Thank you for the lovely lovely lovely reviews!
Anywhoooo, this chapter's especially dedicated to GNTR96! I know it was probably disappointing that Jellal did not punch the life out of Jose, but fret not, Jose's appearance is NOWHERE near the end. What I have in store for Jose's revenge is SO MUCH more crueler than what Jose did in the Phantom Lord arc (he was a pretty decent version of himself in Phantom Lord if you ask me). I'm going to make him an irredeemable villain for what he's about to do to Erza in the far future.
For now, may I present: Jellal vs. Laxus. ;)
Façade
Chapter 17: Jellal vs. Laxus
With Bickslow defeated by a collective effort of Loke and Lucy, the only mage from the Thunder Legion left to take down was Freed. Levy already dispelled the barrier, allowing Gajeel and Natsu to pass through, with only twenty minutes until Laxus would activate Thunder Palace.
She huffed out as she was reminded of Makarov's dreadful state. "I can't believe he's serious about this fight. But, we'll be able to do it, we have Erza and Jellal on our side, not to mention the Dragon Slayers."
After moments of rambling on to herself, she jumped in awareness when another mage entered the guildhall. She didn't recognize the familiarity of the magic until she glimpsed at the wizard. "Oh, Miss Porlyusica!"
Her heels resounded the empty guildhall, finding solace at the sight of a quiet Fairy Tail. She'd never expected it to be so disturbing.
Or so hauntingly empty.
"Where is Makarov?" asked the older woman.
"How did you find out about his condition?" asked Levy.
Porlyusica shot her a glare before reaffirming her request, "I asked you a question."
She nodded, keeping a vigilant guard as she spun on her heel to direct the older woman. "Right, he's in the infirmary." As she went to find him, Levy hesitantly stopped her. "You shouldn't go in there, Master is in a critical condition."
She sighed, rolling her eyes at Levy's incompetence. "Why else do you think I'm here?"
With that, she left the speechless Fairy Tail mage, embarrassing Levy. How had she not known Porlyusica's intentions from the start? She would come for Makarov. After all, they became friends in this very guild.
When she reached the infirmary, she stared outside the window, remembering her time in Magnolia. "You overexert yourself, just like that council boy."
She didn't know how to react at two Jellals in Fairy Tail. The results would be catastrophic, along with many misunderstandings. But she knew today was the day when the wizards would clash with each other—when everyone would discover secrets they wish they never knew.
Her reaction to meeting Edolas Jellal was nothing short of awkward.
"Miss?" asked a figure, knocking on her door. He didn't have a mask on at the time, nor the unique outfit that went with the odd wardrobe choice. He was wearing a black t-shirt with light pants secured by a brown belt. He also had an awful lot of things in his green backpack, as if he was a regular traveller.
Porlyusica noticed that Jellal never dressed up so casually. He wasn't too polite either, especially since he had a quick tongue. "Child, what are you doing here? Are you leaving your guild?"
The young boy looked up at her quizzically, wondering what she was talking about. "Ah, a guild is like a group of people here, right?"
Porlyusica was at a loss for words. Had he suddenly forgotten he joined a guild? "Are you out of your mind? Go back to Fairy Tail!" she grabbed a broom from her pantry and swung it at him.
Mystogan caught the broom with ease, securing it by the handle and tugging it away from her. "My counterpart is in...Fairy Tail?"
After coming to a realization, Porlyusica whirled him inside her house, forcing him to have a seat on the couch beside the infirmary bed. "Are you the Earth Land or the Edolas version?" as an added measure, Porlyusica snatched her "weapon" away from Mystogan and held the tip towards his neck.
He casually set it down, so now it was pointing to his abdomen. "It seems I hit the jackpot. So you know about the parallel worlds."
"Answer me!"
He cautiously held his hands out in front of him. "I'm the Edolas Prince."
"And I'm Queen Fiore." She retorted comically. "Your manners may rival those of the royal family, but I wouldn't believe that so easily."
"My identity doesn't matter. But I am the Edolas version of Jellal...if that's my counterpart's name. You claim there's someone who looks like me?"
"Exactly like you, minus the attire preference. He seems more of a prince than you, if I'm being honest."
"Well, it's possible he can be the prince of Earth Land if his counterpart is one."
"I wouldn't count on that. My Earth Land counterpart is a dragon by the name of Grandeeney."
The name rang a bell for him, but he didn't remember where it came from. It was so familiar—so within reach. Yes! It was the dragon who took Wendy under her wing.
"So you've met Wendy's mother?"
"Hm?" she didn't understand what he was talking about until she recalled more of her interaction with the dragon. "Oh, that's right. She told me she had a foster daughter and gave me a book on Dragon Slaying Magic."
"Why would she do that?"
"Grandeeney told me she wasn't able to teach the little girl Dragon Slaying Magic, so she gave it to me to give her if I ever encountered her. Not that I think I'll see her, I don't even know what the brat looks like."
Mystogan regret his decision to leave her in the hands of the old man, who was merely a spirit living to atone for his sins. Was it even a good idea to trust him in the first place? He created one of the most hideous creations in history: Nirvana.
"She was actually my friend. Wendy journeyed with me for a month until I sensed Edolas magic energy in Earth Land."
Porlyusica shook her head in disbelief. "How is that even possible?"
He trailed off as the recollection of memories dated back to his time in Edolas, with a tyrannic father. "As you probably know, magic energy in Edolas is not infinite like it is in Earth Land. So in order to preserve magic energy, my father had used a spell called Anima through a chamber in the castle, creating an inter-dimensional gate that opens in the sky. It's meant to absorb all magic energy in the surrounding area where the gate appears in the form of a hole. I've been trying to suppress Anima's appearance ever since I came to Earth Land."
Porlyusica gasped. "You came to Earth Land through that gate?"
He nodded, remaining emotionless since he didn't have any fond memories in Edolas. "I travelled through the portal and arrived in x777, which was also when Grandeeney suddenly disappeared, according to Wendy."
"I see," she said, believing his story. "So you've come here to foil your father's treacherous plan?"
"It's hard to turn against an immediate family member, but it has to be done. The king doesn't value human life, which is sickening. I'm surprised he's still king in Edolas."
Porlyusica put the pieces together, before concluding the obvious way he maintained power. "If magic energy is finite in Edolas, it'd only make sense that he use that knowledge for his personal benefit. He's power-hungry, and he'll use that power to threaten the people."
"...so ordinary people can't use magic?"
"That may very well be the case, child. And if he's noticing the lack of magic energy, he will know that you're acting behind his back."
Mystogan dryly laughed. "At this point, I don't care what he says. He's a sad excuse for a human being—much less a father."
Porlyusica could describe him with one look. His eyes spoke volumes about his dedication and determination to stop his own father. A prowess in magic, yet a dangerous boy. Both of the blue-haired counterparts had one thing in common, vast knowledge.
