Good afternoon, everyone.
First thing, VERY IMPORTANT: There is a QUESTION at the END OF THE CHAPTER that I REALLY NEED YOU TO ANSWER cause it will define many things about this story.
Now to the shoutouts:
Resha Tsubaki: I can understand how it can be boring and repetitive when all the fics are romance-only or cheesy. Even if I do love romance, I always try to make my stories about more than that; hence all the plot twists.
If you want different, then you're reading the right story. I've read plenty of fanfics and none of them are as crazy as mine. I think of connections no one else has before and I love it!
Also, I am, as my friend says, the Queen of Angst; so most of my stories are dark/mysterious.
Good thing you brought up Alison and her development. Just check out the question at the end of the chapter.
MasterGildarts: Good thing you're willing to wait, cause this will take a LONG while. I think this story might even have more than 20 chapters, which is SOO much more than I'd originally planned. Oh, well, that's what happens when I decide to include all the characters.
Don't worry, there'll be plenty of NaLu scenes before the moment they get together. And more Gruvia soon. I just love writing them being together and Gray blaming himself for not being there cause it's so him.
Also, their way of locating Juvia will be so obvious I'm surprised no one seems to have thought about it.
Zerza: Lol I have no idea. The whole point of that "wave of magic power" thing was meant to reinforce just how powerful this child is, but it's weird that Jellal and Erza didn't sense it. Just assume they were lost in the moment, ok?
Also, let me clarify that it's not just anytime they kiss that this happens. Going with the cliche I borrowed from Once Upon A Time, the magic is only released when they share a "true love's kiss", which is different from just any kiss.
Guest: This chapter is my favorite Jerza so far cause it's really angsty. Thanks a lot; I will keep them coming!
Mikasa-Chan: There you have it; THE reunion. It was so much fun to write that part.
Happy reading, everyone! Don't forget to review, follow and favorite. (and answer THE QUESTION, please!)
"There's nothing happy about having your fate decided for you! You have to grab your own happiness!"
-Lucy Heartfilia
"Well aren't you two just so adorable? " The couple pulled apart immediately upon hearing the voice.
"Who are you?" Jellal asked, getting into a defensive position while stepping in front of Erza.
"Do you really not recognize me?" The woman raised a brow and his eyes widened.
"The resemblance is uncanny." The red head muttered, looking between him and the bluenette.
"I should've known that you'd come back." Without a second thought, Jellal activated his full power before sending a blast of golden fire towards the woman.
"Don't be stupid, son." Alison rolled her eyes, easily dodging the attack.
"I won't let you harm her!" He yelled, determined.
"You're no match for me." Another attack. Easily avoided. Then a dark, circular object crashed into him and he was thrown back.
"How could you do this to your own son?" Erza wondered incredulously.
"To be honest, I never cared much about him." Alison replied, eyeing Jellal with anything but love or compassion. "You were always a disappointment, unlike your sister. She was the one I had high hopes for."
"Then why did you leave her too?" He asked, attempting to ignore the hurt her words caused.
"It was necessary." The older woman replied, shrugging. "Now, I am really not in the mood to fight you, so I'll end this quickly."
Thinking she would attack again, he got to his feet and ran to Erza's side. "I already said that I won't…" The words died on his lips as a wave of power spread across the park.
"What is this magic?" Erza's eyes widened.
"It can't be." Jellal recognized it. The type of magic was the same as someone he knew well, but so much stronger.
"I fail to understand why you seem so surprised." Alison told him, raising a brow. "I'm your mother. The only reason you're so powerful is because my blood runs through your veins."
"You were never a mother to me." He shook his head before attempting to move. Only he couldn't. He was….frozen?
"I can't move." Erza noted at the same time.
"You can stop time." Jellal realized, looking around the park and noticing that the few people in the distance weren't moving.
"Well observed." Alison replied, smirking. "I've decided to learn Arc of Time just like your friend, Ultear. However, unlike her, I managed to perfect it."
"If she can stop time, then how come we're not completely frozen?" Erza wondered, confused.
"It appears as if you're not completely affected by my magic." The older woman replied, pensive. "But it's no matter as long as you can't move."
"Why are you doing this? What are you hoping to achieve?" Jellal asked, struggling to move once she began to approach them.
"You know I won't tell you. Now just be a dear and stay still, will you?" She was getting closer and as much as he tried, he couldn't move. Couldn't stop her. Couldn't protect Erza.
Once she stood in front of the latter, Alison lifted a hand to her forehead.
"No, please!" Jellal pleaded, but it was no use. Within seconds, Erza fell forward, right into his mother's arms.
"Wonderful. Mission complete." The bluenette cradled the unconscious woman carefully.
"Let her go!" He hated being so weak, powerless.
