Chapter four! Yay! Sorry about the late posting, but I'm trying to get everything ready to move to Kentucky! It's so exciting to move somewhere entirely new! Hope that you enjoy!~

Undergrounders

Chapter 4

Gajeel watched Levy from the corner of his eyes as he drove toward the hangout. She was still trembling, and fear was evident in her body. Yet, the determination in her eyes was set, and he knew that there was no turning back. She had wanted to meet with Makarov, and after calling to make sure that the old man would stick around a bit longer, they were on their way.

She had yet to say anything more, but he figured that her fear was keeping her quiet. He had tot admit, when she had started getting sick, he was sure that she needed to go to the hospital, but Bunny-Girl had assured him that it was just her nerves. That Levy had spent so much time running from groups, suddenly changing her mind to thinking about accepting one, her body naturally wanted to reject the idea. It was most likely bringing up old memories, and a natural fear that everything could very well repeat.

"So...What's Makarov like?" The murmured question startled him, so it took him a moment to think of the right thing to say.

"Well, he thinks of everyone in the group as his "brats". He sees everyone as a member of his family and will go to any length to protect them. He's goofy, rarely serious, and nothing but a perverted drunk. However, if anyone messes with any of us...He can turn scary. He's tiny, but whenever he's in a rage it's equivalent of a giant going on a rampage. I think you'll like him, and I already have a feeling that he'll like you." The answer was simple, and it seemed to satisfy her. He noticed that she even relaxed some in the passenger seat.

"What about...some of the other members?" That brought a laugh out of him.

"That you'll have to figure out on your own, Shrimp. No way I could explain about all the members except that they are all crazy in their own ways. We have drunks, brawlers, lunatics, timid members, and some that look like cinnamon buns but could kill you for looking at them wrong!" He barked out in laughter, looking over to see her staring at him in surprise.

"That sounds...different?"

"We're not a regular group, far from it. Fairy Tail is filled with nothing but misfits who were just looking for a place in this world. Some of us have some dark pasts that we'd like to forget, and others just ran away from lives that weren't made for them. Fairy Tail is a home that will accept anyone who is looking for a place to call theirs." He couldn't keep the pride out of his voice, hell he could recall the time he had loathed Fairy Tail. But now, it was his home and family, something that he would defend with his life.

"I wouldn't have thought that the number one group, would be like that." Her whispered thought caused him to blink, and give a sigh before looking over at her.

"Not many groups are, I only know a handful like ours, and even still they're rough around the edges. However, we've come to notice the lower a group is in ranking, the more dangerous they are. We've always tried to help those that wanted to get away from those groups, but...sometimes we don't make it in time." His hand tightened on the steering wheel before he shook his head and gave her a tight smirk.

"But enough of that, we're here." He eased the vehicle over to a curb beside an alley way and cut off the engine. He waited until she got her bearings before opening his car door and stepping around to meet her on the other side of the car.

"What's that music I hear?"

"Most likely a group party. Fairy Tail is known for them."

Making sure that she remained by his side, he strode into the alley and felt his body relaxing as the music became louder and louder. As well as some muffled shouts and screams, looks like a group brawl had started as well.

"Is that...Fighting? Maybe we should..."

"Easy, Shrimp. That's normal as well. Just stick close so nothing goes flying at you." He cut in, finally reaching an entrance at the end of the alley and slamming his fist against the large door. Smirking as a little hatch and light colored eyes peeked out.

"Yo, Elfman. I have some business with Makarov." He announced, motioning with his eyes to the petite woman at his side and waited as the slab closed and the door opened up. Revealing a large, hulking man that had Levy taking a half-step back.

"He's up in his office with Laxus. Careful of the fight, Natsu and Gray started this one." He sighed out, before giving a smile to Levy. A look over his shoulder saw that she was staring up at the man in surprise before watching as Elfman extended his hand.

"Elfman. I'm both a bouncer and a fighter within the group. I have two sisters that you'll most likely meet later."

"Levy. Nice to meet you." She whispered while shaking his hand before following Gajeel in and waited until they was out of the man's hearing before she tugged at his wrist.

"He acts so different from the way he looks." She spoke in awe, causing him to huff.

"Elfman is nothing but a big teddy bear. Only time he gets heated is when someone insults his sisters, then he's all talk about being a man." He laughed out, before tugging her closer as something slammed against the wall before them. Looking over the crowd, he gave a quick look over to see that the item had been thrown from the bar. Meaning that it was rather Bixlow, Cana, or Freed that had thrown it. He knew that Freed wasn't one to get involved in the brawls, and Cana looked too drunk to toss anything, meaning that the tall, laughing man slamming his fist on the bar was the man who had chucked the item. He'd keep that bit of information for later.

