Gajeel Redfox

"You want war... with Fairy Tail? I'm not the same... as before... I'll make you feel the same." — Gajeel Redfox to Kawazu and Yomazu in "Kawazu and Yomazu"

Gajeel Redfox
Japanese	ガジル・レッドフォックス
Rōmaji	Gajiru Reddofokkusu
Alias	Black Steel (黒鉄 Kurogane)
Characteristics
Race	Human
Gender	Male
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Red
Professional Status
Affiliation	Fairy Tail
Previous Affiliation	Magic Council Phantom Lord Raven Tail (ruse)
Guild Mark Location	Left Shoulder
Occupation	Mage
Previous Occupation	S-Class Mage Captain of the Custody Enforcement Unit
Previous Team	Team Tenrou Team Fairy Tail B Team Fairy Tail
Partner(s)	Pantherlily
Previous Partner(s)	Levy McGarden
Base of Operations	First Fairy Tail Building (former) Second Fairy Tail Building (former)
Personal Status
Status	Active
Relatives	Metalicana (Foster Father; Deceased)
Counterpart	Gajeel (Edolas)
Magic
Magic	Iron Dragon Slayer Magic Iron Shadow Dragon Mode
Debuts
Manga Debut	Chapter 47
Anime Debut	Episode 21
Game Debut	Fairy Tail Portable Guild
Portrayal
Japanese Voice	Wataru Hatano
English Voice	David Wald

Gajeel Redfox (ガジル・レッドフォックス Gajiru Reddofokkusu) is an Iron Dragon Slayer, a member of the Fairy Tail Guild and a former S-Class Mage of Phantom Lord. After Fairy Tail's disbandment, Gajeel joins the Magic Council and becomes the captain of the Custody Enforcement Unit. When Avatar is defeated, he leaves the Magic Council and returns to Fairy Tail.

Appearance

Gajeel's appearance in the year X791

Gajeel is a tall and muscular young man with long, spiky black hair, which is usually kept slicked back, revealing his forehead. He has red eyes (initially portrayed as green) with slitted dark pupils, and has no visible eyebrows. Most of his exposed body is covered in sets of simple, round studs. The most visible studs are on his face, with three of them above each of his eyes (acting as "eyebrows" of sorts), two on each side of his nose (sometimes mistakenly three in the anime), and two on his chin, just below his mouth. His ears are adorned by two sets of five earrings each.

He also sports four studs on each of his forearms, with his right one being covered in scars. As a member of the former Phantom Lord Guild, he bore his Phantom Lord mark at the top of his right shoulder. After joining Fairy Tail, his black Fairy Tail mark is located on his left arm, just below his shoulder. Being a Dragon Slayer, Gajeel's canine teeth are distinctively sharper than normal.

Gajeel's usual outfit consists of a shabby, black, sleeveless tunic with studded edges, a studded belt around his waist, loose, beige pants tucked inside studded black boots, and a pair of studded brown gloves paired with similarly studded wristbands. He also sports a distinctive wing-like ornament, seemingly made of feathers, jutting upwards, over his right shoulder, attached to his tunic by a large stud.

Personality

	Gajeel saves Natsu from Laxus' attack

When Gajeel first appeared, Gajeel is quite cold and apathetic, not hesitating to injure his own allies if irritated. He iron-clubbed a fellow Phantom Lord Mage who was praising his abilities simply because the latter was disturbing him while he was eating. However, Gajeel is completely and genuinely dedicated to whatever guild he is affiliated with. In fact, he instigated the Fairy Tail-Phantom Lord Guild War simply because, as long time-rivals, he believed that the Fairy Tail Mages were enemies. Upon his recruitment to Fairy Tail, his sense of comradeship seemed to increase. He even went as far as reprimanding Laxus Dreyar, whom he admits to be a more powerful Mage than he is, for attempting to kill Natsu with his Lightning Magic when they were supposed to be allies.

Despite saying that he doesn't wish to make friends, he ironically forms them through his tenacious personality. He believes himself to be a great musician, regardless of what others think of him, and enjoys showing off his metal grinding, glass cracking, and ear destroying voice, like when he chains Mirajane Strauss to a wall to steal her spot as the performing artist for the night. He's also displayed a sense of honor, despite his actions while a part of Phantom Lord; when Shadow Gear confronts Gajeel for the heinous act he committed upon them, he makes himself an open target, acknowledging the terrible act he had done to them, and gave them the opportunity for vengeance. He even protected Levy McGarden after Laxus shot a blast of lightning at her, showing both his compassion for his guildmates, as well as some initial hidden hatred for Laxus.

Gajeel's reaction to Mirajane's transformation

Gajeel is short-tempered, as seen when he and Natsu bicker over callow things. Like Natsu, Gajeel lives for the thrill of combat, and is visibly frustrated when faced with circumstances where he is denied the opportunity of fighting a skilled adversary, as seen during the S-Class Trials. Despite his cold personality, he has shown a humorous side of himself, as seen when he was shocked to see Mirajane transform her face into his.

	Gajeel distraught at not having a cat

Despite his tough exterior, Gajeel is as emotionally vulnerable as any other person. He was noticeably upset upon realizing that he was the only Dragon Slayer that didn't have a cat as a partner. He then desperately tries to find a cat in the alleys, but ends up becoming heavily exhausted. Later on in Edolas, Gajeel finds the partner he is looking for in Pantherlily. Upon arriving back in Earth Land, he cries tears of joy when he discovers Pantherlily also made it, despite his reduced size.

Gajeel has a unique way of laughing: "Gi Hi Hi Hi". And, like quite a few other Dragon Slayers, Gajeel suffers from severe motion sickness, although his case does not develop until the Second Day of the Grand Magic Games in X791 during the Chariot event.

History

Gajeel learned his Iron Dragon Slayer Magic from the Iron Dragon Metalicana, who raised Gajeel like he was his own son. However, Metalicana disappeared on July 7 in the year X777, leaving him to fend for himself. In actuality, Gajeel had become a host for his foster father, who hid himself inside Gajeel's body to create antibodies that would stop Gajeel's natural Dragonification process and allow Metalicana to wait until Acnologia was able to be killed. Some time later, Gajeel joined Phantom Lord. During his time in Phantom Lord Gajeel was admired from afar by a young man named Rogue Cheney, who was known then as Ryos.

An unspecified time before the war against Fairy Tail, Gajeel was brought forth before the Magic Council and was reprimanded for actions he committed. After the trial, Belno spoke to him and besought that he withdraw from Phantom Lord, which offended him rather greatly. He is then told to seek a life worth living rather than be preached to about to live life, which he responded to by saying that the upcoming war with Fairy Tail gives it meaning, after which Belno told him that he reminds her of her dead son.

Synopsis

Phantom Lord arc

Gajeel leads the initial strike against Fairy Tail, using guerrilla tactics, by compromising the Fairy Tail Guildhall with large iron pillars that protrude throughout the building, destroying the Guildhall's foundation. As a mark of strength, he makes an example of Fairy Tail's own Team Shadow Gear and pins them to a tree (in a crucifixion style), inscribing the Phantom Lord mark onto their torsos, signifying who the perpetrating guild was. This act ultimately provokes Makarov to declare war on Phantom Lord.

Gajeel vs. Elfman

Gajeel surveys the battle between Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord before entering the fray to fight Elfman. Their battle is interrupted by Natsu, making Gajeel interested in the idea of battling another Dragon Slayer. Though they exchange fists, Natsu and the rest of the guild are forced to retreat when Makarov has his Magic dissociated by Aria.

Gajeel vs. Natsu

Gajeel uses his superior sense of smell to track down Lucy Heartfilia, whom he captures and brings back to his guild after the Element 4 are defeated. He is ordered by Jose to watch Lucy, but Gajeel cruelly tortures her out of boredom and misplaced hatred. As Lucy insults Gajeel, he smells Natsu coming and moves to kill Lucy, provoking Natsu into fighting him once more.

Gajeel beaten by Natsu

The two are initially equal in strength, but Gajeel gains the upper hand by covering his body with metal scales and eating scraps of metal to replenish his strength. However, Natsu is able to retaliate after Lucy summons Sagittarius to start a fire (which he does by destroying nearby machinery and causing an explosion) allowing Natsu to feed. This gives him enough strength to defeat Gajeel by blasting him through the Phantom Lord building, demolishing it in the process.

After the battle ends, Natsu questions Gajeel about where he learned his Dragon Slayer Magic. Gajeel reveals his relationship with Metalicana, and is shocked to learn that Natsu's Dragon parent, Igneel, disappeared on the same day as his own. The two then bicker over this, and stop after Gajeel yells at Natsu to get out of what is left of his guild, declaring that he will one day take revenge.

Makarov's anger towards what Gajeel did to his "children"

Sometime later, Phantom Lord is disbanded, and Gajeel remains at the ruins of his former guild. He is eventually approached by Makarov, who tells him that Juvia Lockser, another former member of Phantom Lord, has joined their guild, much to Gajeel's displeasure. Makarov forgives Gajeel for damaging his guild, but he is still visibly enraged that Gajeel had injured Shadow Gear, making it clear that he would never forgive him for it. Makarov then offers Gajeel membership into Fairy Tail to help guide him down the right path. Moved by Makarov's mercy and compassion, Gajeel accepts his offer.

Battle of Fairy Tail arc

Despite not being a fully trusted member of Fairy Tail, Gajeel is given a mission by Makarov to find Ivan Dreyar, Makarov's son and Master of the Dark Guild Raven Tail, infiltrate his Dark Guild, and spy on him in the process. Gajeel manages to make contact with Ivan and feigns allegiance with him, claiming to be spying on Fairy Tail so that he may take revenge against Natsu.

Gajeel: the man of many talents

Gajeel's inclusion in the newly renovated guild is not well received by the other guild members, particularly Team Natsu, who discover that he has joined after their return from the Tower of Heaven. While shocked and angry, they reluctantly accept his membership as part of Makarov's decision, though Erza states that he should be watched closely. Gajeel similarly acts distant and hostile towards Natsu and his other new guildmates, saying that he doesn't intend to get along with any of them and has only come to find work. With encouragement from Juvia however, Gajeel begins making attempts to fit in with the others, and though his methods of doing so are questionable (such as chaining up Mirajane so he could put on a stage performance for the others), he gradually earns a grudging respect from the guild.

Gajeel saves Levy from Laxus' Raging Bolt

One of the other groups that refuse to accept Gajeel is Shadow Gear; Jet and Droy hold a grudge against him for attacking them, while Levy frequently cowers in fear of his presence. Jet and Droy pick a fight with Gajeel when he tries to go on a mission, though he does not fight back. Laxus soon arrives and blames him for ruining Fairy Tail's reputation by destroying and then joining the guild. Laxus then begins to brutally assault Gajeel, warranting even Jet and Droy's concern. Even still, Gajeel does not fight back, leading Shadow Gear to reason that he is trying to earn their acceptance. Jet and Droy try to make Laxus stop by attacking him, but Laxus fires a bolt of lightning at Levy out of frustration. To Shadow Gear's shock, Gajeel takes the hit himself and defends Levy. With no one willing to fight anymore, Gajeel staggers off to continue his mission.

Gajeel speaks with Ivan Dreyar

As Laxus tries to take over the guild, Gajeel eats some metal and prepares to go after him, but, as with Natsu, he is stopped by Freed's enchantment that prevents those over the age of 80 from exiting the Guildhall. Gajeel then helps Natsu in his attempt to free Erza from the stone that is imprisoning her. Although they inadvertently succeed, she punches the two Dragon Slayers away for having touched her. Shortly thereafter, Levy, having been freed from her enchantment, manages to dispel the enchantment, enabling Natsu and Gajeel to enter The Battle of Fairy Tail. Later, Gajeel is seen speaking to Ivan Dreyar via Shikigami Magic, falsely reassuring him that he still intends to seek revenge on Fairy Tail.

