Hello everyone! How y'all doing?! Welcome to the eleventh chapter!
Disclaimer: Fairy Tail belongs to. . . Hiro Mashima. You probably guessed it before you read the end of the sentence.
Natsu's eyes widened when he spotted something. He pointed at something on the other side of the gym, near the entrance. Unfortunately, the bodies of the students blocked the view. But Gray, Lucy, and Erza didn't have to see. The next thing they knew, a shrill voice echoed through the gym.
"Gray-sama! I'm back!"
The voice was so familiar. It brought back so many memories from three years ago. So many awkward and weird ones, that is. And as for Erza and Lucy, so many frustrating ones too. Erza, Gray, and Lucy turned their heads and stared at Natsu wide-eyed. The redhead knew they were all thinking the same thing. No way in hell is this happening.
Gray slapped himself. Then he pinched himself. "Nope, I'm not dreaming," he finally groaned. He executed a facepalm.
Both of Lucy's hands clamped her mouth, as if she was about to throw up. Her cheeks flushed, her eyes bulged.
Erza anxiously fidgeted. Honestly, why couldn't school be cancelled today? she inwardly complained. For the first time, the redhead was glad that the bodies of all these students blocked her surrounding view. She really didn't need to see that girl anymore. She glanced at Gray, whose jaw was hanging open.
Realizing that her glance soon turned to a stare, the redhead tried to blend into the environment by looking like everyone else: minding her business and stop looking at Gray. She nervously looked around. What is everybody doing right now? Ironically, it turned out that everyone was looking at Gray. She knew what the students were waiting for: answers. Erza could already hear the students of the Newspaper Club scramble for their notebooks.
"Who's the girl at the gym entrance?"
"Why does the girl know Gray Fullbuster?"
"Is she acquainted to Gray?"
"Is she another new student? She has our uniform."
"Guys, stop dreaming. We all know Romeo belongs with Juliet."
A stupid smile creeped up Erza's face when she heard the last comment. But it promptly vanished when the voice rang through the area again. "Gray-sama, where are you?"
Before long, the whispering throughout the gym ended when a whistle was heard. Gildarts-sensei was back. Like mice, the students scurried to their assigned spots. Erza bid her friends a quick farewell before running to her spot.
When the gymnasium was silent, the sensei gave a chuckle. "You little delinquents," he playfully shouted. "When will you guys stay in your spot for one whole PE period?" The class chuckled in acknowledgement. Gildarts-sensei jogged towards the gym entrance. Erza craned her neck to see the scene, but unfortunately, she couldn't. Soon, he returned to the front with someone.
Not surprisingly, the person was who exactly who Erza predicted it to be. It was. . .
"Hahimemashite, min'na sama! Watashi wa Juvia Lockser desu! From now on, I will be attending Fairy Tail Academy with you guys! Yoroshiku onegashimasu!" She said a little too cheerfully, so it aroused suspicion from Erza. Right after Juvia finished her introduction, she performed a flawless 90 degree bow that it drew "oohs" and "aahs" from the students. Actually, it was more of the guys that were impressed. Juvia didn't button the first few buttons of her blouse so her cleavage was revealed as she bowed.
"Woo! We got another hottie in out class!"
"Wow. Is she even human? She's like an angel who just arrived from heaven!"
"Somebody get me tissue! I have a nosebleed."
"That's it guys! I'm gonna ask her out today."
Erza arched an eyebrow in amusement. She didn't know whether Juvia unbuttoned several buttons to catch the attention of all the guys in the class or Gray in particular. The redhead had a feeling that Gray was looking for a plastic bag to puke in right now. But Erza had to admit, during Juvia's absense, the girl had grown beautifully. Her periwinkle locks tumbled to her shoulder in soft looking waves. Her tight fitting school uniform revealed her body curves that weren't present three years ago. The uniform blazer that was tied around her waist added a taste of sass to her look. Her dark eyes twinkled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. In other words, she was making most of the guys swoon. However, if you were girl, you were probably giving Juvia a death glare right now.
That's exactly what Erza Scarlet was doing. She was watching the way Juvia stood there smiling at everyone. No way was Juvia ever that cheerful. For the first time, Erza wished that her classmates were admiring her again, instead of focusing their attention on the newcomer. Maybe the redhead was a little selfish, but everything that happened in the past two weeks were a little too overwhelming. Erza could already imagine the boys placing bets who would win the title of prom queen next year. As for girls, they were debating who to kill first. After all, if they couldn't get a date from Gray Fullbuster, then no one could.
