Chapter 18 - Calm before the Storm

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Anyways, this is where the drama starts :) Here comes the next chapter of ROTLB!

*Clank* What?! The sounds of the cell door opening alerted everyone in the room. It could mean only three things. A new slave, that he was completely and utterly boned, or… Jellal smiled, they had just gained a valuable ally! Please, for the love of all that is holy, be the third one! Jellal grimaced. Or at least not the second!

Everyone in the cell looked at the newcomers… a boy and girl.

Jellal sighed, both in relief and disappointment. Sure, it wasn't one of the slavers taking him to god knows where to be punished… like Shiron was. At the same time, he was really hoping for another ally. From the entrance, a petite red-haired girl managed to get onto her feet despite her injuries. Looking past the bruises, Jellal was able to tell that she was older than both Sho, Wally, or Millianna… and was likely closer to his and Shiron's age.

On her side, was a brown-haired boy sprawled on the floor, covered in injuries. Jellal grimaced, a sad look on his face. He must have put up a fight…

Before he could himself, Shiron was quick to go to the boy's aid. Jellal took another second, before deciding that whoever he was, was in good hands.

Looking back towards the girl, Jellal noticed that she had been staring at him for the last ten seconds.

"…" The girl kept staring.

"Hi…?" This was getting kind of weird.

"I'm Erza." Jellal noticed she extended her hand in the universal sign of greeting. Despite the rather… awkward first impression, he decided to overlook it. No harm in doing that.

"…I'm Jellal." Smiling, the boy shook her hand, causing the girl to smile in return.

*Click click* What?

Jellal turned towards the slaver, noticing he was making slight gestures for him to come closer. With widened eyes, the boy let go of the girl's hand. Don't tell me…

Walking closer, Jellal took the time to study the man standing in front of the cell door. This was the same slaver that caught him! Was he going to join him? Or perhaps punish him? A million thoughts went through his mind as he finally made his way to the front.

No… if he came here, he must have used the two as an excuse to come to this cell!

Looking up towards the slaver's half-masked face, he saw the barest of smiles emerge. Two words. That was all it took for a grin to stretch cheek to cheek.

"I'm in."

After the cultist left, Jellal was left contemplating while Shiron spoke with the other kids about… things. Sitting away from the others however, were Erza and Rob. He wasn't really close enough to make out what they were saying; if he knew Rob however, he was giving words of encouragement or calming… probably.

The new boy, who he learned was Simon, was resting along the wall. Jellal gritted his teeth. Whatever the slavers did to him, they did not hold back. It wasn't just once or twice they did it either. It was ALL over, MANY times. Just thinking about it made his blood boil.

Now? Jellal was seriously considering actually telling the others about their plan. As far as he was concerned, no one but Shiron and their allied slaver knew about it. Not the whole plan obviously. Of course, that was not to say he was going to assign tasks to them, but just… give them hope.

Jellal looked at the kids once more. Even Millianna, who had almost been the most chirpy, had her smile become more and more forced over time. Jellal sighed, his sight moving towards the ground. I suppose letting them know isn't TOO bad. Even if he wasn't comfortable actually making them complete tasks, they could still be trusted to keep a secret.

I hope…

"Hey Shiron." The boy mentioned turned with a raised brow.

"Yea?" Jellal gave a quick look at the other kids, who did the same in return.

"I think it's time we told them." Judging by the confused looks of everyone else, Shiron did well in not mentioning anything about their plan.

Millianna, the enthusiastic girl she still was, was quick with the questions. "Tell us what?" Jellal gave her a slight smile.

"Something life-changing and also extremely crazy." The kids began whispering among each other, each filled with curiosity.

Raising a brow, the black-haired boy leaned closer. "You sure?" Jellal smiled softly.

"I'm not going to have them help… just let them know." Shiron nodded in understanding before crossing his arms in silence. The blue-haired boy grabbed Rob and Erza's attention with a gesture, before urging them to come to sit with them in the back.