Gajeel later appears in the Kardia Cathedral, where Natsu is fighting Laxus, and saves Natsu from Laxus' Raging Bolt. He then suggests that he and Natsu work together to take down Laxus and protect the guild, surprising Natsu.

Gajeel saves Natsu's life by turning himself into a living lightning rod

They put forth a valiant effort, but Laxus surprises them by revealing that he, too, is a Dragon Slayer. Using this power, Laxus nearly defeats them both. His powerful spells greatly weaken Gajeel, rendering him incapable of fighting, forcing Natsu to fight Laxus alone. However, before Laxus can deliver the final blow to Natsu, Gajeel uses his Iron Dragon Slayer Magic to turn himself into a living lightning rod, causing Laxus' spell to change course, hitting Gajeel instead. Gajeel then tells Natsu to go, and smiles as his fellow Dragon Slayer defeats the crazed S-Class Mage.

Gajeel and Natsu heavily bandaged

In the Guildhall, after Laxus' defeat, Gajeel and Natsu, now heavily bandaged, sit beside one another. When Natsu springs up from his seat to talk to Laxus, his every word is completely muffled by his bandages. Surprisingly, Gajeel is able to understand him and relays what Natsu says to Laxus. He soon confronts Ivan about Laxus being a Dragon Slayer. Ivan reveals to Gajeel that Laxus is a "fake" Dragon Slayer, and because he pitied Laxus for being so weak, he implanted Lacrima into Laxus' body so he could gain Dragon Slayer powers. Gajeel once more assures Ivan that he won't be caught as a "spy", before leaving. He returns to the Guildhall during Fairy Tail's Fantasia Parade, meeting Makarov in private and giving him a note containing a report on Ivan's location and dealings.

Daphne arc

Note: Events in this arc occur only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Click "show" to read the arc plot. 

Gajeel overhears Gray telling Natsu about a Dragon being spotted. When Natsu gets ready to go with Wendy, Gajeel is asked to come. He refuses, assuming it is a scam, just like most of the other rumors are. He also includes the fact that Metalicana abandoned him, so he doesn't even care if he's okay.

Gajeel later appears to help stop the Dragonoid. He uses one of his Dragon Slayer's Secret Arts, effectively destroying the Dragonoid and freeing the trapped Natsu. Gajeel then calls to his guildmates, asking them to send any and all fire towards Natsu so that he can defeat Daphne. After doing so, he celebrates their victory with the rest of the guild.

Edolas arc

Gajeel envious of not having a cat

After Wendy Marvell becomes the newest member of Fairy Tail, Gajeel is shown to be upset and perplexed upon observing that both Natsu and Wendy have cats with them. Being a Dragon Slayer like them, he questions, and is troubled by the fact that he doesn't have a cat. He later begins looking for a cat to own in an alleyway but, after numerous tries, becomes exhausted. He then trips and lands face-first in front of a silhouetted cat. However, the cat claws Gajeel's face, prompting Happy to, after running into the Iron Dragon Slayer, question why his face has multiple scratch marks.

Gajeel decides that he will make Pantherlily his cat

As the Anima sucks everyone from Magnolia into Edolas, Gajeel is not shown to be at the guild. However, Carla says that Dragon Slayers should be safe. It is later revealed by Gray that Mystogan transported Gajeel to Edolas, along with the medicine X-Balls: a medicine that allows Earth Land Mages to use their Magic in Edolas. Gajeel later frees Gray Fullbuster and Erza Scarlet from the Lacrima stationed at the grounds of the Royal Capital, and gives them the aforementioned medicine. While rampaging at the Royal Capital, Happy carries him to the Lacrima where the rest of the Fairy Tail members were trapped. Gajeel reveals that he can revert Anima's effects on the Lacrima by destroying it with Dragon Slayer Magic. As he is about to do so, he is interrupted by a flying Pantherlily, who attacks him with a gigantic blade.

File:Gajeel and Pantherlily fighting.png

Gajeel vs. Pantherlily

Their fight starts to get intense, when Gajeel's Iron Dragon's Scales allow him to withstand attacks from Pantherlily's sword, but in the middle of the fight when Pantherlily mentions being an outcast, Gajeel immediately takes a liking to him and, after destroying Pantherlily's sword, states that he will “make Pantherlily his cat”, and then moves to engage the Exceed in hand-to-hand combat. As the Lacrima is about to crash into Extalia, Gajeel decides to postpone their fight and help prevent the collision of the Lacrima.

Gajeel, along with the Fairy Tail members and the Exceeds, manages to stop the Lacrima. Mystogan then arrives and is successful in sending the Lacrima back to Earth Land and states that once the Lacrima returns through the Anima, the Fairy Tail members will return to normal. Immediately following this, Erza Knightwalker arrives and shoots Pantherlily through the abdomen, outraging Gajeel. The King then makes an appearance in a giant metal Dragon called the Dorma Anim, and says that the metal Dragon repels all Magic attacks. Gajeel, Natsu and Wendy engage the Dorma Anim in battle, as only their Dragon Slayer Magic can stand up against the Dorma Anim.

Wendy casts two spells on Natsu and Gajeel while they fight the Dorma Anim, making them both faster and stronger, respectively. Faust then fires heat-seeking missiles at Wendy, but Natsu intercepts and destroys them. As Faust prepares to fire again, Gajeel hits the missiles before they can launch, but smacked away by the Dorma Anim's tail. As another set of missiles are fired, before Natsu can hit them, they engulf him in a fiery explosion. Though Faust believes himself to be triumphant, he is soon sent into shock as Natsu devours the flames, and is then left dumbfounded when he discovers Gajeel to be eating the tail of the Dorma Anim. Faust then makes the Dorma Anim change color and states that he's going to drain them of their fighting spirit.

The huge increase in the Dorma Anim's power turns the tides of the battle, prompting Gajeel to try different tactics, revealing that they hadn't been using full power because they didn't know what would happen. The three Dragon Slayers then attack the Dorma Anim with their Roars, but Faust jumps over the combined spell. Seeing their weariness, Faust proclaims victory, saying that although they have infinite Magic, once it runs out, they need time for it to re-enter their bodies. Natsu then rises and, fending off an attack from the Dorma Anim, states that he'll simply use tomorrow's share of Magic Power, inspiring Gajeel. The Iron Dragon Slayer then rises as well, and pins the Dorma Anim to ground, preventing it from jumping over another attack. Gajeel then tells the Fire Dragon Slayer that he's the only one who can defeat Faust, and watches as Natsu uses the rotation granted from Wendy's Roar to tear through the Dorma Anim, defeating Faust.

The Dragon Slayers' "defeat"

Gajeel is later told, by Nadi, about Mystogan and Pantherlily's conversation, and the three Dragon Slayers decide to put on a show, with them acting the part of the antagonists that Edolas needs. Showing up alongside the Great Demon-Lord Dragneel, Gajeel wrecks the streets of the Royal Capital, helps Wendy to scare civilians, and, at the same time, grudgingly puts up with Natsu's degenerative rants. Gajeel and Wendy then watch Natsu's destructive demonstration in front of the crowd, with Wendy asking whether Natsu is going overboard. Gajeel, however, says that he is merely setting up the perfect scene for the people to trust Mystogan. With Natsu's "defeat", their bodies began to glow, and Gajeel tells Wendy to prepare a flashy defeat appearance. As the Reverse Anima removes them from Edolas, the three Dragon Slayers strike a pose, faking their defeat, and smile at Mystogan, signaling that everything will be alright.

Gajeel happily hugs Pantherlily

Returning from Edolas, Gajeel, along with the rest of the gang, is surprised by the appearance of the Exceeds. After listening to the Exceed Elders' explanation and witnessing the Exceeds depart, Gajeel searches for Pantherlily. Showing up in a much smaller size, everyone is surprised by Pantherlily's new form. Pantherlily then requests to join the guild that the Prince was a member of. Hearing that Pantherlily is keeping his promise, Gajeel runs up to the Exceed and, while crying, joyfully hugs him. Pantherlily then states that he found a strange person hiding in the bushes and pulls her out, leaving everyone speechless; the person is Lisanna. She asks Pantherlily if he is an Exceed, to which he replies by stating his name, and Gajeel angrily asks her if she is picking a fight with his cat. When Lisanna reveals that she is actually from Earth Land and was sent to Edolas two years ago, Gajeel, alongside Natsu and the others, helps Lisanna return to her siblings.

Tenrou Island arc

Gajeel pits Pantherlily against Happy and Carla

Back at Fairy Tail, everybody celebrates Lisanna's return, and Gajeel is seen to have become more cheerful by proposing a fight between "his Lily" and Natsu and Wendy's Exceeds, but ends up starting, yet again, a full-scale brawl between the members of the guild. At the night's end, everyone falls asleep, with Gajeel, in particular, holding Pantherlily in one arm.

Levy blushes when Gajeel tells her that he will make her "big"

A few days later, Gajeel watches Pantherlily have a sword-fight with Erza and, after the battle, brags about Pantherlily's swordsmanship. Gajeel, alongside the rest of the guild, witnesses Makarov announce the S-Class Mage Promotion Trial, but is greatly shocked that he wasn't chosen as a candidate and that Juvia was chosen over him. Gajeel also is left frustrated by the fact, since he would have stood out as much as the other candidates if his secret mission to infiltrate Raven Tail was revealed, as it shows that his trust within the guild is not as strained as the others believe it to be. It is seen that it was actually Erza who prevented him from being a candidate, feeling it was too early for him.

Gajeel and Levy hiding from the creatures on Tenrou Island

When Jet and Droy are arguing over who will be Levy's partner, Gajeel steps up saying that he will help her. Levy feels she has no chance since she doesn't consider herself strong, which prompts Gajeel to yell at her to be more positive, and that he would help make her stronger, causing her to blush.

As the participants head towards the island, Gajeel gets drowsy from the heat. When the first trial starts, Freed writes runes on the boat, preventing everyone (except for Bickslow and himself) from leaving the boat for 5 minutes. However, Levy manages to rewrite the rune in an instant, though she only lets herself and Gajeel leave. They then swim to the island and arrive just after Freed and Bickslow. The two then, by chance, pick the quiet path, which displeases Gajeel as he was unable to fight anybody.

Gajeel beats the monster...

During the second part of the test, Gajeel grumbles about the test and him not being able to fight Natsu or Erza. Levy becomes frustrated with Gajeel for ignoring and teasing her about her strength, before running away from him. Later, she regrets running away, but is ambushed by two Grimoire Heart members. Gajeel saves her just in time and tells her not to leave his side again, to which she agrees. With Gajeel and Levy back-to-back, he then asks for the identities of their attackers, and though the perpetrators choose not to answer, the guild marks on their body reveal to Gajeel that they are affiliated with the Dark Guild Grimoire Heart.

... and then, he is beaten by Levy

With Grimoire Heart Mages present during the S-Class Trials, Gajeel wonders if the Master recruited Mages from a Dark Guild to pose as obstacles, being part of the trials without telling anyone else, to which Levy dismisses as false, and states that they, more than likely, infiltrated the island.

Gajeel then says that if he cannot take care of a mess this small, he wouldn't have what it takes to be an S-Class Mage. After Yomazu states that they were sent to poach all Fairy Tail Mages on the island, he uses Gō, a spell that creates a deafening noise, leaving Gajeel and Levy unable to hear their surroundings. Gajeel cannot hear Levy's warning, so she pulls Gajeel away from Kawazu, who tries to hit them with eggs. When Levy uses her Solid Script: Silent to stop Gō, Gajeel, who is now able to hear, punches Yomazu. Despite gaining the advantage, Yomazu is able to cut through Gajeel's Iron Dragon's Scales with Zan. He then uses Kan to pierce right through Gajeel.