Snapping out of the memory, the door creaked open and Levy quietly settled into the infirmary, upset. "So, how's his condition?"
The sudden wrinkles forming on Porlyusica's forehead told Levy many things. "He's not doing well. I need you to go find his grandson and bring him here. Makarov's time is running out."
"Running out? No, impossible." Her voice faded into nothingness, like a flickering candle being blown out.
"What's going on here?" Erza rushed towards the edge of the river where Elfman knelt down and gripped his throat, trying to inhale the abundant supply of air. His shortage resulted from Freed's runes, binding Elfman's neck and squeezing the life out of him. Cana remained unconscious on the side from her battle with the green-haired wizard.
With a disgusted look, Erza held a blade out to Freed. "Are you trying to kill Elfman!?"
Freed responded mercilessly, "Anyone who goes against the rules of this battle must be punished accordingly. And in this game, the penalty is death."
"Have you gone mad? There's no point in taking a life for such a stupid reason. Freed, don't do this!"
"Such trivial matters do not concern me. If I can't beat these mages, then I am unworthy of serving Laxus."
Erza condemned him for prioritizing his worth in Laxus' eyes instead of the battle. "To hell with him! You're hurting your friends, and nothing can justify you for bringing harm upon anyone."
Freed scoffed at her. "I didn't expect you of all people to care, Titania. From what I hear, you're a brutal force to reckon with."
Erza leapt into the air and prepared to hit him with it. She didn't requip into anything, transferring all her magic energy into her blade.
"Take one step closer and Elfman will die. I'm the one controlling who lives and dies. Dark Écriture: Destruction."
Erza yelped at the sudden attack, getting caught up in the blast. She landed on the dirt and tripped over the uneven ground.
From a distance, a shrill resounded the air, unrelenting and unforgiving. Mirajane sweat as she reminisced all the horrifying memories from her past, specifically Lisanna's death. The oldest Strauss sibling couldn't bear watching Elfman suffer. A dark magic circle clouded the air as she reverted to her original nature of magic.
Erza reached out for her, "Mira, control yourself!"
"I won't let you take him away! Not like what happened to Lisanna!" shouted Mirajane hysterically. To lose one sibling was a pain already, to have another one gone would be disastrous.
Every detail remained enriched in her memory like an unrelenting shackle. Mirajane Strauss, the S-Class wizard of Fairy Tail, couldn't protect her siblings. Where Lisanna met her death was where Elfman started. It was as if fate didn't let those two exist together.
"Mira?" called out Lisanna as she weakly raised an arm in the air, trying to wipe away Mirajane's tears.
Neglecting Jellal's advice because of her arrogance was also her fault to bear. Jellal's premonitions replayed in her head ever since Lisanna passed away.
He laid out a map of Fiore in front of her and pointed at Worth Woodsea. "Mirajane, the monster you're supposed to defeat is over here."
After boasting about going on an S-Class mission, she presumed Jellal was jealous that she chose the one he and Erza were supposed to take. Mirajane shifted her weight on one leg. That's exactly what she was thinking; he was trying to get her to back out of the quest so he could snag it for himself. "And, what of it?"
"Worth Woodsea has a renowned reputation for deadly beasts. You'll find that they are much harder to defeat than Wyverns—who are already a handful to deal with."
Mirajane scoffed at him. "Is this one of your little schemes to get me to back off? I'm so close to catching up to your guys, I won't back down. Not now." It was a simple matter of pride.
Jellal frowned. "Mirajane, there is no competition about life-threatening situations. If your ego has the best of you, then why don't you take someone else?"
"I'll take Elfman and Lisanna," she suggested.
"I meant people capable of fighting those monsters. Or, if you insist on taking those two, then at least bring another person along."
She furrowed her eyebrows in disbelief. "Are you implying that they're weak?"
"No, this is a prediction based on my observations. Lisanna's too soft to hurt anyone. Her sympathy gets the best of her. And Elfman doesn't want to harm any more wildlife, especially since his parakeet died."
"How observant of you. Still, you make this sound like a suicide mission when it really isn't."
He didn't know how many ways he could prove his point to someone who'd been listening on deaf ears. "That's because it is a challenging quest. Erza and I originally were taking this quest. As far as I'm concerned, you're not planning to take anyone else that's S-Class."
"And you're correct. For the record, I will not be taking anyone else. Though, I might consider Natsu."
He knew very well that she wouldn't bother taking the Dragon Slayer. She would hold it above his head until he whined like a child.
"Please, just forget about this competition-"
"And what?" she snapped. "Let you steal an opportunity? Not a chance."
When she returned with a bandaged arm and a weeping Elfman, she went straight to him. Mirajane collapsed and Erza caught her, running a hand through her hair as the She-Devil wept. "Mira, what gives?"
Even though they were rivals, Erza wouldn't turn her back on a friend who was crying, even in the most hectic moments in the guildhall.
She showed her face to the very man who cautioned her many times. "Jellal, she's gone!"
Jellal's face fell, praying that it wasn't what he undeniably predicted. "Who's gone? Mirajane, you need to calm down."
"LISANNA DIED!" she unexpectedly announced, falling to the ground. She didn't have the strength to contain her emotions. She burst into tears and clung onto Erza, trying to forgive herself for one of her greatest sins. "I should've listened to you, Jellal. I'm sorry, if it weren't for my selfishness, Lisanna would be alive today."
Jellal stared at her blankly. What amazed everyone was how calm he remained, despite all the complicated mix of emotions that stirred within him. "...it would be too late to reiterate my advice from earlier, wouldn't it?"
Mirajane came to realize that none of this was a horrible dream, or a nightmare that she desperately wanted over. Her breath hitched as she tried finding the right words to say. But nothing could fix her mistake; the memory remained vivid in her mind. There was only one thing to do now. "I've decided. I will never use my Take Over again."
Makarov strolled towards her, uncertain about her vow. Mirajane heard a sniff, followed by a choked sob. She never wanted to be the reason for her guild master's tears. Nobody did, especially when it was the man who raised all of them. No words could express Makarov's condolences. He gently put a hand on her head. "Child, don't say that. Lisanna would want you to continue living life to the fullest. She's left a lifelong impact on this guild, and will never be forgotten."
She shook her head, rejecting the hope and optimism a guild could give. Elfman remained silent in the corner, blaming himself for the calamity he brought upon the guildhall. The burden of carrying someone's death left him dull, hard, and a person who regret his existence.
Mirajane's voice was suddenly deeper and her appearance was deadly, the embodiment of a demon. "Take Over: Satan Soul."
She charged towards Freed, wasting no time in clawing him, successfully doing so twice.
"Dark Écriture: Wings!" He flew just as fast away from her, swiftly dodging her attack as she produced a dark blast within her hand, throwing it towards him. She soaked up parts of the river, memorizing Freed.