"You know, all would've been well if you two had just stayed away from each other." Glancing towards Erza's stomach, the older woman shook her head. "I had a feeling that my plan of having Juliet become the Savior would fail. However, I never imagined that you'd be the one to ruin it."
"The Savior? What do you mean?" Jellal never got an answer, for she simple lifted a hand and within seconds he felt his own consciousness slipping away before he fell to the ground.
Meanwhile, in Mermaid Heel...
"I thought I'd find you here." Milliana said, giving her friend a smile. Kagura didn't reply, instead continuing to stare at the sky. "Kagura?"
"I still find it hard to believe." She didn't turn around, so Milliana stepped towards the balcony against which she was leaning.
"I do too." Both remembered the night when everything changed as Ultear's words replayed in their minds.
"Erza's pregnant." It took a while for them to fully understand what it meant. At first, the two stared at each other in confusion; but when it clicked, their eyes widened.
Pregnant. A child. Erza was carrying a child. And not just any baby, no. It was Jellal's baby. Kagura's greatest enemy; the man who had murdered her brother.
She failed to understand how this could've happened. It was too insane to even consider and the thought of Jellal of all people becoming a father was terrifying. Unimaginable.
"She can't be." Milliana whispered, shaking her head.
"This doesn't make any sense." Kagura was speechless.
They kept watching as everyone else reacted to the news. They expected someone to point out how absurd it was or for Erza to deny it, but she didn't.
"How could this be?" The brunette muttered, but deep down, she understood.
She had seen the changes in Erza's personality over the last few times they had met. The ever-present sadness had been replaced by joy and the red head didn't worry as much about appearing strong. She had been more carefree, happier.
While it had puzzled Milliana at first, when she talked to her friend about Jellal once they were reunited, it became clear. Even before witnessing the moment between the two on the last day of the Games, she realized Erza's feelings towards him had changed.
When she mentioned her eternal hatred because of all that he had put them through, Erza hadn't agreed with her. She had changed the subject rather quickly and Milliana noticed the heartbroken look on her face.
Perhaps the moment when it all became clear was when Kagura's name was brought up. After her motivations were explained, Erza's face had twisted with fear and protectiveness. Therefore, it didn't take Milliana long to realize the reason behind it: love.
She suspected then, that the red head had fallen in love with Jellal. She restrained herself from telling Kagura until she was sure, but as fate had it, the latter realized it herself on July 7th.
"She really loves him." Kagura spoke while watching Erza and Jellal smile at each other.
"And he loves her too." Milliana pointed out.
"He still has to pay." She stared at her friend, unsure.
"I know he does, but how could we hurt him now?" Looking back at the happy couple, she sighed. "We can't do that to Erza."
"I still don't think it's right." Milliana voiced her concerns once again.
"Justice isn't always right, but I'm not backing down." Kagura replied, determined.
"I'm not either, I'm just saying maybe we could try a different approach." She shook her head.
"He murdered my brother, Milliana. The way I see it, he's getting off easy." Hatred became clear as she narrowed her eyes. "They both are. They must pay."
"This is pointless!" Lucy exclaimed, frustrated.
"There's nothing here." Natsu added.
For the past 20 minutes they had searched Layla's grave for any clues and there was nothing. He had even searched inside the coffin-Lucy didn't have the courage to do so- and only managed to traumatize himself.
"I don't understand. She was so sure that the answer would be here." The blonde let out a sigh while crossing her arms.
"Maybe we should search inside the house." Natsu suggested.
"Okay. Let me just take one last look." She stepped away and looked over the statue once again.
In truth, she didn't expect to find anything. However, as soon as her eyes fell on the necklace around the angel's neck, they widened.
She remembered that necklace. Had seen it before many times, since her mother would never take it off while she was alive.
Lucy wasn't sure how it came to be hidden within the angel or why it was no longer silver, but it was definitely the answer she had been seeking.
"How did I not notice that before?" While Natsu gave her a confused look, she stepped closer to the statue and lifted a hand to touch the necklace.
As soon as she did so, a wave of magic power spread across the house and the object turned back to its original color. Carefully, the celestial wizard removed it from around the angel's neck and held it in her hands.
The dragon slayer stepped closer to her and examined the object. "It smells like you."
"That's because it belonged to my mother." Lucy smiled, memories of happy times coming to mind.
"So, what are we supposed to do with it?" He wondered.
"I don't know." She turned it around in her hands, but nothing happened. She could feel magic coming from the necklace, but it wasn't like anything she knew. "Let's take it back to the guild; surely the Master can help us figure it out."
Natsu nodded in agreement. "Good idea. But first…" He extended a hand and she stared at him in confusion.
"What?" He smiled as a small blush colored his cheeks.
"You should put it on so that we don't lose it." She smiled at the idea.
