Chapter 35: Ultimatum
Lucy's P.O.V:
"I love you."
My breath became hitched. My eyes went wide and I could barely detect my heart skipping a beat as my consciousness slowly escape reality.
"I just wanted you to know that you don't need to force yourself to love Natsu-san back. You can always choose another guy," Sting added in a normal tone but I need to strain my ears to hear him.
"I... I-"
Suddenly, without warning, Sting grab my waist, preventing me from moving, and leaned in so our faces were only inches apart-
"No," I panted, sitting up from my bed. My eyes squinted in the darkness of the room, expecting to see either Natsu or Sting and everyone else at the swimming pool only to realize that all of us had returned from the water park hours ago.
I sighed- remembering that Angel's Gate went back to the inn the minute we separated from the other guilds- and glance at the clock, which reads 4:35 a.m.
"That explains why it's still so dark," I thought and laid my head against my pillow but I wasn't able to go back to sleep.
Sting's confession had left me dumbfounded and torn in the inside.
It was like I was a piece of paper, sitting helplessly while two different hands pulled me to two opposite directions. At the end, I wouldn't be able to do anything but watch as I'm torn into tiny, little flakes of confetti.
I'm not sure if I love Sting back. In my mind, I always thought of him as a friend but after that event... I'm left thinking if I love him as much as I love Natsu.
I bit my lip and shook my head. Okay, this is just unreasonable.
I shouldn't be worrying about that right now, I should focus more on the dark forces which are out to get me and may risk the lives of those I love.
Let's see... The main thing for me- I mean everyone- to be concern about is Dark Abyss.
According to Levy,the association is home to many experienced, powerful dark mages and was founded by Ivan Dreyer, though he appointed a Mage named Lilith to be it's leader.
So those are the facts, the only problem we have is that none of us know what's their next move.
"They may infiltrate a certain place before going after me or they decided to take out Angel's Gate and Fairy Tail first," I thought, squinting my eyes in concentration.
For a little while, I 'analyze' the possibilities and the predictions that I've come out with but eventually came to a dead end.
I inwardly snarled. How frustrating could this get?
My head whipped to the side as I tapped the wooden headboard of the bed impatiently, checking the time on the clock. 5:00 a.m.
Might as well get a little rest before the last day of the GMGs.
On cue, my eyes drooped over and the last thing I remembered before going to sleep is reliving the memory of Sting's confession.
*Flashback*
Suddenly, without warning, Sting grab my waist, preventing me from moving, and leaned in so our faces were only inches apart.
"No," I said, pushing away just as our lips brushed against each other. "I'm... I'm sorry... Thank you for giving me another... Choice. But for me, Natsu... Natsu's-"
"Don't worry about it," Sting interrupted, dropping his hold on my waist. "I should be the one apologizing. That was not the right thing to do- trying to kiss you I mean. I only wanted you to confirm that you love Natsu-san."
"I do love him," I stated in a hushed tone.
"Then that's it, right?" Sting asked as he stared at the ground. "You and Natsu-san..."
"I'm not sure," I mumbled.
"Sorry for confusing you," Sting added, walking away.
"Wait!" I called out, making Sting stop in his tracks. "You meant it didn't you?"
"Meant what?"
"You saying that you love me? Is that true?"
He didn't reply. Eventually, he walked off and I'm left on top of the slide- feeling guilty for what had just happened.
*End of Flashback*
Erza's P.O.V:
~Domus Flau Stadium~
~7:25 a.m~
"What was that, flame head?!" Gray growled.
"I said you're the dumbest guy in the world, ice stripper!" Natsu shouted back.
"Enough!" I fumed, rubbing my forehead and banging the two idiots' heads together, knocking them out instantly.
Seriously, how annoying could they get in a day? Ever since this morning, they couldn't stop bickering. At first, I didn't care because I'm too busy enjoying the dozen strawberry cakes Jellal had sent me yesterday night but I had finally reached my limits.
"Jellal..." Even a blind man could tell that I was blushing from the warmth emitting from my cheeks.
It's been a little over a year ago since I had last seen Jellal. He was always traveling around the continent to hunt the increasing number of dark guilds.
Once every few months, he would sent me letters and packages containing expensive or hand-made gifts. I remembered receiving a new polished sword and a strawberry cream soufflé- one of the finest desserts I've ever tasted in my life- for my 22nd birthday.
