Hey...I'm back! *ducks head in shame*
I'm so sorry about the two month hiatus. Hopefully that won't ever happen again, but while juggling university, a part time job and a volunteer position, there is a high possibility it might
We're hitting the double digit chapters now though! Woohoo! Before we get into the story, I want to thank my amazing beta, Amenah, for slogging through this entire chapter and fixing all my mistakes! :) She's amazing, and she deserve a round of applause for her work!
Now...for chapter 10!
Due to the sudden downpour that occurred in the early hours of the next day, morning brought with it overcast skies and a damp, muddy ground. When the first horn sounded, slightly disgruntled soldiers began to trudge out of their tents, already thinking longingly of their warm, dry beds.
However, despite the gloomy weather, Erza found that her normal early-bird routine went uninterrupted. As per usual, she rose long before the first wake-up call and dressed herself for the day before rousing Jellal. After changing into his own clothes, Jellal would always come and meet her just outside of their tent, where he would tenderly intertwine his fingers with hers and kiss her softly on the cheek.
"Good morning," he said just as he always did, his lips curling into the smile that never failed to bring a hint of a rosy blush to the Titania's cheeks.
"Good morning," she returned, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her ash-brown eyes flickered up to meet his lighter honey-shaded gaze. As always, his eyes were filled with the utmost adoration for her. As he leaned down to press his lips to hers in a chaste kiss, Erza couldn't help but think about how she had gotten so lucky. This man loved her with everything he had, and she felt for him just as strongly.
She hummed happily as the handsome blue-haired mage rested his forehead against hers; he absentmindedly stroked the sapphire and ruby engagement ring that everlastingly decorated her finger, creating a peaceful moment. "How did you sleep?"
"I slept alright. I thought our tent was going to collapse a few times last night, which made me feel a little homesick."
Jellal nodded wholeheartedly in agreement. "I miss our bed, too. And the lockable door."
Living in a block of tents with a guild as open as Fairy Tail had literally dubbed the term 'privacy' non-existent. Tent flaps were easy far too easy for nosy guild members to manipulate, creating unrestricted entry to other members' tents. Therefore, it was actually quite rare for Erza to have some alone time like this with her husband. Tucking herself into his side, she sighed blissfully as his strong arms automatically wrapped themselves around her. She reached up, her fingers brushing against the silver wedding band that had faithfully adorned his ring finger for a little over three years now. Three wonderful, almost picture-perfect years. However, what with everything they had had to endure to get to this point, one would be hard-pressed to find a more deserving couple blessed with the gift of such a blissful marriage.
To the members of Fairy Tail, it was common knowledge that Erza had suffered a horrific childhood of abuse and slavery. Living in a place where no child was allowed to have anything of their own, Erza had considered her friendship with Jellal to be her most prized possession. He had always been kind to her, and had worked tirelessly to lessen the horrors of their 'home' for her. He wasn't just her protector and saviour. He was also the boy who had given her a name - an identity that she still used today. As far as Erza was concerned, that had been a gift that she would never be able to repay. Even though they had been kept prisoner in a dark, evil place, Jellal had always managed to give her new things to live for - things that would make her smile, increase her confidence and allow her to grow as a person. She had placed him on a pedestal in her life, believing he was invincible against all things that desired to hurt him. He had been so strong…
But then, his descent into darkness began.
Erza knew that it was partially her fault. He had taken the blame for her actions, and so, had been punished. When she saw the twisted look of evil on the face of the boy she had long considered to be the kindest person she knew, everything Erza had hung her fragile hopes on was shattered. Jellal was who she had drawn her strength from, and with his head filled with such evil, Erza slowly began to realize that she could no longer expect comfort and goodness from the boy she loved. She would have to learn to stand on her own two feet. Establish her independence. Write her own destiny.
Her first heartbreak was what had inspired her to get stronger - physically and emotionally. She learned to trust and depend upon only herself. Her lifetime of insecurity was what had encouraged her intensive training and extensive collection of armour. She told herself that it was her strength, and not her friends, which would ultimately protect her. However, after she had been taken in by Fairy Tail, she found that her ability to trust people immediately grew, and her previous theories on the coarseness of those around her were abandoned. In Fairy Tail, she was cared for and loved fiercely by all. Fairy Tail had been her saving grace; it was the force that had helped her realize that she, too, in her own way, had fallen into the darkness. With the constant support she received and the unbreakable bonds she had made with her friends, she had been yanked back into the light. Finally, Erza had allowed herself to live.
