Out of sight, out of mind?

Chapter 14

New truths

Jellal's POV

I tried to sleep during the train ride to Era, but, every time I closed my eyes, I was seeing her; her face, her body, her voice, her warmth... I was already missing her, terribly. This feeling was intense, stronger that I ever thought it could be; it felt like having a hole in my stomach…

Once in Era, I went directly to our office; I wanted to speak with Ultear and with the High Council. I wanted to tell them that I had judged Fairy Tail too severely. After all, it was my fault if Erza's guild was under the Council's radar, so, maybe, I could ease things for them. During my stay in Magnolia, I had witnessed that they weren't as bad as I said they were; they hadn't transformed Erza in a block of ice, she had only grown up, as she had told me, but I didn't want to listen to her because I was too angry….

When I arrived in our office, Ultear wasn't there. So, I went to Grand Doma's office where his assistant welcomed me. I told him that I needed to see the High Council's members, as soon as possible. He took note of my request and told me that he would give it to his Master as soon as he would see him.

After seeing Grand Doma's assistant, I went to my office and tried to work on a case or two, but I wasn't able to concentrate on the task at hand. I didn't have much sleep in more than a day… So, I decided to go back to bed; I really needed some rest; physically and mentally…

When I arrived at the house, Ultear was not there either. Without taking time to wonder where she was, I went straight to bed. I didn't even took time to take off my clothes, I just let myself fall onto the bed. I fell asleep, feeling completely drained…

When I woke up the next morning, I heard noises coming from the kitchen. Even if I desperately wanted to stay in bed, I forced myself to stand up. Since I was still wearing the same clothes than yesterday and I was still feeling numb by sleep, I decided take a shower.

After my rather long and cold shower, I came back to my room, wearing only a towel. Entering the room, I saw Ultear who was lying onto my bed.

She took a good look at me and she slightly shook her head.

''You don't look well, Siegrain! Did something bad happen in Onibus?'' she asked me, with a concern look on her face. I could have hid the truth from her, but there was no use; she would know soon. However, I would keep certain details of my trip to myself.

''No, everything went very well in Onibus. However, things got complicated when I made a stop in Magnolia.'' I said softly, looking at her.

Then, I saw her expression changed, her face tensed up.

''So, you finally went to see what those silly brats were like! Now, you know how cold and evil they are!'' She said to me, firmly, as if she wanted to convince me.

''Actually, they were warm and welcoming, not like what I used to think they were and I also witnessed that they are really working hard for their town; they accept and respect our decision and their penalty, even if it was a bit too much...'' I said, firmly.

At this moment, I saw her eyes becoming round like balls, as if she didn't believe what I was saying, or, more, as if she didn't want to accept it…

''You're a member of the Council of Magic, it's normal that they have welcomed you with respect; they only didn't want to get even more punished, that's all. They have manipulated you, Siegrain.'' she said, rolling her eyes.

''They didn't know who I was, I wasn't wearing my Council outfit. Someone introduced me as a friend and they were truly welcoming, although I haven't spent much time with them.'' I said softly, sighing while I was thinking about my encounter with Erza. ''I really have been too hard on them. In fact, I have asked the High Council for a meeting, so I could explain them my new point of view.'' I added, looking straight at her.

At this point, I thought I had even seen an ounce of panic in her dark eyes, but, soon, her face became placid again.

''Okay, we will deal with this problem. But, first, I really think you should rest… You look awful... I'll send someone to pick you up if the High Council sets an hour for the meeting you've requested.'' She said, as she smiled widely at me after forcing me to lay down onto the bed. I listened to her. Even if I had wanted to, I had no energy to fight back. I closed my eyes and went back to sleep.

I have been woken up by several knocks on the front door. Telling me that it could be Ultear or Grand Doma's assistant who were coming to pick me up for the meeting I had asked for, I quickly got dressed and went to the door.

I was more than pleased when I saw Grand Doma's assistant.

''Master Siegrain, you are awaited at the Council Hall immediately.'' the man said, very formally.

Promptly, I nodded, put on my shoes, locked the door behind me and followed Grand Doma's assistant.

At the Council Hall, he led me to the Grand Room, this was unusual! Then, he opened the door and let me in.

Once inside, I saw that all the High Council Members were all presents to hear my request. However, they did not let me say a single word, Grand Doma spoke first.

''Master Siegrain, do you have a past history with Erza Scarlet also known as Titania from Fairy Tail? And, did you go to Magnolia recently and renew your relationship with this woman? Think carefully before answering to my questions and remember the pledge you have taken not so long ago!" Grand Doma said firmly, looking straight at me, without a single shade of gray.

I looked at them in shock. How could they know? Then, I looked at the only one person who knew about my trip to Magnolia: Ultear. She was looking at me, sadly. Her look seemed sincere, but Erza's words came back to my mind: you shouldn't trust her. Was it her doing? There were a few things that I needed to clarify with her but, now, I couldn't run away from the truth.

''The answer is yes, to your both questions…'' I was about to add something, but he didn't let me finish my sentence.