Levy is saved by Gajeel

Yomazu uses Narukami to hit him again. With Gajeel down on the ground, and Levy watching nearby in horror, Yomazu and Kawazu converse, musing to themselves that if the other guild members of Fairy Tail are just as weak as both Gajeel and Levy, then the two of them would be enough to take down the rest of the guild before their reinforcements arrive. Hearing this, Gajeel inquires about the "reinforcements" that they were talking about, to which Yomazu replies that he was referring to the entirety Grimoire Heart would soon be arriving on Tenrou Island, much to Gajeel's shock. Realizing that the gravity of the situation is worse than he initially anticipated, Gajeel tells Levy that from this point on, things will escalate beyond her imagination, and so he instructs her to run. When Levy shows her hesitation to leave Gajeel behind, he shouts that informing everyone else about Grimoire Heart's arrival is more important right now, and urges her to go, saying that he can take care of these two on his own. Yomazu runs after Levy, but Gajeel stops him with his Iron Dragon's Club. Before she leaves, Levy leaves some iron for Gajeel to devour and replenish his energy with.

Gajeel readies himself to fight once more

With his strength replenished, Gajeel manages to get back on his feet, much to the shock of Yomazu and Kawazu. He remembers the time he fought Natsu and how he defended the name and honor of Fairy Tail. Gajeel currently feels the same as Natsu did, and vows to defeat his enemies. Gajeel starts off by attacking the Dark Mages with his Roar, however, the gesture does little to help his situation. Although the Dark Mages barrage Gajeel with a multitude of spells, Gajeel perseveres and defeats Kawazu with his Iron Dragon's Sword. However, this action leaves Gajeel susceptible, something which Yomazu takes advantage of, and pierces through Gajeel's Iron Dragon's Scales and the entirety of his arm with Tsuranuki. Gajeel, ignoring the pain, grabs Yomazu's sword and screams that he won't lose; Gajeel recalls the day that Makarov invited him to join Fairy Tail.

Snapping back to the present, Gajeel screams that he is a Fairy Tail Mage and destroys Yomazu's sword with his bare hand, leaving Yomazu flabbergasted at his power. Gajeel then attacks Yomazu with his Dragon Slayer's Secret Art: Karma Demon: Iron God Sword, simultaneously defeating the Grimoire Heart Mage and causing Gajeel to collapse from exhaustion. Later, Levy, Erza, and Juvia find him and his opponents on the ground. Levy runs to his side, telling him to hang in there, while Erza shoots a signal flare into the sky, signally that the Trial is to be postponed, and that they are in an emergency situation. Levy, with Gajeel on her back, then says that she will carry him to the camp and departs. When the Grimoire Heart members arrive from the bubbles, Levy hides, with Gajeel still unconscious on her shoulder.

Gajeel resting alongside with Mirajane

Gajeel is later seen unconscious at the rest spot next to Mirajane, being tended to by Levy and Lisanna. After Hades is defeated by Team Natsu, Wendy, Carla, Pantherlily and Laxus, he, along with the rest of the injured members, confront the remaining members of Grimoire Heart, demanding that they leave the island immediately.

After Grimoire Heart's defeat, Natsu wishes to continue with the exam. Gajeel, however, berates him, telling him that he can't win in his condition. Natsu disagrees, but before they can fight, Natsu passes out, leaving Gajeel annoyed.

Team Tenrou vs. Acnologia

Everything is interrupted when Acnologia, the infamous Black Dragon, lands on Tenrou Island and starts rampaging, prompting the Team Tenrou to start running towards the ship. Makarov then, however, enters full Titan mode and grabs Acnologia, preventing him from attacking the others. Everyone wishes to help Makarov, but he shouts not to disobey his final order. When Makarov is overwhelmed by Acnologia, the entirety of the Team Tenrou returns to fight against the Dragon.

Fairy Tail holding hands

As Acnologia, having shrugged off all the combined attacks from its assailants, flies into the sky, preparing to fire his Dragon's Roar upon Tenrou Island, the guild members join their hands in a circle. While promising that they will return home to Fairy Tail, they are struck by Acnologia's Roar, which leaves nothing in its wake; Tenrou Island, as well as those on it, are gone.

X791 arc

Gajeel returns with Team Tenrou

Gajeel, along with the rest of the Team Tenrou, is rescued by Bisca, Alzack, Jet, Droy, Max, Warren and The Trimens from Blue Pegasus. Before she disappears, Gajeel watches as Mavis Vermilion reveals that she was the one who saved them. He returns to the Fairy Tail Guild and, along with Natsu, Erza, and Gray, defeats the members of Twilight Ogre whom were threatening Romeo, prompting everyone to give them a tearful "welcome back".

Key of the Starry Sky arc

Note: Events in this arc occur only in the anime and do not constitute canon material.

Click "show" to read the arc plot. 

When the members of Fairy Tail begin to practice their dancing skills in preparation for a dance ball, Gajeel notices Levy looking in his direction and tells her outright that he is, by no means, going to ask her to dance, with Levy replying that she was never going to ask him either. However, when both Jet and Droy appear and ask Levy to dance, Gajeel quickly grabs and proceeds to waltz with her.

Gajeel runs away

In the forest, Gajeel sees a huge lightning bolt and goes to find its source. While running, Gajeel sees Natsu running too, and asks him where he is going. The two start to argue until Happy stops them and reminds them that the main idea is to check where the lightning came from. Natsu states that if it is Laxus, he will have a showdown with him, which reminds Gajeel that Natsu can't defeat Laxus alone. The two start arguing again but are stopped by Laxus. Gajeel then tells Laxus to come back to the guild, but Laxus answers that he should just mind his own business. Gajeel and Natsu challenges Laxus to a battle, which he denies at first, but later accepts. Laxus says he will fight with Natsu first, and then Gajeel after but, before can so much as begin, Wendy comes and stops them, telling them to continue their fight tomorrow, to which they agree. Later, during the festival, Gajeel sings onstage, disappointing everyone, as they were expecting Mirajane. During the battle, Gajeel watches as Natsu and Laxus prepare to fight each other, but later runs away after seeing Natsu's quick defeat.

Pantherlily and Team Shadow Gear begin their "journey" to find the remaining clock pieces. Pantherlily sees the need to find Gajeel, due to his strength, before they proceed on their quest. They later find Gajeel under a waterfall, who states he is trying to improve his water and lightning tolerance. Pantherlily joins him as well, hoping to overcome his fear of thunder.

Gajeel and the others climb

The team heads to a mountain that Lucy had claimed to contain a clock piece. As they are climbing, Droy inquires as to why Pantherlily doesn't give them a lift, to which he replies that they could miss clues. Gajeel climbs the fastest, arriving at the top, before Team Shadow Gear, with Pantherlily. When they get to the top, they ask for a break, to which Gajeel firmly denies. As they pant for breath, Pantherlily claims that they climbed the wrong mountain, pointing to a taller and more frightening one in the distance as a joke, only to find Team Shadow Gear in shock. Pantherlily copies Gajeel's signature laughter as he sheepishly claims that he only wanted to make them feel better. Gajeel then begins to dig for the clock piece.

Gajeel ands others seeing Samuel

While digging, after Jet and Droy comment on how Gajeel is a "slave driver", Gajeel realizes that they are being watched, which he points out to Levy.

Gajeel notices Samuel, who introduces himself, and challenges the Exceed to a fight, calling him "Sammy". Pantherlily, instead, assures that he will fight him, letting the others continue to dig. Gajeel finally breaks through and the group is dropped into a room that resembles a clock face. Levy translates a scripture on one of the rocks as "I'm hungry" and Droy claims that it meant that it was snack time. Jet, meanwhile, stands on top of the rock and points out that it looks like a clock face, while Gajeel begins to move the hands to the proper position.

Gajeel wants to eat the clock part

A clock-like statue appears and the group goes to it. Gajeel steps up and licks the face of the statue, telling them it's made of iron, to which the rest wonder if he could have discovered its physical properties through other means. Levy sees that there is scripture on the statue and goes to translate it, but Gajeel stops her, telling her that they don't have the time. Instead, he pulls on the iron piece and ends up setting off a trap which results in the nearby statue coming to life and viciously attacking them. After dodging its attacks, the group notices a device on the statue's head and reasons that destroying it will shut down the statue. Team Shadow Gear attempts to reach the top of the stone figure with a combination of Levy's Solid Script, Droy's vines, and Jet's speed. Their teamwork appears successful, prompting Gajeel to praise Levy, nodding his head in approval as he does so.

Gajeel beats the monster

However, due to the statue's movement and Team Shadow Gear's lack of synchronized teamwork, the group ends up failing to reach the top of the statue, and though Gajeel tries as well, they find that the switch is merely too high up. Suddenly, Gajeel notices that the statue is following his movements because he is holding the clock piece, so he throws it in front of Levy's feet, embedding it in the floor, and begins to run while the figure is busy trying to attack Levy instead. He manages to get to the top of the statue and casts Karma Demon: Iron God Sword, smashing the weak spot and completely destroying the guardian. At the same time, Samuel begins to panic upon seeing that his calculations have failed and Pantherlily easily defeats him; the group successfully leaves with the clock piece.

As Gajeel's group returns with their clock piece, they are annoyed that Samuel is following them. Gajeel, Levy, Jet and Droy are seen walking as Samuel tells Pantherlily that Exceed perceive time differently to humans, and that due to this, there was something in the Key of the Starry Heavens that leaped out at him.

Gajeel holding the glowing clock part

As they're walking, the clock piece suddenly emits a bright light. Gajeel, Pantherlily and Shadow Gear head to the same desert where Natsu's group has been searching for their respective clock piece, carrying their own with them. They and the other search parties arrive and prepare to fight Byro Cracy. Gajeel is among those who fight but, like the others, his Magic is nullified. However, before their battle can escalate, all the clock piece assemble before Gajeel and the others, forming the Infinity Clock. As it chimes a deafening sound, a group of six people arrive at the scene.

As Fairy Tail and the Legion Corps try to retrieve the Infinity Clock from the Reborn Oración Seis, Angel, utilizing her Angel Magic, destroys their location. The group is later rescued by The Trimens.

After returning to the guild, the group soon decides that they will pursue the Infinity Clock and the Reborn Oración Seis, using Cana to properly pair them up and divine the locations of the six Dark Mages. Gajeel is teamed up with Juvia, who annoys him when she keeps insisting he swap with Gray. Finally convincing Juvia that parting from Gray will be alright, the groups sets out.

Gajeel and Juvia arrive at a destroyed church and see Mary Hughes emerging from the wreckage. Soon, Guttman Kubrick follows behind and begins attacking Mary, before the Legionnaire turns on Gajeel and Juvia, reveling in their pain.

Gajeel defeats Guttman

Gajeel, although worn out from his battle, proceeds to attack Guttman once more, but fails to hit him due to the latter's Rapture Magic. After Mary Hughes claims that Guttman is undefeated, Gajeel says that he changed after joining Fairy Tail and that he will never give up, unlike what he would do if he was still in Phantom Lord. He then calls Juvia who, after completely recovering, captures Guttman in her Water Lock, allowing Gajeel to deliver the finishing blow and defeat the Legionnaire. He then states, to Juvia, that their timing was a bit off, to which she replies that it would've been better had Gray been in his place. However, their victory is short lived, as Gajeel soon witnesses, along with Juvia, the Infinity Clock transforming into its true form, prompting Guttman to comment that Zentopia has won.

Gajeel, having returned from his mission, meets with Elfman in the guild. The Take Over Mage reports that Lucy's relative, Michelle Lobster, is in fact Imitatia, the seventh member of the Reborn Oración Seis, and that she has captured Natsu and Lucy. Before any action can be taken to save the two Mages, the Archaeologists Lucy had met earlier appear before Fairy Tail, requesting to meet with her.

After learning that Lucy has been kidnapped, one of the Archaeologists reveals to Gajeel and the rest of the Fairy Tail Mages that he is a descendant of Will Neville. He then proceeds to explain how Jude Heartfilia acquired the hand of the Clock, as well as how dangerous Real Nightmare will be if the Infinity Clock isn't stopped soon, and so requests from Gajeel and the other Fairy Tail Mages to stop Real Nightmare. Soon after that, the Christina appears in the sky, and a team of Fairy Tail Mages, Gajeel included, accompanies Ichiya and heads towards the Infinity Clock.

