Hey guys!

So today I'm sad. And for those who have read the chapter 488, you certainly know what I'm talking about... Don't worry, I wont tell any spoilers, I just wanted to say that I still have some hope despite the weariness that surrounded me today. It may be true but I wouldn't be surprised if Mashima has a loophole in store to make this right.

So! On an happier note, lets get to the twelfth chapter of this story: Metalicana.

The night was a short one for Gray and, by the dark circles under the others eyes, especially Levy's, he guessed it was the same for them. Only Gajeel seemed refreshed form those few hours of sleep. The young man was obviously not the type to have sleeping issues, no matter what was the problems he was facing. However, Gray knew it was not the case of Juvia and Levy. Himself had a hard time to realise how serious the situation was. Where they really all sentenced to death by one of the most powerful force of the kingdom? And that not counting the king's help that had been refused to them

He sighed. The fact that the sun wasn't up yet, combined with their lack of sleep wasn't helping his mood. He however understood the importance of taking those precautions. If he and Levy had been able to convince the other two of the importance of talking to Makarov, the Fairy Tail members had entrusted to the ex Phantom members the execution of the operation. As soon as they agreed on meeting the one who was like a foster father to them, Gajeel had started to evaluate their options, his soldier reflexes taking the lead. Gray may not keep Gajeel close to his heart, he had to admit that their best chance was to trust his judgment, not to mention that Juvia trusted him with her life. Gray also had to admit that he had proven himself by protecting Levy numerous times.

"My love?" Said Juvia, interrupting his train of thoughts. "Is everything alright?"

"Just a little tired, don't worry" he smiled to her, not bothering with the nickname she was giving him.

Her weird way of calling him had surprised him at first, but he quickly got used to it. It was just like Juvia: Intense and a little strange, indeed, but cute.

"We'll be there in a couple of minutes" announced Gajeel who started to get a glimpse at the village between the trees.

To this announcement, Gray could see his friend stiffen. He couldn't even imagine how stressful the situation could be to Levy.

"Calm down, shrimp" said Gajeel who had also noticed the state she was in. "He can't really tell you something worst than what you already learned this last week" he let out.

She nodded to the comment that Gray considered rude. But for a reason he couldn't get, as different as Gajeel and Levy could be, something always kept them close from one another. Speaking of closeness, he thought sighing, he could feel Juvia gripping his arm. He was automatically hot at her touch. Yes, he was a desperate case, being always hot. He got himself free with a simple movement from Juvia who complained a little, getting once again lost in her stories. Okay... Juvia's contact wasn't that annoying. In fact, she was one of the few persons he bore to have this close all the time because, lets face it, Juvia was the type of girl who could be really invasive. In fact, he felt good when she was close to him. The only problem was that, for Juvia, "close" seemed to be a synonym of "completely occupying his personal space".

They finally reached the edge of the forest where the first sun rays could be seen.

"We have to act fast" announced Juvia "before the villagers wake up".

Just like Gajeel and Juvia did a little more than two weeks ago, they entered silently the sleeping town, having in mind to save the very person they first where supposed to kill.

Once in front of the owner's house, Gray knocked at the door. There was a one-minute delay before a tiny man, still in his sleepwear, opened the door.

"What justifies such an early visit?" He asked with a smile despite the fact that they doubtlessly had woken him up.

"M. Makarov, we need your help" said Levy with a trembling voice.

"What's happening my dear?" asked the old man, the worry starting to show on his face. "Come inside! We'll speak quietly" he added to their hesitation.

He put the kettle on the fire, then sat before the four young adults.

"So?" he encouraged them.

All eyes were on Levy who, blushing, said whit hesitation.

"I... I would like you to talk to me about my origins."

The old man lost a little of his colors but kept his calm.

"We already talked about it, dear, your parents..."

"Enough with those lies" Gajeel cut him off flatly. "We all know Levy is the princess who supposedly died heighten years ago."

"How do you..."

Taking a deep breath, Levy started to tell the story from the beginning with Juvia's help. Makarov listened to every word without interruption, his expression more serious than ever.