Years later, meeting Jellal at the Tower of Heaven had made her realize that their years of separation had done little to free her of her conflicting feelings for him. When she saw him, with his elaborate tattoo and his messy blue hair, she remembered the kind little boy who had given her her last name. However, his ruthless murder of Simon had awoken her to reality like a slap in the face. The little boy from her childhood was gone, buried beneath the depths of a dark demon. This marked her second heartbreak – one that had left her spending countless nights at Lucy's apartment, bawling her eyes out over tea or hot cocoa. She had felt like a traitor to Simon, because despite the fact that she had witnessed Jellal murder a man who had loved her and trusted her with his entire being, she still did not – could not - despise him. Instead, she found herself missing him and worrying over whether he was dead or alive, thus bringing herself endless hours of grief and insomnia.
When Jellal returned to Erza for the second time after being healed by Wendy, his amnesia seemed to mark the slow return of his old self – he rediscovered himself his sense of justice. And even though Erza most certainly still had qualms about trusting him, she found herself beginning to hope. With his memory of the evil presence that once seemed to possess him gone... Would he revert back to the boy she had never stopped loving? However, allowing herself to hope ended up being her ultimate downfall. Once they defeated their enemies, Jellal was arrested, and taken away by the Magic Council to serve a life sentence in penance of his crimes. Her third heartbreak was the most crippling, for he had been so close… And yet, so far away. With him spending life in prison at the most highly guarded facility in Fiore, Erza knew that she would probably never see him again.
But still, she did.
After her seven year sleep on Tenrou Island, she and the others returned and began to train for the Grand Magic Games. Seeing him again with his dignity and righteousness intact dredged up all the feelings she had buried deep within herself since seeing him being escorted to the jail cart. That night, amid a beautiful sunset, Erza came to the startling realization that her feelings for Jellal had definitely surpassed the boundary of a mere childhood crush. She had fallen completely and utterly in love with him. To the point where she knew that she would never be able to love anyone else.
She experienced her fourth heartbreak that night. Her time at Fairy Tail had taught her to respect herself and if she tried to pursue Jellal while he was still so unsure and broken, it would only serve to drag her down from the progress she had already made for herself. Erza knew she deserved better, and forced herself to walk away and wait, while being careful to never get her hopes up too high.
It was then that the Acnologia incident occurred.
As the months passed, Erza slowly recovered from her physical injuries. With Wendy's expertise and the careful watchfulness of Jellal, she managed to progress through her treatment without receiving an infection. However, once she was fully healed and free of the pain medication and the sleepiness it provided, Erza was forced to confront her raw emotional wounds – wounds that only worsened with each passing day. Natsu's departure had nearly torn her apart, further increasing the massive, suffocating guilt and grief she felt about the entire situation.
She had been the one to tear the guild apart.
She had caused the situation that had left everyone suffering.
Erza spent weeks in a pit of despair and self-loathing. Wendy had presented her with some herbal remedies and healing magic to help with her mood, but both failed. As she fell deeper and deeper into a state of depression, the rest of Fairy Tail grew more and more worried about her mental state, knowing that after losing Lucy and possibly Natsu, there was no way they would be able to survive losing their precious Titania. It was Jellal who remained by her side. His support never wavered; always was he whispering words of love and devotion to her while she slept. After he rushed her to Fairy Tail after the incident, he had secretly remained in the guild hall for a number of months helping Wendy take care for her. With his constant presence, Erza's emotional turmoil eventually ceased, scarred over and faded. She knew that if Jellal hadn't stayed with her, she most likely wouldn't have pulled through. The more she thought about it, the more her love for him grew.
However, after four months of hiding out in Fairy Tail, the Magic Council was somehow tipped off about his whereabouts, and thus it was no longer safe for him to remain at the guild. Even though Erza had known this would happen eventually, it didn't make his departure any easier. During their time together, Erza realized that it was a future with him that she wanted more than anything, and because he was constantly on the run, that dream just wouldn't become her reality. Desperate, she reached out to the only man she knew even stood the slightest chance of helping her.
Alexander Roke.