For many years, Erza's friend group usually consisted of Gray, Lucy, and Natsu. When she met Juvia in fifth grade, she was added into her group too. But things didn't go well during the two years Erza have known Juvia. Juvia would always be the person clinging on to Gray. Once Erza had a chance to start a conversation with the boy, she was usually only able to say one sentence before Juvia pulled the boy away. For Lucy, the situation was even worse. The blonde was taunted and accused for being 'secretly in love and having affairs' with Gray. Even when Lucy openly confessed to Natsu, Juvia believed everything was an act. Over time, Juvia nicknamed the blonde her 'love rival.' To this day, no one knows why. No one dared to ask anyway. Erza shuddered at the thought of the memories.
She watched Juvia from the corner of her eye. So far, she wasn't doing anything troublesome. So far, that is.
"You know, I'm very surprised you're still alive," Natsu attempted to say. His mouth was stuffed with chicken teriyaki, so it was hard to understand what he was saying. Erza saw the glare the blonde was giving him across the table. Natsu also yelped, meaning Lucy also kicked him under the lunch table.
Erza let out a soft giggle. "I'm not offended, so don't worry." She used her placed her fork down. "She actually didn't talk to me. It's weird, 'cuz she was so cheerful in the beginning. But I think she has more of a grudge on Lucy than me. I've noticed that during the whole duration of PE, she was looking at you, and it wasn't a good one."
Lucy rolled her eyes. "How many times do I have to tell her that I'm not having any 'secret affairs' with Gray?"
"Telling me this will not change anything," Erza commented.
"But still, I don't get it why she calls me her 'love rival!' Just last period, I walked past her, and. . .and. . .You wanna know what she said?! She said, 'Nice to meet you again, Love Rival.' She still haven't let the title drop yet!" Erza could tell Lucy was really annoyed, since the blonde was vigorously waving her arms in the air.
"It's actually supposed to be Erza she targets," Natsu added. Before long, he yelped again.
Erza sighed. If only such miracles could happen. . .
Lucy changed the topic. "Where's Gray?" she questioned.
"He told me that he was going to the library to return a few books. He'll be back soon," Erza replied. "Why, did you need something from him?"
The blonde shook her head. She gave Natsu a mischievous glance from the corner of her eye. The blonde felt a little guilty pulling the prank on the redhead. Erza is so innocent and naïve. But Lucy knew that it was for her own good. "It's pretty much the opposite. I have to give him this." She pulled out a notebook from her bag. "It's his math notebook. I was copying his notes 'cuz I didn't." She saw Natsu snickering and she kicked him again. She was about to place it back inside her schoolbag until Erza stopped her.
"I could hand it to him," she volunteered. "I finished my pasta, so why not?"
Lucy smiled. Everything was going according to plan. "Sure." She handed the book to the redhead. "Just come back when you're done." She started thinking of many scenarios of Erza's reaction when she returns. She was also pretty sure that Gray was going to kill her, but whatever.
Erza nodded in agreement. But as she was about to head for the stairs, she felt bad aura around her. It was just a gut feeling, but her intuitions were usually correct. She shrugged. Maybe it'll go away. I'm just a little paranoid right now.
"I'm sorry. But Gray Fullbuster left a little while ago. He said he had some urgent business at home. If you want I can call his. . ."
Erza interrupted the assistant principal. "Uh. . .No, thank you. I was just curious, since I couldn't find him the library." Where did he go?
The assistant principal, Miss Mirajane Strauss, raised an eyebrow, enforcing an innocent look.
". . .Get back, okay?"
Erza's reverie was interrupted when she realized that the assistant principal was asking a question directed towards her. "Er. . .Can you repeat that again?" Erza inquired.
"I'm just reminding you to return to the lunchroom, Titania, m'kay?"
"Oh. Okay." She tried to conceal her disappointment. The redhead executed a quick head bow before departing the room. As she walked across the 1st floor hallway, she could help but feel a little irritated from the fact that Miss Strauss didn't acknowledge her real name. She gripped Gray's notebook to the point the whites of her knuckles were visible. "Does everyone call me alibis so often that they forgot that my name is Erza Scarlet? Don't they see that I don't like being called that? Can't I just be who I really am?" she angrily muttered to herself. But she knew all the ranting and cussing wouldn't change anything.
She spotted a bathroom at the end of the hall and decided to go there. When the redhead entered the ladies restroom, she realized that she had to find somewhere to temporarily place Gray's notebook. On the floor? Ew. On top of the hand dryer? It would fall. In the stall? Err. . .