Erza studied her powerful attacks in amazement. It's as if Mirajane didn't stop using her magic for the last three years. She wasted no time in assisting Cana and Elfman, who were both passed out from Freed's attacks while Mirajane continued her fight.
Cana opened one eye, her breathing heavy while she stared up at Erza. "Juvia. We need to- help Juvia." Tears welled in her eyes at the mention of the girl who saved her to break the barrier. "Erza, she did so much to help this guild. The least she deserves is our help. Leave us here, we'll be fine."
"She's right here," grunted Gajeel, carrying her on her back. Jellal followed behind, assisting all the mages scattered across Magnolia.
"Erza, you're alright!" she smiled at him, taking Wally and Sho out of his hands. He still held onto Gray, Warren, and Max. Jellal tilted his head upwards and watched as Mirajane and Freed continued their battle in the sky. "She's got her Take Over back, hasn't she?"
Erza didn't look too happy about it. "Freed was about to kill Elfman had she not used her powers. How can our guild think about hurting each other?"
Gajeel offered his two cents. "I'm not one to talk, but when you're backed into a corner, you become desperate." He pointed at Freed. "That's the threat he gave to those trapped inside his barriers, with no option but to comply with his rules."
Erza heaved out a sigh. "That's exactly what he did to Mirajane. But I suppose in this case, it was a good thing."
Jellal gathered everyone's attention, including those barely on the brink of consciousness. "First things first, we need to stop Thunder Palace, and we only have fifteen minutes left until it activates."
Erza didn't believe they could stop it in time. "But there's so many of them, how are we supposed to do that?"
"I came up with a strategy, but I'm not sure it will work. Anyone up for a demonstration?" Many people volunteered. Jellal hesitated, "This can also critically injure you."
In an instant, all the hands shot down. They couldn't risk sustaining any more injuries. Erza volunteered, using her Telekinesis to hold a blade steady. Jellal knew she would never back down from a fight, not when it was for Fairy Tail. He pointed to a lacrima. "When I give you the signal, hit that orb."
He held his palm out, "Ready?" She nodded, feeling nervous about his plan. "Now."
He sent a beam to the lacrima and the same speed as Erza's blade, shattering it. They waited for the aftershock. A few seconds. One minute, it never came.
"That's it!" beamed Warren. "If we can get two people working together to take down the lacrimas, we won't get hurt."
"But how?" asked Gray.
"When two people attack the lacrima together, nobody will feel their attack because the body link is designed so that one person destroys the lacrima and feels their own power. When two people destroy the orb, the lacrima can't detect the source; therefore nullifying the link. The only problem with this method is timing. Both people need to hit the lacrimas at the same time."
"So now that we have this information, we need to tell the others," said a Cana half-awake.
"Warren, this is when you come into play."
The Telepathy Mage did a double take, pointing at himself in disbelief. "Me?"
While waiting for someone—anyone—to show up at the cathedral, Laxus reminisced about his younger years in Fairy Tail. Everyone he spent his childhood with was now his enemy. Though, he never showed a fondness for Jellal in the first place. There was this unsaid agreement between them saying they'd never be friends. They were two rivals who competed to be the best in the guildhall. It was clear as day that Jellal won that a long time ago when he got promoted to a Wizard Saint. But if Laxus defeated everyone today, he would go home with the title of the strongest Fairy Tail wizard. He could lead everyone in Fairy Tail and make them do anything he pleased. The thought of controlling all those wizards made him shudder at the amount of power he would gain. The people wouldn't regard Laxus as Makarov's grandson anymore.
Perhaps that silly desire caused this entire battle. He wanted to be Laxus Dreyar. It seemed so foolish to wish for acknowledgement, but someone could only want it so desperately if they never had it.
Laxus heard the door of the cathedral creak, aware of a powerful wizard's presence behind him. It took a moment to narrow down exactly which wizard confronted him. "Ah, so you finally decided to join this battle, have you?"
The atmosphere gave off an eerie silence as Mystogan proceeded further into the historical site, well aware of his opponent's arrogance. "I'm only here to stop you. Take down the Thunder Palace and I won't fight you."
Laxus cackled. "That's exactly what I was hoping for, you don't have a choice in the matter, Mystogan." He seemed very keen on sharing his thoughts about the guild for someone who rarely interacted with his guild mates. "I heard a lot of rumours circulating Magnolia, about who's the strongest mage in Fairy Tail: you, me, or Jellal?"
"I don't really care about such things, nor should you. Besides, you underestimate Erza and her powers."
He mocked the mage at the proposal of Erza being the strongest wizard in the guild. "Don't get me wrong, she's a strong wizard. But Erza still has a long way to go. We all know that the top three are the ones I've mentioned. Now it's all a matter of testing my hypothesis. After all, you are the other-"
He didn't get a chance to finish his sentence because Mystogan cut him off, producing magic energy from his staves directed towards Laxus. He countered the unexpected attack with his lightning, surprising the mysterious wizard. Mystogan unsuccessfully masked his fury. "How do you know about that?"
The Dragon Slayer taunted him. "Heh, beat me and I'll tell you everything I know."
"You're about to witness magic from the likes of which you've never seen before. You will regret saying that, Laxus."
"Bring it on, it's time to settle this once and for all." Anyone around the Kardia Cathedral would've sensed the waves of magic energy engulfing the historical site.
Mystogan was the first to cast a spell. "Skyscraper."
With a swing of his staff, Mystogan cast an illusion under Laxus, sending the Dragon Slayer out into the sky. The sudden attack overwhelmed him. "His magic destroyed the entire cathedral!?" Laxus deduced. Above him, the sky turned many shades into midnight until it tore open, revealing a monster who reached out to Laxus with his claws. He felt overwhelmed by the crushing strength of the beast. "Impossible, what sort of magic does he use!?"
The situation overwhelmed him, but it didn't take someone with experience to realize something was off about Mystogan's absence. Raging with his lightning, Laxus broke free from the monster after a series of screams and cries. He triumphantly emerged from the attack, surprising the mage who had him shaking in terror moments ago. "Thought you could fool me with an illusion, did you?"
Mystogan stared in surprise. "It's impressive that you dispelled my illusion, but you were a bit too late. Five Layered Magic Circle: Sacred Song!"
Laxus leapt from the ground, crossing his arms. "It seems you haven't noticed the magic seal beneath you either."
Simultaneously, the two mages were struck by each other's magic, injuring the two mages. They weren't able to move with the powerful forces of magic engulfing them. They continued firing at each other, lightning against the magic staves. Laxus turned into lightning and Mystogan into smoke, unable to detect either's attacks.
"You know, you're not bad." Remarked Laxus.
Before they could continue further, their parries were interrupted by Erza, who halted at a suitable distance between the two.