The former mayor of Milder had spent the past four months in a long-term treatment centre being rehabilitated for his amputated leg. The day he had entered rehab, the King of Fiore himself had come by to pay him a visit and offer his sincere condolences for Roke's devastating losses. After talking for four hours, the King was impressed by his determination and passion, and thus extended to him a position on the royal council. Roke accepted, and needless to say, he didn't disappoint. No matter how ill or tired he felt on a particular day, he attended each and every council meeting in a wheelchair until he finally mastered the use of his prosthetic leg. He also came up with new and innovative ideas, proving to be a master planner and strategist. His compassion, intelligence and drive were all rewarded with more power, greater status, and a higher influence in the running of Fiore.
Since it was Erza and Lucy who had rescued the survivors from Milder, Alex had always claimed he had owed Erza, especially since she herself had lost a beloved comrade that day. However, Erza had always declined his attempts to pay her back. As Fairy Tail wizards, it was their responsibility to help people in needed, no matter what the consequences may be. It was one of the traits that made Fairy Tail stand tall amongst the other guilds. But, after Jellal left Fairy Tail, Erza found herself knocking on Alex's door in the rehab centre and begging for his help. She needed him to give Jellal his freedom.
Of course, Roke agreed wholeheartedly to help her and immediately set to work on her request. Miraculously, Erza opened the guild door two months after her visit, only to see Jellal, Ultear and Meredy sitting at the bar, the Fairy Tail insignia emblazoned on their upper arms. Holding back tears, the Titania stood at the door and simply took in the moment. Jellal was free, and he was home.
At that moment, Erza Scarlett had never felt so blessed.
Soon after Jellal's return to Fairy Tail, he and Erza slowly entered an official relationship. It felt strange to finally be with the person that you've loved for so long. It was amazing, but at the same time, it was surreal, and a part of Erza was sure that something would go wrong and in the end, Jellal would have leave once again.
Except nothing did go wrong.
In fact, the blue haired mage seemed to be hell-bent on not leaving her. He refused to even go on missions without either obtaining her permission or demanding that she went along with him. She knew that he was trying to convince her that he wasn't leaving and she was thrilled that he was making the effort. However, a part of her still held some uncertainty and distrust towards him. Despite the circumstances, Jellal had broken her heart a total of five times. When they were children, the when he killed Simon, when he was arrested after helping them stop Nirvana, when he rejected her feelings before the Grand Magical Games, and when he had to leave Fairy Tail to avoid legal detection... But regardless of all the hurt their relationship had endured, Erza believed that if they managed to bypass it, it would undoubtedly make them stronger.
As their relationship deepened over the passing weeks, Erza found that Jellal was becoming the stability that her life had so desperately missed. He was her rock during Lucy's memorial ceremony, and he was always after she cried to put her back together. He was on hand when she woke up screaming from a nightmare, and he even learned to bake her favourite strawberry cake recipe. With him beside her, her life had blossomed into one overflowing with light and colour. Without even realizing it, he had shown her that her days before him had been dim and bleak. Therefore, when he finally got down on one knee and presented her with her beautiful engagement ring, the answer popped into her head almost instantaneously. Even though she had still been rather apprehensive regarding their relationship, she knew that there was absolutely no way that she wanted to return to a life without him.
So, of course, she accepted.
Four months later, Erza and Jellal married in a beautiful candle-lit sunset ceremony by the sea. Erza wore a custom strapless gown that modestly hugged her curves and flared out into a ruffled skirt. Her hair was up in a complex braided updo, and pinned with a delicate white flower and a gossamer veil. She was given away at the altar by Natsu and Gray – friends who had saved her time after time, proving their utter loyalty and friendship. She couldn't imagine anyone else doing the honours. It had been a wonderful, perfect day, which completely made up for the months of stressful and emotional wedding planning.
When the time had come for her to choose her maid of honour, her mind automatically went to the bubbly blonde who could no longer fulfill her intended position. Not wanting to dwell, the role had gone to Wendy instead, who performed her duties flawlessly. However, just before she went to meet Natsu and Gray at the foot of the aisle, she found herself thinking of Lucy and how happy the celestial mage would have been for her. Without any effort, Erza visualised the encouraging smile Lucy would have most certainly offered her just before she began her walk towards her soon-to-be husband. As Erza and Jellal recited their vows in a room full of the watery eyes and joyful face of their friends, the dark cloud that had hung over Fairy Tail since Lucy's disappearance finally began to disperse.