The letter he sent me back then was also implanted in my memories after hours of reading it over and over again. I could just remember the cursive calligraphy of Jellal sprawled across the piece of parchment, which was tucked safely in the pocket of my skirt.
'Dear Erza,
Happy 22nd birthday. I'm sorry I can't make it to Fairy Tail this time. Ultear detected an alliance of dark guilds at Shirotsume Town but they had recently moved to the principality of Veronica. We're currently on our way there now. Luckily, we managed to take a break at one of the villages so I spend the little time we had left to get your presents.
The sword symbolizes your bravery for standing up for those who you care about and I wanted you to embrace that. I hope it's fit for your use and I certainly hope the dessert is delicious enough for you to eat.
I can't explain how I regret not being with you on your birthday but I want you to know that even though I'm not there, I would still help to guide you through the difficult times which you may face in the future. I also want you to know that I'll always be your light.
Call out to me and I'll be there. I love you, Erza Scarlet.
Love your brother, your friend and your lover,
Jellal'
I smiled at the last part though I'm still confused as to what we actually meant to each other.
We had gotten even closer during the past three years but what does that mean? Does it mean that we're best friends now? Or are we just the plain, forbidden lovers one usually reads in story books and fairy tales?
"Erza!" Levy called out, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"You were spacing out you know," Lisanna commented.
"I-I was?" I stuttered out, not knowing what else to say.
"Were you thinking about Jellal again?" Mirajane teased.
"No, I'm not!" I lied.
"Are you sure?" Charles asked as she flew around the area with Pantherlily.
I almost forgot. The exceeds had managed to get out of the store, which they are forced to work in for the rest of the Games, to cheer Fairy Tail and Angel's Gate since it is the last day of the GMGs.
"Hey, Erza," Happy said and I looked over my shoulders to see the blue neko standing beside a heart-shaped arrangement of rose petals that he must have made himself. "You liiiiiikkkkkeeee each other."
Involuntarily, I kicked his butt and watched as he went flying to the sky.
"Heeeeeelllllpppppp meeeeee!"
Lucy's P.O.V:
"Heeeeeelllllpppppp meeeeee!" I heard someone say as Angel's Gate made their way to our balcony in the stadium.
Is it me or does it sound like Happy? Hmm. Must be my imagination.
Everyone else seems like they're thinking the same thing, except for Jade.
"What in the world was that?" She questioned rather harshly, probably still pissed that Maria had stolen her chocolate-banana crepes at breakfast time.
We rounded the corner to the halls and finally arrived at our usual spot in the stadium.
Sunlight blinded my eyes for a moment but after blinking a few times, my vision came back to me and I'm able to see the the glowing insignia of Angel's Gate floating at the center of the arena.
I stared it for a while before adverting my gaze to the railings, which were covered in shiny, Christmas-themed wrappings.
That reminds me. Today is November 6th. Christmas would be around a month and half from now. There's still plenty of time to get presents but I doubt that I have time to go shopping.
Emily had appointed me to be second-in-command so I need to administer the guild and all of the paperworks if she's gone. But I've got to admit that that's not the worst part. Fairy Tail's going to want me to visit them every week after the Games and they would probably call me once every five minutes.
You wouldn't be able to imagine the chaos which would ensue. Professional work and a rowdy Mage guild doesn't mix together for a reason you know.
"Lucy-san!"
"Yeah?" I asked as I turned around to face the person who had called me. "Good morning, Yukino."
"Good morning," the said stellar Mage replied with a small smile, walking out of the shadows of the wide hallways.
"What brings you here?" I asked.
"I need to talk to you but... Uh- I think it's best if we talk somewhere else," Yukino whispered and I simply nodded.
"Emily, I'll be right back."
Without waiting for a response, the two of us exited the balcony and headed over to a corner, next to the dim lamp implanted on the brick wall.
This spot should be good.
"Okay, so tell me," I stated, crossing my arms.
As if there's a switch, the moment I blurted out the words, Yukino's smile turned into a frown. She fiddled with the hem of her white cloak while speaking in a sincere tone.
"Sting-san's worried about you."
Immediately, my stomach lurched and my heart nearly dropped from my chest. Sting? I've been spending the entire morning trying to forget about him but like always, fate has to be cruel at the worst possible time.