"Okay, what I'm about to tell you is something that can never leave this cell!" Jellal aggressively opened his arms to emphasize his point. His eyes wandered around, seeing the serious expressions on everyone paying attention to him.

Here goes…

"Shiron and I," Reflexively, the speaker turned to said boy, who nodded in return, "we plan on escaping." Everyone with the exception of the newcomers looked at him with wide eyes, causing him to frown. They're probably starting to accept this fate… Jellal stood up straighter, a fire burning in his belly. But not yet!

"It's not just any plan," Jellal reached for the crevice where he hid his notes, but not before glancing at the cell door, "but one that will see us out within a year."

Rob's expression was the one that revealed the least of his internal feelings. Despite that, he extended a hand towards the papers, urging the blue-haired boy to let him see the notes. Should I? Looking to Shiron, who nodded again, the boy reluctantly handed the papers over.

As the older man looked through each sheet, his eyes opened wider and wider.

"This is…" Rob handed back the papers, but not before looking down with a smile. "I didn't think it was possible to escape… until now."

"WE'RE GETTING OUT OF HE-" Sho uncharacteristically screamed out, forcing Shiron to cover his mouth. Tears began flowing down from the shy boy's face, causing Jellal to adopt a forlorn expression. They were really that close go giving up, huh?

"Listen," Jellal once again caught the attention of everyone else, "we don't expect you to do anything… at least, not until the last step." The boy saw the anxious gazes of those present; in response, he gave back a resolute stare.

"Revolt."

"…"

Shocked stares were all around, followed by multiple silent gasps. Then, through the tense atmosphere, a little girl stood up and got in Jellal's face. "I want to help."

Jellal raised a brow before nodding. "Yes, all of us would have to help when it's time to fig-"

"No!" Don't tell me… "I want to help you before that!" Have her help in the sneaking?! Jellal imagined her sneaking around, only to be found by one of the slavers. The unspeakable things they would do to her… I can't let that happen! From the sheer resolve in the little girl's face, it made it difficult for him to refuse. Even if she's volunteering, she had zero idea of what she was getting into!

Perhaps he was just being selfish, but he wouldn't be able to focus on his own work if she was constantly looming at the back of his mind. Even if it's not her… he can't do it without his own peace of mind. I'm sorry but you'll just have to respect my decision.

"No." Unexpectedly, the girl reached over and grabbed Jellal by the collar, shaking as violently as her little arms could allow her.

"Let me help!" Jellal grabbed Erza's hands with his own, before feeling the sensation of wetness on his arms. Is she… crying?

"Please." The girl stared up with her glistening eyes. "I want to fight!"

Great, he was feeling like more and more of a bully from his decision; honestly, it was from logic and he could really not afford to have her come in and screw everything up for them. Despite that, it certainly wasn't the same with Shiron; he could trust his friend to hold his own without worrying. But her…

"Erza…" Jellal relaxed his grip, instead of putting a hand on hers. "I'm sorry but I just can't take that risk." The girl looked down in defeat; it was like a prick to his heart.

"Listen… I know we just met, but I'll make you a promise right here and now!" Fueled by the desire for freedom in his belly, the boy stared resolutely into the girl's eyes. "I will-"

"Ahem!" Shiron coughed from the side, causing Jellal to roll his eyes.

"We will earn our freedom, no matter what!"

Finally, the girl seemed to accept his answer. Hopefully, all the others will too. Jellal looked at the younger kids, who were all looking to the side. They probably want to help too… but they know what they're in for. The old man's eyes were on the ground before finally looking up with a smile.

"With a conviction like that, how could I not believe you?"

Jellal smiled back, before locking eyes with Simon. The boy made no effort to speak, simply staring back with a blank expression. Seconds passed, and he turned away with a sigh.