"Hello?" Jellal snapped his fingers in front of her face briefly. Erza looked up at him, drawn out of her memories. His mouth was twisted in a smirk of amusement. "You were a million miles away."
"Mhm. Just thinking," she replied, pulling out of his embrace. She glanced to the side, noticing the number of recruits filing towards the mess hall slowly increasing. "We should go."
"Alright," Jellal agreed, threading his fingers with her own. Erza squeezed his hand in response, and the couple began to make their way to breakfast.
"By the way," Erza asked, "do you know how Clint's doing?"
"I heard from others that he's pretty much okay," Jellal replied. "He was released from the infirmary last night."
"Really? So soon?"
"The worst of his injuries was a concussion. After keeping him for observation and patching up his other injuries, they discharged him."
"I'm glad to hear he's doing alright," Erza said honestly. "I think he would be greatly missed if something happened to him."
"I agree. He seems to be one of the rare few in the world that truly seems to want what's best for everyone."
"Then we're fortunate to have someone like him leading us."
"We're fortunate to have all three - Clint, Roke and Kain," Jellal said, pulling aside the tent flap for Erza to duck under. Erza nodded in agreement.
"That we are," she responded, before waving in greeting to her fellow Fairy Tail members, who had already gathered at their usual table.
"I'll grab us some food. How about you go sit down?" Jellal whispered to her, pulling out a chair for her next to Mirajane, who smiled brightly up at the two of them.
"After all these years, he seems to still be a gentleman," she commented as Jellal went to stand in line at the buffet table.
Erza laughed, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly. "Good morning, Mira."
Mira rolled her eyes at her obvious deflection. "Good morning, Erza! She chirped cheerfully.
"How did you sleep?"
"Obviously much better than these three," Mira giggled, gesturing to the slumped forms of Natsu, Gray and Gajeel directly across from them at the table.
Erza raised one eyebrow. "Were you guys up all night again playing war?"
Natsu yawned widely in response. "I kicked Gray's ass."
Gray shot up, his exhaustion apparently forgotten. "It was a tie, you ashtard."
"Was too!"
"WAS NOT!"
"WAS TOO!"
At this point, both boys had disregarded their fatigue in favour of getting in each other's face. Erza frowned. Their argument was loud, and it was disrupting the peace of their table. Not to mention that as two grown, mature men who claimed to be good friends, there were other more effective ways of settling their disputes.
"Are you two fighting again?" she asked, her tone dangerous.
"No!" they both exclaimed, quickly sitting down.
Gray slapped Natsu on the back. "We're just riling each other up for today. Right, Natsu, old buddy, old pal?"
Natsu grunted in response. Of course, Erza thought, shaking her head. I was foolish to think otherwise. A loud snort from behind her announced Jellal's arrival as he placed her dish in front of her before taking his usual seat at her side. She looked at him questioningly; however, he merely shook his head, a defined smirk on his face. Narrowing her eyes at him, she resolved to ask again later.
"I wonder where Lucy is," Levy noted, placing her book aside. "She's usually here by now."
Mira's brow creased in response. However, her forehead smoothed over immediately as she craned her head to watch the mess hall entrance behind Levy. "She just arrived," she said happily, waving to catch Lucy's attention. Mirajane frowned again in confusion. She's with Clint and Kain."
Almost immediately, everyone at the table snapped their heads round to see a battered-looking Clint place a hand on Lucy's shoulder in a fatherly gesture. He said something quietly to her, but Lucy shrugged his hand off without a word before making her way over to the designated Fairy Tail table and sliding in between Levy and Natsu. She nodded and smiled in greeting before falling silent again.
"Is everything okay, Lucy?" Mira asked quietly, reaching over to place her hand over the downcast celestial mage's.
"Yeah, I'm just tired."
No one was fooled by that. There was a war raging in her deep brown eyes. However, between what emotions, they could not tell. Erza glanced at her husband worriedly before casting her own gaze downwards. Ever since they had found Lucy at Base Camp B, Erza's initial joy had spiralled down into anxiety over her friend's well being. Lucy evidently wasn't herself, and always seemed to be on edge with them; the effortlessness that had once come with her company was now gone. Of course, Erza understood why. She herself had taken a long time to come to terms with the trauma associated with the battle against Acnologia, and knew that Lucy needed more time to come to terms with what had happened to her before she could relax again and see that she still had a future.
