The following text is a FANfiction. So therefore, I own nothing and no one except my OC, Jeanne de'Vajell, and her family. Please! Feel free to comment and critique! Even flame if you'd like! But I should warn you: Levy is a fan of my work, and would you want to hurt sweet, empathic Levy-chan?

I gasped for breath, my lungs giving out more than I was taking in. My head was soaked in sweat, and I could feel my braid dripping with it as I whipped it back and forth.

"A little more," I gasped. "I can do a little more."

I reached deep inside myself, filled my crossbow with all the magic it could hold, and started running back uphill. I was in the forest just south of Magnolia, and I had been running up- and downhill for quite a while. The idea behind this exercise was to build up my stamina. I just siphoned as much magic as I could without being in danger of passing out, and hold it. Literally, hold it. And then I would do a strenuous activity, such as running, while maintaining that same level of power; not losing it either by accidentally releasing or re-absorbing, nor adding to it. I had been re-absorbing the bolts after each run, but at that point, I had decided that magic training was over.

I quickly rolled on the ground a bit, avoiding an imaginary attack, then fired at a target I had created a few days ago on a tree. I was very pleased to see that it had hit closer to the bullseye than my previous attempts the days before.

It had been about two weeks since I got back from Balsam, and I've been training every morning since. After feeling useless the whole time Lucy was in trouble, and realizing how I had some major catching up to do in the magic department, I had decided it was time to actually do something about it. So I trained to increase my stamina and Power every morning, and every other night, I attended a night class for hand-to-hand combat. I figured that seemed like a good training schedule.

Pushing myself in that manner every morning, though, still did quite the number on me. I had to rest up before going about the rest of my day, so I just lay down in the grass, feeling the warm sun on my face, the wind cooling me down. It was all very pleasant as I just thought about what should happen during the next few days.

The whole city was preparing to celebrate the harvest festival. The artisans' booths and the food stalls were always worth one's support, but everyone knew it was the guild's events that really made the festival worthwhile. Fairy Tail always hosted the beauty pageant to help motivate the women into healthy competition, but the Fantasia parade at the end, that was what the whole town looked forward to every year. Last year, and the year before, I took part in the parades, but this year I was able to convince the Master to let me watch it with my family. However, in order to make up for it, I had to help prepare the floats and decorations as much as possible before the festival began. Luckily, I had quite a few days left.

Unofficially, this year's festival was also our way of celebrating the newly finished guild. The remodeling was done a lot faster than I had expected, honestly, but, nevertheless, it was finished; that's what was important. Personally, I preferred it the way it was, but I've always been sentimental. In any case, I knew I'd get over it.

"D'accord, that's enough lazing about," I muttered to myself, standing up. "Time to get to work."

As I began the trek downhill again, I shivered. I could sense a huge magical presence nearby. It felt familiar, but I couldn't quite place it... Looking around, though, I saw nothing, and after slowly counting to ten with no hostile actions, I simply shrugged it off and continued on.

When I arrived at South Gate Park, I was surprised to see Team Shadow Gear there, right in front of my tree. Well, okay, I don't actually have a claim to the tree; it's just the one that I had been climbing for solace ever since I was six. It was right across from my apartment, which was one of the deciding factors into buying the place. It was also the tree where Team Shadow Gear had been left for dead. So that they were there was surprising on its own, but more astounding: Gajeel was there, too. Levy was hiding behind the tree, clearly wishing she was somewhere else, and Jet and Droy... were attacking the dragon slayer! Even more shocking, he did nothing! He didn't even try to defend himself, nor did he do anything in retaliation.

I frowned at this blatant display of bullying. Two against one was hardly fair! Then reality hit: that was Gajeel! He clearly had the skill to take them both down; he had done it before! So what was he doing, just taking it? And another thing: why were Jet and Droy even attacking him? Did they have a death wish? Anyone with eyes could see they only had the upper hand because Gajeel was allowing it!

I winced as one of Droy's seed pods exploded, sending the iron slayer into the dirt. No matter how strong he was, if Gajeel let this go on much longer, he could end up getting killed. Clearly, he wasn't going to defend himself, so someone else was going to have to do it for him.

...Ah, merde, that was me, wasn't it?

"Hé!" I yelled, running over to them. "What do you think you're doing?!"

"Stay out if this, de'Vajell!" Jet snarled. "We're settling the score!" He put on one of his signature bursts of speed, and kicked Gajeel in the face, sending him my way.

"That's enough!" I cried, stepping between the slayer and his attackers. "What would the Master say if he heard that you were fighting your nakama?"

"I don't need your help, John," Gajeel muttered angrily.

I scoffed, and replied under my breath, "Ouais, I know that, imbécile."

"Nakama?" Droy growled, not hearing the exchange. "This guy? He destroyed the guild, then tried to murder us! Master is insane if he thinks that that is okay! We will absolutely never accept him!"