He already looks tired of this place…

Then again, they all were. They were only here for about six weeks, and it would likely be many more months before they could make their move. His only hope, was that everyone would last until then.

Four months now.

Every month became harder and harder; Sho and Millianna were close to their breaking point, and he was getting real irritated too. Jellal gritted his teeth, feeling the constant soreness in his muscles as he swung. If they didn't break out soon… they might die! And he was not going to let that happen!

Thinking back to the slaver, he inwardly thanked whatever being or power that allowed them to meet. Originally, his plan wouldn't bare fruit until at least six months. But with his help? They might even be able to push it up to five, possibly four and a half!

Of course, finding time to meet was extremely difficult. The slaver would sometimes see them twice a week, and sometimes they wouldn't see him for a whole month. Usually, he would find whatever excuse to go to their cell, but recently? They were getting suspicious. Higher-ups or other guards apparently were keeping track of him, which means they had to meet less frequent in random places.

What could I have expected? The slavers were stupid but not THAT stupid.

Regardless, they learned an extremely pivotal piece of information in fighting against the cultists.

Their summons.

From the information they were given, some of the mages were capable of summoning powerful minions to fight in their stead. Jellal growled in frustration. This means we'll have to take them out BEFORE they could summon them! Of course, despite the increasing difficulty of the plan, knowing this was a good thing - very much so. If they managed to break out thinking they had it, only to be forced to face hundreds of magical minions? Then, they would all die.

*Clang!*

Giving another powerful swing, Jellal's heart began beating anxiously. How long has it been now… ten days? This was the interval between Shiron and his last meeting with the slaver. It certainly didn't help that their meeting places were decided spontaneously by 'signs.' Signs that were sometimes confusing… if either of us goes to the wrong place then that's one chance wasted!

*Clack* What?!

Jellal looked to the side, seeing a random tool marked with a small symbol. Two intersecting triangles… The blue-haired boy widened his eyes, instantly recognizing where the slaver wanted to meet. It was the tool depot! Luckily, he was stationed in a place that could allow him to sneak off with some effort. This meeting is easily doable, so he had to make it count!

Once again focusing on his work, Jellal began watching the guard like a hawk, waiting for the perfect opportunity.

I'll make it… I definitely will!

Not sure if it was luck or his own stealth skills, but somehow, he managed to duck around the corner without the slaver seeing him once. Maybe that particular one is just blind? Whatever... he wasn't going to complain about a free meeting.

On the subject of the meeting, he thankfully only took about ten minutes to reach the spot. It was getting easier to maneuver around and he already knew exactly where the depot was. Now? He just had to wait for the slaver to show up.

"…"

…

Five minutes now…

Jellal's heart increased in pace; dozens of things that could go wrong began hammering at his mind. The original confidence he had from the ease of access began slipping his mind.

Okay, calm down.

The boy began taking deep breaths, refusing to bend to his usual panic attacks when things don't go his way. He will come… he had to.

Wait is that him?

Coming slowly from the rounded path, was the familiar slaver. The man constantly checked every direction, making sure that nobody saw him.

"What did you learn this time?" With one more turn, the slaver entered the crevice they met the first time.

"Nothing more than the usual." Ahh. Jellal nodded. That meant he was going to tell him about new guard rotations and what each slaver was like. Although not pivotal, it made their gatherings and activities far easier than without.

With yet another look, just to be sure of course, the slaver handed Jellal a small bundle of papers. Normally, this would be it. They exchanged the information as quickly as possible to avoid detection. Quite unlike the conversations they used to have at his cell, these were rather boring. However, he'll take what he can get.

One more thing…

"Hey, I've been wondering," The slaver made no movements, as if deciding whether or not to entertain his question. Sighing, Jellal got his answer. "Why help us?"

"…" Was I… too forward? Jellal grimaced, wondering if the slaver would just stomp off in silence, or something.

