darkly. He must have reminded her that he was a creature to be afraid of as whatever new found confidence she had gained suddenly left her at his growl and dark look. She was wary of him again, but this time not afraid, he could smell it. He decided to ignore her little outburst and continued with the beast. He really was being so nice to her, she had no idea. If she was but any other person than the Royal Fucking Princess he would have lost it by now and shut her up for good. Damn bitch.

The answer was… well he didn't have an answer. He honestly didn't know why he hadn't just disposed of her when he could have. Not that he still couldn't, but there was something preventing that. Maybe it was his realization of the Gypsies foretelling of his future and the overwhelmed felling he had the first time he got a good sniff of this little Princess. No, he really had no reason to keep her alive at all. He had thought of taking her, but when he had discovered who she was, all sexual desires were gone. All he needed was the damned Royal Army descending upon him when all he wanted was to be left the hell alone. But no, there was this brat to annoy him, not that he minded too much… but he would never admit that.

"Gajeel…please… Why are you doing this?" He ignored her still, but couldn't ignore the softness and almost sadness in her voice "I mean, why are you taking care of me? You're a Dragon and I am Human -" damn straight, at least she had that part right, "-don't Dragons eat people? -" What? "-Why am I not dead yet? What's the point of this-" she gestured to her arm, "-if you're just going to kill me in the end? I don't understand…" She lifted her head ad looked him straight in the eye, a faint flush to her cheeks. He couldn't tell if it was due to embarrassment or her sudden speech. They stared at each other as Gajeel paused in his work too take in what she had just said.

Finally he continued working, "I ain't gonna kill ya'," His voice was quiet, much quitter than she expected and she leaned forward to make sure she heard him, "Sure yer' annoying as hell, taking my bed and time and what not. But I ain't gonna kill ya' much less eat ya'. I don't kill if I don't have too." His voice was soft but firm on the last few words, "'sides, people don' really taste all that great." There was a hint of a smirk in his voice, but it was lost on the Princess.

"…Ok, but I still don't understand fully... Are Dragons not angry man eaters that take pleasure in rape and mutilation, death and destruction? Do Dragons not hoard things or steal gold or precious items? What about stories of fair maidens held against their will by Dragons who do terrible things to them and terrorize them until some brave knight comes and slays the Dragon?" She fidgeted slightly, "I've seen what you have in the back two caverns. I know not why you have the metal and armor, but you have the vast amounts of gold and treasures Dragons are said to hoard."

Gajeel shook his head. Humans, how pathetic, "Look, everything ya' think ya' know about Dragon's is wrong. We don't eat people, we don't go around terrorizing towns or farms, and we sure as hell don't give a damn about a princess in a fucking tower!"

Levy's brows pulled together in confusion, "Then what do you do?"

Gajeel sighed, "Believe it or not, we're protectors." He hesitated before sighing heavily and proceeding, he hadn't meant to respond, "Usually we don' get involved in the human's lives. Just kinda' watch from afar." He spoke slowly, as if picking his words from a collection of needles, "If we eat their animals it's because there's no other option and then we only take the old or sick. We 'ave the right to defend ourselves if someone attacks us fer' doing them a favor. And as for destroying towns or whatever. There 'ave only been a few rouge Dragons that 'ave ever intentionally attacked humans, and they usually get killed. I guess that's where yer' stories and knowledge of my kind comes from. As fer the hording, yeah it's just somethin' we Dragons do. " When did he become so talkative? What was this little girl doing to him? He snapped his jaw shut with an audible noise and focused once more

Levy sat in silence as Gajeel talked and continued with roasting the hare. What he was telling her didn't match anything she had been taught about Dragons, she had never heard anything about Dragons being "protectors." Protectors of what? And why? Even though he had answered her finally, she was left with more questions than before. As desperately as Levy wanted answers, she knew the Dragon's patience was nearly out and she did not wish to make him angry again. Levy pondered what he had spoken. If she was being honest, Gajeel's side sounded a lot more rational. Were humans as he said, a plague to the earth? Her mind raced through the history of Fiore as she was taught and tried to piece in what Gajeel had said, but nothing seemed to fit. Was there possibly a different story to be told, from a Dragon's point of view? Levy hung her head and frowned at her lap. If everything we know about Dragon's is wrong… then how many lives have been lost because of this misunderstanding, both human and Dragon? There was silence between them again. So many emotions and thoughts crashed around in Levy's brain that her head was beginning to hurt.

