Hey guys! Firstly, I would like to apologize for any emotional trauma I caused by the last chapter hahaha, I love Wendy, I can't believe I did that, but I didn't want to make up some character, I just don't think it would have been as effective.

Thank you for your continued support, I hope you guys are enjoying it just as much as I am writing it (when you're not cursing me of course!)

So here's the next chapter! :)

Chapter Seven: Elusive Happiness

The man turned in his chair, the shadows clinging to the dark contours of his face, and calmly addressed the woman standing before him.

"What do you mean 'not exactly', Flare?" Calm seemingly oozed from him but the woman before him knew better.

She shifted her weight and warm blood trickled from the gaping wound in her shoulder, her dress was torn in multiple places and she swayed unsteadily on her feet.

"The traitor," she hissed, "he protected her."

"Gajeel Redfox," he snarled, baring his teeth instantly knowing who the red woman was referring to.

His fist smashed down into the table and was accompanied with the loud crack of splintering wood and suddenly he was in front of the now quivering woman. She flinched back and braced herself for a fate that was bound to be similar to the table's.

"And I suppose he's not exactly dead either, is he, Flare dear?"

She didn't dare lift her head. He grabbed her jaw roughly and yanked her face to his, "useless," he spat, before throwing her back from him, smirking as she collided forcefully with the wall and slumped to the floor, a tangled mess of limbs.

She desperately swallowed her whimper as her shoulder smarted painfully but he paid her no heed, seemingly enveloped by his thoughts.

Gajeel. Gajeel fucking Redfox. How dare he, perhaps he was in need of another lesson, but no, right now Levy was his priority. Fiore didn't need a simpering woman on the throne nor an old fool long past his prime. No. This Kingdom needed someone stronger, someone braver, someone unstoppable and Ivan Dreyar was going to give them that ruler. A sinister smile teased his lips. But just how was he going to get that damn wench out of the palace and out of that traitorous bastard's protection?

"Say Flare, dear?"

"Yes master?" She answered through gritted teeth.

"Who does Levy seem to be closest with? You were there with her long enough, were you not?"

"The princess is very popular among her watchdogs sir, she is close with most."

"I did not ask how many. I asked who in particular."

His fist raised suddenly and he loomed over her menacingly. Flare swallowed and the fire died within her, now was not the time for her to grow a conscience.

"Lucy, sir."

She closed her eyes knowing she'd just condemned the exuberant blonde she'd seen most with Levy.

"Lucy Heartfilia."

Levy smoothed out her skirts and looked at her appearance in the mirror as she tucked an errant lock behind her small ear. Nerves bubbled within her, Gajeel was already meant to be here to escort her so where was he?

Not for the first time she toyed with the idea that he wouldn't come. Ever since that night in the infirmary she hadn't seen too much of him. He had needed to recover and Levy had the dreaded council meetings to attend to as Fiore's heir, but she could sense something had shifted between the pair of them, she just couldn't discern what it was exactly. She knew she had feelings for him, but she was less certain that he returned them. He was an enigma she couldn't fully comprehend, at least not yet. She feared he would push her away again, after only just letting her in.

She chewed her lip anxiously and smoothed out her skirts yet again, the pink fabric rippling beneath her small hands. A knock sounded and her stomach flipped.

"Oi, you ready Shrimp?"

She rolled her eyes at the nickname and moved to the door after throwing one last anxious look at herself in the mirror.

"Gajeel" she greeted, smiling warmly but a little uncertainly. His eyes locked with hers before travelling down her small form to take in her appearance. She wore a stunning dress of dark pink with beautiful lace resembling small roses embellishing the bodice before spreading out and down at her hips to sweep the floor. He swallowed audibly and she smirked, a light blush dusting her cheeks due to his blatant scrutiny. She took in his own appearance and her blush darkened. He wore dark britches with a green waistcoat embroidered with gold thread, and a long jacket. His raven black hair was gathered at the nape of his neck and flowed down his back.

Levy's heart fluttered nervously in her chest, he looked so...well.. handsome. He cleared his throat and silently offered her his arm which she took with a smile before they made their way through the palace to the open courtyard, where yet another ball was to be held.