"Not all of us were here by choice." Wait, so some of the slavers were 'slaves' as well? Well I suppose, not 'slave' slaves… more like unpaid employees. Jellal widened his eyes. Wait, that's the same thing! "If I were to refuse to do the job or run, I would be punished just like the slaves." The mood instantly dropped in preparation for what the slaver would say next. "Sometimes… worse."

Worse? What could be worse than the punishments they give us? Seeing the confused face on the boy, the slaver sighed again before continuing.

"That woman slave back then… the one months back." Jellal widened his eyes. No… "She was once a slaver." The slaver looked down, before scrunching up his lips. "And my friend." The boy's eyes dropped to the ground. That must had been really hard for him…

"I'm helping you," Walking away, the slaver looked out from the crevice. After seeing it was safe, he stepped out. "Not just for freedom… but," The slaver tightened his hands into fists, the sound of his grinding teeth audible to Jellal.

"I want to see this damned tower fall."

With that, he was gone.

Now? Jellal was left to his own thoughts. Suddenly, the boy uncharacteristically slammed a fist into the stone walls, cracking it ever slightly. The longer he remained at this tower, the more injustices he realized was taking place. Why were they even building this stupid tower?! They were getting abused, raped, beaten, mistreated every single day! What was the point of even doing this? What could building this stupid tower even hope to achieve?!

Unbeknownst to him, a slight pressure pushed away the rocks from his feet, disappearing as quick as it came.

It doesn't matter now… They were getting closer to the final step. Dozens of tools and potential weapons were hidden out of sight of the guards, and they nearly had enough information to plan the final tactic. Confidently, he believed that the chances of them getting caught was low. Only obstacle left? Convincing the others to fight.

Jellal looked out, checking for slavers. The boy began sneaking back to his workplace, a sinking feeling rising from his stomach.

Here's hoping everything goes well.

"Erza's still not happy about not being able to help?" As much as he felt like an ass shutting her down, it was really for the best.

"Yeah…" Jellal let his eyes wander to the girl, who seemed to be sitting with the kids with her knees cradled. "She hasn't been in the best shape lately either."

Shiron closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Have you started talking to the slaves outside of this cell?" Some… but I wasn't received that well. Jellal nodded.

"People just think we're crazy." The black-haired boy grunted in response. Sighing, Jellal let his back rest on the ground. "It can't be helped… I can't exactly explain the exact details of the plan to everyone we talk to." Shiron sighed, before doing the same while turning away.

But if I don't, how do I convince them to fight? Could they really just gamble everything on faith?

Jellal thought back to all the way back. Back before he found the slaver and back before he even made it to the tower. Sure, there were complications here and there, but there were just so many lucky passes that it was as if someone, something, out there wanted him to escape.

The planner glanced at the kids sitting across the cell. Or perhaps it's not just him.

It was certainly surreal; even though he didn't pray, even though he never once shouted towards the sky in hopes of speaking with the divine, or demonstrated religious faith… he just had a feeling, that someone up there was watching over them. Jellal scowled; if there were someone, why can't just come down and destroy this godforsaken tower! What do they even hope to achieve making them go through so much suffering?

Perhaps… they can't?

Jellal scoffed at the very thought. That's preposterous; divine… can't? That very notion was oxymoronic. Absolutely stupid. Regardless of that, they had to do this themselves and no one out or up there would help. Luck or coincidence, it didn't matter. He was dealt the cards he had and he was going to play it well.

Seven months now… Soon, they will be able to make their move. I give it perhaps another three weeks, maybe a month… then they'll be free. Jellal's old thought pattern took hold of him.

Or dead.

Darn! That's not the time to be thinking of that now. He could not afford to be thinking of failure when they were so close! Forcibly, Jellal closed his eyes and began to focus on his breathing; Inhale, hold and long exhale.

Calm down… calm down and think this through!

