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Chapter 2: Mirajane's Rivalry

Year X778

The latest additions to Fairy Tail were Natsu Dragneel and the Strauss siblings, who were once distant from the Fairy Tail mages. Despite the changes, Erza became Fairy Tail's discipliner, and the members were wary around her, namely Natsu after Erza trained him for a week in a camp. He barely made it out alive; Erza took it as a job well done. But he learned how to read and write, most importantly. Albeit it didn't help that he was learning from the woman who had illegible handwriting. Jellal fixed that, he stepped in to help Erza improve her writing skills. Jellal realized the severity of the situation only when she showed him how to write a letter. Ever since then, Natsu knew very well to stay away from her.

Gray, however, was having a hard time staying away from her. He wanted to prove his worth to the guild, but Erza would invariably have the upper hand in combat. She'd always test her latest armor on him as if he were some punching bag. Truth be told, he deserved it for pestering Erza.

The boy never learned his lesson, which was concerning considering Natsu had the decency to back down. He approached her, wearing clothes only because that was Erza's condition for fighting. He would have to remain fully clothed because his stripping habit was growing out of hand. "Erza, let's fight."

Wakaba overheard the ice mage overconfidently challenge her again, and he ridiculed his proposal. "Haven't you had enough injuries for a week? You know I'm starting to think you like it, or maybe you just like her."

The elders around the guildhall burst into a fit of laughter. Erza stopped them from speaking further when she stared them down, one by one. It was a warning, a clear one. Cana watched in curiosity, noticing Gray's flushed cheeks. He turned away in mortification and tried finding his clothes that disappeared once again.

That was—until Erza punched him in the gut, causing him to double over. She glowered at him furiously, pointing at his almost naked form. "Where are your clothes?"

He groaned, peeking up at her through one eye. "I was looking for them until you showed up. Calm down, Erza."

Mirajane bent over Gray, who was sprawled on the floor, smirking evilly. "Bad move, that's no way to speak to Porky." She turned her attention to the redhead, "I've been looking for you, Erza."

Her rival shot daggers her way, dreadfully stepping closer to poor Gray. He was stuck between the two hotheads, who were going to duel until the latter succumbed. "Is there something you're trying to tell me?"

With an overwhelming grip, she tugged at Mirajane's ponytail until she grimaced in pain. "Yes I am, that hair of yours is weird and gross. You look like a housemaid from the Pioneer times."

"I—what?" Mirajane was provoking Erza with each passing second. She locked horns with Mirajane, gnashing her teeth as the two simultaneously stepped back, only to reciprocate in a battle of footwork. They kicked each other while in the air, demolishing part of the guildhall. Everyone sighed in relief that Makarov wasn't here to witness the destruction of a newly repaired guildhall. Natsu and Gray could concur on one thing, Erza and Mira were hypocrites. The most levelheaded woman in Fairy Tail was yanking on her rival's hair savagely.

Natsu entered the guildhall with Lisanna, grumpy and annoyed. They carried a giant egg with them, which was growing slower than he liked. Lisanna, however, remained patient and optimistic for the dragon inside the egg. They didn't realize Jellal was right behind them, carrying a book dedicated to Natsu and Lisanna's research on the egg.

Sho and Millianna gathered around to witness the glorified spectacle. Sho turned to Erza and signaled her to join them. "Sister, he's back!"

She paused to stare at Jellal, wondering what induced him to help little Natsu. Natsu annoyed Jellal to no end, and the older mage never said anything.

Remaining preoccupied, Mirajane landed on top of Erza, her boot connecting with the redhead's cheek. Erza rolled away from the impact until she reached Jellal, grinning sheepishly at her defeat. Coming back into focus, she spun to Mirajane and accusingly pointed a finger at her. "Hey, you can't just hit people while they're distracted! That's playing dirty!"

Mira enjoyed the sheer look of hatred on her rival's face. She placed a hand near her mouth, as if she was about to tell a secret to Erza. "It's not my fault you're into lover boy."

"I am not!" furiously she trudged towards the haughty She-Devil. But Mira casually pushed her aside, identifying an unusual target.

"You're no fun anyway, now I'll fight Jellal!"

He was sitting on a bench in the guildhall surrounded by the younger kids. Mirajane unexpectedly caught him by surprise when he was trying to search for the so-called dragon egg in the book. She lunged towards him, causing Jellal to roll over with her until she was on top, choking him.

