Race For Love

Chapter 1

Fairy Glitter

It was a cold spring morning at Magnolia racetrack. The grounds were silent, the only noise that could be heard were the horses and Levy McGarden's riding boots on the cobble stone. Levy wore a white long sleeve with a orange vest and tan riding pants. She opened the barn door and the scent of dust and hay filled her nose, she loved it more than books but never told anyone. She walked three stalls down to her right and found the stall with the name Fairy Glitter written on a gold nameplate in cursive.

She smiled and opened the stall revealing a beautiful palomino mare eating her morning oats and hay. Her coat was that of gold and her mane and tail white as snow, she had large kind, brown eyes that could melt the coldest of hearts and on her left shoulder bore a white Fairy Tail mark. Levy produced an apple from her vest peaking the interest of Glitter.

"Morning Glitter," Levy said softly as she fed her the apple and slipped the dark leather halter on her. The mare was small but had the heart of a champion in her. She quietly tacked up the mare and took her out to the track for an early morning warm up.

The dirt was freshly groomed and had not been touched by anyone else. Levy can see her breath in the air as she felt Glitter perk up. Levy felt the world around her change. It was no longer her, Glitter and the world; it was just her and Glitter. Levy felt Glitter's heartbeat and her breath, she felt the strong bond she shared with her. She gathered up her reins and urged the mare into a trot and onto the open track. The cold wind bit her nose and cheeks harder as Glitter picked up the pace, coming around the first bend Glitter broke into a full gallop and Levy's heart soared. The wind howled in her ears, the world became a blinding blur and all that she could see was Glitter's white mane and the track ahead of her.

Coming around the final bend she let her go, she felt Glitter stretch her legs and tore down the track. As she slowed down Levy saw that she had gained a small audience. Lucy and Natsu were waiting for her near the grandstands, both were bundled up and had a steaming cup of coffee in their hands.

"Hey Lucy! Hey Natsu! what are you two doing here so early the race doesn't start for another couple of hours." She said as she was catching her breath.

"Gramps wanted all of us to have breakfast together before we win today. So he sent us to get you." Natsu said happily as Levy hopped off Glitter.

"Who's going to be taking care of Glitter then?" Levy asked, she only trusted a few people when it came to handling Glitter and that was Jet, Droy and Wendy.

"Don't worry Levy, she'll be fine on her own for a little bit then you can get ready," Lucy reassured, as they began to walk back to the barn. The sun had finally broke and now sunlight began to pour into the wood barn. Levy noticed that a particular white mare was gone and replaced by a large red horse; she hadn't noticed the change earlier this morning.

"What about Wendy isn't she going to pony Glitter to the starting gate today?" Levy asked as she put Glitter back into her stall and gave her a peppermint. The mare nuzzled her with affection before returning back to finish her morning hay.

"Well,Grandeeney had her baby this morning, and Wendy went with her to make sure she was ok." Lucy said with a smile. Levy's eyes widened.

"This early?" Levy said " I thought she wouldn't be due until the end of the week?"

"Well the baby had other plans, so Gramps send both of them to the guy who bought the baby and Grandeeney should be back with us in a couple of months," Natsu said " and don't worry, me and Igneel here will be taking you to the starting gate today!" He said as he scratched the enormous red stallion's ear. Levy felt her worries start to ease, Igneel and Glitter were best friends even if the stallion loved to bully to tiny mare at times. She sighed and looked at Glitter, the mare as being her lazy barn self and rolling around on the shaving. It often surprised her how the mare could go from being a sweet girl to the fieriest thing on the track.

I don't have anything to worry about she'll be fine. Levy though but deep in her gut something told her that she wouldn't be.

"Come one Levy, everyone is waiting for us," Lucy linked her arm into Levy's and dragged her out of the barn, not waiting for the jockey to give her answer.

Minerva watched the trio leave the barn from the top of the grandstands; she absolutely despised the tiny bluenette for ever making it this far on the tiny mare she had. What right did she have to compete against the likes of her and her horse!?

