Fairy Tail: How Gajeel and Levy Went From Enemies To Lovers, Explained

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Summary

  • Gajeel first protected Levy from Laxus’s attack during the Battle of Fairy Tail arc.
  • Gajeel saved Levy from Yomazu and Kawazu during the Tenrou Island arc.
  • Levy saved Gajeel from drowning during his battle with Torafuzar in the Tartaros arc.

Gajeel and Levy might seem like an unconventional pair given their past differences and contrasting appearances. Levy, with her scholarly demeanor, petite frame, and fiery spirit, stands in stark contrast to the rough-and-tumble Gajeel, who can be quick-tempered and gruff on the outside.

In the world of Fairy Tail, their initial encounter between Gajeel and Levy was more traumatic than pleasant, as Levy found Gajeel intimidating at first. Yet, Levy managed to see beyond Gajeel’s tough facade, recognizing his gentle nature hidden beneath. Despite their stark differences, they found common ground in their battles and emotional support for each other. This transformation from adversaries to companions took a considerable amount of time. So, one might wonder, how did the relationship between Gajeel and Levy evolve into a loving bond with a child on the way?

Gajeel and Levy’s Horrific First Meeting

What Started as an Act of Sadism Turned Into a Blossoming Relationship

In their initial encounter, Gajeel Redfox and Levy McGarden didn’t see eye to eye, as their differences in power and character became apparent almost immediately. During the Phantom Lord saga, Gajeel emerged as a significant adversary for Natsu, given his status as an Iron Dragon Slayer. The objective of this storyline was to recover Lucy Heartfilia, following orders from her father. This situation led to a battle that was eagerly anticipated by both parties, even though it was mainly Phantom Lord who desired conflict, while Fairy Tail remained passive.

At first, Gajeel provoked Makarov by vandalizing Fairy Tail’s guild with enormous iron pillars, given that the two guilds have historically had strained relations. This move sparked anger among many members, inciting them for a potential fight against their rival guild. However, despite the heated atmosphere, Makarov has decided to refrain from declaring war, since the Magic Council forbids such conflicts between guilds.

Even though Gajeel demolished Fairy Tail guild, he realized that this alone wouldn’t prompt them into action, so he decided to “gift” them something more. In the Southern Entrance Park of Magnolia, Gajeel chose Team Shadow Gear as his target, quickly overpowering them and tying them up in a cross-like fashion on a tree. To make his message clear, he etched the Phantom Lord symbol onto Levy’s body, ensuring that all guild members would see it.

At this point in the storyline, Gajeel Redfox shows an icy and callous attitude, revealing his lack of empathy by inflicting pain via the crucifix-like treatment. He derives satisfaction from inflicting hurt upon others, even towards his own Phantom Lord teammates. During the Phantom Lord storyline, Levy and the rest of Team Shadow Gear chose to avoid conflict and concentrate on healing; consequently, their last encounter was when Gajeel bound Levy to a tree. Their paths didn’t cross again until Chapter 103, when Gajeel joined forces with Team Natsu within the guild.

What’s with him… I finally thought he had sorta turned into a good person…

To begin with, it’s no surprise that several Fairy Tail guild members kept a watchful eye towards Gajeel, given that he was responsible for destroying their old guild. Initially, Levy found herself feeling anxious and fearful in his presence, as there was still an air of menace about him and he tended to keep to himself. In fact, Levy once referred to him as ‘scary’, which could well be a reflection of the rough treatment she endured from him during the Phantom Lord arc.

Following an attempt by Team Shadow Gear to retaliate against Gajeel while he was on a mission, it became clear that his actions were not aimed at harming other guild members. Instead, Levy understood that Gajeel sought recognition within the guild and was putting himself in danger to make amends for past mistakes. During the Battle of Fairy Tail arc, when Laxus attacked Levy, she discovered a more compassionate side of Gajeel, which eventually led to them forming a relationship and alleviating her initial fear of him.

How Their Bond Slowly Grew

Though They Bicker at Times, Gajeel Has the Utmost Respect and Care for Levy

Arc Wood-Dragon God
Chapters 25 – 63
Episodes 8 – 18

In the Tenrou Island arc, I witnessed a unique bond unfold between Levy and Gajeel. No longer intimidated by him due to their guild acceptance, their relationship deepened. When it came time for Levy to select a partner for the trial, Gajeel generously offered assistance to help her ascend to an S-Class mage. This was the commencement of something more between them. As Levy grappled with self-doubt about her abilities, Gajeel became her advocate and source of encouragement, vowing to bolster her weaknesses. This gesture left her blushing.

Over the course of the series, it’s evident that Gajeel and Levy tend to work closely together. This is largely due to Levy’s unique magical ability, Solid Script, which can create substances like Iron. In many fights, Levy helps Gajeel by boosting his power with Iron, rejuvenating his energy in combat. Notably, when she does this, the shape of the “O” in her magic takes on a heart form, hinting at her deep feelings for him.

Gajeel and Levy’s relationship developed gradually from their initial meeting, even though Gajeel was initially reluctant to engage in battles. However, he found himself drawn into Natsu’s strategies, trying to maintain a mature demeanor despite this. It’s worth noting that Levy discerned an underlying gentleness in Gajeel, as evidenced by his adjustments to fit within the guild when he first joined.

In the Tartaros saga, Levy’s feelings for Gajeel became apparent. During a fierce fight against Torafuzar, Gajeel, Natsu, Lucy, and Juvia found their air supply blocked by a deadly torrent of black poisonous water. With Gajeel in peril despite being quite distant, Levy sensed the danger instinctively and, at the very last moment, performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on him, unintentionally kissing him during the process. At that moment, Gajeel was oblivious to what had happened, thinking she had used her magic to create breathable air in the toxic waters instead.

Once upon a time, I was essentially worthless, just a despicable individual. But when I encountered you, something remarkable happened – you managed to unearth the finest aspects within me, though they were scarce. You showed me what it truly means to love, and for that, I will forever be grateful.

In Chapter 488, after repeatedly rescuing each other and being prepared to give their lives for the other, Gajeel expresses his affection for Levy, thinking he was going to perish alongside Bradman. But Zera intervened, transporting him to Tenrou Island. When Levy discovered Gajeel was still alive due to a message from Zera, and when they were reunited, she reciprocated his feelings in Chapter 502.

  • Gajeel first protected Levy from Laxus’s attack during the Battle of Fairy Tail arc.
  • Gajeel saved Levy from Yomazu and Kawazu during the Tenrou Island arc.
  • Levy saved Gajeel from drawing during his battle with Torafuzar during the Tartaros arc.
  • Levy, while pregnant and under the control of the White Wizard, shielded Gajeel from Natsu’s attacks during the Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest.

A year after the Alvarez Empire arc and the battle against Acnologia, during Lucy’s award ceremony, Gajeel and Levy had a special moment. Leaning towards him, Levy whispered that they were expecting a baby, which left Gajeel looking embarrassed and flustered. This was later confirmed in “Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest,” revealing that Levy is indeed carrying Gajeel’s child and residing with Pantherlily.

Gajeel and Levy had an encounter that would typically cause severe distress; however, despite Gajeel’s imposing presence initially scaring Levy, she realized he was striving to belong within the guild. After discovering more about Gajeel, Levy chose to extend him a chance and trust in his transformation. This faith from Levy played a significant role in Gajeel’s personal growth, eventually gaining acceptance by the Otter Guild members who witnessed him repeatedly risking his life to protect Levy. In summary, both characters compensate for each other’s shortcomings, providing mutual support in a loyal partnership.

Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

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2025-01-31 04:24