"This way, Shrimp." He stated, nudging her toward some steps. Smirking as she watched the brawl with fascination, and knew that she had to be surprised. No one was serious in their fighting, they were all laughing and just rough housing with one another. It was nothing but all good fun!

Once they were up the steps, he lead her down a short hallway and stopped outside the second door on the left before waiting for her to nod before knocking on the door. Crossing his arms across his chest when it opened to reveal Laxus, and he gave a mental sigh as he felt Levy tense at his side.

While Elfman was kind and gentle despite his bulk, he couldn't say the same about Laxus. The man was as much a hard ass as he looked, even if he wouldn't ever raise a hand against anyone in the guild, or someone seeking help. Still, there was no way to ease her on this one since he was someone she was going to have to talk with, along with Makarov.

"Come on in, but be quiet. Gramps is on the phone with another group." Laxus murmured, stepping aside so they could enter. Gajeel felt his lips tug down as he stared at the blond man.

"There's no fights scheduled. Why is he talking with another group?" He whispered, tensing as Laxus used to his eyes to motion to Levy, who was thankfully busy studying the books that lined the shelves of the office.

Gajeel stared at her for a moment, before turning to face the door that lead into Makarov's office, which was thankfully sound proof so no sound of talking reached them. If Levy was involved with this conversation, then that meant Phantom Lord already knew that she was here. He knew it was most likely those bastards from Grimoire Heart that allowed the information to slip, and it pissed him off to no end.

"Is something wrong?" The whispered question from Levy caused him to glance at her, then to Laxus who shrugged his shoulder. Giving a sigh while running a hand through his mane of black hair, Gajeel faced her and shook his head.

"Those goons from the other day seemed to have given your message to the leader of Phantom Lord. Makarov is in his office speaking to him now." He grumbled, watching as the color drained from her face, and she took a shaky step backwards.

"What...What does that mean?" He hated the fear in her voice, and wanted nothing more than to sooth her worries, but there was no way to answer.

"It means, my child, that you can decide whatever you wish." The calm voice of Makarov caused Gajeel to look over as the imp sized man strode into the room, a beam on his old, wrinkled face. Looking over at Levy, her obvious surprise told him that she hadn't been expecting Makarov to be this docile.

"But...Phantom Lord..."

"Knows better than to try anything with us, unless they wish to go further down the line of group fighters. If you wish for Fairy Tail's protection, or to work as a waitress, or even become a fighter yourself, then they will never touch you again. They so much as look at you wrong and we'll remind them who protects you. Your future is all up to you, although I suspect that if you don't want all of Fairy Tail to protect you, one still will." Gajeel scowled as Makarov gave an approving look in his direction, and shrugged when Levy looked at him as well.

"Well..I was hoping...To see about the waitress job." She whispered, and Gajeel looked over with a frown as he saw her trembling. Her arms crossed tightly over her chest, and giving a smile so forced he wouldn't be surprised to know that her muscles were straining.

"My child, why are you so nervous? No one here will do you any harm. You have my word." Makarov voiced, stepping closer to the woman as she sunk into a chair and inhaled deeply.

"It's just...As you probably guess...I haven't had the best luck with any group. So my nerves aren't up for even being here." She got out, and Gajeel wondered if maybe she was pushing herself a bit too far. It wasn't good to push your body toward something it wasn't ready for.

"Levy, how about you just hang around for today? See what the waitresses we already have deal with, and then decide if you can handle it. There is no need to jump right into things, and no one will think anything of it." Makarov suggested, taking one of her hands in his and patting it gently. The action seemed to calm her some, and she gave a nod before looking around at them. Seeming at a lost as to how to get started, and Gajeel stepped forward.

"I'll go ahead and get you back downstairs and show you the areas where the brawls don't reach. Besides, I still have to get Bickslow back for chucking that mug from earlier." He growled, giving a smirk that actually had a small smile appearing on her face before giving a nod. She stood, but seemed to hesitate for a moment before bending down and wrapping Makarov in a hug.

"Thank you so much for the opportunity." She whispered, pulling back to match his smile with one of her own, before she gave a small wave to Laxus. Who merely gave a nod in return before moving to his desk and pulling some papers out of the desk.

"If you have any questions, feel free to approach." Laxus muttered, already scribbling across the papers while Levy gave a sound of understanding. Gajeel waited until she gave a nod that she was ready, before opening the door again and leading her out.

Levy watched in fascination as Gajeel and a man named Bickslow went at it. Both of them were well built, but Gajeel had more bulk where Bickslow was more lean muscle. They weren't pulling their punches, but at the same time both of them were laughing and carrying on as if they were merely just giving one another friendly taps instead of full blown hits.