Erza had also yet to spend some one-on-one time with Lucy, something she planned on changing within the next day or two. She felt the overwhelming need to apologize for how things went that night, and simply talk to her. She had missed her best girlfriend greatly, and wanted her back. Erza longed for the time when the two of them would chat on the train while Gray napped and Natsu was dying of motion sickness in the corner. She longed for the time when she would drop by Lucy's house after a long, stressful day at the guildhall, and they would just talk until the early hours of the morning.
Basically, Erza wanted her best friend back.
But Erza knew that time would begin to heal Lucy's wounds, and, with the help of a force like Fairy Tail, she knew that Lucy would most certainly begin to revert back to her former self. However, she also knew there could be changes, and Erza was fine with that. Even if she never completely returned to her former self, she knew that she would never stop caring about her, nor stop considering Lucy her best friend. Just as Natsu was sure to do, Erza would work around the changes and work on making sure that Lucy knew that she would forever be accepted and loved, because that was the Fairy Tail way, and very few Fairy Tail mages had ever strayed from it.
It was their bonds that made them such a strong guild, and as the years had passed, through joy, miracles and tragedy, these bonds only strengthened. Erza looked around at her teammates, smiling as she watched Natsu pester Lucy, Juvia fawn over Gray, Levy tease Gajeel, and Laxus casually drape a protective arm around Mira. Each one of these people contributed to something truly special – a universal acceptance of each other that was particularly unique. And that acceptance had only reached complete unity once Lucy had arrived. She had made her way into Natsu's heart faster than anyone before. She had also set in motion the chain of events necessary to achieve what Fairy Tail had today. Therefore, it wasn't truly Fairy Tail without Lucy Heartfilia, and that was why no member of the guild would ever give her up.
"Recruits! Attention, please!" The room gradually fell silent as around two thousand pairs of eyes turning to Kain, who was standing at the podium.
"What happened to him?" Jellal whispered to her. Erza shook her head soundlessly, just as much at a loss as he was.
General Kain, a man who Erza had associated with pristinely pressed jackets, tucked in shirts and gelled hair had seemingly opted for a much more dishevelled appearance today. His usually slicked back hair was sticking up in small messy spikes. He had grey bags under his eyes; the gold buttons on his maroon military coat were left unfastened; his tie was undone. Kain gripped the sides of the podium with slightly shaking hands that shook, something that was only noticeable to Erza's trained warrior eye. Despite his defeated appearance, the General's eyes shone with their signature steel.
Leaning forward, he began to speak.
"My friends... I'm afraid I have some very upsetting news to share with you this morning." He paused, testing the silence of the room before continuing. "Our beloved Commander Alexander Roke was found dead in his tent morning. Murdered."
It felt like someone had just punched Erza in the gut. She reeled back, her eyes wide and the blood rushing from her face. Jellal grasped her shoulders firmly and pulled her close, his eyes never leaving the stage.
"After some investigation, it's become evident that this wasn't a random hit." Kain continued, his voice grave. "If you recall the welcome speech when you first arrived, you will remember that we informed you that Roke had completed a set of plans guaranteed to strike down Acnologia. We believe that the person responsible for his murder is the same imposter that injured Commander Clint two nights ago." He inhaled, gripping the podium even tighter. "The spy broke into our secret underground vault, bypassed the security wards and overcame Commander Clint in order to successfully abduct Roke's plans. We believe that the agent is an informant of Zeref, and is therefore extremely dangerous. It is now that I reach out to everyone in this room, and ask you to come forward with any information you believe will help us identify the traitor, and bring them to justice."
A few sniffles and sobs sounded out in the otherwise still room, originating from those who knew him the best. However, for the most part, the mess hall was eerily silent, the majority of its occupants still reeling from shock.
"This situation has made it clear that we must act now. We must strike down a major part of Zeref's strategy and make him weak." Kain paused, his gaze sweeping across the hall. "We must kill Acnologia."
Suddenly, the room erupted into a chorus of hushed whispers, questions and protests that grew rapidly in volume. Kain raised his hands, gesturing for silence as he waited for the chatter to end.