"And who's gonna tell the Master, huh?" Jet leered. "We're not; by the time we're through, Gajeel won't be able to say anything... Are you going to tell him?" He glared at me, silently promising that I'd receive the same treatment if I dared to speak a word.

I suddenly had flashbacks to elementary school, when I had many brats show me that same face. Even as they gave me a taste of what would happen if I spoke out.

'Bon travail, Jeanne, you just had to butt in! Just a week of training, and you suddenly think you can take on anyone?'

But I wasn't a ten-year-old kid anymore.

Clenching my fists, I glared back, calling Jet out on his bluff. "And if I do? Are you going to beat me up, too?" I challenged. "Bring it."

I did not want him to bring it. I definitely did not want him to bring it! I could feel my hands shaking at my side, and prayed to the gods that no one would notice.

Suddenly, that magical presence I had felt earlier grew stronger. Then I heard a voice that was all too familiar.

"Is some kind of bullying going on?" it said. And Laxus stepped into view, arms crossed over his leopard print shirt, the empty sleeves of his coat swaying in the light breeze. He looked at Gajeel with obvious disgust. "So you're the kid that messed up my guild?" he asked.

I frowned. Again with the possessiveness? It wasn't just his guild!

Laxus stepped closer toward me and Gajeel, who was still kneeling on the ground. Jet and Droy scuttled closer to Levy.

"That geezer… for some meaningless reason, let you join our guild?" His voice was quiet, deadly calm. Fear rose steadily in my chest as I took a step back. But he kept coming. His voice grew to an angry roar. "That's exactly why people are looking down on us! And when we protect scum like that," he shot me a look of pure contempt, "our reputation only decreases!"

The air began electrifying all around us. I stepped further back, finally ending up beside Gajeel. My hands shook, my breathing quickened, and I could tell that that my eyes were wide behind my glasses. I reached for my crossbow, knowing that it wouldn't help against Laxus, but just wanting to know it was there.

So it was rather terrifying to learn that I didn't have it.

'I must have left it in the woods!' I realized.

"While I was on the road," Laxus said, his voice returning to his scary quiet, "I heard things in bars here and there that really pissed me off. 'Fairy Tail ain't anything special...'? 'Those guys are already through...?'" Lightning crackled around his Sound Pods, then I was pushed away from Gajeel by the force of the beam of electricity that hit the metal-studded Mage. My bangs stood on end, and I could only stare, lying on the grass, as Gajeel screamed in pain.

"You're the reason we're being laughed at, you shit!" Laxus roared, as he punched the ground, sending another rod of lightning Gajeel's way. It came dangerously close to me, and I scooted back to Team Shadow Gear, in front of Levy and between the boys. When the bolt hit its intended target, it sent him flying, gouging out the dirt.

Jet and Droy looked uncomfortable. "Oi, Laxus, you're overdoing it!" Jet called out.

"Even though Laxus is powerful," Droy began, "it can't be this one-sided..."

A look of realization dawned on Jet's face. "Wait. Is it possible that, from the start, Gajeel never even intended to...?"

Levy started sobbing. "He really wants to be accepted as nakama, so he's just taking it?"

I snapped my head toward them. "Êtes-vous sérieux? Are you really only just now figuring that out?" I seethed. I was pissed at them, and terrified for Gajeel, so that made my temper a little short. More so at the boys then Levy, who didn't even want to be there. "Of course he was just taking it! A five-year-old could see that he can mop the floor with you if he wanted to!"

Laxus began kicking at Gajeel's head. "It's your bloody damn fault! Why don't you die atoning for your sin?! All those who oppose Fairy Tail must perish!"

Jet called out, "Stop it, Laxus! That's enough!"

Lexus turned to us in annoyance. "Small fry should shut the hell up!" he yelled, sending a lightning bolt our way.

"No!" I shrieked.

In a split second, I could see that it was heading straight for Levy, who definitely wouldn't be able to survive it. I didn't want the lightning mage to have his guildmate's blood on his hands. No matter how tough he was, I didn't think he would be able to bear it. So, I did what any stupid person would do: within those precious seconds of life, I stood up and started running for Levy, intending to push her down, knowing fully well, that I wouldn't be able to take it either. See? Stupid.

Just as I reached the bookworm, though, I felt a gust of wind behind me. There was a bright flash of light, but no rush of electricity. When Levy and I opened our eyes, we saw Gajeel before us, with his arms stretched out, and smoke trailing away from his chest.

"Gajeel?" Levy gasped.

I was stunned into silence, as were all the males present. He was so quick! What's more, why would he take a hit for Levy? I mean, I'm sure no one was complaining, but it was seemingly out of character for the slayer.

Gajeel lowered his arms, panting heavily and shaking uncontrollably. "You finished?" he asked quietly. "I have work to do." And with that, he shuffled off.

"Um!" Levy called out, obviously intending to thank him.