At some point, Mirajane decides to take on Racer in order for the other Mages to be able to go to the Infinity Clock safely. Gajeel is surprised to see her and Racer descending towards the ground, but Elfman convinces everyone that Mirajane will be alright, so the group proceeds to head towards the Infinity Clock.

Gajeel affected by Real Nightmare

Gajeel, along with Ichiya and the rest of the team, arrives at the Zentopia Church. The whole group, sans Erza, is affected by Real Nightmare, which causes Gajeel, in particular, to turn into an old man. Erza then uses her ancient weapon to return Gajeel and the others to normal. The Zentopia Church soldiers later see the team arrive and try to stop them, albeit to no avail. Byro then sends Kanaloa to stop them. Gajeel and the others try to, unsuccessfully, get rid of Kanaloa, so Ichiya tells them to go, and that he will handle Kanaloa.

Gajeel and the other Fairy Tail Mages jump off into Zentopia's holy grounds, still worried about Ichiya's fate. At some point, Gildarts contacts the group via Warren's Telepathy and reveals to them that the Archbishop is being mind controlled by Lapointe.

As Gajeel's group reunites with Natsu, Gildarts and Coco, they witness a defeated Lapointe revealing that the only way to stop Real Nightmare is to kill the source of the Clock's power, Lucy Heartfilia, before ultimately disappearing. As the Legion Corps is determined to dispose of Lucy in order to save the world, Fairy Tail divides into two groups: one in charge of healing the Archbishop and one in charge of saving Lucy.

Midnight reflects Gajeel's Roar

Gajeel joins the second group, and, one by one, the Mages of the group engage in a fight against the members of the Reborn Oración Seis. Gajeel decides to fight Midnight, despite Natsu insistence at fighting the Dark Guild Master himself, and allows the other Mages to go and find Lucy. Although Gajeel is at an initial disadvantage against Midnight, he soon gains the upper hand after eating nearby iron. However, even his upper hand is only temporary, as Midnight's Reflector turns Gajeel's own spells against him. Midnight ends their fight with his Spiral Pain, sending Gajeel plummeting from the Infinity Castle. Gildarts, who sees Gajeel falling, tries to catch him, resulting in both Mages falling from the tower.

Later, Gajeel and Gildarts listen to Warren asking them, as well as the other Fairy Tail Mages, to destroy as many chains connecting the Infinity Clock to the ground as possible. While eating the iron chains, he senses Erza destroying the chains as well, and says to himself that he cannot let her outdo him.

Not long after, Gajeel, along with Fairy Tail and Zentopia, continues to destroy the chains that connect to the Infinity Clock. Lucy is then completely absorbed into the Infinity Castle and takes full control of it. She then turns Real Nightmare on Midnight and, together with Natsu, defeats him. Gajeel and the others receive a telepathic message from Warren, telling them how Lucy can be freed. After Lucy is freed, she is sent flying through the sky, but is caught by Natsu and Fairy Tail, whom are all riding atop Kanaloa.

After saving Lucy, Gajeel, along with his comrades return to Fairy Tail where the Legionnaires later apologize to them and have a small party with the Mages in the guild. They then later say goodbye to Gajeel and head off on their journey to seek out and seal the scattered parts of the Infinity Clock.

Grand Magic Games arc

Gajeel and Pantherlily training for the Grand Magic Games

Before the start of the Grand Magic Games, Gajeel and Pantherlily leave to train, opting to leave Levy behind. After training to the point of exhaustion, Gajeel and Pantherlily lay on the ground and look up at the stars, smiling.

Team Fairy Tail B

Sometime between the training and the Games, Makarov decides to create a second Fairy Tail team, which Gajeel was completely adverse to, but accepts after Makarov tells him that the losing team would have to follow the winning team's orders for a day, something which prompted him to imagine Lucy Heartfilia, wearing a bunny suit, dancing for him while he plays the guitar. Marakov states that Gajeel is nowhere to be found at the Games' start. However, as the teams who passed the preliminary phase of the competition are announced, Gajeel is revealed to be a member of Fairy Tail's Team B, the only other team belonging to the same guild that passed the preliminary, alongside Laxus, Mirajane, Juvia and, surprisingly, someone who looks exactly like Mystogan, whom is later revealed to be a disguised Jellal Fernandes. Their group achieved second place, greatly surpassing the guild's A Team, and only being bested by Team Sabertooth.

Gajeel during Chariot

As Natsu angrily claims that if they are to be pitted against one another, he won't go easy on Team B just because they are his guildmates, Gajeel states that his thought process is legitimate, subsequently teasing Natsu's team for placing last in the preliminary. As the first event, Hidden, is announced, Juvia chooses to participate, due to Gray being the competitor for Team A, prompting a comically angered Gajeel to tell her that if she were to lose on purpose, he'd beat her up. After the contest starts, when Juvia hugs one of Gray's clones generated for the event, thereby losing their team a point, Gajeel angrily calls her an idiot. He later yells at an embarrassed Jellal when the Independent Mage loses his battle against Jura Neekis of Team Lamia Scale.

Natsu and Gajeel finish Chariot

Gajeel later participates in the Second Day's event, Chariot, alongside fellow Dragon Slayers Natsu and Sting Eucliffe of Sabertooth. However, much to his surprise and displeasure, Gajeel, like the other two, is afflicted with motion sickness, proving the task to be extremely difficult. The three are left behind while the rest of the participants race towards the goal. As the others finish, Natsu, Gajeel and Sting are ridiculed by the audience. Sting decides to give up, but Natsu and Gajeel are determined to finish the race. Gajeel then finishes the in seventh place (just behind Natsu), earning his team one point. He is later seen in his own team's corner, shocked at Mirajane's sudden display of power. Gajeel congratulates Mirajane as she returns to their team's viewing area following her victory against Jenny Realight. He also commends Jellal for staying in character.

Gajeel celebrates with Fairy Tail after the successful Third Day

During the Third Day's battle portion, Gajeel is surprised to see what appears to be Laxus being physically dominated by Team Raven Tail's "Alexei". In reality, said fight was a mere illusion cast by "Alexei", whom was, during the real battle, unmasked as Ivan Dreyar. After Laxus states that Makarov knew all about Raven Tail's details, Flare blames Gajeel for Laxus' knowledge, allowing Ivan to finally realize Gajeel's double-agent status. After Laxus defeats all the members of Team Raven Tail and is declared the winner, Gajeel is shown to be quite pleased at his victory. During the next battle, between Sherria Blendy and Wendy Marvell, Gajeel watches Sherria use a similar form Magic to Wendy's Sky Dragon Slayer Magic.

Gajeel sticking his head through a cutout

After the Third Day's events and battles, the Fairy Tail Mages celebrate their victories by throwing a party. Later that day, Gajeel, alongside most of the other Mages of Fairy Tail, heads to Ryuzetsu Land, Fiore's most popular water park. Once there, Gajeel and Levy walk with Happy, Carla and Pantherlily, who decide to go to a nearby aquarium. Gajeel is asked by Levy if he would like to join them, but Gajeel quickly denies the offer, stating that there is no way he would go to a place like that.

Ryuzetsu Land is destroyed

As the day progresses, Gajeel is seen sticking his head through a cutout, appearing as a fish with hairy legs. A little while later, Gray and Lyon Vastia end up in a dispute and freeze the pool. Such an action prompts Natsu to attempt to melt the ice with his Fire Dragon Slayer Magic, but, much to Makarov and Mavis' chagrin, ends up destroying the entirety of Ryuzetsu Land, causing Gajeel to land on top of the voluminous amounts rubble, the cutout laying atop his body.

The next day, during Naval Battle, Gajeel scolds Juvia for falling out of the water sphere. Later, as Lucy fights Minerva, Gajeel expresses anger at Minerva's torturistic actions.

Team Fairy Tail enters the Domus Flau

After Lucy is sent to the infirmary, Gajeel and the rest of his team come to visit her. While there, Makarov informs him and everyone else present that Team Fairy Tail A and Team Fairy Tail B must merge, which surprises Gajeel. Gajeel, along with Erza, Laxus, Gray, and Natsu, is chosen for the new Team Fairy Tail. After they enter the Domus Flau, he and Natsu glare at the Twin Dragons of Sabertooth.

As the tag battle between Ichiya and the Rabbit from Team Blue Pegasus and Bacchus and Rocker from Team Quatro Puppy begins, everyone, Gajeel included, expresses their eagerness towards the Rabbit revealing its identity. When the Rabbit reveals itself to be Nichiya, Gajeel is seen holding a physically, and emotionally, disgusted Erza, telling her to snap out of it. When Ichiya wins the tag battle, Gajeel expresses his pleasure at the Blue Pegasus Mage winning, in spite of the match turning into a two-on-one fight.

After a tag battle between Team Mermaid Heel and Team Lamia Scale results in a draw, Team Fairy Tail and Team Sabertooth's battles begin. A determined Natsu and Gajeel march into the Domus Flaus and prepare to battle Sting and Rogue.

Gajeel and Natsu make the first move

Before the Twin Dragons can so much as move, Natsu and Gajeel quickly move to face them, knocking them back, with Gajeel, in particular, punching away Rogue, surprising the audience. As Rogue attacks Gajeel with his Shadow Dragon's Slash, which he blocks with his Iron Dragon's Sword, respectively, Sting changes the trajectory of his previously fired White Dragon's Roar in an effort to give Rogue some leeway in his fight against Gajeel. However, Gajeel dodges the spell and knocks Rogue away. Gajeel then watches as the Twin Dragons rise from the ground, having previously been struck by Natsu's Fire Dragon's Wing Attack, and activate their respective drives, stating that they'll show them the power that kills Dragons.

The Twin Dragons attack, with Rogue outmaneuvering Gajeel with his Shadow Dodge, melding his body in and out of shadow form. As Rogue states that the Shadow Dragon cannot be captured, and that it successfully hunts its prey, Gajeel grabs Rogue's fist, stating that such a thing is ridiculous, prompting him to punch Rogue away, demanding that the Shadow Dragon Slayer not look down on Fairy Tail. With Mato questioning the outcome of the match, Gajeel watches, confused, as Sting and Rogue rise from the ground, once more, and enter Dragon Force.

Gajeel and Natsu forced underground by Sting

Gajeel stands and awaits the newly powered-up Dragon Slayer's attacks, however, before the two can advance, Sting states that he, alone, is enough for Natsu and Gajeel, and moves to take the two alone. Gajeel comments that Sting is underestimating them, but Natsu replies that he is unsure about this, stating that he can sense Sting's strength. Sting advances and viciously attacks, with Gajeel and Natsu try to combine their attacks to respond; Sting proves to still have the upper hand. Eventually, destroying entire Domus Flau with his breath, Sting sends the two Fairy Tail Mages plummeting into the catacombs that lay below. Despite his continuous attempts at fighting back, Gajeel is eventually bested by Sting's Holy Ray, and is thought to be defeated, alongside Natsu.

Gajeel left immobilized by a mining cart

Before Mato can declare the match over, however, both he and Natsu stand up, commenting on Sting's power, but also saying that they have memorized all of his particularities; getting into a fight over the position of Sting's foot when he moves to make an attack. Being unable to come to a united decision, Natsu becomes annoyed with Gajeel and pushes him into a nearby mining cart, causing him to become motion sick as it rolls down a hill, away from him. As the cart continues to roll away, Gajeel weakly states that he is going to kill Natsu when he next sees him.

Gajeel stumbles upon the Dragon Graveyard

Gajeel ends up traveling the full length of the track, and finds himself in a cavern deep underneath Crocus. He manages to free himself, but coughs from his motion sickness, saying that he'll kill Natsu. Gajeel then meanders throughout his location, wondering where he is before, ultimately, discovering a large, cavernous graveyard filled the rotting remains of various Dragons.

