The Book of Gajevy

5. Training and Announcements

Spring comes early to Magnolia,  gracing the city in early January. With the cold weather receding, mages were resuming their previous training schedules.  Including a certain bookworm and dragon slayer. " You ready Shrimp?" Gajeel asked with a grin as he walked hand in hand with Levy. He wore black sweat pants and a gray muscle shirt that displayed his toned arms. Levy, who was dressed in shorts and a large sweater, nodded.  " Just because we're dating now doesn't mean I'll go easy on you." He warned.

Levy grinned, "I wouldn't expect you too. I'll show you some of my new tricks." He returned her grin as they reached the large clearing where they did their training. Levy set their water and her sweater aside, revealing her pink tank top underneath. She stretched her arms high above her head as Gajeel did his own warm ups. " You ready?" He asked and she nodded, taking her light pen out of her pocket. They took their stances, Levy ran through all the words and strategies in her head as Gajeel stared her down.

" Iron Dragon Pillar!" He shouted, but her hand was already in motion. "Solid Script: Guard!" The word formed in front of her, easily taking the force of the attack as she formed a new word. " Solid Script: Wings!" She slapped the word onto her chest, and small white wings burst from her back. With one swift burst she sent herself skyward, leaving a wide eyed Gajeel grounded. He smirked, his legs turning into iron pillars and sending him after her. " Solid Script: Fire!" The blazing word was cut in half by Gajeels iron sword before lept to tackle her out of the air. Levy easily leap frogged over him in the air, sending him back towards the ground.

"Iron Dragons Roar!" He sent the tunnel of metal towards her as he fell. " Solid Script: Cyclone!" The tunnel of wind dispersed the roar. The roar distracted Levy, and by the time she noticed Gajeel it was too late. She spun as a muscular arm snagged around her middle, causing her to squeek as the fell to the earth. " Solid Script: Soft!" She shouted, and the cushioned word caught them before lowering them to the ground.

Levy was panting with the magic exertion as they laid there, her wings vanished as Gajeel propped himself up with his elbow. He grinned down at her. " Not bad short stuff, the wings and cyclone were new." He commented. She huffed, "They used up more power than I like though." She pouted. He chuckled before giving her a soft kiss. " Practice and it won't be so bad." She nodded with a grin. " Hand to hand?" He asked and she nodded, pulling herself to her feet.

Gajeel took his stance while Levy took hers. " Remember what I told ya." He said and she nodded, her face serious. He lunged at her, his hand shooting out for her shoulder. Levy was happy for her size for once, as she easily ducked beneath his fist and spun, her own aimed for his side. It was no where near as strong as his own punch but she was tougher than she looked. She skipped back out of arms reach as he turned, his leg kicking out.  He caught her knee and sent her tumbling but she quickly righted herself, aiming her own kick into his gut. He was surprised by her strength yet again as his breath left him. As she tried to spin past him he grabbed her, holding her arms crossed in front of her chest. She struggled in his grip, "Remember what I told you!" He snapped. She quickly ran through every training tip till she remembered. " Hands like Hodini," she whispered to herself.

Gajeels grip was like the iron he wielded,  strong and unmoving. Levy unfisted her hands, palms towards herself as she relaxed. With a quick movement, she tugged her arms free and rolled away from him. " Good. You'll have to be quicker though, in a real fight they won't wait for you to remember." He told her as she straightened. She nodded as she panted slightly. They continued their training well past noon before finally heading for the guild.

As they opened the doors they were greeted by the over crowded hall. " What's going on?" Levy asked as Lily flew up to them, handing them each a cold drink. " Master said he had an announcement." He said as the three made their way to the stage for a better view. Levy was still having trouble seeing with her small hight, so with a chuckle, Gajeel lifted her to his shoulder. She pouted but didn't protest, holding onto his head so she wouldn't fall.

Before long, Markarov made his way to the stage. "Good afternoon my children!" He called. "I have some grand news! For the first time in seven years, we will be holding the S-class exams!" There were cheers and shouts. "I have watched all of you and made my decision on the participants. Many are re chosen from the Tenrou group, many are not. Mirajane, if you would." He held his hand out to the barmaid as she made his way to him, handing him an envelope.

The tension was tangible as he opened it and began to read. "Natsu Dragneel. Grey Fullbuster. Gajeel Redfox. Alzack Connell. Lucy Heartfillia. Cana Alberona. Elfman Strauss and Juvia Locksar." There were cheers and Levy couldn't help but laugh and Gajeels stunned look. " Like last time," The master called above the roar. "You may have one partner and you have two weeks to train before the beginning of the exams. We will all meet here the day before to discuss location of the the exam." He called before finally leaving the stage.

"Congrats Gajeel! Lily gonna be your partner?" Levy asked as Gajeel set her to her feet. "If it's all the same, I want my girl by my side." He said with a grin. Levy smiled, a small blush on her face. Said exceed grinned. "I will be cheering from the side lines." Levy nodded before she turned to Gajeel again. "Guess we need to step up our training huh?"