"Erza," Mystogan said in surprise. She found the voice so familiar, the presence of him as well. She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, stepping closer.
Laxus hollered, "You're wide open!"
He struck Mystogan, tearing his mask apart. When the smoke cleared, all Erza could see was him.
She froze, trying to find the right words. He looked like Jellal, hair slightly longer. "...Jellal?"
Laxus covered his eyes and guffawed. "This is exactly why he didn't want you to see him!"
"Erza," he reiterated. "I'm sorry it had to come to this."
"...you've been playing the role of Mystogan this entire time? Is that why you cast your sleeping spell on us? Jellal, why did you go to so many lengths just to hide yourself?" so many unanswered questions. Erza wanted all the answers, so maybe she could find everything more believable.
But when she turned around after hearing approaching footsteps, Jellal was behind her. He looked just as surprised as Erza.
Mystogan started, "I was afraid the both of you would see this."
Laxus kept turning back and forth between the two counterparts.
"Well this is certainly unexpected." Jellal opened his mouth to offer an explanation. But just like Erza, he only had questions. "Are you from the...parallel world?"
Despite Jellal's vague knowledge about Edolas, the mention of it sent Mystogan into spiraling panic. He blinded everyone momentarily with a cloud of smoke and fled the scene.
"I don't...understand." Erza said blankly.
Laxus held an arm out, "There is nothing to understand. This is all we have left, the ultimate battle before I become Fairy Tail's fourth guild master."
"Not if I have something to say about it," retorted Erza. She requipped in her Lightning Empress Armour, whirling her staff expertly in her hands before pointing it at him.
"Lightning Empress, huh? It won't make you immune to my magic."
"That's true, but fighting with the same magic will cancel out your attacks."
"Erza," Jellal protested. "I'll take care of him. Thunder Palace will be taken down any moment, so leave the rest to me."
Leave it to Warren to prove him wrong.
A voice resounded in their heads. "This is Warren speaking. Can you hear me, Jellal?"
"Yes, what is it Warren?" he asked, leaving everyone else to the task of destroying the lacrimas.
"The plan failed. Everyone who's destroying the lacrimas are getting shocked!"
"What?" Jellal glanced at Erza, and she nodded her head.
"They need your help, I'll take care of Laxus." Erza swung her staff at the Dragon Slayer so he wouldn't have a chance of attacking Jellal. By the looks of it, he was about to stop the Wizard Saint from exiting the cathedral.
He raced towards the sky and observed Gray and Max trying to take down one lacrima together. They both ended up on the ground and yelling in pain as a result of the aftershock. From above them, Warren stood on top of a ruined building, trying to direct the others how to strike the lacrima. In a matter of seconds, Jellal joined them, startling the group of mages.
"No progress?" Jellal sighed, trying to come up with an alternative plan.
Warren pursed his lips together. "Well, the time you and Erza struck the lacrima was probably just a fluke. Nobody's able to time it right."
"I see. How many did the others destroy so far?"
"Twelve." He answered without hesitation.
"Twelve? There are hundreds of lacrimas. We can't keep attacking one at a time." He held his arm out, preparing to attack them all.
"Jellal, what do you think you're doing!?" shouted Elfman. "Are you asking for a death wish?"
"We don't have another choice, the Thunder Palace will activate in less than ten minutes." He sent his magic beams towards the flying orbs and took down forty of them, feeling his own attack striking him.
Jellal keeled and clenched his teeth, trying to endure the pain without making a sound.
"Well, this is the fastest way to do it. If we assign each person with sections, we'll take it down all at once." Warren realized, lending a hand to Simon, who was on the ground after attempting to destroy more than one.
Jellal got up, prepared to attack again, "It's a risky bet, we're not sure if everyone has enough magic energy."
Simon heaved as he slung an arm over Max and Gray's shoulders for support. "We're not giving up yet, Jellal. Everyone else is knocked out cold, we're the city's only hope."
"At this rate, we'll be able to do it before Thunder Palace activates."
Jellal went for another round of taking down the lacrimas, containing the pain so everyone would think it would be bearable.
Everyone diverted their attention to the sound of clanking armour. An exhausted Erza ran in her heavy armour towards the group of mages. "What happened? Did we stop the Thunder Palace?"
"Erza, where's Laxus?" Jellal inquired. If Laxus was defeated, then all his spells would've dissipated by now.
"Natsu's taking care of him," she said with certainty.
Jellal raised his head to the sky and ran a hand down his face. "Natsu? He doesn't stand a chance against Laxus."
Nobody took the news positively, but Erza tried putting them at ease with a new revelation. "Natsu can defeat him with the help of Gajeel. They're up against a Dragon Slayer, they're practically fighting on even terms."
Warren trailed off when he noted Gajeel's lack of response through the telepathy. "But I haven't heard from him."
"Wouldn't be surprised if he didn't join," mumbled Gray. "There's a difference between him and Juvia. I heard she protected Cana."
Erza gripped Jellal's arm tightly, grunting as she felt the sting of her injuries from her spar with the Lightning Dragon Slayer. She leaned in, "You're right...if it's taking an entire guild to defeat Laxus' Thunder Palace, then I suppose Natsu doesn't stand a chance. You have to get to him. I'll help the others in taking down Thunder Palace."
For once, he went with her plan because he didn't have one of his own. "Alright. But the question is, if Gajeel isn't with us or Natsu, then where did he go?"
Erza cocked her head to the side to survey the ruins. "We haven't heard from Sho, Millianna, or Wally either."
"The hell?" grumbled Gajeel, running deeper into a spiral staircase with occasional torches on the wall. He was chasing the mages that had the audacity to ambush him on his way to Raven Tail. "These buffoons will pay one hell of a price for wasting my time."
Not much details were known about the place except that the guild's name was Naked Mummy, and they had been attempting to rob people. This was the case with Gajeel, as a group of people tried to coerce him into giving his money. He didn't have cash in the first place, and Gajeel scared them away.
Downstairs didn't lead to their hideout like he hoped, but a bar full of evil mages. He could tell some of them weren't magic users. They probably bargained for any magic weapons like snipers or charms. The severity of the situation made the Dragon Slayer apprehensive about his every movement. He waited around to see if all the mages used magic.
Notably, there were two people that stood out from Naked Mummy, resembling monkeys. He snorted, all of their air headed servants were kneeling in front of the bar stools, where the organizers of the attack sat on, cross-legged.
One cried out from his position, clasping his hands in front of him. "Please Master Zatõ, that guy wiped us out in a single attack."
"Is that so?" the man named Zatõ replied, slapping his subordinate's face. "There were five of you and one of him, it shouldn't have been hard to cock a gun at the rat and shoot 'em." His Afro stuck out like a sore thumb, Gajeel didn't want to compare the slickness of his hair to the horrifying spectacle of the man's hairstyle. To be fair, Gajeel loved his hair and didn't think it was worth comparing to anyone else's.