There were considerably less people this time, Levy observed, and Makarov himself was present. He chatted casually with the eldest Lady Strauss who wore her beautiful smile as always, but a certain tiredness clung to her shoulders. It was thought some time ago that Mirajane Strauss would be the one to tame Laxus Dreyar's heart. They had seemed quite enamored with one another and so when he left two years ago, it had come as quite a shock to everyone and Mira had become more subdued and withdrawn. Levy felt a pang of loss as she thought of her cousin. He had always been a strong figure whom she admired and respected but he was also the one who had taught her how to ride and offered comfort when she longed for her mother. She had never truly understood why he had left, yes he had fought often with Makarov but to leave? He had eventually pushed Levy away before his departure but, even so, she still longed for his return, if not for the slightly selfish reason of being free from becoming a ruler but also because she missed him and his electric personality.

Levy moved her eyes from Mirajane and regarded the scene before her. The sun was setting and it painted the sky in brilliant hues of orange and yellow, effectively bathing the stone courtyard in golden light. Beautiful flowers bloomed around them and scented the soft, warm breeze of the evening. Music drifted through the air as people chatted and laughed and Levy's worries were almost completely forgotten until she noticed the amount of guards standing high above them on the battlements, fervently searching for any signs of attack. Levy sighed deeply and turned her gaze to the dark forest where she spotted Pantherlily emerging from the dense trees. He padded up to them and butted Gajeel in the leg before rubbing his large head on Levy's skirts. She chuckled softly and scratched the panther's great chin before he wandered off to bask in the sun's dying heat.

The small ensemble struck up a happier tune and suddenly Natsu was pulling a laughing Lucy to her feet and twirling her around the courtyard, her stunning purple dress flowed out behind her, along with her long blonde hair. Levy smiled at the pair's antics before turning to watch Erza as she spun a visiting lord of the name Jellal Fernandes. Typical she smirked. The man in question looked rather green as he spun but also pleased with the scarlet haired woman's attentions nevertheless. She caught sight of Juvia then, who looked to be melting in Gray's arms as he clutched her to him and she giggled at the sight before her massive guard, Elfman, captured her attention as he twirled Lady Evergreen out before gathering her in his arms again. Levy admired his bravery, Evergreen was one scary woman. The couples moved adroitly, in perfect rhythm to the flowing music as the remaining guests looked on in awe.

"Hey," Gajeel started, interrupting Levy's fixation on the dancing and she looked to him in surprise, a blush already creeping onto her cheeks.

Was he going to ask her to dance?

She swallowed nervously, "Yes?"

"Just so you know, I ain't gonna dance!"

"Well no one asked you to," she snapped in irritation. Of course he wouldn't, you idiot Levy!

She glowered now at the dancing but seeing how Lucy shone with happiness as she laughed with Natsu, quickly lightened her mood.

Just then Jet started making his way over to her, smiling warmly with a purposeful set to his shoulders. Levy turned to greet him but suddenly she was plucked off her feet and was whirling through the air, her hair escaping its tight updo. However she was quickly snapped back into a familiar pair of warm arms and a solid chest. She peeked up at Gajeel who was determinedly and deliberately looking everywhere and anywhere but at her and her traitorous heart swelled with happiness. The music slowed once more and the various couples moved closer together, spinning gracefully to the beautiful tune. Gajeel's hand rested easily on Levy's waist and the warmth emanated through the fabric of her gown to her skin. He pulled her closer and she rested her cheek on his chest feeling utterly content with the world as he led her through the dance when suddenly a rumbling growl tore through the soft music.

Levy's head snapped back from where it was resting, as Gajeel swiveled to face his panther, Levy still tightly encased in his arms.

Lily stood at the edge of the courtyard, his fur raised and his claws out, snarling at a barely visible figure standing before the cover of the forest. He was dressed all in black and blended almost perfectly with his dark surroundings. A crossbow was already raised and pointed and before anyone had a chance to react it was hurtling through the air. Gajeel pulled Levy behind him as she cried out in fear and warning but it was too late. The music jarred to a halt as a loud scream of pain ripped through the air and birds burst from the previously peaceful courtyard, flapping their wings furiously in their desperation to flee.

The horrific sound stole Levy's breath as she snapped her head towards the source and her worst fears were confirmed. Lucy had collapsed to the ground with Natsu clutching her body.

"Luce! Oh god, Luce! Please Luce, please, no, NO!" Natsu yelled, panic seeping into his already desperate tone.

A strangled sob escaped Levy's throat as she tore herself from Gajeel's grasp and threw herself at her best, most beloved friend.

Lucy's beautiful purple dress was stained now with the blood that ran from the crossbow's bolt that protruded from her left hip. Her face was drained of color and her breath came in short gasps. Tears streamed down Levy's face as she grasped Lucy's hand tightly in her own. She felt a familiar looming presence behind her and heard a sudden sharp intake of breath. She turned to look up at Gajeel who's face had suddenly contorted into an expression of rage and grief. A bellow tore from his lips and he pivoted abruptly before pelting towards the thin figure who was already melting into the trees. Gajeel's panther raced behind him, close at his heels, an equally feral snarl clawing its way up his throat.