After debating, she decided to place it on the sink countertop, where it was moderately dry. When she was inside a stall, she heard footsteps in the bathroom. The footsteps stopped and the sink turned on. Oh! Well I didn't know that someone was in here with me as well. She decided to mind her own business. . .
. . .until she heard page flipping. Erza furrowed her eyebrows. Somebody was looking through Gray's notebook. Curious, she tried to peek through the stall door gaps to discover the culprit. However, the gaps were too small to perceive anything. All Erza could see were the colors of the school uniform. . .and that wasn't going to help.
Even when Erza flushed the toilet, the culprit didn't decide to put the book back in place. The redhead unlocked the door and slowly opened it. Unfortunately, the person had her back towards her, so she couldn't see the face.
"Um, excuse me. . . But that's my notebook," Erza declared. Her voice was rather quiet so her declaration was weak. She walked up to the girl. "Excuse me, but that's mine. I have to return it to. . ."
"I heard you the first time," the girl snapped back. She turned to face the redhead. Frustration and annoyance was written all over her face. She showed a page from the notebook to Erza. "Explain," she commanded.
Erza was speechless. Standing next to Juvia, she so small compared to her. Juvia had the beauty, the power, and the voice of a commander. And now, Juvia was asking for an explanation for the page, Erza didn't know how to respond.
The redhead looked at the page again. Was she dreaming? Certainly not. The page was covered with the word "Erza" along with hearts and flowers surrounding each word. "I. . .I had no clue. . ."
"I'm not finished," Juvia interrupted. She flipped the page. There were more decorations. Juvia flipped the next. Then the next. Erza's jaw dropped. On one of the pages, a drawing of the redhead was sketched. On another, there was an entire page listing everything that Erza liked and disliked.
"Juvia. . .I honestly don't know what all of this is," Erza claimed. She reached out to get the notebook, but Juvia moved it away from reach.
"I need an explanation."
"But I don't know what this is. I've. . ."
"Shut up. I know you do."
"But I don't!" Erza repeated for the hundredth time.
"Fine. If you think you don't know the answer, I'll find it by myself. I will get to the bottom of this!" Juvia yelled.
"Oh?" Erza felt foolish. She stopped and tried to think how to answer. She was so unused to speaking to someone that she had no idea how to carry on a conversation, much less an argument. She sighed and decided to let Juvia's argument lean towards her side. To Erza, it was normal for girls to verbally attack her because of her friendship with Gray. "I'm sorry and I apologize. Now, please give me Gray's notebook back." Erza tried to sound calm as she could. She held out her hand.
Surprisingly, Juvia agreed. But Juvia slammed the notebook into Erza's hand. So now, the redhead's palm was killing herself. But she didn't want her emotions to show through. Erza decided to wince later.
Juvia glanced up before Erza could look away from her. She glared at the redhead with such ferocity that Erza felt herself grow red and she lowered her head to the notebooks that no one would notice. Still, Juvia realized it. "Look at me in the eye, Erza Scarlet."
Erza was a little surprised that Juvia still remembered her full name after three years. It was either because of Juvia's respect towards her. . .or the complete opposite. Nevertheless, Erza lifted her head to make eye contact. However, when she saw the determination and anger in Juvia's eyes, she wished she hadn't obeyed. "Yes?" the redhead squeaked.
Juvia smirked, seeing how insecure the Queen was. To her, it was the perfect chance to attack her. "Erza Scarlet. . .As a child, I have always admired you. You were full of poise, beauty, and respect. Even the aura that comes from you radiates this. I've also admired Natsu and Gray. But I've always had a particular interest with Gray Fullbuster. Several times, I told Gray how he's such a great and fantastic person. Along with that, I've always asked for his request to become his girlfriend. But you know what? He rejected me every single time. He said that I wasn't his type. He claimed that he liked cheerful, elegant, and charismatic girls that have a good taste of common sense. At first, I thought it was Lucy, since she fitted three of the four. She just lacked the cheerful part.
"Striving to become one of Gray's favorites, I went to Crocus. They have the best etiquette schools in the continent! But during the time I was at Crocus, I believed in you. I thought that I could trust you. I thought that once I came back, all I had to do was get rid of Lucy Heartfilia! But now, what is this!" She pointed at Gray's notebook.
Juvia let out a fake chuckle. "But during this time, a certain person didn't betray me. Why? 'Cuz that certain person have always wanted to get rid of rat that is always clinging on to his son. And he agreed for me to become the cat to eliminate the rat." A grin crept up her face.