"Minerva, is everything set for us to win today?" a voice as smooth as silk said behind her. She turned to face her uncle, Jose Porla, he was dressed formally in a suit, a white hat with a blue band sat on top of his oily hair. She gave her uncle a dark smile. After both her parents died in a car crash her Uncle had decided to take her in and show her the world of horse racing. She had become famous for her ability to race the most dangerous horses and turn them into champions, but that changed when Levy Mcgarden showed up. The girl was gifted with being tiny, light and skilled with horses, soon she was racing against her and beating her. Then the palomino came into the picture, it was no longer about her but about Levy Mcgarden and the tiny golden mare who was faster than anything alive.

"I've sent someone on it and with none of those Fairy Tail brats around to watch their precious Fairy Glitter, the race is ours." She said, today was the Tenrou Cup and she was not going to allow the duo to win what was rightfully her's.

"Excellent work, just make sure that at least one of them survive," he chuckled darkly.

"Don't worry Uncle, I'll make sure that neither of them will ever race again." With that both of them set out to their barn were their horse awaited them.

As the sun rose higher above the Magnolia race track, more people began to show up and fill the grandstands. The rich and famous took up box seats near the finish line or sat up by the exclusive owner's bar where the whole race can be watched from start to finish. Other people sat wherever they can find a spot to sit. Excitement filled the air and the crowd buzzed at today's race.

The Tenrou Cup was the most prestigious cup that was held every year to see who would be the best of the best. There were also two other cups to win as well, the winner of all three would be the true champion. Nearly everyone in Magnolia was at the stadium or at the local pub watching the race. The rest of Fior was watching from their television, everyone wanted to know would win this year's cup, Oak Town or Magnolia.

Levy and Glitter were waiting in the holding stable with Natsu and Grey. Levy was nervous, not because it was a huge race, she was worried about Glitter. After coming back from breakfast the mare had developed a slight limp that went away after a moment. Levy tired to make sure she wasn't crazy but after riding her to the holding box, something was indeed wrong. She felt the limp again but it went away when Grey checked on her. Glitter showed no signs of pain as Grey placed the red saddle blanket on her and the tiny saddle.

"Don't worry Levy, she may just be a bit stiff from lying down, you know how she loves to do that." Grey reassured her. Levy was already wearing her blue and black silks with a white Fairy Tail symbol on the back.

"Levy don't worry you two will be fine out there! You'll win for sure and beat out Phantom's horse, Saber's Tooth!" Natsu said excitedly, he was in his purple and black uniform that all Lead Pony riders wore. Igneel towered over the tiny mare and wore a western saddle with a dark purple saddle pad, he too seemed a bit on edge as well. Whenever something was wrong with Glitter Igneel seem to know right off the bat, but today Natsu assumed that it was just the excitement and that he would calm down once he go moving.

"Well, well don't you ladies look fine today," Levy looked up to see Erza, Laxus, Lucy and Makarov approaching them. Glitter put her head down to allow Makarov to give a rub on her nose which she leaned into, nearly knocking the elderly man over.

"You brats better win today, I made a bet with old Gildarts and I don't want to lose." He said smiling. "He'll be owing me free beer at his pub after today's race!"

"Don't worry-

A scream filled the air as a chestnut stallion passed them; it was Phantom's horse, Saber's Tooth. He was rearing and kicking, as two people dragged the possessed horse along to the parade circle. The horse, in Levy's opinion, did not have a kind bone in his body. Anyone who dare came near him risked being bitten or kicked with intention. Minerva gave Levy an evil smirk as she walked a good distance behind the wild horse. She wore her all black silks with Phantom's purple symbol on her back. Her uncle, Jose Poral, walked with her and gave the group an evil smile.

"Don't fall off today, Mcgarden," Minerva said as she walked passed them. Levy didn't bother to snap back, she'll settle it on the track. Jose came forward earning a death glare from Glitter, Levy scratched her neck and whispered "good girl," to her. Jose kept his distance away from the mare.