"Good thinking." Noticing his hand was still extended, Lucy realized what he intended to do. Without a second thought, she passed him the necklace before turning around and lifting her golden hair.
Natsu lifted the object and tried to put it around her neck, but failed. He wasn't sure what had made him nervous, but suddenly his heart was beating too fast and his hands were shaking.
"Are you okay?" Lucy turned around upon realizing his struggle.
"I'm fine, Luce." He reassured, attempting a smile. She frowned, but chose to help him, bringing her hands to hold his as she closed the clasp around the necklace.
This only increased his nervousness, but he tried to pretend it was all fine. He couldn't have her knowing how her touch made him feel or the thoughts running through his mind at the sight of her exposed back.
For even if Lucy usually wore skimpier clothes, he had never really noticed it before. However, now that his feelings were clear, Natsu had began to notice many things and it was hard to keep his feelings at bay.
Still, he tried. She didn't need to know yet, so he tried his best to keep them hidden.
"I must admit that I'm impressed. Most people would have fallen unconscious by now." Juvia wanted to scoff, but could barely keep her eyes open.
Pain overwhelmed every cell in her body, her clothes were torn to shreds and many slashes could be seen as her captor continued to use a whip.
"You…taught me well." She managed to let out and the sound of that familiar yet horrifying laugh made her shiver.
"I certainly did." Another slash. Another loud scream echoing. "I remember you always excelled at holding up under torture."
She breathed heavily, unable to catch her breath. Each movement hurt like knives were piercing through her body and the chains continued to drain her magic. "And what…is your…plan? Just torture me to death?"
They laughed again and she wanted to cover her ears. "That depends on Lord Zeref. He'll decide your fate, although I believe after your failure there's a low chance that he'll let you live."
"He…needs me." Juvia didn't understand why, but it had become clear that Zeref had no intention of killing her.
He'd had so many opportunities, after all; and it was only his word that prevented Tartarus from finishing her off when she first infiltrated the guild.
"Maybe." Her kidnapper went silent and she had a few moments to breathe before the whip once again descended upon her flesh. "Now, are you going to say it or do I have to keep going?"
"Never. I will…never say it." So tired. She wanted nothing more than to sleep, but that wasn't possible. She knew that closing her eyes meant never opening them again and the thought was terrifying enough to push her to keep fighting.
"I fail to understand why you're being so stubborn." They shook their head, looking disappointed. "All I ask is that you apologize."
"I…refuse to…You don't own me anymore." They laughed once again and this time the slashes went deeper as more force was put into it.
For a moment, they stared at her stomach, where blood was quickly tainting her torn blue shirt. Then their eyes met her face once again and they smirked. "Are you sure about that?"
"So, what do you think, Lord Zeref? Is she the one?" Alison impatiently asked.
"Impressive. Truly impressive." The dark wizard didn't pay attention; his focus was solely on the unconscious woman in front of him.
Erza had been placed on a table in the middle of Hell's Core as he examined her carefully; a hand resting above her stomach without actually touching it. He couldn't risk harming the Savior, after all.
"Lord Zeref?" Another voice was heard, this time belonging to Kyoka. Her and Seilah had chosen to stay while he examined the red head.
"The child's power is...incredible." Zeref whispered.
"So you believe she's the Savior?" Seilah asked, to which he nodded.
"I'm sure she is the one." He removed his hand before stepping away from Erza. "It's exactly like the prophecy said."
"What shall we do, then?" Kyoka wondered.
"Erza will be kept here until it's time for the birth." Zeref smiled softly. "I can't risk anything happening to this precious child."
"And what about the plan?" Seilah eagerly asked.
"Now that we have the final piece of the puzzle, it's time to move forward." He replied before frowning. "However, we still need the names of the 3 council members that must be eliminated."
"I shall contact the former chairman, then. Surely, he must have such information." Kyoka suggested.
"Good thinking, Kyoka." Zeref praised, bringing a smile to her lips.
"Wouldn't it be easier to eliminate them all at once?" Seilah wondered.
"Jackal has been eager to pay a visit." Kyoka remembered.
"That's not absolutely necessary." The dark wizard replied. "However, if he insists on destroying the Council, I see no reason to stop him."
"Perfect." Smirking, Kyoka stepped away from them and began walking towards where Jackal was. In the meantime, Seilah, after receiving Zeref's permission, also left to check up on Keyes, who was probably experimenting with his slaves.
"What about Juliet?" Once both were gone, Alison, who had been silent through most of the conversation, spoke up.
"Now that I know she's not the Savior, I have no more use for her." Zeref whispered, shrugging.
"I'm sure she can still be useful." The bluenette protested.
"Perhaps." Then his eyes flashed red, unsettling her. "However, now that she's betrayed me, I have no other choice." They returned to normal as he sighed. "She must be eliminated."