"Why?" I choked out.
"He's been lugging around and out of focus since yesterday night. When Rogue-san asked him what's wrong, Sting mentioned your name once and I, in turn, interrogated him. I know what happened. He told me to check up on you when we get to the stadium," Yukino explained.
"Well, tell him I'm fine and to ask me himself if he wanted to know so badly," I stated stubbornly.
"Lucy-san, he's very sorry for what had happened yesterday."
"Why?" I said again. "It's not his fault, he was just... Confessing."
"Sting-san doesn't seem to agree with you much," Yukino mumbled, staring me right in the eye. "Lucy-san-"
"Lu-chan!" Levy yelled from across the hall, waving her arms, beckoning me to come over.
"I'll go back to Sabertooth," Yukino informed before walking past me. "One more thing. You also need to think about yourself before making a solid decision. I expect you'll end up picking the right choice in the end."
I stared after her in confusion. What did she mean? Think about myself?
"Lu-chan!" Levy called out again.
"Coming!" I replied and went to the little solid script Mage.
~7:55 a.m~
"Geez," I muttered under my breath, massaging my arm.
I had just returned from Fairy Tail's balcony where I'm nearly squeezed to death by the guild members and I don't want to complain or anything, but now my arm feels so sore from being squashed.
"At least you don't have to worry about a broken rib cage," Rina commented.
"Are you sure? My chest is hurting too," I stated.
Rina was about to say something else but Mato beat her to it.
"Everyone please step into the arena for the final game-kabo!"
"Alright, this is the last chance we got," Emily said. "Let's do our best!"
"Hai!" The team responded before walking down the stairs to the battle field.
I smiled, mentally feeling excited. Today's the day when we get to fight all of the members of the other guild and earn even more points for our team. I hope the event goes on well without a hitch.
A minute later, we were greeted by the adoring shouts of the crowd and our guild Mark appears above us.
"In first place with 75 points, here comes Angel's Gate!" Chapati Lola announced.
The cheers became louder and I had to restrain myself from covering my ears because it'll just look plain rude. So I decided to distract myself by looking around at the other guilds.
When I got to Fairy Tail, Natsu shot me a reassuring grin which says 'good luck' and I forced a smile at him in return.
Truth be told, I wasn't so sure about my feelings anymore. Would it be Sting or Natsu? Both of them had confessed to me during the past two days. Two days.
What am I going to do? Should I pick a tiger or a fairy? Should I go with my first decision or go with the guy who wants me to have a second choice?
I balled my hands into fists, staring ahead at the floating lacrima screen and didn't bother to advert my gaze when a woman's voice rang throughout the entire arena.
"Let the final battle begin!"
Wait a minute- a woman's voice? My eyes widened.
I glance at the announcers to see that there was no judges sitting on the commentators box, instead, there was a fading mirage of Chapati Lola, the oh-so familiar face of Ageha and a young woman with long flowing, straight black hair, pale skin and crimson red eyes.
"Let's start shall we?" She asked and suddenly we were all teleported into different areas as a mass army of cloaked mages began attacking the city.
Author's Corner
CrystalDT: Hello, everyone! As you can see, Dark Abyss has made it's move already and the next chapter would be the battle scene. For now, let's start with the authors who won the riddle. Congratulations to DeeTii, Iloveallanime16, Pixies Between The Pages, , December 25th, YayBubble, WolfSlayerGirl17, LittleBuddy12, Freshie95, trooperjoker, Arkell26, FairyAngel123, 'Noodleninjalover', ShiroiBara17, 'guest101', Strawberry and Chocolate and 'Wendy'.The answer to the riddle is Wendy. Now let's start the mini game.
Ultear: Finally, it's my turn! I need to haul a truck load of cheesecakes just for the sake of quenching Erza's hunger!
Lucy: I thought you only need to buy a dozen of them.
Ultear: Erza forced me to buy extra, extra large cheesecakes so I ended up renting a truck. Then the most unbelievable thing happened! The tires couldn't hold the weight so I must drag it instead!
Lucy: *sweatdrop* Oh.
Ultear: *takes out a pink glowing bracelet from the box*
Meredy: *whispers* Oh boy, anyone but Ultear... Anyone but Ultear... *backs away towards the door only to be blocked by Ultear*
Ultear: *smirks mischievously* Truth or dare?