Jellal glared at her, "What do you think you're doing?"

"Fight me!"

"Then do it properly! You don't just attack someone out of nowhere."

She ignored his protests, only knights believed in the chivalric fighting code. "Now that your life is in my hands, what will you do?" she deviously laughed.

She stared at Jellal in awe when she saw him smile. "This," before Erza could get Mirajane out of his way, Jellal bent his left limb and hurled it up so it landed on Mirajane's abdomen, causing her to crash into the guildhall's walls from the impact. She yelped, a noise Erza hadn't heard from Mira in a while.

"You'll have to do better than that." He stood up effortlessly. Glaring at Mirajane, he vowed they would be rivals.

Erza rushed to his side, "Are you alright? Did she do any-"

Before she could finish her sentence, Jellal held his palm out and produced rays of magic, all directed towards the She-Devil. She was in mid-air, prepared to pounce on Erza. Mirajane flew back when Jellal's beams struck her, causing her to groan in pain.

Jellal's eyes narrowed dangerously, "Persistent, aren't you?"

Mirajane stayed put on the floor for a while, she now understood why any of the other mages hadn't bothered messing with Erza. An enemy of Erza's was an enemy of Jellal.

Simon noticed his bandages on his outstretched hand. He was dying to know where his friend journeyed without him. "Where did you go this time? Your arm is injured."

"Took a job request, and it's just a little sprain."

Warily, he examined his arm. "Who healed you?"

"Porlyusica."

Simon freaked out, choking on air. "How did that crazy lady even agree to heal you? And don't tell me she gave you that book!"

"I don't know, but if anything—she says I'm a very peculiar child. And about the book, she told me about a nearby library, so I paid a little visit." He turned towards Erza, "Oh right, Erza. Are you competing in the S-Class trial this year?"

Erza looked at him quizzically, "What's the S-Class trial?"

"It's an exam for qualified wizards who have potential to be the strongest in the guild."

Everyone wanted to learn more about it, notably Simon. He was determined to become a strong mage like Erza, who impressed him with all her triumphs. Her swordsmanship was flawless, she could become an S-Class wizard before him, which would be embarrassing.

"Who else is competing?"

"I'm not sure, but it won't remain confidential for long."

Erza didn't realize it, but the rift between her and Jellal was growing with each passing day. Jellal took on dangerous jobs while having extensive knowledge about the magical world. Not even the grownups in the guild bothered to study as hard as Jellal had. The distant feeling made her heart throb painfully at the thought of her drifting from her best friend, her confidant.

Erza quietly asked, "Can I come along to watch?"

There was an eerie silence before he smiled. "I'll pull a few strings to get you in. The others can come along too." By other people, Jellal exclusively referred to Millianna, Sho, Simon, and Wally. They all nodded at each other in agreement. They were their own group with Jellal as a leader, as expected by anyone. It didn't take too long to notice his initiative as a guild member and leader.

The group of friends were talking about the S-Class trial until Gray pushed Natsu aside and started begging to Jellal. "Can I come watch too? Please Jellal, I've always wanted to see this rumored S-Class trial."

The mage gave it a thought before slowly nodding, much to Gray's enthusiasm.

Mirajane came behind Natsu and Gray, poking her head in between them. "You wouldn't mind if I joined, right?"

"I certainly mind, Mira. Especially after what happened today."

She pouted, crossing her arms in frustration. "Fine then, I'll ask that Lightning Dragon Slayer. Laxy, was it?"

Natsu burst out laughing, "That's a ridiculous name!"

Jellal cut them off, "His name's Laxus. Come to think of it, he's probably in this year's trial."

Speaking of the Lightning Dragon Slayer, he eavesdropped on the conversation. "Of course I'm in it, it only makes sense that I have the honour of taking part of this trial. I'm more powerful than you."

The younger mage watched Laxus ramble on about his strength and speed. He came to a halt and asked, "Say, what kind of magic do you use?"

"I have a name, you know."

Laxus laughed, "I don't need to know my opponent's name to crush him down."

Jellal stared at him attentively, "Where's the fun in revealing my magic when I can just show it to you? Besides, I don't know dragon slaying magic all that well either."

