"What do you plan to do now that you are freed?"

Jellal didn't turn to look at Erza but he could still feel her intense gaze on him. He could also hear the tightness in her voice even she had tried to take on a casual tone with her question.

"I…...I haven't decided yet what to do next."

It was ironic. He had been thirsting for freedom for years, something he was deprived of and had been chasing for for the most part of his life. Yet now it was given to him, he didn't know what to do with it.

What did it mean to be free? Be truly free. Jellal pondered. He knew the freedom to move around. He knew the freedom to think.

But what about the freedom to act according to his heart's desires? Would he ever get that? He could still feel his heart, heavy inside his chest, being trapped by his guilt and sin, even he had been officially pardoned by the Queen, and also personally by those he had hurt.

By Erza.

He finally took a glance at the redhead woman who sat beside him. Her scarlet hair glowed redder than usual under the golden light of the setting sun. She caught his gaze immediately and smiled gently. Warmly. Beautifully. At him. For him.

It was such a pure and harmless expression, yet Erza's smile had the power to break down the wall he had built around his heart, bringing in light and hope to his heart. Even it was only temporary. He knew that the only one who could truly set his heart free, was himself, when he was finally able to forgive himself.

Still, he couldn't help but smile back at Erza, equally gentle, and with gratefulness, as he immersed himself in the carefreeness Erza momentarily made him feel.

"Take your time to think about it." Erza spoke softly as she placed her hand over Jellal's chest to feel the strong beating of his heart. "Look into your heart. Ask yourself what your heart desires the most and answer honestly. Remember that you are free to live the life you want for yourself now, Jellal. Don't let the past limits your possibilities. Believe in yourself that you can move on and explore new ways to fulfill your life purposes other than punishing yourself. And remember too, that I will always be by your side to support you."

Jellal turned his head sideway, finally meeting Erza face-to-face and looking into her eyes directly, before he raised a hand to held hers on his chest.

"I will think about what I want for my future seriously."

He already knew that spending the rest of his life with Erza was what he wanted the most in his entire life. He just couldn't reach for her now, though. Not until he learnt how to find a way out and get up with his own effort when his guilt tried to tire him down and eat him alive. He couldn't rely on Erza forever to rescue him from his darkness. It was not a burden she should shoulder.

"And when I find my answer, you will be the first one to know about it."

This was all he could promise her for now.

Erza nodded, and before Jellal knew it, gave him a peck on his check.

"I'll be waiting." Blushing, she smiled timidly.

"Thanks, Erza. For everything." Jellal drew her hand to his lips and kissed the heart of her palm.