''The fact that you knew Titania, previously to the offence, can be seen by others as a prejudice; a prejudice that could have affected your ruling. So, from now on, your Master, Ultear Milkovich, will take back that case and you won't be allowed to work on it. But, you, Master Siegrain, will only be on probation, thanks to your Master who kindly accepted that you remain under her supervision.'' He said, glancing at Ultear. My eyes followed his. I saw Ultear nodded slightly.

''Concerning your previous request, you'll have to discuss it with your Master and, if she thinks your request is fair, she will pass it down to us, understand, Master Siegrain!"

I had no other choice, but to nod. Even though I wanted to defend myself and Fairy Tail, I knew it was no use. Ultear had me fast asleep; literally speaking...

''We will meet again in three month, to review your probation.'' Grand Doma said firmly. ''Meeting dismissed.'' He added, as the Masters parted.

Only one Master came to see me after the Hearing. However, Master Yajima didn't say a word, we only exchanged a friendly gaze. Visibly, I had, indeed, misjudged everything and everyone…

Few minutes after, one person was still in the room with me. There she was, in her box, smiling at me widely. This time, she was really smiling, a true smile, and a pernicious smile. Had she worn a mask all this time? I clenched my teeth, now was time for some answers...

''What was that about?'' I asked her, abruptly as I approached her box. Erza's words hit me again: she's hiding something from you! Now, my best friend's words were making more and more sense to me. God, I should have listen to her…

''You are behind this, aren't you?'' I spit in her direction.

''I wished I didn't have to resort to this because you had been so useful, Jellal, useful until now, until you decide to go to Magnolia, after everything I have done to keep you from going. You have reduced my efforts to shreds. Why did you have to follow your still too sensible heart and let them win!'' She said, with a lot of anger in her voice. I had never seen her angry.

''From now on, you will do as I say; you won't move a finger until I tell you to. I have your future in one hand and your so precious Erza in the other one! If you do one wrong move, I'll crush one of them, starting by your dear Erza.'' She said, looking straight at me, an evil smile plastered on her red lips.

Her threat made me wince, vividly. No, there was no way I would let her lay one of her filthy hands on My Erza. What with this possessiveness?

''Don't you dare touch one strand of her hair or I will kill you Ultear, I am not kidding…'' I screamed at her.

I knew the words I had chosen to use could mean big trouble for me since we were in the Council Hall and I was threatening the life of a High Council's Member, but I didn't care. No, I wouldn't let Ultear hurt Erza, Never...

''You are so clueless that it is funny… You may love her, but she doesn't, Siegrain; she is only been playing with you and I must say I understand why… You should Hate her, not Love her! You are so pathetic…'' she said, in a playful tone.

When I heard her words, I froze. I lowered my head. Love! Could I possibly love her, I mean, truly Love her? Yes, I deeply cared about her and I wanted her, in every way possible. I was missing her and I had been really jealous of Gray. Now that I was thinking about it, it had been one of the reason I had hate Fairy Tail so much. Yes, I Loved her; I was in Love with Erza!

However, even if I was now fully aware of my feelings for Erza, Ultear was right; she didn't love me back; she had Gray...

When I lifted my head, I saw that Ultear was still smiling at me. Then, her expression tensed up.

''I am damn serious, Jellal. I have worked too hard and I am too close to succeed for you to mess up my efforts... Don't you dare, my little toy, ruining this for me! Do as I say or I'll take care of Erza myself. I'll make it a long and lasting torture, until she says her last words…'' She spit those words in my direction and, after giving me a killer look, she stormed out of the room.

Once Ultear gone, I walked toward the first chair I saw and let myself fall on it. The past hour had sawed my legs. Yes, Erza had been right, as always... Ultear wasn't to be trusted! I should have listened to her... Now, I was realizing that I hadn't listened to my friend because of my anger and my jealousy… Yes, I was in love with her and I was taking conscience of that fact only now... But, would something good come out of this new found truth? I doubted it! She was with Gray! However, she had cheated on him with me. It must have meant something for her? Maybe! I wasn't sure of anything anymore...

''God, I am doomed.'' I screamed out, clenching teeth, to get out my anger as well as my powerlessness.

''Don't throw the towel just yet. There are still things that you can do. Follow your heart and what was supposed to be will become…'' I heard a calm voice say.

I instantly turned my head to see Master Yajima who was standing in the doorway. He smiled at me kindly before leaving.

Had he heard our face to face, to Ultear and I? Probably! I had a witness, but I bet she would deny her words and she would get away with it. And, I was in trouble too because of my threat...

Thinking about Master Yajima's kind words, I forced myself to stand. He was right, I couldn't give up that easily; Erza and my future were at stake. I knew those two were narrowly linked; Erza would be a part of my future. Even if I couldn't be her boyfriend; I wanted her to be happy, exactly like she had told me earlier. Now, her words were totally making sense. Why hadn't I seen it before?

One thing was sure, I couldn't let Ultear win the war? I had to uncover her true motives, because, now, I knew she had some! First, to expose her, I needed to find out what she was hiding. I bet it was about Fairy Tail. She really didn't like them. Earlier, she had spoken about them with pure hatred in her voice. So, whatever she was hiding was about Fairy Tail or one of its member. Maybe she had been scorned by one of them? I guess I will have to find out…