The feather. That unmistakable black feather of a raven's tail that only one person used. And that one person had been the very one who had taken Wendy from him. His feet pounded the earth as he willed himself to run faster, driven by his blood lust. The tall, thin man's snake-like eyes had glimmered with malice as his black lips had split into a twisted smile, he was pleased that the traitor had recognized his trademark arrow.

Gajeel tore blindly through the forest, attempting to follow his great cat, but Pantherlily could not get the scent. Gajeel bellowed in rage and anguish again and slammed his first into a nearby tree. Sobs threatened to wrack his body as grief and trauma overwhelmed him. Again. He'd lost the bastard again. Although Ivan had ordered it, that sick bastard had been the one to carry it out. Gajeel had sworn he'd make him suffer just as Wendy had and again he could not keep his oath.

"I'm sorry," he hissed "Wendy, I'm sorry." He pushed himself to his feet again and lurched off in the direction he prayed Kurohebi had taken.

Levy paused, clinging tightly to the darkness of the walls and held her breath as the voices drifted past. As their footsteps faded she picked up her skirts and hurried towards the kitchens.

The palace was eerily silent in the early hours of the morning after this evening's traumatic events. Lucy had lost a great deal of blood but Porlyusica was convinced the girl would be fine in good time. Levy was relieved that her beloved confidante would be okay but an unbearable guilt warred with her and she couldn't ignore her traitorous thoughts.

That would never have happened if you weren't around.

People are risking their lives for you, how many more need to dance with Death because of you?

She bit her lip to restrain her tears and slipped quietly through the kitchens, grabbing a few items of food and stuffing them into her small haversack. She spotted a servant's uniform, forgotten on a table, and quickly snatched it up before pushing the back door open into the cool night.

Thunder rumbled through the sky as lightning flashed and Levy jerked the hood of her cloak upwards as she stepped out into the pouring rain. Large droplets of rain pelted the ground as she dashed for the stables with the wind furiously tugging at her hair until she reached the great wooden doors. She pushed them open cautiously, wearily scanning the building for any signs of the stablehand. When no one intercepted her, she slipped down between the various stalls pausing only to look at the great brown beast who had thrown Gajeel all that time ago.

Gajeel.

He still hadn't returned that night. His haunting cries had echoed from the forest and she suspected that the thin man who had shot Lucy and previously attacked Jet, was the man who had taken that kind little girl from Gajeel. Her heart clenched painfully even now for him.

It had been such a perfect evening, but the laughter that had bubbled from her lips, only hours ago, as she had twirled in Gajeel's arms, was a foreign and distant memory to her now.

She turned from the stall and sought out her own mare.

"Hey," she greeted softly as she took the saddle from the stall door and opened it.

The small, light brown colored horse whickered in greeting and pushed her long nose into Levy's hand. Levy hurriedly saddled her up and led her towards the entrance of the stables. The horse hesitated before the door as lightning ripped through the sky once more, and neighed loudly in fear. She stamped her hoof and snorted and Levy desperately tried to calm her, afraid that someone would hear.

"Please Parchment, hush! I need your help girl, please," she placed her forehead on the horse's shoulder and threw her arms around her warm neck taking comfort in the warmth that exuded from the animal.

Come on Levy, pull yourself together, she hissed to herself. She put her foot in the stirrup and swung herself up onto the horse's back and nudged her forward out into the rain. A light flared suddenly by the stables and Levy cursed in panic.

"Hey! Who's there!?" came the outraged cry.

Levy spurred her horse into action without a moment's hesitation and they cantered across the muddy field her cloak billowing behind her. The rain, like sharp needles, stung her face but concealed her tears as they sped towards the dark forest and away from the great palace.

Cliffhangers oh how I love them! Heehee did anyone think I was going to kill poor Lucy too? Don't worry though, I promise I won't be the George R.R Martin of Fanfiction, we'll have enough Fairy Tail emotional pain from this new arc!

This week's manga chapter made me squeal very loudly in happiness and surprise and also impatience for Gajeel to be reunited with a certain blue haired mage! Can it just be Monday already!?

I also made a hilarious edit (if I do say so myself) on tumblr of Jason Momoa as Gajeel btw, you guys should take a look! Consider it an easter present along with this chapter ;D

Until next week (hopefully!) Happy Easter!