Another vulnerable one spoke, panting heavily. "We shot him, but the bullet went through his metal arm!"
"It's specifically iron, idiot." Added Gajeel, approaching the group with a sour look on his face. "That's a cheap way to drain someone's bank account. You all wasted my time, and I will get my revenge. Iron Dragon's Club!"
He swung his arm made of an iron club towards the members, disrupting the usual business at the bar. Some merchants ran away, while the mages stood up. Gajeel clicked his tongue; everyone here was ready to fight him. Zatõ's gaze shifted to the mark on his arm. "Another Fairy Tail wizard, ey? I had my fair share of them, especially Makarov's grandson, Laxus Dreyar."
The discovery of Laxus being Makarov's grandson didn't sit well with Gajeel. He tried his best to ignore the news. "So you've met the monster of our guild, huh? I bet he beat you to a pulp, which is why you're lurking in the shadows. I'll make you regret messing with us wizards."
He gulped, aware of the number of people with weapons and magic, ready to strike him at the command. Zatõ circled around him, taking his pipe out of his mouth and holding it out nonchalantly.
"Aren't you that ex-Phantom Lord guy? They call you Black Steel Gajeel, right?"
"That was a while ago, don't you dare bring up the past, you clown." As if to threaten him, Gajeel smashed a table beside him within seconds with his iron fist.
He eyed every person in the room, making his intentions clear. Someone's appearance who didn't go unnoticed was a man recently on the run and in the news. Erigor revealed himself, holding out his staff and grinning with pearly whites. Gajeel visibly paled.
Erigor laughed, "You don't stand a chance, Dragon Slayer."
He whispered under his breath, "Where's the damn Wizard Saint when you need him?"
As if his prayer was answered, three mages appeared from above. "Never fear, the Kitty Division is here!" yelled a certain cat lover, crashing into the bar with Wally and Sho.
Sho commented about Millianna's earlier statement, "That is the worst team name you could think of, Milly. And we were trying to sneak in undetected!"
Gajeel scoffed at them. So much for being quiet, they practically barged into the place like some bandits.
An injured Wally cocked his gun out. "We can be called anything for all I care, but we're busting this place and the people in here."
"The hell?" Gajeel blinked at the three mages, trying to comprehend their wayward speech.
Millianna waved enthusiastically in return. "Hi, we thought you might need some help."
"Well, you guys aren't Jelly, but you three will do."
The three mages questioned the name. "Jelly?" reiterated Sho.
Millianna held a hand out to her mouth, caving it. "Apparently it's Jellal's new nickname. I am so calling him that when we get back to the guildhall."
Gajeel rubbed his temples, "I'm not a name person, I forget sometimes."
Sho eyed Wally, "So he's dumber than Natsu?"
Millianna shook her head, "No way, Natsu's too dumb to be compared to anyone. But then again, at least Natsu can say his name right. I'd put Gajeel a close second."
"Jellal? Jellal Fernandes?" repeated the other leader, Gatõ. His repetition became a habit which annoyed the latter, but Zatõ tolerated it.
"He's bad news," murmured the subordinates.
Millianna felt proud. She giggled, "Looks like they've encountered Jellal before. We're Jellal's partners, part of the official Team Jellal!"
"Weren't we the Kitty Division moments ago?" Sho deadpanned.
"The Doll's gotta compromise when the situation calls for it." Wally defended, finding it just as ridiculous as Sho that Millianna switched up the team names. Speaking of which, why did they fight over it in the first place?
The Dragon Slayer gawked at them in return. "Can you all get your priorities straight? We're in the middle of a crisis and you all are bickering!"
Zatõ pointed at them accusingly. "Now's our chance, men. No retreat, no surrender!"
"Right. Time to doll these wizards up." Wally suggested, fingers on the gun's trigger.
"Time to what?"
Millianna tapped Gajeel on the shoulder. "Just roll with it, it's the Fairy Tail way. Meow!"
Natsu's wild spirit lost its spark as he lay on the ground, defeated by Laxus. He mocked the Fire Dragon Slayer, "You thought you could win against me? Fat chance. Someone should come rescue you before things get worse."
"You talk a lot," wheezed Natsu. Laxus ambled towards him, counting the seconds it took for anyone to witness Natsu's impending death. But with a streak of light, Laxus staggered backwards. Jellal appeared before him with a stern expression.
"So you finally decided to go up against me as your last resort? It didn't have to come to this, Jellal."
"I know," he casually responded. "But I don't need to worry about defeating you before Thunder Palace activates."
His slightly torn frock coat proved his point, showing the damage he sustained from getting electrified by the lacrimas. "Judging by your appearance, you took down some of my lacrimas? That won't be enough to stop it."
"I know," he gestured to the town behind him. "The guild is going to attack it simultaneously, eliminating every lacrima in the sky."
"They're going to die!" he dryly laughed, unsure if that was the case. It seemed so to him, overestimating the ability of Thunder Palace.
"If I survived it, they can too."
"That isn't the only trick I have up my sleeve. Nobody will have the strength to stand after Thunder Palace. Your only bet is to defeat me. Now," he watched Jellal's stance. He was preparing to defend himself. "Let's pick up from where we left off, shall we?"
"Indeed," the two of them clashed again, changing tactics to dodge attacks. They flew far away, only to get close to each other and start a battle of raw strength. A few kicks in the air and Laxus dodged them all. He retaliated with his lightning, but Jellal was faster than him and dodged his attacks with fast reflexes, sending his own magic beams to his enemy. They used the walls of the Kardia Cathedral as leverage to bolt into each other.
"Still running away, are you Jellal?" cackled Laxus, trying to provoke him to get closer. They both knew with the speed of Meteor, he could never catch up to him. He halted his movements when he felt another mage's presence in the building. In the direction of the doors, Levy leaned against the structure, exhausted.
She huffed as she tried catching her breath. "Laxus, you need to stop this, please! Master's on his deathbed, and Miss Porlyusica said he doesn't have much time left."
"The old man is dying? He's going to...die?"
Jellal plastered genuine concern on his face, while Laxus' face slightly lit up.
Levy nodded, "He collapsed in the guildhall. You should go see him, he's your grandfather. His health is at stake here."
"If he dies, then I'll be able to take over Fairy Tail. This isn't sad news, this is great for me!"
Jellal stood before him, clutching the remains of his dress shirt. "He's your grandfather! How can you disregard the person who raised you all these years?"
"You would never understand," growled Laxus. "You think he cares about you, Jellal. But you're nothing more than a tool. A tool for him, the Magic Council, and everyone here! People only admire you for your titles. Unlike me...I have worth as person. But you never were more than a weapon."