Finally, "How many Dragons are there?" she whispered the question, shattering the silence and gaining his attention in doing so. She was half hoping he didn't hear it, but he had, "I don't honestly know. Not many I'ma' guessin'."

"Gajeel?"

"What."

"Will you tell me more about Dragons?"

"What?"

"Will you te-"

"-Yeah yeah I heard ya the first time. Why in the name of the Gods would'ya wanna learn something like that?"

Levy paused for a moment, "Well, we obviously have different accounts of this lands history, I simply want to know your side of the story."

Gajeel stared at her in bewilderment. Never, in his centuries of living, had he heard such words uttered. He couldn't help but turn away from her, his expression dark.

"I'm sorry."

"Wha'? Sorry? What are ya' talking about?"

She looked up at him across the fire, and in her eyes the fire was reflected giving her warm brown eyes a shine that captivated him, "For everything. For the fact that we, I've, been so stupid for not finding out the truth, for the Dragons and people that have died because of it, for being stupid and getting lost in the Black Forest, for being here, being a burden on you with all my stupid, clumsy crap! For digging in where I don't belong, for… for… everything." Tears were sliding down her face now. Sniffling she whipped them away with the back of her hand trying to compose herself again.

Gajeel stared wide eyed at her. Unable to move, unable to breath, unable to comprehend what he had just heard. What the hell was going on? Why was she sorry? Besides the last little part, the rest had nothing to do with her at all, so why was she apologizing for something that was out of her control? And to a Dragon of all people… or beasts!?

"Gajeel…?"

He snapped back from his stupor when she said his name again, "…"

"Thank you. For doing this." She gestured to her arm," I don't really deserve it, and I have no idea how I can repay you, bu-"

"Shut up."

Surprised, Levy looked up at him again. He had his back turned to her again and wasn't looking at her. His shoulders were stiff and shaking slightly. She stared on, confused. "Gajee-"

"I said Shut Up!" It was an order that echoed around the cave with ferocity, so much so that she jumped and recoiled into the furs. He was really shaking now. A growl rose in his throat and his teeth bared. His hands fisted as his claws dug into his palms until they bled. He was angry.

The atmosphere in the cave changed almost instantly. So suddenly that it had her gasping for breath. The air snapped with electricity, the fire intensified and outside the sun was blocked out by thunder clouds that crashed overhead as a wind whistled threw the cave sending chills down Levy's spine. Gajeel bowed his head as a snarl ripped from his throat, his shoulder muscles so tense they rippled with his body tremors. Then, as suddenly as it all started, everything stopped. The air thinned again, the fire reduced to its normal size, the clouds vanished as the sun was shinning again. The breeze that blew seemed to come from the Dragon's mouth as he took a deep breath and let it out slowly, the tension in his body slowly leaving with the air from his lungs.

Levy sat terrified on the edge of the bed of furs. She had never felt so much raw, power, in her entire life and it scared her to think that this, this man before her had control over such a thing. Sure she had seen Jellal use his magic, but that was nothing like this. She realized she was quivering and bit her lip to make it stop. Her pupils dilated when the Dragon across the room moved. He went to far corner after a moment, the one that lead to his treasures and returned momentarily with several large metal shields and pieces of armor. Returning to the fire he sat on the cave floor near the furs but as far from her as possible leaning on them for support. His tail wrapped around his crossed legs and the wings at his back drooped as the Dragon rested against the mass of furs. Despite her ragging curiosity, Levy remained silent, fearing another out burst like before.

Laying the metal by his side he grabbed a piece and bit into it as if it were a piece of bread. The sound of teeth scraping metal hurt her ears and she clamped her hands over them in an effort to block out the sound. Then there was the crunching, like he was eating… well metal. Levy peered at him as he tossed the rest of that piece of armor into the air and caught it like a dog catching scraps the master tossed him. Chewing the metal scraps his eyes slipped over to her direction and caught her gaze with a hard glare. Realizing she was staring Levy quickly looked away, feeling her cheeks flush slightly. The sat in an uncomfortable silence for a long time, the only sound being hat of the Dragon eating and the fire crackling with the drips of juices from the rabbit over the flames.