Gajeel brings Natsu and Wendy to the Dragon Graveyard

Gajeel brings Natsu, Wendy and their Exceed partners (as well as Gray and Lucy, whom happened to tag along) to the Dragon Graveyard. He tells them that the Dragons present come from ancient times and are not his, Natsu's nor Wendy's foster parent. The group ultimately decides that they must find a way to learn of what happened. Gajeel is then surprised to learn that Wendy's new spell, Milky Way, is capable of helping them do such a thing.

Gajeel watches in amazement as Wendy activates her newly learned spell; Dragon bones begin to shake, before, eventually, an extremely large Dragon materializes in front of them. He shows fright at the sight of the newly materialized Dragon, but soon realizes that the Dragon is not as frightening as he first had thought. He then listens as the Dragon, Zirconis, explains to the group as to the reason why Dragon bones are located here, and about a war between the Dragons which happened 400 years earlier. While materialized, Zirconis also explains that Dragons first began to teach humans Dragon Slayer Magic, which led to some Dragons to partner with the humans. Gajeel continues to listen, in shock, as Zirconis talks about the Dragon King Festival and a powerful Dragon Slayer who killed many a Dragon, bathed in their blood, and, eventually, became a Dragon himself: Acnologia. Zirconis disappears soon after, prompting Gajeel and the other Dragon Slayers to fret about becoming real Dragons should they continue using their Dragon Slayer Magic. However, their fears are quelled by the arrival of Arcadios and Yukino, upon which the former states that their idea of transforming into Dragons is moot, as Zeref was the one who originally helped Acnologia become a Dragon in the first place. Upon finishing his thought, Gajeel questions who Arcadios is, but the man dismisses Gajeel's question and instead states that to defeat Acnologia, they must defeat Zeref before he became immortal.

Gajeel and the others are kicked out of the building

Gajeel shows little surprise at Arcadios' appearance and remains silent throughout his presence. However, he, as well as his guildmates, follows Arcadios into Mercurius. Inside, Gajeel learns that Arcadios was the one responsible for the attempted kidnapping of Lucy. In addition, he is then elaborated on the details regarding the Eclipse Plan. Such news surprises Gajeel and he even wonders whether the connection with July 7, which happens to be the same day that the Dragons disappeared, is really just coincidental. Before anyone can speak further, they are approached by the members of the Fiore Guard, led by Darton. Darton proceeds to kick the Fairy Tail Mages out of the building before arresting Arcadios, Yukino, and even Lucy.

Gajeel and the team get ready

Gajeel and the rest later meet with other members of the guild and discuss Lucy's arrest at the hands of the Fiore Army. Gajeel wonders why the Kingdom only arrested Lucy and not all of them, given that they had discovered some top secret information, to which Mirajane replies that it'd be suspicious if they, as participants in the games, were arrested and didn't appear. As Makarov gives his take on the situation, Gajeel listens in. The next day, Gajeel heads out with the rest of Team Fairy Tail for the final day of the Games. As the rules for the final day are explained to the Mages, Gajeel and the rest of the team listen in. After listening to the rules, the team listens to what Erza has to say about what is at stake. Juvia adds that if Natsu and the others could save her, that'd be best, with Gajeel reiterating that it indeed would be best if such a thing were to occur. The Grand Magic Game officially begins, as the team joins in a group cheer. When the Game starts and the members of the other teams scatter, Gajeel and the rest of Team Fairy Tail remain in place, much to everyone's surprise, while their opponents battle one another. Soon after the battles commence and continue, Mavis explains that she presented the team with a strategy, based on her observations, to assure victory, and gives them the command to go, at which point Gajeel and the rest rush into battle.

As Gajeel goes with the rest of the team, he is soon targeted by Rufus' Falling Stars spell. However, thanks to Mavis' strategy, Gajeel is able to dodge the spell and proceed. Gajeel soon encounters Ren Akatsuki and Eve Tearm of Team Blue Pegasus and uses his Iron Dragon's Roar to defeat the two of them, but winds up letting Hibiki escape. Later, Gajeel walks around Crocus looking for opponents to defeat.

Gajeel stumbles upon Rogue

Meanwhile, Erza Scarlet, Kagura Mikazuchi and Minerva meet each other and begin a three-sided battle. After an intense confrontation, Minerva casts Yagdo Rigora, summoning a giant statue that destroys the match's local. Even far away from the scene, Gajeel witnesses the attack and wonders what it was. As the others fight, Gajeel wanders around Crocus, declaring angrily that Mavis' strategy has failed miserably. Whilst contemplating where and how everything fell apart, Gajeel rounds a corner and comes face-to-face with Sabertooth's Rogue. Commenting on Rogue's persistence, Gajeel warns that he will show the Shadow Dragon Slayer no mercy.

Gajeel is later seen delivering a powerful Iron Dragon's Club to Rogue. While Rogue recovers from the brutal frontal assault, Gajeel states that there is no possible way for Rogue to have surpassed him in a day. Gajeel goes on to further state that if Rogue couldn't defeat Natsu when he was teamed up with Sting, then it would be impossible for he, himself, to be defeated. Rogue quickly retorts that Gajeel's strength is nowhere near Natsu's level, which very quickly, and visibly, angers the Iron Dragon Slayer.

Gajeel talking to Rogue

Soon after, Gajeel, after having beaten down Rogue more, asks him to repeat his statement. As Rogue says he knows now he can't win, Gajeel listens as he explains his history of admiring Gajeel and how, because he fights for his friends in Fairy Tail, he will win because Sabertooth has no such concepts. In response, Gajeel tells Rogue he doesn't know anything and asks him if Frosch isn't his friend. As they argue over Frosch's species, Rogue admits that he has a friend in Frosch before he is approached by a strange entity, as Gajeel stands there.

Gajeel is assaulted by the "Shadow"

As he begins getting upset, Gajeel tells a distressed Rogue to calm down, but he is hit with a powerful Shadow Dragon's Crushing Fang, which sends him flying. Noticing that the person who attacked him wasn't Rogue, Gajeel questions who the entity is, to which he is met by a reply of "Shadow". Gajeel states that he doesn't understand, but is met by a brutal kick from "Shadow". Gajeel states that he finds this situation interesting and attacks "Shadow" with Iron Dragon's Sword, but the being dodges the attack by turning into shadows. Before Gajeel can respond, he is hit by Shadow Dragon's Waxwing Flash. After losing sight of "Shadow", the being emerges from Gajeel's shadow and hits him with Shadow Dragon's Slash. Gajeel attempts to fight back, being countered at every turn, and is told once more that, as Rogue thought, he is not as strong as Natsu.

Gajeel enters Iron Shadow Dragon Mode

A short while later, Gajeel is seen being strangled by "Shadow" and is thrown onto the ground, told that the shadows around him will erode him. As he is being told to sleep in the darkness, Gajeel proceeds to eat "Shadow's" shadows. As he steadies himself from the ground, Gajeel tells the being to exit Rogue's body, revealing that the Shadow Dragon Slayer, whose name is actually Ryos, was his sworn brother. Gajeel then states that he wasn't the type to be admired, but rather, feared. Gajeel enters Iron Shadow Dragon Mode, stating that he'll make "Shadow" remember that fear.

Gajeel pulls "Shadow" out of his shadow

With that, Gajeel lunges at "Shadow", only to suddenly disappear within the shadows; unexpectedly, he then emerges from behind, dealing a hard blow to the back of the possessed Dragon Slayer's skull before, eventually, chasing "Shadow" in shadow form. Now within range, Gajeel grabs hold of "Shadow" and begins throwing him around the area. Without warning, he then unleashes a powerful Iron Shadow Dragon's Roar; such a gargantuan spell easily defeats "Shadow", granting Team Fairy Tail one point, but it causes Gajeel to exit Iron Shadow Dragon Mode, leaving him heavily exhausted. He turns to look at the defeated Rogue and sees "Shadow" flee. Furthermore, a tearful Frosch appears before Gajeel and begs him not to kill its friend, to which Gajeel simply states that he is done fighting. A weary Rogue soon awakens, but he shockingly cannot remember the events that just transpired, leaving a disturbed Gajeel to wonder what the "Shadow" really is.

Gajeel standing with his team

After his comrades' battles are concluded, Gajeel spots Sting's signal flare in the sky and heads towards it, arriving at its original location with the other members of his team. Gajeel quickly berates Sting for commenting on their appearance, telling him that this is the final battle. Watching the Sabertooth man power up, Gajeel stands tall and proud beside his teammates, awaiting the actions to come. Sting, however, begins to second-guess himself, and eventually falls to the ground without even trying to, so much as, fight, openly declaring his defeat. Hearing that, due to this act, Sting has granted Fairy Tail victory in the Grand Magic Games, Gajeel smirks at his team, and again, as Sting is reunited with Lector.

Gajeel after the King's speech

With victory having been declared for Fairy Tail, Gajeel stands with his team happily as their strength is commented upon by participants and viewers alike. Telling Juvia that it is over, Gajeel is corrected as she states that it's the tournament that is over. As Sting draws attention to himself, Gajeel refers to his face as "annoying", to which the White Dragon Slayer asks why Natsu didn't participate in the final day. Later, Gajeel is present at Crocus Central Square when Toma E. Fiore tells the Mages about the 10,000 Dragons' impending attack. He welcomes the news with a smirk on his face, seemingly looking forward to the battle. He is then surprised when the King gives them his thanks with tears in his eyes, ending his sentence with "Pum", leaving Gajeel, among many others, shocked and confused.

Gajeel faces Atlas Flame

Gajeel and the guild leave soon after, heading to Central Park, the place they have been asked to protect from the 10,000 Dragons should they fail to be taken out by the Eclipse Cannon. Standing next to Levy as the clock strikes midnight, Gajeel notes how the Dragons disappeared, and are now going to reappear, on the same day. With the Dragons now in the city, Gajeel and the other Fairy Tail Mages are attacked by a flame-clad Dragon: Atlas Flame, who, after introducing itself, blows them away with its mighty Roar. Nevertheless, Gajeel manages to stand his ground. Momentarily, he looks towards the sky as he hears Natsu's voice, who states that their Magic was created for this day: to slay the Dragons. Gajeel, however, ponders when Natsu claims that seven Dragon Slayers are present.

Gajeel strikes with his Iron Shadow Dragon's Club

Once Laxus moves in to attack Atlas Flame, Gajeel is told by Mavis to go find another Dragon to defeat. Gajeel eventually finds himself face-to-face with one of the seven Dragons; the pitch-black beast roars at Gajeel, just as the Iron Dragon Slayer prepares to do battle. Later, after Ultear casts Last Ages and rewinds the time by 1 minute, everyone, including Gajeel, gets a premonition of that minute. Thanks to this, Gajeel can see his opponent's movements and manages to strike back with his Iron Shadow Dragon's Club, leaving him surprised that he was capable of doing so. Before he has a chance to finish the Dragon off though, the Eclipse Gate at Mercurius is destroyed, and Gajeel's opponent begins to vanish before his eyes, returning to his own time. As he watches it disappear, he is approached by Levy, who is overjoyed that they managed to fend off the total destruction of Crocus. Gajeel, however, is still hung up over the fact that none of the Dragon Slayers were able to defeat a Dragon.

Gajeel ignores Sting and talks to Rogue

Several days after the Dragons return to the past, the King holds a banquet for all the Mages who helped fend off the great beasts, which Gajeel attends; when Gray states that Gajeel's choice in clothing for the illustrious banquet doesn't suit him, Gajeel angrily replies that he at least had the decency to wear clothes. During the course of the banquet, Gajeel is approached by Sting and Lector, who are looking for Natsu. Gajeel, eating a piece of fish, replies that Natsu is nowhere to be seen, leaving Sting crushed; the Iron Dragon Slayer turns his attention to Rogue, calling him "Ryos", much to the latter's displeasure. Gajeel then proceeds to ask Rogue about his future counterpart, but Rogue states that he's just as confused as Gajeel is about the whole situation. Adding that he won't turn into that man no matter what, Gajeel smirks at his former friend. However, this happiness turns to annoyance when Sting decides that he'll "settle" for Gajeel.