"I never needed their validity," Laxus didn't miss a chance at striking Jellal in the ribs. He tumbled behind until he regained his footing.
"That's a lie. If you didn't care, you wouldn't have earned all those honorary titles."
Jellal gestured to Levy to the exit of the cathedral. "Levy, take Natsu and leave!"
"But what about you?" she shouted back, scooping Natsu over her back, struggling to get out with him.
"I'll be fine," he reassured.
Jellal distanced himself immediately as Laxus held his hands out behind him, charging up an attack. "Lightning Dragon's Heavenward Halberd!"
Jellal dodged the attack with Meteor and appeared behind Laxus. "Heavenly Arrows!"
Laxus leapt back and planted his feet, keeping a distance from Jellal. He stumbled as a beam of magic struck him.
"Lightning Dragon Roar!"
The attack sent Jellal flying in the masses of lightning, stunning him until he landed on the floor roughly.
"I'm surprised you dodged my Heavenward spell, yet you didn't recognize my infamous Lightning Dragon Roar."
Jellal closed an eye as he stood up and gripped his arm. "A mistake on my part, I'd only heard rumours about you being a Dragon Slayer. You only used lightning during the S-Class Trials."
"Yeah? This is what happens when you finally face a powerful opponent, Jellal. There will always be someone stronger than you."
"Indeed, but you're not that opponent." Jellal jumped out of the way as Laxus used the opportunity to attack Jellal with lightning from above.
He held his palm out, focussing all his energy on his target. Jellal dodged any incoming attack from Laxus until the purple and the red markings around Laxus faded into a drab shade of purple. "What's happening to me?"
Jellal waited for spell's completion, while Laxus joined his hands together, barring his teeth at Jellal's lack of response. "I won't let you get away! Lightning Dragon's Jaw!"
"Meteor!" Jellal blitzed past Laxus and right hooked behind him, catching him off guard.
Using his Lightning Body, Laxus tried escaping the effects of the spell, noticing the massive magic circle that formed around his centre. Though it took some time to activate the spell, Laxus couldn't get away from it.
Jellal clarified, "This spell can destroy an entire mountain. Try all you want, it's nearly impossible to undo it, even I don't know the cancellation code."
"You don't know how to undo your own spell!?" Laxus' eyes widened in surprise before he yelled. Jellal closed his palm, causing the markings on Laxus to explode. He stepped back, noting the crater that formed in the centre of Kardia Cathedral. The soot resulting from the attack rained down. In the middle of all this, Laxus lay on the ground, his shirt completely torn and mouth hung open.
Jellal approached him soundlessly, and his knees buckled underneath, forcing him to kneel on the floor. "Can you finally call it off?"
Laxus hysterically guffawed at Jellal's assumption and slowly rose, feeling every muscle contract from the effects of the attack. "That was brutal. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to kill me."
Jellal had significantly decreased the size of it. Laxus was not wrong; the spell was able to blow up mountains, how could it not kill someone? Using it was a last-resort, trying to coerce him into calling off the battle.
"Just give up Laxus, this fight is pointless."
A golden sphere emanated in Laxus' palms, turning bigger by the second. "No! I will wipe Magnolia out with this one spell. I despise you Jellal, every person in the guild is my enemy. The worst part about Fairy Tail is you. All this time, you stole everything away from me! My pride, my rightful titles, everything! I won't allow you to live!"
"Jellal?" called out Levy from the doorway. Alongside her were Mirajane and Freed, frozen in place as Laxus cast Fairy Law. A bright light illuminated from Laxus as he finally regained his sense of touch.
"No, Laxus stop!" Mirajane pleaded, instantly recognizing his intentions.
It was too late. He engulfed everyone in Magnolia with the spell as everyone braced themselves for the attack. Levy reached out the Jellal. "All the others are injured from destroying the Thunder Palace, there's no way they're going to make it out alive!"
"Laxus!" Jellal ran to him, holding his arms in place as they wrestled with each other. Laxus violently tugged at the relentless force immobilizing him.
"Get away from me!" he kneed Jellal in the thigh and sent him crashing into a wall. "Prepare to meet your end. Fairy Law!"
Levy hung onto Mirajane, trying to shield her from the attack. Jellal saw Freed smile, shocking the Wizard Saint. Perhaps he was prepared to die?
Laxus wouldn't kill the Thunder Legion. Fairy Law would only work on the caster's enemies.
A moment passed, and everyone opened their eyes. They were all fine, like nothing happened.
Freed confronted his leader. "Fairy Law didn't work because deep down, you care about Fairy Tail. This spell unmasks your genuine feelings deep down."
Laxus stared down at his bruised knuckles and grit his teeth at the lackluster of his determination to kill his guild mates. "No! That's not true! You're lying."
He was about to strike down Freed, but Jellal rushed towards him, knocking his opponent off his feet. "Your fight is with me."
Laxus rose and put his fist into the air, where an enormous ball of lightning surrounded them. He started chanting, "Resounding through the air, the roar of thunder, plunge from the heavens, and reap destruction!"
Levy hid behind a pillar, shaking in fear. "I-it's so huge!"
Freed had seen Laxus unintentionally kill a few people with it. This time, his intention was to kill them all. "That spell...this is our end."
Jellal crossed his arms above him, gathering all the energy surrounding him. He opened up a black hole, making it as big as Laxus' spell.
Laxus swiped his arm downwards. "Raging Bolt!"
Just as Erza's Adamantine Armour worked, Jellal's black hole absorbed all the lightning within for a prolonged period. It only added to the crushing gravity of Altairis.
"Haha- haha hah! Did you really think you'd be able to dodge that attack? No person has ever countered it." When he delightfully gazed at Jellal to see his wretched state, he only saw the black hole disappearing into nothingness with a wave of Jellal's hand. He came out unscathed, angering the Dragon Slayer.
"I altered one of my spells so it acted as a black hole. Normally, Altairis has the power to take a person's life." Jellal explained.
"Impossible!"
"Your lightning only added to the strength of Altairis. I never anticipated black holes could absorb magic energy, but you've confirmed my suspicions."
Laxus clenched his jaw and tensed at Jellal's placidity. "Are you mocking me?"
"Of course not, quite the contrary; I'm impressed that you've held out for so long. Those wounds aren't working in your favour, yet you're still standing."
"You won't survive for long. I still have a few tricks up my sleeve." Laxus pulled back his arm and catapulted it towards the Wizard Saint. "Lightning Dragon Breakdown Fist!"
Jellal produced a flame in his arm and did the same, setting course for Laxus. "Flame of Rebuke!"
Jellal failed to realize Laxus' spell was a similar version of Makarov's Giant magic. He extended his enlarged hand and knocked the Wizard Saint out. Jellal's flames stung Laxus in succession, causing him to recoil after punching the councilman. He studied the redness of his fist, before flickering his eyes back to the Wizard Saint.