Finally, Levy was able to relax when she heard the Dragon let out a sigh and a groan reaching behind his mane and rubbing his neck, having finishing his meal. She hadn't realized that she was hungry until the smell of roasting rabbit reached her nose – how had she not noticed it before - and her stomach suddenly came alive with several growls. She was suddenly starving, as it had been more than a day since she had last eaten.

Patting her stomach she smiled a little, "My stomach sounds like a hungry Dragon…" she mumbled under her breath.

Gajeel snorted where he was sitting and her smile grew at his remark to her joke. Finally they were getting somewhere. All she seemed to be capable of was pissing him off. He had said himself she was annoying and a burden. A few moments later the 'Dragon' was rumbling again. She could practically hear her companions mocking grin. Tucking her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around her legs she muttered for her stomach to shut up, trying to hide her embarrassment, bringing a contained laugh from the man on the floor.

"Ghihi" he had such a strange and evil sounding laugh.

"Oh hush. It's been more than a day since I ate anything…" She puffed up her cheeks and pouted glaring at the fire. "What'da think tha's fer?" He gestured at the cooking beast. Twisting around Gajeel to see her reaction he caught a look of her face. He paused with his mouth open as if he was just about to say something more. His eyes trailed over her face, the way the fire made her hair shine, the light in her eyes that glowed the color of rich honey, her petite nose and puffed up flushed cheeks, the little dimple in her chin that brought everything together into one...cute… package. He couldn't look away.

Levy heard what he had said. He had gone out and caught game for her. He was feeding her and taking care of her, healing her injuries and nursing her to full health. It was amazing really, for all she knew about Dragons, he was turning out to be something very different than what was expected. He had gone out of his way to make sure she was ok. Yet, she still didn't understand why!? Then, a thought hit her. What if, like herself, he didn't know why either? What if he had no answer but was too proud to admit that fact? She could see that being the case.

Despite her sudden realization, Levy had the feeling of being watched, and turned to find Gajeel staring openly at her, his mouth open to the point she could see the tips of his fangs, his eyes a little wide. As soon at their gazes met, he was facing forward again, but Levy swore on her mother's grave he was blushing. It wasn't the firelight, it was an actual blush. In a bold move, she crawled across the little fury distance between them and swung her legs over the edge of the fur bed, hissing when her feet touched the cold cave floor. Without turning his head Gajeel looked at her then away pointedly. Levy smirked at him. They sat together in silence as the hare finished roosting, Levy's mouth was watering more and more with every minute passing buy. Finally the dragon plucked the roasting stick up and tested the meat with a claw. Smirking he tore off a leg and held it out to her. Levy's eyes widened hungrily as she took the offered leg. It was warm to the touch, and a prefect caramelized brown color, juices dripping down the leg to the floor.

"It's hot-" Gajeel started to say but she bit down as the words left his mouth. He watched her rip into the meaty part of the leg, literally, with a surprised sort of satisfaction. Chuckling under his breath at the little woman's groaning happily as she chewed, he too dug in. True he didn't need the nourishment of the roasted beast, but it just felt right for the two of them to be eating together, but his stomach always felt better if he ate proper food after a mean of metal. Between the two of them they made short work of the oversized rabbit. The Dragon was taken aback by how much she wolfed down. She must have very been hungry. Wiping his mouth on the back of his hand he watched her flop backwards onto the furs with a happy "mmph."

"That was so good. I've never had anything better in my life." He grinned at her words, and tossed the stick he had roasted the rabbit on into the fire. Glancing at the entrance to the cave he gathered it was just afternoon by this time. The princess might not be able to tell the changes in the light of the hall that lead to the outside, but Gajeel could. If, she was strong enough, he would bring her back to the castle before dawn. Levy groaned again and yawned.

"Gihihi, Tired Shrimp?"

"Mmhmm, but I'm no shrimp." Was her sleepy reply. He looked over his shoulder at her. She was still flat backed on the bed where she had flopped. He smirked at her. Looking at the rest of the furs, if she moved a little to the right there would be enough room for the two of them. With a grunt he stood and stretched, giving a yawn of his own. After throwing another log on the fire so it would last, he stood before Levy. She had her eyes closed and mouth slightly ajar.