The three Dragon Slayers then clink their wine glasses together, toasting Sabertooth and Fairy Tail's new friendship, however, they are intruded upon by Yukino, who Sting apologizes to for the way they, Sabertooth, treated her. Shortly thereafter, when the guilds get into a fight over which of them Yukino will join, Gajeel participates in the brawl, slapping Toby Horhorta away with gusto. Following the banquet, Gajeel and Fairy Tail return to Magnolia, where they are met with critical acclaim by all the citizens for their victory in the Grand Magic Games; Gajeel exclaims that Fairy Tail is finally the best once more. Gajeel then smiles as the mayor of Magnolia reveals that he and the town helped restore Fairy Tail's Guild Building.

Sun Village arc

As soon as they settle in, Gajeel sets out on a mission with Pantherlily, followed by Jet and Droy, who were captured by the enemy along the way.

Tartaros arc

Gajeel readies to confront Tartaros

Alongside several of his guildmates, Gajeel looks through a book with information in it related to Zeref and his Demons. When Pantherlily asks what exactly Zeref's Demons are, Gajeel replies that he doesn't know, resulting in Carla explaining. When the issue of E.N.D. being in the hands of Tartaros is brought up by Natsu, Gajeel is quick to agree to his suggestion of attacking them, adding on that since Igneel was involved in the past, Metalicana may be as well. However, the idea is interrupted by the frantic arrival of Jet, who brings bad news. Later on, with a somber expression etched onto his face, Gajeel listens as Makarov informs a mortally wounded Freed that the village that was contaminated by the Thunder God Tribe, Laxus and Yajima's battle with Nine Demon Gates member Tempester that, contrary to the truth, the villagers and all its inhabitants were saved by Laxus. Gajeel stands next to Pantherlily and Levy as Loke enters the guild hall and claims that he knows the location of some former councilors, readying himself seconds later as Makarov creates groups to send out to the councilors' homes for protection.

Gajeel's reply to Pantherlily

Eventually, Gajeel arrives with his group at Belno's home, only to find the woman lifeless and the entire town in shambles; blaming himself for not arriving sooner. Still connected to the Lacrima in the guild, Gajeel listens to Michello as the latter reveals what Face is and its ability, leaving the Dragon Slayer wide-eyed. He then urges Makarov on their search for the three councilors connected to Face by Organic Link Magic. Later, after all matters have been spoken of, Gajeel climbs to the top of a nearby house and sits on the roof, shedding tears at the fact that he could never repay the woman who tried to help him change his life. After the fact, Gajeel internally states that he'll beat the enemy for her, but concludes that she wouldn't have wanted him to do that, but instead use all of his might.

Shortly thereafter, Gajeel and his group return to the guild, hearing Lucy and the others admit that they were unable to find Natsu and the others. Gajeel is asked by Pantherlily if going to the former chairman's home to follow their scent is possible, but the former informs him that if Wendy was unable to do it, then the same applies to him. Just then, Happy comes flying through a window, quickly informing them of the traitorous ex-chairman and revealing Tartaros' headquarters. As Levy gets ready to draw out a map, Gajeel notices Elfman's arrival. Gajeel is shocked to hear Elfman claim that Lisanna has also been captured by the enemy, momentarily lowering his head in disapproval when Cana scolds him for his failure.

After Levy manages to pinpoint Tartaros' location, she reveals that it currently flies just above Magnolia, and Gajeel points out that Tartaros came to them instead of the other way around. Although Gajeel and the other Fairy Tail members are determined to fight Tartaros, a huge explosion suddenly goes off and destroys the guild, leaving the fate of its members unknown. However, it is soon revealed that Cana learned of the bomb before it went off and, using a technique she recently learned, turns Gajeel and there rest of the guild into cards. Carried by the Exceed, Gajeel and the rest invade Tartaros' headquarters and are soon released from their cards in preparation for an all-out assault. Gajeel then engages multiple enemies in combat and quickly dispatches them with his Dragon's Roar. Later, Gajeel, along with the rest of Fairy Tail, is addressed by Mard Geer who threatens their lives with a powerful Curse, Alegria. Like the rest of the guild, he falls victim to the sudden transformation of the surrounding land, and is petrified in stone.

File:Gajeel Strikes Torafusa.png

Gajeel attacks Torafuzar

However, the Curse is soon lifted by the Celestial Spirit King, who is summoned by Lucy to aid the guild. As Lucy lies collapsed on the ground, she is attacked by Torafuzar, though Gajeel quickly rushes to her aid, striking the Demon harshly in the chest and sending him flying. Standing on guard, Gajeel is almost hit by Keyes, who warps in from his right side, though Juvia appears to aid him. Soon after, the duo are also joined by Silver and Gray, and later Tempester and Natsu. Facing the four Demons, Gajeel prepares to fight with the other members of Fairy Tail. Shortly enough, Gajeel gazes towards Silver, informing the crowd that Silver's stench reminds him of Gray's. Gajeel then watches as Silver captures Gray, disappearing from their current whereabouts in a flash.

File:Torafusa elbows Gajeel.png

Gajeel is elbowed by Torafuzar

Gajeel's attention quickly reverts to Temptesta, who evokes his Curse to bring forth turbulent packs of wind. Using his Iron Dragon's Scales, he avoids the attack, but is confronted by Torafuzar. Keyes uses his Curse to attack Gajeel, but Natsu and Juvia intervene. Glaring at Torafuzar, Gajeel questions his motives, only to be approached by said Demon and receive a powerful blow in his stomach. Seemingly equal in power, both sides continue their confrontation, with Gajeel rushing in to attack behind Natsu, however, Torafuzar and his comrades parry their attacks. During their battle, when Juvia is seemingly killed by Keyes, Gajeel is shocked and is visibly pleased when she defeats him.

Gajeel and Natsu unleash their Dual-Element Modes

After Juvia collapses due to absorbing the Magical Barrier Particles within Keyes' body, Gajeel and Natsu continue to face their opponents, who admit that they have grown tired, proclaiming that they will treat them as Dragon Slayers, rather than humans, as they release their Etherious forms. Subsequently, Gajeel and Natsu active their Iron Shadow Dragon Mode and Lightning Flame Dragon Mode respectively. Receiving shocked expressions from both Natsu and Lucy, Gajeel makes a bet with Natsu involving a written ode regarding the winner's greatness. Accepting, Natsu moves in to attack, with Gajeel following shortly behind. The two easily overpower their opponents with a barrage of attacks. Albeit, the two land a punch on each others' faces as their opponents lay on the ground, leaving Torafuzar and Lucy in dismay.

As Gajeel argues with Natsu, he is unable to guard against Torafuzar's Tenchi Kaimei Curse, which submerges the entire area in black, poisonous water in mere seconds. Seeing how menacing Torafuzar is whilst in water, Gajeel rapidly uses his Magic on his mouth to prevent himself from drinking the black water as he sees his comrades unconscious. Despite having done so, he finds himself at a disadvantage and at a loss of air. When all seems grim, Levy dives towards Gajeel and locks lips with the Dragon Slayer to provide him with air. Regaining his consciousness, Gajeel is shocked to see Levy in the vicinity, quickly coming to her defense as she falls unconscious and is targeted by Torafuzar.

Gajeel cuts down Torafuzar

Gajeel then proceeds to wake Levy up and demand more air for him and for his comrades, which she gives after he tells her to use her Magic. Revitalized, he heads towards Torafuzar and completely overwhelms him multiple times, kicking and punching him away, as well as dodging his strikes. Before his final punch can connect, Torafuzar hardens his skin to a substance harder than iron, which causes Gajeel harm upon contact. After that, the toxic carbon in Torafuzar's Tenchi Kaimei begins to take effect, albeit slowly thanks to Gajeel's iron body. However, such an inconvenience allows him to be grabbed by Torafuzar, and he is told his friends will all die in his Curse; remembering his trial pre-Fairy Tail-Phantom Lord War and the words of Belno afterward, as well as his tears shed and promise made to the deceased Magic Council member after he discovered her body, Gajeel breaks free from Torafuzar, citing that her words of him resembling her dead son are a bad omen. Screaming for her to watch from heaven, Gajeel tells her as he attacks Torafuzar that he doesn't know if he found a life worth living like she wanted, but that he's found people he will protect, and that that's his meaning of life. Absorbing the carbonic water around him into his iron, Gajeel transforms his iron into steel, thereby allowing him to break through Torafuzar's skin. With a swift attack from his new Steel Dragon's Sword, Gajeel defeats Torafuzar and dispels Tenchi Kaimei, asking Natsu to remember his song as he lands on the ground.

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Gajeel is saved by Gray

His victorious smirk doesn't last long, however, as he looks for the nearby Tempester, only to realize that he's standing right above him. Before he is struck, Gajeel is saved by Gray, who identifies Tempester as the one who holds the cure to the Magical Barrier Particles that afflict Laxus and the Thunder God Tribe. Asked to deliver a vial of the blood to Porlyusica, Gajeel retorts that the Demon needs to be defeated first, to which Gray happily obliges, freezing Tempester with his new Ice Devil Slayer Magic. Shocked, Gajeel asks what he did, only to be met with a reply of Gray's desire to crush Tartaros. With Gray departing swiftly after this, Gajeel sits with his now-awakened teammates, handing a sack containing Tempester's blood to Levy and asking her to take it to Porlyusica so that Laxus and the Thunder God Tribe can be healed. Before Levy departs, the group see that Natsu is sitting stiffened nearby, and though Gajeel comments that he is likely just upset at missing the fights, Natsu turns to Gajeel in terror, asking the Dragon Slayer if he too can hear what he is hearing. Confused, Gajeel focusses and also stiffens when he recognizes the noise swiftly approaching them just as a loud roar echoes all around. Shocked, he and his friends look up to see Acnologia approaching the Tartaros headquarters. As Acnologia approaches, Gajeel sits on the floor near Natsu, both clutching their chests in pain as Levy wonders what is happening. He then watches on in shock as Igneel emerges from Natsu's body.

Gajeel's group on their way to Porlyusica

As everyone watches the Fire Dragon fly upwards to engage Acnologia, Levy questions if something similar is about to happen to Gajeel, though the Iron Dragon Slayer reports that the throbbing seems to be subsiding. Turning to face Natsu, Gajeel questions if the Dragon that appeared is Igneel, and asks Natsu to explain what is going on; Natsu however has no clue himself. Later, Gajeel and Levy, with the former carrying Juvia, head to Porlyusica's location in order to deliver the medical ingredients for Laxus and his team.

Shortly thereafter, as Face activates and Magic begins disappearing from the continent, Gajeel, surprised, senses his foster father Metalicana amongst the Dragons destroying some of the bombs and smiles as Magic is saved by their arrival, stating that, in the end, the Dragons destroyed all the Face bombs on the continent.

Gajeel is taunted Metalicana

After the threat of both Tartaros and Face ends, Gajeel, the other Dragon Slayers (minus Natsu) and Fairy Tail greet the Dragons; Gajeel has a stare-down with his foster father Metalicana, who pokes fun at Gajeel for having a sour look on his face yet still, which angers Gajeel. Gajeel then learns that his foster father has already died and lived a half-life due to Acnologia taking his soul years ago. When the Dragons prepare to depart from the world of the living, Gajeel consoles a tearful Wendy, telling her give the Dragons a happy farewell. As the Dragons begin to disappear and they promise to obey the Magna Carta from years past and watch over humanity, Metalicana once again tells Gajeel that he still looks sour. Gajeel appears angry over such pitiful last words, but then smiles and sheds a tear at his foster father as he disappears for good. A week later, Gajeel lays down near some trees, while Levy tells him that they aren't at the guild and he can't do that.