Alison's eyes widened. "No! Please, you can't..." But it was too late. He had already brought a hand to his forehead and said the words that shattered her illusion. "I've confirmed that she isn't the Savior. You can kill her now."
2 hours passed. There were no results. The search for Juvia Lockser led nowhere as not even Warren's telepathy or Meredy's sensory link could locate her. It was a mystery, and one they were eager to solve.
Deciding to take a break and get something to eat, Gray, Ultear and the others returned to the guild hall. While everyone sat down and ordered some food, the ice mage settled for pacing around the room ever so impatiently.
"Will you just sit down?" An annoyed Gajeel asked.
"I'm not hungry." Gray replied, crossing his arms.
"Still, you should get something to eat." Levy suggested.
"You'll need your strength in order to find her." Mirajane added.
"If I find her." They were caught off guard by his words.
"Of course we will." Mirajane immediately said.
"You don't know that." Gray shook his head as a desperate look came upon his face. "For all we know she's already gone."
"I can't believe you're even considering this." Levy stared at him in disbelief.
"I figured you'd just be in denial like you idiots always are." Gajeel added, surprised.
"I know better than to deny the possibility." Dropping his arms, Gray frowned. "After what happened during the Games..." Once again his mind replayed the moment he almost lost Juvia.
"It won't happen again." Ultear vowed, standing up. "And if it does, I will reverse it just like last time." After approaching him and placing both hands on his shoulders, she gave Gray a reassuring look. "I will save her, no matter what it takes."
Unaware that she was already dealing with the consequences of performing the Last Ages spell, Gray smiled. "Thank you."
"I know how important she is to you." She tried a smile.
"I can't lose her." He finally admitted the fear that had been hunting him ever since that night.
"You won't. Don't lose hope." Surprisingly, it was Gajeel who said it.
Before anyone could add anything, there was a scream coming from outside, prompting them to stand up. As the group walked towards the entrance of the guild, they were surprised to find an unconscious Max lying on the ground with an angry Laki standing by him.
"What happened?" Levy asked, confused.
"He came out of no where and attacked us." Was the purple haired girl's response.
"To be honest, I only did that because he attacked me first." Everyone turned to the source of the voice and their eyes widened in recognition.
"Silver?" Ultear muttered, frowning, while Gray stared hopefully at the older man. "Dad?"
Not long before...
The room was silent as Juvia was so exhausted that she couldn't speak anymore. Couldn't move, could barely stay awake.
"I see." She didn't look at her captor as they stopped for a moment, looking pensive. "It will be done shortly."
Who're they talking to? She wondered and the answer came a second later. Zeref. It had to be him.
"Yes. I understand." Was this it? Had he finally decided to kill her?
It's over. While at first she had hoped that someone would find her, now it didn't seem likely. There would be no rescue team; she was all alone.
Maybe I deserve it. Her cruel mind reminded once she thought of all the sins and lies she had carried over the years. All the people who had suffered because of her; who had died because of her.
You are a monster. Evil, just as they pointed out before. She didn't want to believe it, but maybe it was true. Maybe she had always been destined for darkness, no matter how hard she tried to hold onto the light.
"Now it's time for your story to come to an end." Juvia heard her captor say as they gathered dark energy in their hands. This was it. There was nothing else she could do. "You know, I wonder if perhaps it was always your fate to be eliminated by me." They smiled then; cruelly yet somehow nostalgically.
"You are, after all, my greatest creation. Therefore it's only fitting that I'm the one to put an end to your pathetic life." She didn't have the energy or desire to argue, letting out a sigh before closing her eyes.
So, thoughts?
This got seriously dark. Like, that torture scene came out even worse than in my head. Do you have any theories on who Juvia's captor is? What will happen to her now?
What about Layla's necklace? Can you guess what it contains?
On another topic, what did you think of Jellal x Alison "reunion"? I debated with myself about which magic she would have for a while. I even researched rankings of the strongest magics there is and in the end Arc of Time just seemed fitting.
Lastly, did anyone expect the plot twist with Silver showing up? I figured it'd be pretty obvious after not even the dragon slayers could reach Juvia.
Next chapter will be called Timing. There'll be more GaLe, Lyredy and Gruvia, of course. Also, Kagura and Milliana's plan will also be explained better and it's not what you're probably thinking.
Now, time for THE QUESTION: I am considering making a WHOLE CHAPTER about the backstory of Alison and Lucas Fernandes; explaining their relationship in the past and what happened to him in the end. Of course, there'd be some moments with Juvia and Jellal too and them being a family.
If you'd like me to dedicate an entire chapter to Alison and Lucas' story, comment YES. If you'd rather get fewer flashbacks into other chapters, just say NO. My decision will be based on your response, so it's all UP TO YOU!
Can we try 6 reviews by August 15th?