"I know that this looks like a death mission. A foolish plan. And I..." He stopped again, looking as if he were trying to figure out how to phrase it best. "I don't deny that it is," he eventually conceded. "However, I have the utmost faith that we can succeed. Fiore has faced greater challenges before – our nation has a rich history, and we have masterfully overcome hardships with determination, skill and no shortage of zeal and dumb luck." Kain smiled, but it sorely lacked humour. "In this room, I truly believe, every fibre of my being, that each and every one of you would stand a fighting chance against the Black Dragon. This is why Base Camp B is the pride and joy of the Fiore military, and it is my utmost honour to be your General."
"However, we simply cannot invest all our resources into the Acnologia ambush. We need to keep our defences strong here, in case Zeref catches wind of our plan, or attacks us beforehand. Therefore, Commander Clint has selected twelve elite members from our ranks to form the Acnologia Task Force. These soldiers will leave tonight-" Straight away, the hall echoed with the sound of protest; Kain spoke over them without hesitation. "They will leave after dark has fallen, and immediately begin carrying out their objective. Their journey will no doubt be perilous and fraught with danger..." He waited for silence to fall before continuing, "Which is why their sacrifice will be recognised with a Medal of Valour."
He nodded to a younger woman, who had been standing quietly beside the stage for the duration of his speech. With her sunset-orange hair and clear blue eyes, Erza easily recognized her as Avaleigh Wells, Roke's fiancée. With her chin held high and her eyes devoid of tears, she carried a long velvet box to the stage, opening it to reveal twelve silver medals emblazoned with the Fiore Crest.
Smiling sadly at her, Kain took the velvet box and turned to Clint. "Commander?"
"Sir," Clint nodded, stepping out from behind his superior. Walking to his usual spot at the edge of the stage, he produced a stark white piece of paper from his pocket. Adjusting his silver reading glasses, he turned his attention to the audience, his demeanour uncharacteristically serious and business-like.
"Here, I have the names of the twelve people chosen to be on the task force. If you hear your name, please come to the stage and receive a medal from the lovely Ms Avaleigh."
Sucking in a deep breath, he began to read.
"Zane Metcalfe."
All eyes turned to the far side of the room, watching as a large, muscle-bound man whose physique rivalled that of Elfman's stood, his posture erect and proud. With his vast knowledge of different kinds of weaponry, he was a popular name within Base Camp B, and thus it was hardly a surprise that he had been selected to join the task force. He climbed the stage with surprising fluidity, and whispered his thanks to Avaleigh as she pinned a medal to his chest.
Clint continued, "Julianna Reeves."
Not far from where Zane had sat, a petite woman of about twenty five rose gracefully. With her 4'9 stature, Julianna gave off a rather deceptive air of fragility. However, she was a master of knife throwing and had been known to quickly and efficiently bring down enemies ten times her size. She stood next to Zane on stage, the height difference between them almost comical. She nodded as her Medal of Valour was also pinned to her clothes.
"Eddie Bates." The thirty year old sharpshooter joined his fellow recruits on the stage, his face blank as Avaleigh bestowed upon him his medal.
"Hayden Lake." At eighteen, Hayden was one of the youngest members of Base Camp B. However, she had shown great skill in tracking and navigation, and was also able to read weather patterns to perfection. Her skills were a necessary asset to any team, which was most certainly why she had been chosen for this one.
"Sting Eucliffe and Rogue Cheney." The two former members of Sabertooth stood. As they received their medals, an evident smirk was upon Sting's face and Rogue was just as expressionless as ever.
"Gajeel Redfox." Slowly, the iron dragon slayer removed his arm from around Levy, his posture stiff as he walked to the stage. Levy dropped her head, managing to conceal the emotions that were no doubt raging within her.
"Laxus Dreyer." Looking grim but unsurprised, Laxus slid out of his seat. Mira grabbed his hand and pressed a quick kiss against his palm as he made his way to the stage.
Clint waited until Laxus had received his medal to read out the next name. "Natsu Dragneel."
Erza felt her stomach drop as images of bared teeth, deadly claws and impenetrable scale armour flashed through her mind. With sad eyes, she watched her childhood friend leave the table.
As he received his medal, a wide grin stretched across his face and a light applause rang through the room – Erza couldn't help her smalls mile as she saw the support he had. Since they arrived at Base Camp B, Natsu had proven himself to be an accomplished fighter, and was widely recognized for his unwavering loyalty and love of battle. Thus, it was hardly a surprise that Natsu made the cut for the task force. However, she couldn't help but take note of the anxiety that was rapidly welling within her.