Avatar arc

Gajeel states his stance on fighting Gray

After his men inform him that Gray is a part of Avatar, Gajeel, now a member of the Council, says he doesn't care and that he will arrest them all, as that is their job as the Custody Enforcement Unit. When Levy returns from a mission, she asks Gajeel if he had heard about Gray, to which he says Gray's actions have nothing to do with him and his job is just to stop Operation Purify. Pantherlily questions this saying that Gray was a former comrade, but Gajeel states that he isn't anymore. Gajeel says if the purification ritual happens, countless innocent people will die and asks if he should consider someone involved in that a comrade. Pantherlily asks if he will be able to fight Gray and Gajeel states that if their paths have become different it just makes Gray an enemy and that is why they have to stop the ritual.

The group's victory shout

With Avatar defeated, Gajeel grabs Mr. Cursey, stating he is confiscating it due to being forbidden magic. He then orders his troops to capture all of Avatar and to not leave a single one behind. Reunited with his comrades, Natsu points at Gajeel, stating there is someone who looks like Gajeel there, causing Gajeel to go into a rage. He says Warrod recruited him into the Council so he is above the guild now. With that, he tries to arrest all his former guild mates for felonious charges to prove a point but Erza knocks him over the head, wondering who the Gajeel impersonator is, leading Lily to have to tell everyone that that is the real Gajeel. After settling their griefs with each other, the former members of Fairy Tail celebrate their victory.

After Avatar's defeat, the group decides to reform Fairy Tail; Gajeel, Pantherlily and Levy go back to the Council to file a report on Avatar, before which Gajeel laments having to quit the Council, thinking that he had finally found his calling. Some time later, Gajeel arrives in Magnolia with most of the other prominent Fairy Tail members to fulfill the desire to get Fairy Tail back together, where he tells Wakaba and the Conbolt family that during the one year gap he was a member of the Council. He then smiles as Lucy tearfully states that she's finally come back where she belongs.

Magic and Abilities

Iron Dragon Slayer Magic (鉄の滅竜魔法 Tetsu no Metsuryū Mahō): Gajeel was taught how to use Iron Dragon Slayer Magic by Metalicana, The Iron Dragon. As its name implies, Gajeel's particular Dragon Slayer Magic deals with the manipulation of iron. Gajeel eats iron to regain his own strength, and his teeth and jaw muscles are powerful enough to gnaw through solid metal with ease, even allowing him to eat the Magic-canceling metal of the Dorma Anim. Gajeel's Magic deals with producing multi-sized iron rods, as well as changing parts of his body into steel. Most of his attacks involve transforming his arms into blunt, metallic weapons, which he can do at will. Additionally, Gajeel may turn his iron into steel if he somehow becomes able to absorb trace amounts of carbon; said process is still toxic and harmful to his body as it would be to others, but the addition of the natural element changes the composition of his spells, allowing him to deal enhanced damage and/or break through defenses that his iron could not.

Iron Dragon's Roar

• Iron Dragon's Roar (鉄竜の咆哮 Tetsuryū no Hōkō): Gajeel's exclusive, metal-based Dragon's Roar. After gathering Magic Power in his mouth, Gajeel shapes it into a powerful tornado which he subsequently emits and sends towards his foes. Such tornado possesses immense force, being capable of generating powerful explosions and inflicting heavy blunt damage, but also releases sharp shards of metal in the process, shredding the opponents' body.

• Iron Dragon's Lance: Demon Logs (鉄竜槍 鬼薪 Tetsuryūsō: Kishin): Gajeel turns his arm into a large spearhead, from which a large number of steel spears are fired towards his target in rapid succession. In the anime, the attack is sometimes portrayed with Gajeel instead extending one arm towards his target's direction, with his fingers outstretched, and then summoning his Magic Seal in front of him, from which the spears are fired.

Iron Dragon's Scales being activated

• Iron Dragon's Scales (鉄龍の鱗 Tetsuryū no Uroko): Gajeel covers part of his body (or the entirety of it) in steel scales, dramatically increasing his offensive and defensive abilities. When punching and kicking while covered in these scales, Gajeel is capable of creating powerful gusts of wind through mere kinetic force. When confronted with Natsu Dragneel's flames, the resulting clash generated a powerful shock wave which heavily damaged the area surrounding the two of them. These scales are strong enough to shatter bone and rock alike, are resilient against regular flames, and much harder than normal iron, as shown when Pantherlily's Bustermarm Sword wasn't able to cut through them.

Iron Dragon's Club

• Iron Dragon's Club (鉄竜棍 Tetsuryūkon): Gajeel transforms his arm or leg into a large steel club, increasing his punching and kicking power. He can also create multiple, smaller clubs from the end of the original, hitting many enemies at once. The clubs can be elongated at Gajeel's will, making them powerful ranged weapons. He is also apparently capable of increasing their size dramatically and to detach them from his body: several of these clubs, enlarged to gargantuan size, were the main cause of the original Fairy Tail Building's destruction. Also, for added maneuverability and to take opponents off-guard, the club can be rapidly turned into the similar Iron Dragon's Sword.

Iron Dragon's Sword

• Iron Dragon's Sword (鉄竜剣 Tetsuryūken): Gajeel transforms his arm or leg into a large, jagged steel blade, similarly to Iron Dragon's Club, but, rather than blunt power, this spell has cutting power, thereby making it deadlier. The spikes along the blade's edge make its slashes more painful and dangerous, and the weapon's length can be increased to reach enemies who are far away from Gajeel. The blade is also sturdy enough to function as a shield of sorts. In the anime, the sword also functions as a chainsaw, effectively increasing its damage.

• Steel Dragon's Sword (鋼竜剣 Kōryūken): An enhanced version of Iron Dragon's Sword, only performable after Gajeel has absorbed carbon and turned his iron body into steel. Much like the original spell, he turns his hand into a long sword, this time made of steel, and slashes at his target; this spell can break through defenses that Iron Dragon's Sword cannot, such as Torafuzar's hardened skin.

• Iron Dragon's Kunai: Gajeel creates small, kunai-esque knives that can be thrown with pinpoint accuracy. (Unnamed)

• Iron Dragon's Foot Blade: Gajeel sprouts a sharp, harpoon-like blade from the sole of each of his feet. By planting these blades in the ceiling, he's capable of remaining suspended and to move around as if he were walking normally. (Unnamed)

• Iron Dragon's Hard Fist (鉄竜の鋼拳 Tetsuryū no Gō Ken): Gajeel punches the target while covered in Iron Dragon's Scales, greatly enhancing his punching power.

• Dragon Slayer's Secret Art (滅竜奥義 Metsu Ryū Ōgi):

Karma Demon: Iron God Sword

• Karma Demon: Iron God Sword (業魔・鉄神剣 Gōma Tetsu Jin Ken): Seemingly one of his most, if not the most powerful spell in Gajeel's possession, being acknowledged as one of the Secret Arts attainable by the Iron Dragon Slayer. Gajeel claps his hands together above his head, creating a gigantic iron sword. He then proceeds to swipe the sword down, destroying a substantially large area in front of him.

Karma Demon: Iron Spiral

• Karma Demon: Iron Spiral (業魔鉄螺線形 Gōma Tetsu Rasen): Seemingly his second ultimate move, Gajeel transforms his legs into a giant drill, which rotates at high speed, heavily damaging and piercing through whatever it strikes. He used this spell to destroy the Dragonoid's core and to free Natsu from his imprisonment. Although it did what it was intended to do, Gajeel stated that he still had a long way to go, since he "planned" to destroy the whole Dragonoid, along with Natsu.

Gajeel's Iron Shadow Dragon Mode

Iron Shadow Dragon Mode (モード鉄影竜 Mōdo Tetsueiryū): After eating Rogue Cheney's shadows, Gajeel gained the ability to use his Iron Dragon Slayer Magic enhanced with shadows. Gajeel can, also, turn his body into a shadow, granting him intangibility. Furthermore, as a shadow, Gajeel is unimpeded by things that would otherwise slow him down, such as being in a large body of water.

• Iron Shadow Dragon's Roar (鉄影竜の咆哮 Tetsueiryū no Hōkō): Gajeel's alternate, shadow-enhanced version of his Iron Dragon's Roar. Gajeel quickly gathers and releases a large amount of iron and shadows from his mouth, generating a very large, powerful, destructive blast that can be seen throughout an area at least the size of Crocus.

• Iron Shadow Dragon's Club: Gajeel attacks his target with a shadow-cloaked Iron Dragon's Club. The damage dealt is increased by the addition of the swirling shadows. (Unnamed)

With ease, Gajeel defends himself bare-handed

Master Hand-to-Hand Combatant: In battle, aside from his Iron Dragon Slayer Magic, Gajeel is known for extensively employing unarmed combat, and to possess great proficiency in doing so. His style is a brutal one; consisting of powerful, direct moves such as devastating punches and headbutts, complemented by his high physical ability, with his strength making his blows highly damaging, and his speed allowing him to land them in extremely fast succession. When employed alongside his Iron Dragon's Scales, his unarmed blows become far deadlier. During his battle with Pantherlily, he was shown able to engage in midair confrontations, reaching the flying Exceed with a leap and then bombarding him with a barrage of punches, and his clash with Rogue Cheney during the Grand Magic Games proved him able to block and even counter-attack assaults from behind without the need to turn his back.

Enhanced Durability: Even without his Dragon Slayer abilities, Gajeel has consistently proven himself to be a very resilient man: when he was confronted by Shadow Gear after joining Fairy Tail, he was able to shrug off the combined attacks from Jet and Droy without retaliation and only resorted to covering his body in his metal scales to protect Levy from Laxus. Also, during his battle with Laxus, he took an attack which would have, otherwise, killed Natsu and remained conscious. During his time in Edolas, Gajeel used his metal scales to fight Faust's mechanical Dragon, where he took extremely powerful hits and continued to fight.

Enhanced Strength: Gajeel has shown, on different occasions to be quite strong: during his time under Jose Porla, while he was tormenting the captured Lucy Heartfilia, Gajeel casually headbutted a fellow Phantom Lord member with enough force to crack the stone floor the man crashed upon. His physical might is enough for him to clash with Natsu on even terms, to block and shatter Pantherlily's gargantuan Bustermarm Sword, and to pin down and hold still the gigantic Dorma Anim all by himself, allowing Natsu to finish it off. He's also capable of performing very high leaps, as shown from him reaching Pantherlily, who was floating in midair because of his Aera, from the ground, which was located several meters below him. Furthermore, he was capable of delivering several powerful blows to Rogue Cheney while blocking his Shadow Dragon Slayer Magic bare-handed.

Enhanced Smell: Gajeel has an incredible sense of smell, which he shares with other Dragon Slayers. He uses this for tracking purposes as apparently, nothing can escape his nose, best seen when he tracked down Lucy, who had escaped from Jose's imprisonment. It is also heavily implied that Gajeel used this skill to track down Levy, who ran away from him during the S-Class Trials out of frustration.

Enhanced Speed: Gajeel's overall speed and reflexes are impressive, enough for him to intercept attacks like Laxus' Lightning Bolts and reach Levy in time to save her from an ambush consisting of two Grimoire Heart Mages.

Equipment

Artificial Keys:

• Celestial Spirit Banishment Key (former): Banishes the Twins, Gemini.

Appearances in Other Media

Omakes

Fairy Academy: Yankee-kun and Yankee-chan

Gajeel, a student at Phantom Academy, leads a group of Phantom students as they run into Erza and Lucy, students at Fairy Academy. Gajeel tells Lucy to come play with them, but Erza pulls out an iron pipe. Gajeel says that iron is his favorite food and he is not scared but Erza beats the Phantom students senseless.

Welcome to Fairy Fountain

For Gajeel's attraction for the opening of the Fairy Tail pool to the public, Gajeel comes up with his scrap metal hell, where he tries to push Lucy into a pool full sharp metal objects.

Happy in Boots

After the passing of his father, Gajeel takes his noodle store, which he says he will save up money for and turn into a factory so he can make even more money.

Whose Clothes are These?

When everyone begins to swap clothes, Gajeel swaps clothes with Ichiya, saying they fit him perfectly.