"You'd best watch that mouth, kid." True, in Laxus' eyes, everyone was a kid. But it didn't surprise him that the thirteen-year-old boy was qualified for S-Class. While many of the others were lollygagging, Jellal pushed himself to his limits. It didn't serve any purpose, he was too young for any advanced placements within Magnolia, never mind Fiore.

Laxus left after giving irritating glances to everyone in the guildhall, taking on a job request. Jellal returned to his book, noticing the identical image as the egg Natsu embraced.

Lisanna beamed with joy. "Yay, we found it!"

Jellal nodded, skimming through the contents of the chapter.

Natsu looked over his shoulder, and Jellal could feel the weight of the egg against his back. The younger mage practically climbed over Jellal to get a better glance. "So, what kind of dragon is it? Does it look like Igneel, except, orange?"

Lisanna giggled, "It doesn't seem like an orange creature, the markings on the shell are blue."

"Don't rule out the possibilities!"

"I'm being sensible." The two children started bickering until Jellal raised a finger in the air, stopping them in their tracks.

"Likewise, Lisanna is right. This exceed is blue."

Natsu studied the egg, confused. "What do ya mean, Jellal? It has to be a dragon, I just know it."

"Well, books are much more reliable resources. You should read since Erza taught you."

The Dragon Slayer folded his arms and stomped his foot. "She's scary. If there's one thing I learned, it's to not mess with her." He shivered because of Erza's torment during the camping trip. He would rather have dealt with Jellal a thousand times over than be alone on a trip with Erza.

Mira gave Natsu a taunting innocent face. "Oh, are you afraid of the redheaded demon? You're so cute."

"You're even worse! I bet you roast people for supper!"

Lisanna, unable to comprehend Natsu's complaint, objected. "Actually, all of us cook in the house. Especially Big Brother Elf."

Everyone's attention shifted to Elfman, who was lamenting over his parakeet with Cana.

"Elfman?" Gray and Natsu tried to picture him cooking, and it turned out to be feasible. They knew he was a very soft-spoken boy, so it made sense. They all imagined Lisanna could cook the best.

Lisanna nodded, and matter-of-factly continued, "Mira can also cook really well."

The two mages turned cold at the thought of Mirajane roasting the chicken she butchered merely seconds ago.

Natsu turned to Gray, "Do you think she cooks children?"

The Ice Mage gulped and nodded.

Erza took it that they believed in something as ludicrous as Mirajane eating kids. "Now, now, let's not jump to conclusions."

Mirajane huffed in disbelief. "I do nothing of the sort. You think too much, Pinky." She stomped towards to request board, picking a job with a large amount of work. It would give Lisanna an excuse to get away from Erza and her friends. Natsu was getting on her nerves lately, and Lisanna was interacting with him more than she should've. Of course, Natsu was to blame for their close friendship.

Said plan went down the drain when she overheard Macao say to Wakaba, "Hey, I heard Lisanna and Natsu built a hut for the egg. Isn't that cute?"

Wakaba tilted his head in interest with a light chuckle. "Oh really? I bet they're playing house with the egg."

Mirajane cleaved the table they sat on in half with her bare hands. The two adults jumped out of their seats to avoid getting hurt. Mira thought Lisanna and Natsu were interacting through Jellal, but to directly communicate with Natsu was a different story. "She's been with Natsu!?"

Makarov witnessed Mirajane stand up to the two men. He had just entered the guildhall, stunned by the mess made within the last hour.

Wakaba groaned, "Can't you control yourself like any other teenager? Seriously, at this rate you'll destroy the whole place."

They hinted at the cracked walls, most of them resulted from Erza and Mirajane booting each other across the guildhall, while the biggest one was from Jellal, who kicked Mirajane away from him. The results were ruinous; the remnants of the wall rained down periodically. Makarov should've foreseen this because Jellal was a member of Fairy Tail. He didn't know what was more shocking; Jellal ruining the guildhall or Jellal fighting Mirajane.

Mirajane's scream was all he could hear when she yelled, "Lisanna can't be with Pinky! He's from Team Erza!"

The two men guffawed at the idea of creating team names to divide themselves, with Mirajane and Erza as captains. The She-Devil gave them a good beating without any interruptions. Afterwards Macao and Wakaba apologized senselessly. It was hard to believe these foolhardy kids would become powerful mages in the future. All of them acted impulsively, but that's how Fairy Tail rolled.

Makarov simply snorted, never mind repairing the guildhall, these kids would manage to destroy his grave somehow.