04 | Mermaid Heel

"Ugh!" Came a grunt from Milliana.

"C'mon Milliana, you've got this!" Came a voice from the sidelines.

She gave them a smile, but the person who just tossed her on the ground claimed her attention immediately.

Kagura smirked, "You had enough yet?"

Milliana returned the smirk, "Never, I'll keep going until I beat you!"

"That is the point of training," Kagura said smugly.

"Oh be quiet and fight me!" Milliana said, her temper rising.

"Careful there, Mili, you're starting to sound like Natsu," Kagura said, her smirk deepening.

"That's it!" Miliana said, charging Kagura.

"Don't give up Milliana!" Beth Vanderwood called to her friend, who was now pinned under Kagura.

When Milliana first showed up to Mermaid Heel, Beth didn't know what to think, not really. Who shows up to an all-girls guild with cat ears? At first, Beth didn't really trust her, but Kagura for some reason, took an immediate liking to her. Beth didn't really know why but she trusted Kagura enough that she just accepted Milliana into the guild—

"What're you smiling for?" Beth turned to see one of her best friends Arana Webb. When Beth first came to the guild, the first person she met was Arana. Arana welcomed her with women arms, and had sort of been a mother figure to her. Especially since she came to the guild when she was so young. Now that Beth thought about it, she looked to both Kagura and Arana as a mother figure, but Risley? She had been like an older sister to her.

"I'm smiling?" Beth asked Arana, genuinely confused. She hadn't even noticed.

"Yes, you are," Arana replied.

"I don't know why," Beth answered simply.

Beth realized that she really didn't know why she was smiling. Maybe it was because of Kagura, Arana, and Risley...or maybe it was because Beth had just realized something. She realized that she had another sister, Milliana. This time, Beth smiled as she was watching Milliana battle Kagura, she was a very formidable opponent. Beth was certain about one thing: Milliana belonged in Mermaid Heel, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

"You're doing it again!" Arana accused.

Beth knew Arana was just teasing her, so she just smiled at her and said, "I don't see a reason why I shouldn't, do you?"

Arana just smiled at her and said, "Well since you're in such a happy mood, how do you feel about going for a round?" She asked, a challenge in her voice.

"Bring it," Beth replied firmly.

"Kagura, Milliana!" Risley shouted, surprising Beth, "Beth and Arana want to take a spin at it, you two have been going at it all morning!"

"But I've almost beaten her!" Milliana whined, who now had Kagura pinned under her.

"Save it," Risley replied, "You can train tomorrow, besides we don't want to tire you out too much, the grand magic games are just around the corner!"

"Really?!" Milliana shouted, excitement shining through her eyes.

Beth looked at Risley surprised, as well as the others did. They had all forgotten about the Grand Magic Games completely!

"Wait," Milliana said, looking as if she was deep in thought, "You said I'd better save my strength...does that mean I'm in the Grand Magic Games!" Milliana asked, stars in her eyes.

"Yes, you are competing in the Grand Magic Games this year," Risley said, humor shining in her eyes at Milliana's reactions.

"Are you going to tell us who else is participating in the games?" Kagura said.

"Well you obviously, Arana, myself, Milliana of course, and Beth," Risley said.

"So it's the same as last time?" Beth asked curiously.

"Yep!" Risley paused and looked at Kagura, "And don't worry Kagura, your big sister Erza will be fighting as well!" She teased her friend.

Kagura blushed, running her finger over her sword nervously, "I wasn't even going to ask," She muttered, then added, "At least not immediately," Everyone laughed, it was rare that their friend who was so strong got nervous.

"Let's just this year's Grand Magic Games is a little less chaotic," Arana added thoughtfully.

"A little?" Risley asked, eyebrow raised.

"Okay," Arana said admittedly, "A lot less chaotic,"

"Something has changed this year, though" Risley said seriously, enough that Milliana stopped squealing while jumping around.

"What is it?" Milliana asked innocently.

"There's a new guild," Risley said, her voice sounding strangely grim.

"Who?" Kagura asked.

"Crime Sorciere...Jellal's guild"

"What?" Kagura and Milliana said at the same time.

"Jellal is competing?" Kagura asked.

Beth was a little confused, she thought Kagura and Milliana had forgiven Jellal. Then again, they didn't have much time to forgive him when they last saw him.

It was true, Kagura had forgiven Jellal and so did Milliana. At least, that's what Kagura thought. Kagura loved Erza, she really did love her. They had a sisterly bond that could not be broken, and that was why Kagura had forgiven Jellal in the first place, but at this moment Kagura couldn't help but feel a little bitter. She knew Milliana had forgiven Jellal too, but when Kagura locked eyes with Milliana, she knew one thing was for certain.

Mermaid Heel would be giving it their all this year, and they will beat Crime Sorciere. They would win the Grand Magic Games, Jellal or no Jellal.

A:N

Hey My Lil Donuts!

Not gonna lie: I REALLY loved writing this chapter!

I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

What do you guys think so far?

Post your thoughts in the comments below!

Next Up: Sabertooth!

Thanks for Reading!

Rissa