Erza could tell that Juvia was going to say more, but she couldn't stand her. "Oh." Erza felt a sudden ache in her chest. When she could trust her voice, she said, "Thank you for your assistance." She knew she sounded haughty, but she couldn't help it. "I have to go to the lunchroom now." She didn't wait for a respond before she slipped out of the bathroom, now did she dare to look back. She was scared that if she did, Juvia might let her smart mouth run again.
Usually, it was obvious that Gray would always stay by Erza's side. There was no one else that would ever separate the two. But now that Juvia is on the scene, the redhead has fierce competition. And for the first time ever, Erza felt worriedabout what would happen.
"Dad! I'm not leaving this spot before I get my answer." Gray knew that he shouldn't be here, but he wanted answers. He wanted them now.
Sir Silver Fullbuster clicked his tongue. He was sitting on a chair that signified his social status and power; the chair was cushioned with gold painted wood and jewels that trimmed the sides. Sitting quietly to the left of him was Mika Fullbuster, his wife. She was quite a petite lady compared to her husband. Her hair was a beautiful black that was pulled back, curled, and then pinned with a flower. Her brown eyes were darting from her son, then to her husband, then back to her son.
After Gray protested several times more, Silver heaved a sigh and ordered Gray to sit across from him. Mika's eyes followed Gray as he walked across the large office room, which was actually located on the top floor of the manor.
When Gray took a seat, his parents could clearly see the blatant anger displayed in his eyes. He slammed a fist against the table. "You know I'm not going to leave until all of my questions are answered. So what if I skip school?"
Mika sighed. "Sweetie, please calm down. When you take over this company and you meet your allies, you can't have this attitude."
Listening to his mother's soothing words, Gray relaxed. "Mom, I love you. But please stop connecting me to Fullbuster Enterprise. If I wasn't a Fullbuster, I wouldn't have to deal with all of this crap. I never asked to be a Fullbuster either. I would just be a normal boy that could do what I please, learn what I need, and date whom I want!" Gray's tone rose after each phrase.
"But I hope that you still realize that you're technically supposed to be in school right now. And you also have to face the reality. There are certain things in this world you cannot change," Mika piped in.
"Can't you change the heir? What if I want nothing to do with this company?! Can't we shift this company over to a cousin or a nephew?!"
"Hush, Gray," his mother oredered.
"Gray Fullbuster, don't you understand that being the heir to a business like this is an extremely prestigious privilege? Fine, go ask your cousins. Go ask how much they wish that they were in your spot. Go ask them how much they wish that they could make a mark on this world, but couldn't because they're not us," Silver snapped back.
"I don't get it, Gray. You have such a great opportunity lying right ahead of you. Why do you want to give that up? In fact, why are you so angry in the first place?" his mother asked.
"Ask dad."
"It's Director Fullbuster to you," Silver responded.
"You see, this is what I mean. Because I am the heir to this company, I can't even talk to my own father as his son. He's my 'director.' And because of the company, I can't choose what I want. I can't live my life the way I want to."
She elbowed Silver, signaling him to correct himself. "As a mother, a wife, and a manager, you have no idea what your father and I had gone through. But son, we had gone through enough to see the holes and broken parts of the stairs you are destined to walk up. Once you grow up, you will realize what I mean."
"Then why can't I love who I want." Gray turned to his father, who was giving him the same cold stare. "What's up with your grudge against the Scarlets? They're perfectly normal people. Because of your grudge, I can't be with who I want."
"I knew we should've moved from Magnolia a long time ago," Silver muttered under his breath. He shifted his gaze from the table to Gray.
Gray plopped back into his chair. "Tell me. Juvia's parents work for our company. You knew about Juvia's feelings ever since the beginning of time and you were planning to take advantage of them, right?"
Silver sighed. "I knew you would figure out soon. But it was for, not only your sake, but along with the Scarlet girl one." He looked at Gray with an expression that was hard to read. Sorrow? Irritation? Frustration? Finally, he said, "You probably only care about its effects on the Scarlet one more than its effects on you. But let me tell you you get too involved with her, it's going to affect her for life. You wouldn't want that to happen to her, right?"
Yay! Another chapter. . .done!
Thank you, readers, for all of my fabulous readers. Thank you for all your support and help over the past several months! Thank you for your 100+ comments and 5,000 views. Let's continue to help each other. Fighting!
Until next time, lovelies! ~CHS