"Leave me alone," he interrupted, voice still quiet.

I frowned as I stared at his retreating form. Then I whipped my head toward Laxus, glowering. 'What the hell was that about?! This seemed a little beyond revenge for a busted building. And we remodeled, so why would you even bother? And you know what else, connard? Maybe, if someone was there in the first place, it wouldn't have happened anyways!'

Unfortunately, Laxus wasn't a mind reader. Or perhaps fortunately, because otherwise I'd probably be eating dirt now too, instead of watching Laxus leave the area, an aura of 'don't even look at me, I'm already extremely pissed off' radiating miles off of him.

"Jeanne-san," said Levy, softly. I turned my attention to her. "Thanks for trying. You know, to save me."

I smiled. "We look out for our own," I said. Then I turned to glare at the boys. "And that includes new members. Whatever twisted payback you guys had planned, forget it. Do you really think the Master would forgive someone who hurt 'his children' so easily? He probably already punished Gajeel in some way for that!"

Jet and Droy scowled at me.

"Yeah, I guess we're even," Droy mumbled.

"Why do you even care?" Jet asked. "Didn't the bastard break your ribs?"

"Ah, bonne mère, it's not like he singled me out. I was in the way, just collateral damage." I paused a bit. "Master has his reasons for letting him in, I'm sure. Even if we don't know what they are, or understand him, we gotta trust him."

'Besides, Gajeel's already regrets attacking you guys.' But there was no way in hell I was saying that out loud! "I gotta go. I left my crossbow in the woods this morning."

I headed towards the forest, realizing too late that Gajeel had been heading the same way. I didn't notice until I saw him limping ahead of me, and because I was in my own world again, he wasn't that far ahead.

'Well. Merde. Do I go ahead? Do I find a different route? Do I just stand here even though I know he can probably smell me already?'

Suddenly, he turned around, and saw me staring at him. He just looked at me, then resumed his walk, though I noticed that he seemed to try to cease limping.

"Well, no need for me to look like I'm stalking him," I muttered, and I jogged faster to catch up.

"I didn't need your help," he reiterated once I had reached him.

"I told you, I knew that," I replied. "You could've handled them just fine if you wanted to. But Master doesn't really appreciate things like revenge. He believes in punishment, though, so I'd think that if he has let you join, he's either got one lined up for you, you're currently doing it, or he's already done it. Which means that their own punishment is completely unnecessary." I looked him over. "You should get yourself looked at before you go off on your job."

"Shut up, I'm fine," he growled.

I bit my tongue. No, he was not fine! After getting a beating from Laxus, then absorbing an attack like that? No way was he fine!

I stayed silent, though. Gajeel might be trying to be nice for us to accept him, but that didn't mean I could push his buttons.

"Why did you do it?" he asked quietly.

I blinked. "I just told you, Master doesn't like-"

"Not then," he interrupted. He stopped walking and turned to face me. I flinched at all his wounds; they looked really bad. "Why'd you run towards the shrimp?"

'Shrimp? Levy better not hear him say that; she just might forget she's scared of him.' "I was... gonna push her down. She wouldn't have survived that."

"Neither would you."

We stared at each other for a few seconds before I suddenly found the dirt path very interesting. "I'd like to think I'm not the kind of person to just stand aside as someone might get killed," I mumbled. "The plan was to get us both on the ground before it hit. Don't think it would've happened though."

"What would have happened is that you'd be fried, and the shrimp would probably be traumatized. If she isn't already."

"If Levy says you're forgiven, you're forgiven. Sure it might take a while before she can look at you without trembling, but she knows you're sorry, and she won't hold it against you."

"And who the fuck said I was sorry?" Gajeel growled.

My breath hitched. "No one. Never mind."

There were a few more awkward seconds of silence, before I muttered, "Thank you, by the way. For saving us both. And I'm sorry Laxus did that. It was uncalled for."

Gajeel's eyes narrowed. "Don't apologize for that bastard's actions. And don't think I'm gonna let that slide." He began walking away again. Still heading in the same direction as me. So, of course, I was beside him soon after.

"You are stalking me," he accused

"I left my bow in the woods."

"The fuck were you doing the woods?"

"Training."

Crickets. Crickets.

"You're welcome."

I looked up.

"Did I really break your ribs?"

I winced. I hadn't realized he had heard us. "At the battle at Phantom Lord. You probably broke a lot of ribs that day." He opened his mouth to say something, but before he did, I said, "If you're gonna apologize, don't. We've already established that everything is being dealt with. It's a clean slate for you."

And the crickets came back. Luckily, we soon came to the clearing where I trained. I quickly found my bow on the ground where I had laid to rest, and returned it to my side.

"Good luck on your job," I offered.

He grunted in reply, before continuing on.

As I returned to town, I thought about Laxus and his over-the-top reaction. Something told me this wasn't over.

Something was going to go down.