A/N: Happy new year to everyone! I can't believe it is now 2015. *Shudders* in a few months, I'll be in college. Good god, where does the time go?
Thanks for all the reviews, favorites, and follows. Arigato gozaimasu, minna san!
I forgot to tell you, but the story Sting told Jellal in the last chapter about meeting a man was inspired off of Thomas Hardy's The Man He Killed. It's a poem, and I'm not usually a fan of poetry, but this one was a perfect fit for the chapter. It's pretty catchy too.
I hope you enjoy the new year, and this chapter too! love you guys!
Chapter four: A Name of Greatness
He is a son of man, kissed by the gods.
So Erza Scarlet thought as her gaze sought out the blue haired man with the strange red tattoo on the side of his face. He had deep green eyes and an angular jawline. Even though his face was grimy, the dirt did not make him any less attractive.
His neck was the epitome of a masculine neck; thick, with a large adam's apple covered by tan skin. It met his shoulders and collarbones, which were prominent due to the lack of nutrition, but Erza had the feeling that they were exemplary when he was in the prime of health.
The shirt he wore was loose and a tad too big, the neckline dropping low enough to let Erza see a peek of his pectoral muscles, which were broad and tan, if not a bit thin. Erza had no doubt it was because he was being poorly taken care of.
His arms were well muscles and strong looking, also a tad thin. His hands were calloused and rough, but at the same time, held a look of such gentleness, Erza could help but smile.
She found herself drawn back to his eyes. While she was admiring him, she and Lucy had been walking closer, nearing him. At this close of a distance, she found out that his eyes weren't completely green. They were the color of a forest, deep green mixed in with brown, the like the trunks of tree peeking through the masses of leaves. When the light of the sun hit him, the bits of gold sparkled in his eyes.
He looked sad, and hopeful at the same time, if such a thing was possible. Erza found herself drawn to him, wanting to reach out and brush his hand, cup his cheek in her palm. Immediately upon thinking these thoughts, she flushed red, and looked away.
"I think they're prisoners," Lucy whispered to her as they walked past. "Look. The bluenette has shackles on his wrists."
Erza felt her eyes betray her and she looked over at the bluenette once more, despite the blush evident on her cheeks. What she saw on his wrists were two manacle-like bracelets, which were chafing his skin. It looked painful, and Erza bit her lip.
His eyes flickered over to meet hers, and they widened upon catching sight of her. There was a flicker of life in those lifeless eyes, like a renewal of the soul. Like a bird caught in a cage, it fluttered there, weak and barely hanging on.
It was a flicker of hope, of yearning for something thought to be lost.
"They look...forlorn," Lucy said, her eyes following a big blonde man with a scar on his right eye. "Alone and hopeless, like they've lost their fight."
Erza nodded. "Like a candle in a hurricane." Her words were true to the prisoners standing in the yard, six of them. True to all but one.
He began to walk after a guard yelled at him to "move your ass, Fernandes! We haven't got all day!"
Fernandes. So his name was Fernandes.
Erza doubted it was his first name. She figured it was something elegant and unique, just like him. He was a demigod in her eyes, blessed by the heavenly beings themselves.
She and Lucy walked out of the courtyard, and she couldn't resist looking over her shoulder one more time to look at him.
Her eyes met his forest ones, and she saw his lips lift in a faint smile before he disappeared from view.
She waited three more days before she saw him again.
In those three, long, agonizingly slow days, it snowed, a ceaseless, unrelenting snow that laid several inches on the ground and left a bitter chill in the air. Erza woke up each day with her breath billowing out in front of her in thick, white clouds. She shivered each time and brought her blanket closer to her body, wrapping her shoulders in the brown coverlet and cocooning herself.
On the third day she woke up in the same routine: her breath fogging in the chilly air, and hugging the blanket closer to herself. She looked out her window and noticed the snow had stopped, coating everything outside in a sparkling blanket of virgin snow. The sky above remained bleak and sunless, the clouds overcast and murky. Erza could hear the wind whistling through the thin walls of her room, a faint screeching sound that reminded her of a ghost's eerie wail. She shivered, more creeped out by her thoughts rather than the cold.
She slipped out of bed and stumbled past the sleeping Lucy, who was nestled in her blankets and looked like a slumbering dormouse sleeping amidst a nest of blankets.
Erza tiptoed quietly past her friend and opened the door to their shared room, walking out into the servant common room. It was about seven in the morning, and there were several people gathered, none that Erza shared acquaintances with.