Meredy: *shivers* Uh... Or?
Ultear: Eat a bowl full of chili or... *whispers to Meredy*
Meredy: I choose the second one!
Ultear: *smiles* Come on then!
Meredy: Hey, Jellal!
Jellal: What? Ultear didn't ask you to stuff hot peppers down my throat did she?
Meredy: No~ Of course not. She just ask me to do this. *kicks Jellal's butt and send him stumbling forward towards Erza's direction*
Erza: *eats her strawberry cake, not paying attention to her surroundings*
Jellal: Watch out!
Erza: Hmm? *looks at Jellal*
Jellal: *bumps into Erza and landed on top of her*
Erza: *drops her strawberry cake* Noooooooo! My caaaaakkkkkkeeeee! *eye twitches as a dark aura started forming around her*
Jellal: I'm so sorry! *stands up and backs away from the angry requip mage*
Erza: *grabs Jellal's collar and throws him around*
Jellal: Heeeeeeeeelllllllllpppppppp meeeeeeeeee!
CrystalDT: No can do, Jelly. Everyone knows you don't mess with Erza or else... But we can't really go on with the game if you can't complete your turn.
Jade: *sigh* I'll do it. Hey, Erza! I've got a new strawberry cake for you! *holds a gigantic plate of double-layered strawberry cream cake*
Erza: *drops Jellal and grabbed the plate from Jade* Cake!
Jellal: F-F-Fiiiin-na-nally. *lay defeated on the ground*
Mirajane: Meredy-chan, your turn!
Meredy: *takes out a tapestry of a dragon and a little girl*
Rina: Oh, that's from my dragon collection!
Meredy: Dragon collection?
Rina: Don't judge, okay? *grabs the tapestry*
Meredy: I won't. Truth or dare?
Rina: Truth.
Meredy: Tell me your darkest secret.
Rina: I-I can't tell you that.
Meredy: You chose truth so you'll have to answer me!
Rina: Uh... Um... W-Well... My darkest secret would be... Uh...
Jade: Well? What is it?!
Rina: Calm down already. *huffs* Alright. So be it. My darkest secret is...
Angel's Gate Members: *leans in* Yes?
Rina: Is... There is no secret ingredient in my home-made hot chocolate mocha.
Angel's Gate Members: What?!
Rina: It's just regular mocha you know but it's also filled with sprinkles-
Jade: Did you just say sprinkles?! Man, I've been eating sprinkles in your hot mocha this whole time?! And to think it was my favorite drink!
Rina: Anyways... *ignores Jade* It's filled with sprinkles, cream, chocolate milk, coffee...
Lucy: So you're saying your presumed secret ingredient for your infamous hot mocha that we drink once every two days in the mansion is nothing?
Rina: *nods* Sometimes you just need to believe in something even though it's not even special.
CrystalDT: Look at you, already getting your sister's majestic wisdom. I bet Emily's so proud of you right now.
Rina: Ara? I don't think she would be- *interrupted by Emily hugging her tightly*
Emily: I'm so proud of you, Rina! *sniffs*
Rina: Emily-nee! Seriously, you're crying over something like this?!
CrystalDT: *winks* Told you she would be proud.
Rina: C-Could we just continue?!
CrystalDT: *sigh* Fine. Mira!
Mirajane: *hands Rina the box*
Rina: *picks a silver chain bracelet with a skull-shaped charm hanging from it*
Jade: That would be mine. *snatches the bracelet*
Rina: Truth or dare?
Jade: Dare.
Rina: *whispers to Jade*
Jade: No, forget it! Like I would ever do that in a million years!
Rina: No backing out in a dare!
Jade: *huffs* No way.
Rina: I'll throw away all of the torture devices that you got from CrystalDT.
Jade: Alright, fine! Just don't do anything irrational to my stuff! *groans and walks over to Rogue* Hey.
Rogue: *turns around* Oh. Hi.
Jade: *looks away* You look very handsome today. *runs towards CrystalDT* Okay, now I'm done, can I leave now?
CrystalDT: Sure, sure, but could you help me bring Rogue to the infirmary? He looks like he could pass out any minute. *stares at Rogue who is blushing madly* Oh well. So that's it for now. Please read-
Chisaki: Rate-
Sierra: And review!