Fairies' Penalty Game

After a competition was made between the two Fairy Tail teams, Gajeel tells Laxus he better win for them. Having won, Gajeel claims Lucy as his prize for the punishment game and puts her as well as Levy in bunny suits and has them dance by him as he sings and plays guitar. Levy then starts to feel she's the one being punished because of her chest size compared to Lucy. When Levy runs off crying in the middle of the show, Gajeel tries to stop her. Lucy then believes her punishment is over but Gajeel tells her he is handing her over to Mirajane while he goes to find Levy.

Welcome Back, Frosch

Walking through Magnolia with Pantherlily, Gajeel is spotted by Rogue, Sting, Yukino and Lector; he expresses anger at Rogue when he hastily grabs him, looking for Frosch, and asks him if he's looking for a fight. When he hears that Frosch has gotten lost, Gajeel once again calls Frosch a frog which earns him an angry remark from Rogue. After Pantherlily points them in the right direction, Gajeel looks on, confused, as the group of four runs off.

413 Days

After Juvia's delusion of her seeing both him and Levy kissing is broken, Gajeel tells Juvia that Gray isn't in the guild, and that if she's looking for him she can find the man outside.

OVAs

Welcome to Fairy Hills!!

Gajeel and the others take turns

Gajeel and the rest of the Fairy Tail men spend the day cleaning up the guild pool. They find a peeping hole in the midst of it, and end up in an underground room below the pool. There is a periscope, and the guys take turns looking through it, except for Gajeel and Gray. When Natsu starts to overreact uncontrollably, Gajeel and Gray take turns to look at it, only to overreact themselves. Gray and Natsu randomly use their Magic to destroy the room, while Gajeel's eyes shut down with metal doors closing them. In the end, the room is destroyed and the pool above has run out of water with all the men strewn haphazardly around the area.

Fairy Academy: Yankee-kun and Yankee-chan!

Gajeel's gang from Courage Academy

Gajeel is a student of Courage Academy, along with Sol, Juvia, Aria and Totomaru. One evening, Gajeel and his gang approach Fairy Academy's Lucy, Wendy and Erza looking for a fight, but are beaten to a pulp by the latter's iron pipe, despite Gajeel mentioning iron won't work on him. The following day, Makarov, Macao and Wakaba are hanged by a tree in front of Fairy Academy, which is taken as a direct invitation to a fight between the two academies. When Gajeel's group arrives, they take Mirajane as a hostage, which angers Elfman. However, Gajeel is ultimately defeated, along with his gang, by a furious Erza and Lucy's friend, Aquarius. When the Fairy Academy students go karaoke the same night, they are surprised to see Gajeel working there as a waiter. A few days after this incident, Gajeel also transfers to Fairy Academy, and immediately starts brawling with Natsu.

The Exciting Ryuzetsu Land

Gajeel and the others at the aquarium

On the evening of the third day of the X791 Grand Magic Games, the Fairy Tail Mages decide to spend the next day in a theme park called Ryuzetsu Land. Upon getting there, Levy hears Happy telling Carla and Lily he wants to visit the aquarium, and she tells Gajeel that she wants to see it too, but Gajeel angrily replies that he has no place there, which results in an awkward moment between the two. Gajeel tags along anyway, and puts his head inside a hole that makes him look like he has the body of a fish, much to the amusement of Levy and Carla. Later, Gajeel admires the fish in the aquarium at first, but acts indifferent when Levy looks amazed by the spectacle.

When Happy volunteers to feed the fish, Gajeel, along with Levy, Pantherlily and Carla, decides to help him, but immediately regrets it once the task begins, despite Levy teasing him about secretly enjoying it. Although Gajeel fears that Happy will eat all the fish, ironically, some big ones appear and try to eat the Exceeds instead. After trying to get away from the fish seems futile, Gajeel tells Levy to stand back and attacks the fish one by one, knocking them down. However, this triggers the "boss" of the aquarium to appear, which is a fish much bigger than the others, which sucks all the Fairy Tail Mages into a vortex and swallows them.

On the slide with Levy

Levy and Gajeel somehow escape, but soon after Natsu comes flying towards their direction, riding the sign of the Love Love Slide, which sends them both on the attraction together. Gajeel protectively tells Levy to stay in his arms and then makes his grip stronger, which Levy misinterprets, as he is in fact only trying to hold onto something because he is motion sick and wants to throw up. In the end, Gray, Lyon Vastia and Natsu destroy the theme park, knocking Gajeel unconscious on top of Levy.

Video Games

Fairy Tail Portable Guild

Gajeel Redfox with the other playable characters in the game

Gajeel appears as a playable character in the first Fairy Tail Video Game, Fairy Tail Portable Guild, and is playable from the beginning of the game. He has no element and he possesses the following Spells in the game:

• Iron Dragon's Sword: Cost: 1 MP; Gajeel's Default Technique
• Iron Dragon's Roar: Cost: 2 MP; Gajeel must be at lv40 to purchase this spell in the shop.
• Iron Dragon's Lance: Demon Logs: Cost: 3 MP; Gajeel must be at lv45 to purchase this spell in the shop.
• Iron Dragon's Shinshou: Cost: 4 MP; Gajeel must be at lv55 to purchase this spell in the shop.

Fairy Tail Portable Guild 2

Gajeel Redfox is a playable character in the sequel to Fairy Tail Portable Guild: Fairy Tail Portable Guild 2. He is unlocked by completing quests.

Fairy Tail Gekitou! Madoushi Kessen

Gajeel is a playable character in the game Fairy Tail Gekitou! Madoushi Kessen upon being unlocked. He possesses the following moves in this game:

• Magic Level 1: Iron Dragon's Club (鉄竜棍 Tetsuryūkon)
• Magic Level 2: Iron Dragon's Sword (鉄竜剣 Tetsuryūken)
• Magic Level 2: Iron Dragon's Roar (鉄竜の咆哮 Tetsuryū no Hōkō)
• Magic Level 2: Iron Dragon's Clubs
• Magic Level 3: Iron Dragon's Lance: Demon Logs (鉄竜槍 鬼薪 Tetsuryūsō: Kishin)

Fairy Tail Gekitotsu! Kardia Daiseidou

Gajeel's render in Gekitotsu! Kardia Daiseidou

In the video-game Fairy Tail Gekitotsu! Kardia Daiseidou, Gajeel Redfox is a playable character. In this game, Gajeel Redfox possess the following moves:

• Main: Iron Dragon's Roar (鉄竜の咆哮 Tetsuryū no Hōkō)
• Sub 1: Iron Dragon's Sword (鉄竜剣 Tetsuryūken)
• Sub 2: Iron Dragon's Harpoon (鉄竜銛 Tetsuryūsen)
• Sub 3: Iron Dragon's Club (鉄竜棍 Tetsuryūkon)
• Super: Iron Dragon's Lance: Demon Logs (鉄竜槍 鬼薪 Tetsuryūsō: Kishin)

Trivia

Gajeel from Volume 8 (left) and Volume 13 (right)

• Gajeel's eye color was initially green, but was later changed to red.
• When Gajeel first appeared as a member of Fairy Tail, his guild mark wasn't on his left arm, but it appeared later on.
• According to Gray, Gajeel is a very good song writer, however, his singing skills and ability to play musical instruments are poor.
• Gajeel's Iron Dragon's Roar, at first, appeared vastly different in the anime. In the manga, it is a whirlwind laced with shards of metal. In the anime, Gajeel's Iron Dragon's Roar appeared much like Natsu's, only with a grayish hue. Later on, in the anime, Gajeel's Roar is designed exactly like the manga's, with the whirlwind being the same gray-blue color as before.
• From the Volume 16 Limited Edition: Sorcerer Interview, Fairy Tail has no good qualities according to Gajeel. He has no dreams for the future. He doesn't have a good relationship with anyone in the guild. The most difficult job he ever took was a personal request by Makarov.
• Gajeel's name is derived from the Japanese word かじる (Kajiru), which means to bite, to gnaw, or to nibble. The "Ka" sound is changed to "Ga" sound because "ガジガジ" (Gaji Gaji) sounds like a person eating in Japanese standard.

Attack Power		4/5
Defensive Power		5/5
Speed		5/5
Intelligence		2/5
Singing Voice		6/5

• In Volume 32's extra content, Mashima provided the battle statistics for 31 of the 40 contestants in the X791 Grand Magic Games. The stats, however, were provided not from Mashima's point-of-view, but from the viewpoint of Sorcerer Magazine reporter Jason, which explains why some stats are missing, or why others may be inaccurate.
  • According to Jason, during his participation in the X791 Grand Magic Games, Gajeel's stats are as follows:
• According to Belno, Gajeel resembles greatly her deceased son.

Quotes

• (To Jose Porla) "Well, if they got beaten by trash, that just makes them trash as well."
• (To Natsu Dragneel) "There ain’t room for two Dragons in the sky."
• (To Happy) "What a troublesome Guild. When we get back you better buy me all the metal I can eat."
• (To Natsu Dragneel) "But with all the annoying lightning in the sky, you can't fly."
• (To Pantherlily) "I will make this guy my cat!"
• (To Levy McGarden) "I will make you big."
• (To Levy McGarden after saving her from Yomazu and Kawazu) "It's hard looking for someone so small. So don't leave my side."
• (To Levy McGarden) "This isn't some mundane war. This is going to escalate beyond your wildest imagination. You need to let everyone know! I can take care of these guys easily by myself!"
• (To Kawazu and Yomazu) "You want war... with Fairy Tail? I'm not the same... as before... I'll make you feel the same."
• (To Guttman Kubrick) "In my Phantom Lord days, maybe I would've given up already, but unfortunately, I'm a Fairy Tail wizard now. Even if you beat me up now, my heart won't break that easily!"
• (To "Shadow") "You never looked up to me. I know better than anyone else that I'm not the type to be admired. You feared me. Let me help you remember...that fear!"
• (To Belno) "I'm no longer that piece of iron junk you once knew! I don't know if I'm living with meaning like you wanted me to... but... there are people before me I want to protect! No... that I will protect! That's my meaning to live!"

Battles & Events

Battles

Events

Fairy Tail vs. Phantom Lord Elfman Strauss vs. Gajeel Redfox Natsu Dragneel vs. Gajeel Redfox Lucy Heartfilia, Loke & Reedus Jonah vs. Gajeel Redfox, Boze & Sue Natsu Dragneel vs. Gajeel Redfox: Rematch Gajeel Redfox vs. Jet & Droy Gajeel Redfox vs. Laxus Dreyar Natsu Dragneel & Gajeel Redfox vs. Laxus Dreyar Fairy Tail vs. Daphne's Lizardmen & Dragonoid Gajeel Redfox vs. Edolas Royal Army Gajeel Redfox vs. Pantherlily Natsu Dragneel, Gajeel Redfox & Wendy Marvell vs. Faust (Dorma Anim) Gajeel Redfox & Levy McGarden vs. Kawazu & Yomazu Team Tenrou vs. Acnologia Gajeel Redfox & Shadow Gear vs. Clock Part Guardian Fairy Tail & Lyon Vastia vs. Byro Cracy Fairy Tail, Lyon Vastia, Byro Cracy & Dan Straight vs. Reborn Oración Seis Gajeel Redfox & Juvia Lockser vs. Guttman Kubrick Gajeel Redfox vs. Midnight Natsu Dragneel & Gajeel Redfox vs. Sting Eucliffe & Rogue Cheney Gajeel Redfox vs. Rogue Cheney Fairy Tail vs. Atlas Flame Gajeel Redfox vs. Dark Dragon Natsu Dragneel & Gajeel Redfox vs. Tempester & Torafuzar Gajeel Redfox vs. Torafuzar

Lucy Heartfilia and Gajeel Redfox: Kidnapper's Prey Sky Labyrinth X791 Grand Magic Games Inauguration Chariot Fun in Ryuzetsu Land!! Teams Fairy Tail A & B Unite The Dragon Graveyard!! Arrests at Mercurius Grand Magic Game The Great Banquet