She sat down on worn out cushion chair and sighed. She stretched, extending her arms out behind her and arching her back in a graceful, catlike motion. She was still wearing her nightshirt and bed pants, but she didn't care.
"Erza Scarlet?" a voice said, and she looked up, dropping her arms and relaxing her position. She blinked, looking into the face of a young woman with jet black hair. She had tied a white cloth around her head, the bow sticking out on the top of her head. She wore a white shirt tucked into a black skirt, and a loose tie circled her neck.
She looked Erza up and down with a careful scrutiny, as if looking for flaws. Erza stared back at her evenly, unflinchingly.
"That would be my name," she said in a quiet voice.
The black haired young woman ran a hand through her long black hair. "Kagura Mikazuchi. Princess Minerva's head servant. The lady wants you in her bed chambers. Now."
Erza sighed and stood up. "As in, right now?" she muttered.
Kagura nodded. "I'd hurry if I were you," she said with gritted teeth. "The lady does not like being displeased. You should go now, before she becomes impatient."
"Right," Erza said dryly. "Let me just fly up to her. Oh wait," Erza pantomimed searching her pockets and coming up empty, "I forgot my fairy dust today. Guess I'll have to walk, like every other human on this planet."
Kagura smirked. "I'll tell the princess you said that." The threat in her voice was light, like even she didn't back herself up.
Erza turned on her heels and stormed back to her room. "You do that," she shot over her shoulder. "Tell the lady Minerva that I'm only human, after all."
Before the dark haired woman could respond, Erza was already slamming the door behind her with a brutal force, her hands flat against the wood and her chest heaving with anger.
"Blue Bloods," she hissed under her breath. "They're all the same."
"What are you complaining about now, Scarlet?" she heard Lucy's sleepy voice mumble, and the redhead turned to see the blonde sit up, the blankets falling around her. The blonde's hair was a mess- as it usually was in the morning- and she was rubbing her eyes, yawning all the while. Her nightshirt hung off one shoulder, but the blonde didn't seem to notice.
The redhead sighed and went to her small dresser that she and Lucy shared, opening the creaky wooden drawers and pulling out a pair of trousers and a shirt. "The witch beckons," she said, pulling her nightshirt over her head and tossing onto her unmade cot.
Lucy sat up straight, fully awake. "Why does she want you this early? It's Sunday, for crying out loud. Can't the princess sleep in, like a normal person?"
Erza shrugged. "Who knows? But I have to go now, otherwise "the lady does not like being displeased." She'll throw a fit and who knows what else."
Lucy got out of bed and looked out the window. "Well, if she makes you go outside, be sure to dress warmly," the blonde said, going to the foot of her bed and picking up a long piece of clothing. She offered the vestment to Erza, giving the redhead a smile. "Here. Borrow my cloak, lest you freeze to death. I don't want to find you later as a statue of ice."
Erza smiled and took the cloak, draping it over her arm. She hugged Lucy in gratitude. "Thanks, Lucy," she murmured, before pulling away. The she looked at the door. "Gotta go, before the lady gets mad."
Lucy smiled. "Go." The blonde shooed the redhead away. "I'll see you later."
"I'm throwing a birthday ball for my brother in a few days," Princess Minerva said, lounging on her bed while Erza bent respectfully in front of her. "I need more flowers to decorate the throne room. Are there anymore in the greenhouse?"
"Why of course, your majesty," Erza grumbled.
Minerva smiled and stretched languishly, the sequins on her golden dress glinting in the light. She reached to the side and picked up a glass off her bed table, bringing it to her wine red lips and taking a hearty sip.
"Go and cut more for me," Minerva said after she finished swallowing. "I need them to fill seven vases, and I only want red flowers, those red roses in particular. You hear me?"
"Yes," Erza muttered.
Minerva glared down at the redhead. ""Yes" what?" she said, the veil of a threat evident in her voice.
"Yes, my lady," Erza said, clenching her fists and gritting her teeth. She had the urge to get up and strangle the woman, but refrained from doing so.
There was a shuffling sound as bedsheets were moved, and then the soft padding of quiet footsteps that grew louder as they approached. Erza braced herself.
A finger found it's way to Erza's chin, forcing the redhead's face upwards. She blinked into the harsh light as Minerva's face came into focus, a malicious glint in her poisonous green eyes.