The next name didn't help.
"Wendy Marvel."
Hearing her name called caused all of the members of Fairy Tail to stiffen, especially those who were already on stage. The blue haired beauty rose from her seat, her face set, her eyes betraying only a hint of worry.
"This isn't right," Wakaba stated, eliciting murmurs of agreement from others.
Even though the Sky Dragon Slayer was practically a grown woman now, she still radiated an aura of fragility and innocence. They no doubt wanted her for her healing abilities, which would most definitely be of use while fighting with the enemy. But still...
"Chelia Blendy." Another obvious pick. The Godslayer's advanced healing techniques would be absolutely critical to the success of the mission.
One name left, Erza thought, her eyes flickering to the people sitting around her. Gray would be as good a bet as any. His Ice-Make magic could prove to be integrally useful in battle. On the other hand, Mirajane was just as likely to be chosen since her demon Take Over magic was so potently powerful. Even Jellal or Erza herselfcould be considered potential candidates.
The mere thought made her shudder.
Thus, it was with sick anticipation that she watched Clint look back down at the paper, adjusting his glasses as he did so. Solemnly, he glanced back up at the crowd, which waited with baited breath. You could have heard a pin drop.
"Lucy Heartfilia."
In the silence that followed, it seemed that the soldiers had forgotten to breathe.
Of course, everyone knew who Lucy was – the infamous girl who practically came back from the dead after getting kidnapped by Acnologia. Due to her traumatic experience, it was only natural for people to think that she would be written off as a possible candidate. That's what Erza had thought. And based on the expressions of her comrades, that's what they had thought as well. She watched in horror as Lucy pushed her chair back and began to walk towards the stage without even glancing behind her.
"Master, we have to do something!" Mira said desperately. "We can't let her go back out there!" Makarov looked at her sympathetically.
"I don't like this anymore than you, Mirajane. But sometimes, the needs of many outweigh the needs of one. General Kain would never put Lucy in jeopardy unless he found it absolutely necessary."
Mira turned away from him, more than displeased with his answer.
"That's probably why she came in with them earlier." Levy whispered, hugging her book to her chest. "They must have been asking her if it was alright."
"And... Lucy agreed," Gray stated the obvious, leaning back in his chair. "That's so Lucy."
Erza remained silent, struggling to form a coherent thought.
Jellal put a hand on her shoulder, his face a mask of concern. "Erza?" he asked quietly.
She merely gave a small shake of her head, fighting to keep her riling emotions from erupting. Since Lucy wasn't a dragon slayer, there was a very distinct possibility that she could die on this mission. Erza would lose her friend to Acnologia... again...
Jellal opened his mouth to ask once more, but was interrupted by the loud voice of none other than the Fire Dragon Slayer.
"WHAT?!" Natsu bellowed as he pushed his way out of the line, his voice to loud in the hushed room. "You can't do this!"
"Natsu-" Wendy began.
"No! We're getting an explanation for this," he hissed, stepping in front of Lucy so she couldn't receive her medal.
Kain, who had watched the ceremony with a melancholy silence, analysed Natsu with darkened eyes. "Mr. Dragneel, I suggest you hold your tongue."
"Hold on, Kain," Clint interjected kindly. "Let's give the boy a chance to explain himself. Natsu, would you please come to my office after the ceremony has finished? We can talk there about your... concerns."
With hard eyes, Natsu gave a stiff nod and stepped back in line. Avaleigh pinned a medal onto Lucy's shirt while whispering a grateful 'thank you' to the celestial mage before stepping back.
"Ladies and gentleman, I present to you the Base Camp B Task Force!" Clint announced, sweeping his hand in a grand gesture towards the twelve individuals standing on stage.
Applause followed his words, but it was impossible to miss the tension in the room. Over the past few months, all recruits had gotten to know and befriend at least one person standing on that stage. Based on the expressions crossing some faces in the room, quite a few people were already mourning their deaths.
Erza herself tried to think positively, but having faced Acnologia before, she knew what kind of battle awaited her friends... A battle so challenging and dominated by such a powerful foe that chances their success – of their survival – were slim, especially without the help of Roke's plans.
And so, it was with a heavy heart that the Titania bowed her head, wiped her eyes, and began to pray for a miracle.