Somewhere around the fifth month, Shiron and Jellal switched jobs, which meant he was now the one responsible for making rounds with carts. Loading and dumping... It made sneaking off a lot easier, even if it meant an inability to take longer trips. Nevertheless, it was still enough to meet, and he wasn't going to complain about anything that made his job easier.

Speaking of job, Jellal began looking around his area of collection. The slaver told them to meet a few floors up from their workplace today, which was weird because he would never set a specific time and location. It was always spontaneous hints and they may be hit or miss.

So why is it different now?

The boy kept walking, finally finishing his current round. If he were careful, he might be able to find Shiron for a few minutes. Actually, was he overthinking this? There was never any indication of plan changes, but the slaver never led them wrong. Wait. Jellal's face scrunched as he put a finger to his chin. What if the slaver was compromised? For some reason, the slaver gave them a direct message telling them a precise time and location. He would never do this! Not unless it was some sort of trap!

Jellal looked around; seeing no guards, he took the chance to weave around the back corners, before finding Shiron in a far off spot.

"Hey." Shiron stopped swinging, his ears perked from the sound. "Hey." A little bit louder this time; fortunately, he was heard.

"…?" The black-haired widened his eyes for a split second, before checking around. After the routine glances, he gave his attention back to his friend.

Jellal nodded, leaning closer. "I'm gonna be straight to the point," he took a deep breath, "I think we should ditch this meeting."

Shiron turned back, giving his pickaxe another swing. "Why's that?" Jellal sighed, before rubbing his fingers together.

"The instructions were too specific… too irregular." The still-swinging boy made no motion to speak, but Jellal could tell he was thinking about his words.

Sighing, Shiron turned towards the blue-haired boy with his pick down. "I've had similar thoughts about that." If anything, he was happy they were on the same page. Still, the thought of something happening to the slaver just… didn't sit well. With one more glance, Jellal noticed that the slaver was getting dangerously close to them. Crap! I gotta go now! Hurriedly, the boy retreated around the corner. "Are we agreed?"

Shiron gave him a nod.

Thank god…

Perhaps it was nothing and they were just overthinking. Although, it never hurt to be safe. Whatever information the slaver wanted to pass could wait another week or two for the benefit of the long game.

I'm sure everything is fine.

Why can't I shake this feeling?

Everything had been going right, yet, everything felt so wrong. Why? All the guard rotations, counters, and tower locations were memorized. At this point, he could probably navigate the tower without getting caught, blindfolded.

I'm sure it's nothing… just me being paranoid.

Despite the increasing workloads for him as well as the others, it was arguably getting easier. Not only were they simply getting better at the job, but Rob's constant healing made their bodies heal properly. Despite the horrible and inadequate food… Really, the old man was a blessing in disguise.

Once we get out of here, I'm going to doing some nice for him! Definitely!

It's settled! Smiling, Jellal loaded another bucket full of rocks into the cart. Once they were free, he'll try to get some funds and buy Rob a nice dinner! Smirking inwardly, the boy used his desire to show gratitude as newfound motivation for his labour.

Soon!

On the side of his eye, he noticed multiple slavers enter the work area. Weird… Normally, there would be a maximum of two guards on their floor. That was already more than enough as anyone who acts out would just get shocked by their collars.

Jellal's heart suddenly skipped a beat, worst-case scenarios shooting through his mind. What if they were finally busted? Shaking his head, the boy slapped himself in the face to get those useless thoughts out.

Just behave and see!

The blue-haired boy continued the guise of fully focusing on his work. Of course, unbeknownst to the slavers, the majority of his attention was in observing them.

"Alright, bring him in!" Crap! Both Shiron and him were working on this floor! Absentmindedly, Jellal turned towards the slavers. What he saw… made his blood run cold. Despite his efforts in calming himself, his knees began shaking from the sight and his heart pounded against his ribcage.

NO!

Upon a rack, was the slaver… or what was left of him. Charred skin, purple spots, ripped clothes, and a single eye. It was obvious that whatever the other slavers had done with him, they were not kind. Jellal's face scrunched as his shoulders tensed, his hands gripping the cart so hard it cracked the wood.