Jellal remained motionless, startling Levy and Mirajane.
"Jellal, get up!" Mirajane's hoarse call didn't go unnoticed by Laxus. The menacing glare he threw at her sent chills down her spine.
Laxus emerged from the attack, unscathed besides his burnt hand. "Face it, Jellal. I am stronger than you, and I will win."
He made his way towards Jellal, ready to kill him with a final blow. He stomped one foot on Jellal. The Wizard Saint weakly caught the leg with his hands, grip loosening as time went by.
Levy panicked and used two fingers to attack Laxus. "Solid Script: Thunder!"
Unbeknownst to Levy, she had fed the beast what he wanted. Laxus absorbed the attack and maniacally cackled. His victorious laughter was cut off when Jellal propelled into Laxus, standing up with a grin of his own.
Confused, Laxus accosted him. "What's so funny?"
"Although you may be stronger, strength will not determine your victory. It's all a matter of calculations and strategy." Jellal paused, proving his point as he pointed to Laxus' physique, where another set of markings slithered on Laxus.
His eyes almost fell out of their sockets. "...what is this?"
"Well," Jellal started, "while you were activating Fairy Law, our little spar gave me an opportunity to slip Bind Snake into you."
"That's playing dirty!"
"Is it now? I had to find some way to restrain you, or else you'd move around too fast." He motioned to the others. "Stand back."
Mirajane weakly slumped against the outdoor pillars of the Kardia Cathedral with Levy. Freed stumbled backwards, eyes locked on the two mages.
Jellal hurried to the top of the cathedral, casting one of his grand spells without any interruptions. The seven seals appeared in the shape of the Big Dipper. "May the Seven Stars bring judgement upon you: Grand Chariot!"
The destructive force struck Kardia Cathedral, leaving no trace of it. Mirajane and Levy fell back from the impact, while Freed hung on to the remains of the once sumptuous front of the Kardia Cathedral. The rumbling of the cathedral had not gone unnoticed by the townspeople. They all evacuated their homes in fear of an earthquake. The decorations inside the cathedral flew across the town, with Laxus in the centre. Now there were multiple craters on the ground, and nobody could recognize the lavish establishment. Jellal stilled when he saw Laxus, bruised and bloody from the attacks.
"You really are a persistent one," uttered Jellal, approaching him.
Laxus closed his eyes, trying to feel anything but his numerous broken bones. "You were trying to kill me, weren't you? I won't take back what I said; you're a tool bound to everything. Your only purpose is the serve the Magic Council."
Jellal didn't know where he found the strength to grab Laxus, but he captured the Fairy Tail mages' attention. "I am not a tool for the Magic Council. Let's get one thing clear, I couldn't care less about what everyone else thinks, I have my reasons for being on the Magic Council."
Laxus suddenly reminded him of Jose, and the thought made his blood boil.
With a weak smirk, Laxus set himself back on the floor, while Jellal remained on his feet. "That's the first time I've seen you angry. Who knew you had it in you to get so emotional?"
Jellal didn't mask his exasperation. "If you're asking for another Grand Chariot, I won't hesitate to give you one."
"Sounds painful."
"And it should."
The spectators ran to the two mages, who required medical attention immediately.
"Is everyone else fine?" asked Jellal, on the verge of collapsing.
"They're okay," replied Levy. "Erza went overboard, she destroyed two hundred of the lacrimas!"
Jellal felt relieved. "I'm not surprised, she is a powerful wizard."
"So," Mirajane pointed out, "does this mean you're officially the strongest person in the guild?"
"I wouldn't count on it, I'm as worn out as he is. Besides, I don't stand a chance against Gildarts."
Levy hummed, "Nah, you're just being humble, Jellal."
His protest was cut short when another voice boomed across the street and into the ruinous scene.
"Jellal! Meow!" Millianna ran into the cathedral, dragging Gajeel with her. Sho and Wally followed behind her.
Gajeel condemned her actions. "Put me down Cat Girl! Gah!" Millianna flung him into the uneven ruins, who bumped into Levy. The short mage felt the weight of Gajeel on her as she struggled to breathe.
"Good to see you well, Jellal." Millianna chirped. To any normal human being, Jellal would look anything but well in his current condition. His coat was torn and ragged, and the buttons had come undone.
"Where were you?"
Wally pointed his gun to Gajeel. "This guy right here was getting ambushed by the Naked Mummy guild. Apparently they're terrified of you, so we used that to our advantage."
Jellal cocked an eyebrow. "How so?"
Sho facepalmed, "I don't think you want to know."
"Team Jellal is scary! Meow!"
"At least it's a better name than the Kitty Division!" he emphasized.
Jellal laughed, surprising everyone. His friends circled around him as he spoke. "It's finally over, right?"
Everyone gave some gesture for approval, and then he finally took a seat on the ground in content.
"You must've been hit too many times. You've grown softer these days, Jellal." Wally pointed out.
Jellal closed his eyes. "If that's the case, I don't think it's necessarily good."
"It is," defended Mirajane, "you're finally opening up to us. And now you're not the councilman or Wizard Saint we once saw you as. You're just Jellal."
He took the words into consideration and felt the need to hear them once more. It was one thing for Erza to treat him like a normal person, but the others finally saw things in her light.
Everyone hastily paced around the guildhall, starting preparations for the Fantasia Parade. Millianna accompanied Erza to speak with the townspeople about the destruction, while Jellal and Mirajane followed Makarov to the guild's archives. He immersed himself in the guildhall books, tossing a few to the younger mages without looking back at them. Mirajane expertly caught them by running around the sliding her hand underneath the incoming books. Jellal effortlessly dodged them, grabbing books simultaneously.
Mirajane asked, "Is there a reason we're here? Surely this has nothing to do with the Harvest Festival."
The guild master grunted, placing a hand under his chin before whipping his head towards the two. "So, what's your opinion on my decision to expel Laxus from the guild?"
Mirajane set the books aside, running a hand down the front cover before sighing. "In the end, he was still a victim. But you did the right thing."
"And you?"
Jellal shifted uncomfortably, "I agree with Mirajane. Laxus was never a terrible person. He just...had a change of heart."
"Something bothering you, kid?" asked Makarov.
He didn't want to remember Laxus' words, but everything came back along with Jose. He would dismiss it as nonsense if it didn't affect him. Jose's words struck him to the core, and Laxus reiterated what his former enemy said countless times. "No, everything's fine."
"He visited me in the infirmary and apologized. It...it was a hard decision, I must admit. Now I'm thinking of giving over the title of guild master. I'm not worthy of it."
"Master, don't say that!" objected Mirajane.
Jellal nodded, "Laxus' actions had nothing to do with you. So don't blame yourself. Ultimately, he turned against Fairy Tail. None of this is your fault."
