So, if you noticed, I've changed one of the genres from adventure to angst. I apologize if this causes any confusion, but after rereading some of my chapters and editing the future chapters, I realized there is very little adventure.
At the outskirts of Magnolia, Gajeel walked to a remote area, determined to get Juvia back. Though he'd never admit it, Juvia was somewhat of a little sister to him. Back in their Phantom Lord days, of everyone in the guild, she was the only one he trusted and held any respect for. And he'd be damned if he let her get hurt by the hands of their ex master. Once he'd reached a far enough distance from town, it didn't take long for Jose to appear.
"Ah, Gajeel." He greeted lightheartedly.
"Jose"
"Gajeel, do well to address me as master."
"Why? Your not my master anymore."
"Ah, but I could be. Let's go home Gajeel. Juvia is waiting for us."
"No" Jose's face turned serious.
"Juvia has recognized her true family. I fail to understand why you fail to do so."
"Yah, tell ice princess that" Gajeel mumbled.
"Tell me. What has Fairy Tail done for you that Phantom Lord hasn't?"
"They changed me." In Phantom Lord, it was every man for himself. Fairy Tail was a true family, full of people who cared about one another. They even somehow found it in themselves to care about me.
"And by they, I'm assuming your talking about that little bluenette?" Gajeel froze.
"I-I don't know what your talking about."
"Oh, I know you do. I've been observing you both. Who would have thought that a big guy like you, could be so easily softened by such a tiny little bookworm. Then again, despite her size, I can't say she's bad looking. Either way" Jose stopped and look Gajeel in the eye. "If she's your reason for staying in Fairy Tail, your wasting your time, my boy." Gajeel remained silent.
"Let's think about for moment. What can you possibly offer her? But, let's give you the benefit of the doubt for a second and imagine the best possible outcome. Say, on the off chance, your feelings are requited. Flash forward a few years. The two of you marry and have a child. Well, one day, that child is going to ask that inevitable question: 'How did you and mommy meet?' What will you say? Not to mention your outward appearance. With all those piercings, Mavis knows you'd sooner scare the child than have it love you. Needless to say, your not exactly father material, my boy. Let alone husband material."
"Don't you see, my boy. It does not matter how you feel about her. The past will always remain. There's no escaping it. Monsters, don't live, happily ever after." Jose's last sentence was said slowly, to ensure Gajeel remembered it. He wasn't trying to speak harshly of him. He spoke as if he was giving Gajeel a much needed reality check, and Gajeel was absorbing every word of it.
And why wouldn't he? Jose was only reiterating everything Gajeel already knew and reminded himself of everyday. Its why he could never move forward with Levy, no matter how loudly his mating instincts screamed at him. So, to keep his instinct at bay, he figured he could at least be there for her.
As Gajeel pondered this, his inner darkness began to reemerge. Something that had not happened since he'd joined Phantom Lord, and it was this darkness, that allowed Jose to mumble a spell under his breathe and take possession over Gajeel.
"I must say Gajeel, something about you has definitely changed." But his words were lost Gajeel, as he continued to sink further and further into his own darkness, causing him to doubt himself.
He's right. It doesn't matter how much I care or try. I'll never deserve her. Perhaps she'll be better off without me.
You bastard Natsu thought ass he listened to the whole scene playing out from afar, so Gajeel wouldn't be able to pick up his scent. Though he couldn't see what was happening, his ears never lie. The plan was for Gajeel to hand himself over to Jose (or get Juvia back in the best case scenario), allowing for Natsu to follow them to Phantom Lord's new hideout. once he found out where they were hiding, Natsu was to return to Fairy Tail and get help. Which, despite believing he didn't need it, he did.