It was both fascinating and intimidating to watch. Pulling her gaze away from the brawl that had other members placing bets, she caught sight of one of the waitresses. A young woman not much older than her, with short purple hair, and wearing a green, yellow and white dress. If she recalled, her name was Kinana, and she was moving easily through the rowdy crowd. Refilling drinks, taking orders, keeping tabs, and all the while talking with everyone in a way that made her slightly envious. It was obvious that even the waitresses were considered family, and the bond between everyone was something else entirely. Although, she had come to realize that Kinana had some sort of soft spot for a certain member, he was tall, mocha skin, maroon hair, with a dark magenta eye, and the other forced closed due to a scar.

She believed that he went by Cobra, since he had refused a few members placements of bets against Bickslow and Gajeel when they had shouted the name. He was sitting beside a man who was peacefully snoozing away, his black and white hair hiding any facial features that she could see, other than the fact that he was pale. Like porcelain pale.

"Is there anything I can get you?" The sudden question had her jumping, and looking over her shoulder shyly. Blinking as she saw a young woman with shockingly deep scarlet colored hair, a kind smile, curious brown eyes and wearing a regular outfit. That was another thing that had surprised Levy, none of the waitresses wore outfits, just regular clothes.

"Uh..No, no. I'm fine." She whispered, watching as the woman blinked before tilting her head slightly.

"Forgive me for being nosy, but I noticed that you came in earlier with Gajeel. May I ask your connection with him?" Levy shifted slightly, all to aware of the curious gazes that had been directed at her since she had arrived at Gajeel's side.

"He's helping me out, is all. Since I have no where to go, he thought maybe I could get a job here. I haven't decided yet." She whispered, watching as the woman blinked before giving a smile.

"I see. Well, if you do decide to join, you will be more than welcomed. I'll be back with a smoothie, which kind would you like?"

"What? No, I..I don't have any jewels..."

"First one is on the house, and I won't take no for an answer." Levy blanched at the commanding tone, and found herself stiffening as she realized who she was talking to. Honestly, her red hair should have given her away, but the waitress was none other than Erza Scarlet! Better known as Titania among the Undergrounders.

"Um...Vanilla is fine." She whispered, watching as the woman smiled before giving a nod and walking away. Levy couldn't take her eyes off the woman as multiple questions shot through her mind. Mainly along the lines as to why the strongest female among all the female fighters, rivaled only by Sabertooth groups own Minerva, was busting tables in her group!?

"Levy! You actually came!" The happy tone, as well as arms suddenly wrapping around her caused her to look over her shoulder in shock at Lucy. She was still wearing the same clothes that she had worn at the apartment, but easily took the seat next to her, making her certain that she wasn't working that night.

"Yeah. My nerves are still a little shaken, but I don't think I have anything to worry about with this group." She whispered, looking over at the bar where Erza was making her milkshake before turning to Lucy.

"Uh, Lucy? I thought the only ones who could become waitresses were non-fighters?" She asked, watching as Lucy blinked before following her gaze to the bar where Erza was making another milkshake and placing it beside Levy's.

"That may be true in most groups, but some of the women fighters here like to bust the tables for a little extra jewels. Female fighters usually don't fight as much as the men, and even when they do the bet prices aren't as high. The only time Erza really banks and jewels from a fight is when she goes against Minerva, or inside the guild when one of the men challenge her." Lucy explained, beaming at the woman in question as she made her way over and placed the vanilla shake in front of Levy and a strawberry one in front of Lucy.

"Lucy, I'm surprised that you decided to come tonight since it's your first night off in a while." Erza commented, and Levy watched as Lucy waved it away before beaming at the woman.

"I can't stay away! Besides, I knew that Levy was suppose to stop by and thought a familiar face would help her some. Especially since any time Gajeel steps into the group there's a hundred percent chance of him sparring with someone." The laugh that left the women had Levy looking back over at Gajeel, who was smirking over Bickslow as the man finally waved him away in surrender. Causing some of the members to groan at the loss of their bet and others to cheer.

A look around showed her that everyone was talking, laughing, or just enjoying themselves in some way. It was completely different from the other groups that she had been drug into! This one had a soothing atmosphere and made her feel comfortable around these people, even though they were complete strangers! Nibbling on her lower lip, she took a sip from her milkshake and then glanced over to Lucy.

"Um..Lucy? Can you come with me to talk with Makarov or Laxus again? I...I want to become a waitress here. As well...As well as possibly accept the Fairy Tail mark." She whispered, watching as both women stared at her for a moment before they both beamed.

"You wish to actually join? Wonderful! When you get your mark we must celebrate in true Fairy Tail fashion." Erza exclaimed, turning away and moving toward the bar as she waved to the barista.

"Are you sure this is what you want, Levy?" Lucy asked, and she turned to the woman. Smiling as she nodded and watched as some of the worry faded from those chocolate orbs.

"Very well then, let's go talk to Makarov."