"Oi, ya' still here Princess?"

"Mmmmm."

"Gihihi, guess so." He grinned at her and bent forward, scooping her up in his arms for the second time that day and placing her so that he would have room to sleep in his bed too. Levy squealed when his gruff hands grabbed her and lifted her from her resting place. Fear shot through her veins as the wort scenarios played behind her eyes. But the Dragon mearly dumped her to the side, making room for himself. Yes, of course, this was his bed, and she was intruding, but did he have to manhandle her so? After setting her down, he grabbed the Snow Lion's pelt that she had been so fond of the day before, and lazily tossed it over her. He then leaned forward, and with a soft "Whump!" and a drawn out groan, he fell into the bed of furs. His wings folded neatly over his body like two great leathery black and silver blankets as he stretched his fingers into the many pelts and furs of the various animals, he cracked an eye at the princess

Levy was peering out at him from under the Snow Lion's fur, honey eyes reflecting the firelight as they gazed at each other. Suddenly she burst out in a grin that seemed to lighten the cave and Gajeel's whole world before a giggle rose in her throat. Smirking to himself absentmindedly he closed his eye again, thinking that he might miss the brats' company for a little while after he brought her back to the castle. Only a little.


It was the night breeze that woke the Dragon several hours later. He could smell the coming storm that was a few days out, but it was close enough to make the breeze colder and stonger, none the less fill the air with more moisture. He suddenly became aware of a warmth against his side and under his wing. He hadn't moved an inch from where he had spread out on his front. Opening his eyes, he looked down his studded nose at the white and blue mass that was curled up against his side. His nostrils flared as her scent washed over him. In seconds his eyes were rolling back in his head at the smell of her filling his nose. Dragon senses always were the most aware when just waking, and now that she couldn't see what he was doing, he let her scent affect him. It was her smell that had attracted him to her the other night when he first found her and it was that same smell the prevented him from leaving her there. He had never been so addicted to something in his life, he couldn't get her out of his head, and that smell wasn't helping. He couldn't place quite what it was, it was like nothing that he had ever come across before – fresh linins and mountain flowers, a waterfall of crystal clear and pure water, moonlight and freshly fallen snow – all things that were light, things that were good.

Things that were not like him, things that he could never be nor ever have.

Dipping closer to the crown of her head he allowed himself to take a deep inhale of her hair, his eyes fluttering at the overwhelming sensations tickling his nose and spreading down throughout his body. He let the breath out in a sigh and lifted himself onto his elbows to get a better look at her. She looked peaceful in her sleep, the firelight throwing color to her face, making her glow. Taking his weight off his right arm he reached out and used a claw to tuck a few strands of hair behind her ear so he could see her face clearly. He enjoyed watching her little body rise and fall with her steady breathing and stayed still for a while, simply watching her sleep as he had done the first night when he had brought her to his home. He really didn't want to wake her, but they were running out of time.

Smirking he rapped a knuckle against her forehead, "Oi, Shrimp. Wake up." His breath was but a whisper, loud enough for her to hear, but not enough to echo.

She didn't move, so he rapped her again. This time she frowned and nuzzled against his side hiding her face from him. His eyebrows shot up as her face pressed into his ribs. Frozen for a moment he struggled with what to do. He was aware of every detail of her face and features pressed against his scales. Curse his insane sense of tough. Eventually he put his hand on her shoulder and shook her lightly. This time she mumbled something and groaned.

"Oi, c'mon, wake up. Levy. Wake up!" He shook her again, a little harder this time. Finally she reached up and swatted at his hand. With an amused look he watched her roll on her back and stretch before opening her eyes and peering at him sleepily. A moment passed where the too just looked at each other. Suddenly realizing how close she was to him, she jerked away and looked at him with wide eyes. Instantly Gajeel missed the spot of warmth that left with her when she moved away from him. He gave her a look and she flushed.

"S-sorry. I – I got cold, and I – I didn't mean to get so close!" She looked bashful, and in his current state of mind he tossed her a teasing grin, his white teeth glinting in the firelight.

"Gihihi! Yer' warm Shrimp." Her flush deepened and she pulled the Snow Lion pelt to cover her face, only making the dragon laugh again. "C'mon, get up. It's time to take ya' back to where ya' belong." His voice changed from amusement to something more somber.