"Please keep away from Saber today on the track, he's a bit...oh how would you say, hostile today. Glitter is sure looking pretty today, it be a shame if something would happen to her today." Everyone immediately went defensive.

"Harm any of my children, human or horse and you would be dealing with me Jose!" Makarov growled, and turned to face him.

"Now why would I want to hurt a pretty thing like Glitter? It's not like she could even keep up with Saber. I mean come on she's just a pony." He said, Laxus stood up as he tried to get near Jose, but was held back by Grey and Natsu.

"We'll settle this on the track!" Laxus snapped, no one insulted his little mare without feeling his wrath. He grabbed Levy and placed her on Glitter since both horse and rider were dwarfed by his size, it was easy for him to toss her on Glitter.

"Oh don't worry we-" Jose was cut off by another scream from his horse, "Minerva control that horse," He yelled and stormed off to deal with his wild animal.

Minerva went over to the stallion and smacked him on the nose with her whip but all it did was get him more riled up than needed.

"You better beat her today, show her who's the better rider," Erza said darkly as she placed her hand on her Levy's knee. Erza despised anyone who would hurt an animal for no reason.

"I'll make her eat dust."

"Will all racers proceed to the parade circle," A voice said over the leaped onto Igneel, he bent down and gave Lucy a quick kiss before riding off to the track, causing the blonde to turn tomato red.

"Good luck Levy!" Lucy said as she went off with Erza and Makarov.

"Thank you Lu!" She waved.

"I'll lead today Grey, you go up to the stands," Laxus never wanted to admit it but he did love the mare like his own child. He was there when she was born and for everyday of her training. He wanted to be the one that sent her off and wanted to be the one to show her off when they won the cup. Grey handed him the leather lead rope and went off with the others to the stands.

"Listen shorty, keep Glitter in second until the final bend and come onto Phantom's horse on the right, he's blind in his right eye," Laxus said quietly as he walked Glitter to the parade circle, "He also makes his move late, so wait until he does," Levy took it all in and nodded, she gathered Glitter's reins, took a deep breath, and prepared herself for the race of her life.

The crowed was alive as they walked around the circle, everyone was either cheering for Phantom or Fairy tail not the other four horses; which were from Lamia Scale, Blue Pegasus, Mermaid Heel and Twilight Ogre.

"Good Morning Fiore! Today is an amazing day for a race! I'm your announcer, Romeo Conbolt bring you live coverage of the Tenrou cup!"

The crowed cheered as the horses stepped onto the track. Saber instantly pinned his ears back as two horses came on either side of him to help Minerva control him. Natsu rode up next to Levy and took the rope from Laxus. Laxus grabbed Natsu's rein to stop him and motioned him to come closer.

"Kid, keep her the hell away from Minerva and that crazy stallion at all costs you hear me. I've got a feeling Phantom is up to something." he said quietly, Natsu nodded.

"You got it!" With that he let got of Igneel and gave Glitter one final rub on her haunches.

"Knock Em dead kid!" He said as they rode off. He couldn't help but feel beyond proud of the duo. They had come farther than anyone had expected them to, refusing to let the tears slip from his eyes he went to the grand bottom of the grandstands to watch them win.

"You ready Levy?" Natsu said as they cantered in a small oval to warm Glitter up, once again Levy felt the limp starting to creep up on her front right leg. "Natsu break to a trot," She asked, as they slowed the phantom limp began to go away.

"Riders to the gate!" Romeo said. A scream once again rose up in the air, as they made their way to the gate. Levy couldn't believe her luck as she was placed on the right side of Saber, to her right was Twilight Ogre's bay. Saber let out another hellish scream and began to furiuosly kick and paw at the gate. Levy slowed her breathing, and began to focus on Glitter and her breathing; she grabbed a fist full of her mane and ignored the commotion around her. It was just like this morning, no one was in the stands, the world was quiet and it was just her and her beloved Glitter.

The crowd went silent, waiting for the gates to open. The buzzer sounded and the horses surged forward and crowd went wild!