Jellal couldn't see Shiron right now, but he was sure he was having a similar reaction. Even if they barely talked to the man that kept helping them… if it was as if they shared a kinship through their desire for freedom.

And look what that got you…

One of the slavers in the front, short and fat, spread his arms wide with a huge grin on his face. "I'm sure you're wondering why we're putting on this show for you all!"

How could this have happened? Jellal gritted his teeth as he fought his impulse to rush forward to save the slaver. They were so careful! How did he get caught?!

"We learned that some of you here were trying to escape!" With that declaration, all the slavers around the main one began laughing mockingly. The fat slaver took a whip from his cloak, extending it for all to see.

Jellal realized… they weren't able to make him talk! Shiron and he were not taken in yet, which means they didn't know! So, this display, this barbaric display, was the sole purpose of making them confess!

*Whack!* …*Whack!*

"Grh!" The boy could tell that the slaver tried very hard to suppress his screams.

*Whack!*

Each strike was increasing in intensity. Jellal took a closer look at the slaver's face, which was always covered with a mask, now revealed. I can't even tell! Blood was openly dripping from every inch of his body, and it didn't even look like the man would last the day. No… That's why they bothered with this! They must have been torturing him since the meeting! Jellal began grinding his teeth, his self-control was not enough to hold back all of the anger.

"Well?" The main slaver stopped his strikes, glancing around the crowd of slaves with all their attention on the spectacle that was occurring.

Jellal could tell that every single slave, including himself, was struck with terror. Yet, the only two people that could stop this was him and Shiron. Widening his eyes, he looked at the other slaves, locking eyes with some of the other kids from his cell. NO! If they start torturing them in front of Shiron… then he wouldn't be able to last!

But how will he stop that? How?! Anything he could think of! ANYTHING!

"…"

Nothing.

Despite his knowledge, despite his skills, he just… couldn't.

As much as he hated to admit, he was powerless. Jellal saw the slaver take out a staff with flames dancing around the central orb. The vibrant orange fire intensified to the point where the boy had to shield his eyes from the glow.

"One more chance!" It was obvious the leader was getting frustrated that no one was making a sound, nor a confession. Thankfully, Shiron was still holding on. God knows his stubborn hero streak would force him to act. Jellal prayed from the bottom of his heart that Shiron would not sacrifice himself again. If he did, he likely wouldn't be returning, ever.

The slaver frowned, waving the staff in a circle to address the slaves. "Very well then…" He pointed the staff towards the slaver that aided them. "Any last words, traitor?" Despite his condition, the dying man was able to manage a single grin. For the briefest of moments, the slaver's eyes focused to the side, then to him. Shiron…

"This beloved Tower of yours… will burn!"

Each of the slaves stared at him in shock, veins of all sizes began bulging from his would-be executioner.

"I see… then DIE!" The flames coalesced towards the bloodied man. It would usually be in this moment, that a hero, or perhaps divine intervention, would come and save him. Jellal didn't move. And this time, neither did Shiron.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

An anguished final cry, preceded by a resolute declaration. Within seconds, the former-slaver was no more.

The burning anger within Jellal's belly threatened to erupt at any second. Yet, it was pushed down by sheer coldness. Rage that existed within him flew strongly; from what used to be a blazing inferno, was now a boiling pool of lava.

I never… even learned his name.

.

.

.

.

Chapter 18 Done! Next Chapter: Revolt!

Hoo-Wee! That was a doozy to write! Hopefully, I'm in a good balance of grimdark and hope with writing this tower. The canon TOH flashback was rather disjointed and had a lack of details. I did my best to fill them in while still following the narrative :)

Some of the scenes were actually pretty difficult to write, although I still managed to get them out through hours of sitting :( Anyways, next chapter? Shit is going to go down :)

Stay tuned!

…

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