"I said that I'd break you," the princess hissed. Her hand curled around Erza's cheeks, her nails digging into the skin. "It all depends on how you'd like to be broken. You can break hard, or you can break easy, Erza Scarlet. It is entirely up to you."
She let go of Erza's face and pushed the redhead away so that she sprawled on the ground. Erza shook herself, trying to get up, only to cry out as Minerva stomped her foot down on Erza's hand.
"I wasn't done talking yet," the princess cooed. Erza looked up at her through her bangs, her eyes narrowed in hatred.
"You could pass for nobility with those looks of yours," Minerva continued, gazing down at the redhead. "If I were to dress you in fine silks and chiffon, maybe lace, you could pass as a princess."
She stepped off of Erza's hand. "But you're not. And so you shall remain as a pitiful serving girl, with only rags and grime to her name."
She turned her back. "Go now, Erza Scarlet, and do my bidding. Elsewise, there will be consequences."
"How are you faring, my beautiful sister?"
Minerva turned her elegant head and smiled serenely at the man standing in the doorway. His blonde hair was brushed back and tied in a loose ponytail, and he wore a pair of dark trousers tucked into boots. His white button down shirt hung open, exposing the smooth skin of his chest.
"You look pleased, my brother. Did my present to you do her job well?" Minerva said, getting up from her chair and walking over to the blonde.
Prince Rufus chuckled darkly. The memory of the slave woman was still fresh in his mind, and he could still hear her moans of pleasure if he concentrated hard enough.
"She was wonderful," he purred, taking Minerva's hand. "But you know, my sister, I require something that gives me more of a fight."
"I require a challenge."
She kissed his cheek, her hands running through his long blonde hair. "I know, I know," she murmured. "I do have another for you, but she requires a bit more work on my part before I hand her over to you," she whispered, pressing her lips against his ear.
He pulled away from her and kissed her forehead. "This is why you are my beloved sister. You are the only person who truly knows me, and for that, I thank you."
She chuckled and turned around, settling back in her chair. "My dearest brother," she said, making herself comfortable. "I do love making sure you are happy, but could you do the same for me?"
He bowed. "What would my lady want that would please her? A new horse? More servants? Please, sister, you only need to ask, and you shall receive."
She ran a finger down her chin, past her neck, until it came to rest under her navel. "I want something stimulating. Something pleasurable."
His eyes glittered and narrowed in interest. "And this something would be?"
She smiled. "I want the finest of men, who can please me in every way possible?"
Rufus scratched his head. "There are many male consorts who would die to have the pleasure of becoming yours-"
"I will choose who I want," Minerva interrupted. "Then you will give him to me, no matter who he is. Can you do that for me, brother? In return, I will give you the finest beauty. I can tell you that when I have tamed her fiery spirit, she will provide you with every pleasure known to man."
"Why must she be tamed?"
"She needs her spirit reined in otherwise she will never bow to our wills. And she is my servant, and rightfully mine to be broken. But don't worry, my dear brother," she said, smiling, a dangerous glint in her eyes.
"When she is subdued, you can do whatever you want to her."
His eyes glittered with anticipation. "May I ask you her name?" he asked, nearly begging. His thirst for knowledge was almost palpable, nearly dripping off his person.
She thought for a minute. "The fire in her eyes is reflected off her vermillion hair," she murmured. "She is Scarlet."
Prince Rufus smiled, an eerie smile that could frighten even the most bravest of souls. "Scarlet," he purred. "What a wonderful name. I will remember it, surely I will."
The subtle sounds of crunching snow alerted Erza even before she opened the courtyard door. Her eyes narrowed, she wondered who else could possibly be outside on such a cold and desolate winter day.
The door opened, and Erza blinked, her eyes widening with surprise. The basket in her hand dropped to land in the snow, yet she did not bend down to retrieve it. Her eyes and her attention were drawn to the man standing before her.
He wore the same clothes as before, as well as the shackles on his wrists. The only difference in his appearance was a pair of boots on his feet and a ratty jacket covering his torso.
He stood with two other men. One had maroon hair, while the other had dark blue hair. Each man was working quietly in their own corner of the courtyard, each equipped with a shovel.
The bluenette that captured Erza's attention, Fernandes, was working near the greenhouse. His arms moved tirelessly, despite the dark circles of fatigue around his forest eyes. He didn't notice Erza, for he had his back to her. His shaggy blue hair stood out in the gray light of winter, a startling contrast against the dismal light.