"GO LEVY!" Lucy screamed as the horses ran from the gate.

"And they're off with Saber's Tooth getting a good spot on the rail and in the lead. Fairy Glitter in second holding her ground right behind him,"

"Now coming around the first turn it's still Saber's Tooth, but it looks like Fairy Glitter is gaining up on him to his right!"

"What is she doing? I thought I told her to stay in second until he moves!" Laxus said to himself as he watched the two though his binoculars. He couldn't believe it, the mare had plans of her own.

"Coming around the back stretch it's now Fairy Glitter and Saber's Tooth neck and neck!" Romeo said excitedly. The crowd was growing with excitement people began to stand up and cheer like crazy.

"Oh-LET HER RUN LEVY! LET HER RUN!" Laxus yelled, he wasn't in control, so he might as well cheer for her.

Minerva growled as she saw the tiny mare run right next to her, but smiled and whispered "So long Mcgarden," as they neared the third and final bend, she let Saber go and began to pull away from Glitter, but it didn't turn out what she expected the mare was holding her ground!

The crowd was now screaming louder as the two horses fought for first place. As they tore down the home stretch Levy let Glitter go and they two surged forward pulling farther away from Minerva and Saber.

"It's Fairy Glitter! She's taken the lead!" Romeo yelled he could no longer contain his excitement. Jose watched in slight fear as duo pulled away, there was no way this was possible! The rest of Fairy Tail screamed with excitement cheering Levy on.

As they ran Levy felt something off at the halfway mark, before she realized what it was, the ground came surging towards her and then darkness.

Minerva watched as the two fell to the ground she nearly laughed, it worked, her plan worked. She laughed as she raced pasted them to take the lead. Winning a race that everyone stopped cheering for.

The crowd went silent. Laxus couldn't believe his eyes as he watched what happened, he stood there frozen, before bolting out the track. In the stand Lucy had watched in horror as her best friend slammed into the ground and disappeared. She didn't want to believe it, this couldn't be happening. This could not happen. Not to Levy, she was suppose to win. Makarov, Grey and Erza felt their hearts sink in horror.

"No, not one of my children." Makarov whispered. They began to run down to the track.

"Grey take Erza and Lucy-" as he went ahead of them trio and fought his way down to the track
"No way Gramps we are going down there with you!" Grey yelled as he pushed people out of the way. A white ambulance van was there along with a truck and ramp, Laxus was there already, as they approached they realized something even worse; Glitter had fallen on top of Levy, the poor girl was crushed under the mare. It took five people to lift Glitter just enough to move Levy. She was covered in dirt and blood was running from her nose, she was out cold.

"Levy!" Lucy screamed and went to her friend's side.

Porlyusica, the vet on call began to examine the mare, she touched her right front leg and the mare squealed in pain. She looked up at Makarov, her face said it all to him.

"No," he whispered. He placed a hand on the mare's shoulder and looked at Porlyusica "Can we take her someplace else?" She nodded and with the help of some people they moved the mare onto the ramp and took her off the track. The crowd was silent even though Minerva had won, the city of Magnolia was hit with a loss worse than the cup.

At the same time Levy was being loaded the white ambulance van.

"I"m going with Levy!" Lucy said as she went into the van, her face was stained with tears but remained strong.

"Laxus, I want you and the boys to go home….gather up the others at the sables, go to Glitter's favorite willow tree and…." Makarov couldn't finish as tears began to flow uncontrollably.

"Gramps you can't-"
"I WON'T LET HER SUFFER! THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO!" He yelled with his back turned towards his grandchild "I'm sorry Laxus, I know how much she meant you." With that being said Makarov went to the sables to say his last good-bye to Glitter.

A/N: Hey everyone! So this is collaboration story between me, SnowSisterBookworm and Animeguitar96! We will both be writing every other chapter in this story so chapter 2 will be written by Anime and chapter 3 by me and so on. Hope you all enjoyed it!

Take it away Anime!