"But, it's still dark out." The white pelt said. Looking at her he couldn't help but smirk a little. "Yeah, that's so on one see's ya' with 'the big bad dragon' an' tries ta' kill me to 'save' ya', gihihi."

Her eyes appeared over the white fur, they were wide and shining as she looked at him, "Yeah… I guess that makes sen-*Yawn*-se. Goodness…" Her eyes disappeared again as she attempted to hide under the fur.

Standing Gajeel reached for the roof of the cave, groaning as he stretched opening one wing and then the other to their full length to remove the sleep from all of his limbs. Turning back to the bundle of white he grabbed a handful of the pelt and jerked it off the person underneath.

"Hey! Gajeel!"

"Gihi, this is the third and last time I'ma say it. Get. Up. We haven't got all day."

"…ugh, fine, but you didn't have to be a jerk about it," She pouted as she stretched and stood.

Gajeel just rolled his eyes and made for the cave entrance, sticking his head out and looking about. He flinched when he felt something poke him in the side. Looking under his arm, he sneered and stepped out of the cave, the Princess following close behind him as she was eager to see where they were. Levy let out a gasp when she looked out from the ledge they were on. Below and before them stretched the vastness of the Black Forest which seemed to glow in an earie purplish light. The trees were all around them on the mountainside, of which Levy figured they were only half way up, only thinning a little around the ledge. Far, far in the distance, over the hunting fields she could see the dark outline of the Castle against the grey of the fields. The other night she hadn't realized how far from the Castle they really were, but now she understood there must be a good three or four miles separating her and her home.

Turning to look at the man at her side Levy spoke in a voice no louder than a whisper, "How… how on earth…? What? I… I… !" The dragon grinned and pointed to her left, turning Levy saw a small path just big enough for one person to walk through. She looked back at Gajeel, "We… we're going to walk all that way? In the Black Forest? In the dark!?

The dragon threw his head back and roared with laughter the dark sound echoing off the mountainsides and around the valey that made up the western edge of the Fiore landscape. Frustrated and slightly embarrassed, Levy flushed and pouted at him. After a moment Gajeel regained his breath, and grinned at her.

"Of course not, that would take way too long. I only walk when I hunt, and not even at that. No Princess… we're gonna' fly!"

She gasped, He rolled his eyes and opened his arms to her, "'Mere." She looked at him strangely, What? Did he really expect her to willingly go into him arms? Like they were lovers or something? Well, yes, by the bored look on his face and exasperated twitch to his lip she was expected to do just that. Slowly she moved to stand close to him, looking up and holding his gaze as he picked her up like the Princess she was. They're faces were close but that didn't seem to bother either, as she was still flushed while he was still amusedly smirking at her.

"Don't freak out, 'kay? Us Dragons can do some pretty freaky shit…" She nodded slowly.

From behind Gajeel the leathery black wings opened with a sharp snap. Levy openly gaped at the wings protruding from his shoulders, spanning a good thirty some feet tip to tip. Without hesitation she took one had from around his neck and traced her fingers over the muscle of one of his wings, feeling the softness and the suppleness of the leathery skin-like material. Her expression clearly said 'what?' but she didn't ask. Gajeel Smirked.

"Oi," she turned back to him. "Hold on tight to me ya'?" She nodded embarrassedly and returned her hand to the back of his neck, and closing her eyes tightly. His smirk grew a little at that.

Moving to the edge of ledge and crouching close to the ground his wings closing close to his body, Gajeel sprang high into the air. Levy gasped as she felt their bodies rise shortly then began to fall through the chilly early morning air. There was a loud snapping sound, like when snapping a leather belt together, then the sound of air moving quickly and they weren't falling anymore. Slowly she opened her eyes and glanced around. They were sailing smoothly through the air, Gajeel's easily coast yards above the tree tops, only having to flap a few times to keep them aloft. Wide eyed she looked down below them, watching the forest fly by as a massive blur of black and purple. Looking ahead at where they were going she was surprised to see the end of the forest approaching quickly, then the openness of the fields, they were covering ground at an unbelievable pace, faster than any horse faster than any messenger hawk, than any arrow leased from an archer's bow; faster than Levy thought was possible.