There was a guard standing off to the side, his eyes narrowed as he watched the three men working. His right hand rested on his gun holster, while the other gripped a spear, the handle of the weapon sticking in the snow.
Erza shook herself, and bent down, picking up her basket. Hurriedly, she walked over to the guard and asked if it was alright to walk through the courtyard to the greenhouse.
"Don't be scared miss," the guard said with a smirk. He gestured to the men working in the courtyard. "They can't harm ya. If they tried, I'd put a bullet through their heads before they even laid a finger on you."
Erza wasn't asking out of fear. She wasn't scared of men, and she could certainly hold her own against one.
This is how stupid some men are, she thought angrily to herself as she walked through the courtyard. Not all women are sniveling cowards that hide behind men.
As she passed the bluenette, a shiver ran through him. He froze in his work, and stopped shoveling. Erza's breath caught in her throat as he turned, those forest eyes landing on her and freezing her in her tracks.
He was so beautiful.
She wondered if sculptors who made marble statues had used him as their inspiration. His chiseled face and handsome looks set him apart from other men.
Erza lowered her gaze and opened the door to the greenhouse, flushing from the bluenette's stare. Once inside, she slammed the door and heaved a deep breath, smelling the warm scent of dirt and plants.
She looked around, smiling as she saw all the flowers blooming. She was automatically drawn to a morning glory the color of his hair, a deep azure that reminded Erza of a clear summer sky.
The bed of red roses was next to the morning glory. The flowers were deep ruby red, a scarlet color for which Erza had been named. The flower heads were many in number, Erza noted. Minerva would be pleased.
Erza bent down, picking up the clippers as she went, and started cutting roses. This task was quick and simple, and she much preferred doing this than cooking in the kitchen, or cleaning the many rooms in the palace.
A cold breeze alerted her, and she turned, her eyes narrowed. There must be a hole in the wall, she thought to herself. She looked around, trying to spot the break. She stood still and let the wind rush past her, trying to feel where it was coming from.
She turned in a particular direction and found the hole. It was about eye height, and was the size of her head. She frowned, walking towards it. What the hell made this? she wondered.
Her question was answered as soon as she was a foot away from the break. She stepped forward, and was splashed with something cold. With a small yelp, she jumped back, and noticed the puddle of water on the ground. In it floated chunks of what was unmistakably ice.
So that was what did this, she thought. It must've been flung by the wind and broke through the plastic.
The greenhouse was made of an insulated plastic cover, which kept the cold out and the heat inside. Even though it was protective against the harshness outside, it didn't protect against flying ice, as Erza so found out.
She crept closer. She could see outside, and she narrowed her eyes. She saw the castle wall, mounds of snow, and then something else. Her eyes widened, and she gasped.
Standing before her, oblivious to her presence, was the Fernandes man. He seemed to be taking a break, leaning against his shovel and sipping out of a flask. His hair was drenched in sweat, and his face glistened. Erza could see his chest heaving and see the tremor in his arms as he lifted the flask to his lips.
She coughed, and he froze, the muscles in his throat stopping him from swallowing. He lowered the flask, and turned, his eyes meeting hers.
Immediately, Erza blushed, the crimson flush spreading on her cheeks and warming her face. His handsome face was mesmerizing, catching the redhead in a trance.
She cleared her throat. "What-" she broke off as her throat became dry. She cleared it again, the heat in her face rising. "What's your name?"
He looked at her with a fascination, as if she were the only woman he'd ever see. His eyes searched her face, as if trying to find deception written somewhere in her features. He found none, only honest curiosity.
Erza waited with bated breath for him to speak. He swallowed, his eyes never leaving her face as he screwed the cap back onto his flask and let it drop to the ground.
"My name?" he whispered, in a deep, velvety voice. It was a handsome sound, baritone and smooth, captivating and alluring. "Why do you want to know?"
She shrugged. "I'm curious." His voice resonated within her, and she yearned to hear it again.
A faint smile appeared on his lips, and to Erza, it was as brilliant as the sun. He looked around quickly, as if searching for the guard. After a minute, he turned back to her.
"Jellal," He said quietly. "My name is Jellal Fernandes."
A/N: This was a fun chapter to write, and I think it was because describing Jellal is always my favorite. He is my favorite character in Fairy Tail, and I don't understand why there can't be a real life guy like him. Honestly, he is like the epitome of perfection. At least, in my eyes.
Alright, that's enough of my ramble. As I said earlier, enjoy the new year!
-Wolf