"I see" he said with gravity once they were done. "I think it's time for me to tell you where you're from, my dear Levy."

The young woman was practically translucent. Even thought she wasn't keeping her hopes too high, she had wished that M. Makarov would've denied her royal origins, to give her a logical explanation that didn't implied her being a princess. She felt dizzy, clenching to Gajeel's arm next to her to give her strength. Then she listened with attention as Makarov started to tell about what happened almost heighten years before, that moment when her future had drastically changed.

**Heighten years before**

It was late when little Erza had finally fell asleep. It only had been a few days since he was taking care of the six-year-old who was saved from slavery and the psychological damages were far too recent for her to sleep without any nightmares. "I'm getting too old for this" though the small man while he sat on the rocking chair. He barely started to relax before the front door opened loudly, startling him.

Makarov reached for the sword he kept hidden from the children and placed himself in a defensive position, ready to protect the kids sleeping in the next room. Then the silhouette before him collapsed. The man had long dark hair and a couple of piercings on his eyebrow. Despite his scary appearance, his eyes, dark as the night, seemed to ask for help. Then Makarov noticed a bloodstain growing under him. "He is badly hurt", he understood.

"What happened to you!" Exclaimed Makarov, judging the stranger was not a source of danger.

"No!" Said the man to the elder who was trying to help him. "I don't have much more time anyways. I absolutely need to speak to Makarov Dreyar".

"Himself" said the later with worry.

"Good" muttered the man. "I was afraid I ended up in the wrong place".

"But..."

"I heard that your kindness had no bounds, so I'll entrust her to you."

"What? Who?"

"The princess" he said, now having trouble to breathe normally.

Makarov's eyes opened up widely by the surprise when the man pulled back his mantle to reveal a beautiful baby girl, barely a few weeks old.

"Don't tell me..."

"There was a coup d'état against the royal family" he said with difficulty. "No one must know who she really is, not even her!"

Makarov hesitated a little before giving him an understanding look, taking the infant in his own arms.

"Give me something to wright, fast."

Makarov didn't need to be told twice and handed him what was asked. He redacted a letter, sealed it and gave it back to Makarov.

"If someday the princess would find out about her origins, give her this. She could possibly play an essential role. Just make sure she's ready."

"Ready for what?"

"Ready to change the kingdom in a better one."

Then he left.

"Wait!" Exclaimed Makarov. "You can't leave in your condition!"

The man offered him a resigned look.

"You..." he started, now out of breath, blood still flowing from his wound. "You know as much as I do that I wont make it through the night. If I die here, I'll lead them straight to the princess."

The small man nodded with regret.

"One last thing. What's her name?".

"Levy. Her name's Levy.

**Present**

No one dared to say a word during the story. In the other room, the kettle could be heard, indicating that the water was ready, but no one reacted. Makarov finally stepped up, searching in what seemed like a safe and took out of it and old yellowed envelope.

"Here" he said, handing it to Levy. "It belongs to you".

Her hands had never shivered that much but she however managed to open it and take out a letter with an handwriting as trembling as her hands. Her heart felt heavier when she noticed a little stain of blood on the paper... the blood of the one that saved her at the cost of his own life.

Dear Levy,

I really would have liked to meet you in other circumstances, but our destiny decided otherwise. I sadly don't have time to write a long letter so I'll go straight to the point: your parents died tonight because of a coup d'état against your family. The crowned king at the moment you are reading this letter, or one of his descendants, is probably the one who ordered your parent's death. That traitor August couldn't however plan something this big without help.

I sadly never will have the chance to know who allowed this assault that had ravaged the entirety of Phantom's team. You are the only one who can take back your kingdom.

One last thing. If one day your way meets the one of Gajeel, tell my son his father is proud of him. I have no doubts he will be a precious ally to your cause.

May luck be with you.

Metalicana Redfox

There you go! I enjoyed so much writing about Gajeel's father and his sacrifice to save Levy. I hope you liked it! Please comment!

Lily xx