Looking back at Gajeel, she grinned at him. Taken aback, he blinked a few times before grinning back. Her eyes said faster, and she gripped his neck a little tighter, not in fear, but excitement. He obliged her and sped up. Levy squealed in merriment, and Gajeel's laugh joined her over the last of the tree tops and bursting out onto the fields of open, gently rolling hills. Soon her squeals turned to laughs as well, her voice singing out across the land like that of ringing bells, a sweet and innocent laugh that had Gajeel's stomach flipping over.

All too soon the Castle was right before them and their laughter died both because they didn't want to be discovered and it meant that the fun was over. Levy pointed out her privet balcony and he smoothly maneuvered so that no guards saw as they slipped through the grayness of the predawn, until he hovered just above the balcony. Slowly setting down on the wall, his wings folding close to his body as he jumped down to the stone floor of the balcony. He set her down softly in front of himself, but didn't let go of her. To both of their surprise, Levy didn't mind and sloly placed her hands over his forearms, squeezing his taught flesh slightly, eyes wavering.

Instead of leaving her there as he had planned, they looked at each other for a long while. Was this not the same woman he had found near death in the Black Forest just days before? Was she not someone he should despise for the atrocities of his past interactions with her race? No. Something more had passed between them now. Something primal and deep. It was the same feeling in his chest as when he had smelled her for the first time. He was addicted and wasn't going to quit anytime soon. Hesitantly, he reached for her face and lightly cupped her cheek in his massive palm letting his fingers work into her silky smooth hair. She leaned into his hand, placing her own hand over his.

Neither was smiling now. Levy felt something in her heart that wish she could stay with the Dragon a little longer to learn more about him and his kind. She still had so many questions that she wanted answers too. Neither wanted the other to leave the other behind. Strange, that just a day ago this Princess was cowering in fear from that Dragon, the monster of her nightmares, and now here she was trying to convince herself that letting him go was the best thing. He was after all, a Dragon, and she a Princess who had to be wed in a few short months to save herself and her Kingdom. She wasn't allowed to run away on some wild adventure like the one's she loved reading about, with a Dragon none the less. Her heart pulled suddenly in her chest and she placed her free hand over it, seemingly to keep it in place. This just couldn't be how it ended…

"Gajeel…"

"Yea'?"

"Can…. Can I, see you again? I want to know more about Dragons, about you really…"

He cocked his head and gave her a look, "Sure."

"R-really!? That makes me happy."

"Yea', me too…"

She held his gaze for another moment, a thought burning in her mind.

"Ya' better go Shorty, I'm sure people've been lookin' for ya' and are mighty worried that a Dragon might've gotten' a hold of ya'" He was smirking now, and she giggled pressing her cheek harder against his hand as his fingers played with her hair claws gently scraping across her scalp in a pleasant way. Neither moved even though they both knew they had too, but didn't want to be the one that said goodbye first.

Finally, Gajeel's Dragon instincts were telling him dawn was coming sooner than he had expected and he needed to go, now. The world around them was already a warm gray with the pending sun rise. With a last smile he pulled his hand from hers and made for the balcony wall, his smile fading as soon as she was out of his sight.

"Gajeel wait!"

He had one foot on the wall and was just about to step off to fall into flight when she called him back. Looking over his shoulder, he turned back to her only to find she wasn't there any longer. She was much closer, right under his nose actually. He caught her big honey-brown eyes for half a second before she stretched up on her tip toes and kissed him sweetly on the cheek.

He froze, stunned.

Setting back on her heals, her face beginning to redden she opened her mouth, "Thank you. For everything!" Then she was gone. He heard the opening and closing of her balcony door, but didn't move. His mind was blank. For a long moment he just stood there frozen.

His instincts screamed at him that the sun was far too close, and his red eyes lifted too lock on the door that led to her room, to her. He had the momentary overwhelming desire to burst in and snatch her away to his lair once more, but he turned away and nimbly dove off the wall, his wings catching him and silently carrying him around the castle grounds and back towards his mountain.


:O i should be posting chapter 2 sooner than this second part. It's thanksgiving tomorrow so that means 4 day weekend! not that i have a crap ton of home work to do or anything hahahha! R&R Love you all! UNTIL NEXT TIME!