Makarov remained silent, internally debating his decision. Jellal knew his words didn't convince him, but tried regardless.
Mirajane rummaged through a book and pulled out a map of Magnolia, waving it in the air. "I've got the map, we'll be able to reroute the parade away from the damage!"
Makarov clasped his hands together behind his back, nodding. "That's very good, be sure to inform Erza as well."
Mirajane nodded approvingly and paced up the stairs, leaving the two Wizard Saints alone.
Finally, the guild master made eye contact with him after a long moment of awkward silence. Jellal didn't know how to react in front of a man who knew his purpose for joining the Magic Council. Makarov pointed to a ladder and a bookshelf. "Ah, Jellal. I need that book over there. The one with the red cover. Can you get it for me?"
"Of course." Jellal used his Telekinesis to bring it down. There were countless books with the same description. He grabbed one and handed it to Makarov.
To his surprise, the old man shook his head. "No, no, the one beside it—er, to your right!"
The moment Jellal looked up to locate the other text, Makarov enlarged his fist and pummeled it into Jellal's gut. He fell onto the floor, feeling an item in his pocket roll beside him and flick open. It revealed the velvet texture of the box inside with the light reflecting the shiny diamond in the middle. The guild master presumed correct; there was something Jellal pocketed for a while and he hadn't attempted to show anyone.
The blue-haired mage quickly snatched the box from the ground and clutched it in his hand tightly.
"Who's it for?"
Jellal stood up, brushing the dust off his coat. "Makarov, my old wounds might open up again. That was inconsiderate."
Makarov could see beyond his weak grin and into the sorrow. "No, it's a silly question; I know who it's for. So, why haven't you said anything to her yet?"
"That's an awfully nosy question. I thought you'd know better than to pry in my personal affairs."
Hopeless, that was the only way Jellal could describe him and all the guild members. Thankfully, Mirajane left at the right time and wasn't around to snoop for some breaking news. Makarov's happy-go-lucky spirit faded away as he contemplated the younger mage's concern. Jellal gracefully placed his hands in his pocket and waited for a word, anything, so he could be dismissed.
"You're insufferable, Jellal. I didn't think you'd hesitate to give Erza a ring. So, you were going to propose?"
A lopsided smile followed Makarov's statement.
"It was meant to be a promise ring..." In Fiore, there had been a common tradition that before officially proposing, a mage would give a promise ring, with magic inside to bind the two people. Jellal had never known about the tradition until recently, when he overheard the amphibians of the Magic Council engaging in their usual talk about Sorcerer Weekly.
Jellal bit the inside of his cheek to prevent himself from retorting. "If you think this is about me being shy, you're clearly mistaken."
"It seems I am. Lately, anything you do is questionable to me. You haven't been yourself these past few weeks. Did something happen at the Magic Council?"
"You should know by now that I've gotten used to the council's antics. Nothing they do could ever bother me."
Thinking about the only other option, he asked, "Is this about Jose? He must have said something about Erza, you've been distancing yourself from her lately."
"No," Jellal lied. It was perhaps the only time he ever got away with lying to the guild master. "...Makarov, what am I to you?"
The guild master crossed his arms, chuckling at the random question. "Don't tell me you're doubting your worth. Although you may be my equal in the eyes of Ishgar, you're still my child."
"I'm sure you don't tell your other children to infiltrate the Magic Council for information, with the exception of Mest. Though, he's never in Fairy Tail anymore. What happened to him?"
"You're quite chatty today, Jellal." Makarov stated, avoiding his question. "If your appearance on the Magic Council interferes with your pursuit for Erza, you're more than welcome to quit."
Jellal sighed, "Who said this had to do anything with her?"
"Because you're predictable when it comes to her."
"It's too late."
The geezer snorted, "Too late? You're still young, nobody will say a thing. In fact, being on the council makes your motives more questionable to the public eye."
"Do you really think I care about what they say?"
"What are you on about this time?"
"..."
"You seem to enjoy giving me the silent treatment."
Jellal was losing his every nerve. He kept his hands fisted in his pockets. "The more I think about it, it's not possible to be together with Erza."
"So this is what it's about? Then how come you have that ring? Surely you didn't buy it a long time ago. Seems new to me."
Nothing.
"Jellal." He reproached.
No response.
Makarov pressed on the question. "If you believe endangering Erza is the case, then why did you get it?"
"...it's because my thoughts differed before the war with Phantom Lord. I thought I could have a future with her. I was planning on presenting the ring at the Harvest Festival today, had the war not happened. But after what Jose did, I can't risk it. It's just like he said...I'm a tool for the Magic Council."
"That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard! And you're just going to listen to your enemy?"
"It's true. I would serve no purpose in Fairy Tail if I hadn't secured a position on the council." Makarov's face fell at the conscious idea of Jellal being a weapon for Fairy Tail. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed to be the case.
"And you won't say anything to Erza because of that?"
He desperately wanted to forget it all, the pain, the memories, the reason he couldn't be with Erza. "No, I don't care about what the others say, I never have."
"Then?"
Nothing could comfort his strayed thoughts, haunting him every single day.
Makarov was at a loss for words, only Jellal had the power to make him lose his self-control. "Speak! If you need to talk to someone, at least tell me. I raised you, so how could you hide anything from me?"
Finally, Jellal looked up from anything but the floor, his expression unreadable. Behind his poker face, he had so many emotions raging beneath the surface. He gazed at the ceiling, chin tilted upwards. "Even if their words don't bother me, Jose is right."
"That man didn't know any better than you."
"He did, which is how Erza was kept captive during the war. The key to hurting someone is by taking the things they hold dear. I'm afraid if any threat finds out about my feelings, her life would be endangered because of me." Just thinking about his battle with Jose made him snap.
"I see, so you love her? Who knew you had it in you to have feelings for someone. Oh, the wonders of love."
Jellal tensed at the memory, hating himself for being so conspicuous in front of his enemy. Jose knew, and he already attempted to take the most precious thing from his life. The idea of Erza almost dying at Jose's mercy frightened Jellal.
No words could change the truth of the statement, and what an ugly truth it was. "So you're doing this for her own good?"
Jellal stepped away from him, making his way up the stairs. He had no response, knowing that everything coming out of his mouth revealed his true feelings—feelings he didn't want anyone to know about. "I need to help prepare for the Harvest Festival. If you need me, feel free to fetch me."
Makarov instantly blurted out, "You know, Erza feels the same way. She's made it obvious ever since she joined Fairy Tail."
He knew. Erza's efforts to hide her love for him hadn't gone unnoticed by the guild. Erza feeling the same way made Jellal's heart beat faster, he felt earth shatteringly happy. But what use was it to waste such emotions on someone who could never reciprocate her feelings?
A sad smile appeared on Jellal's face when he slowly faced Makarov. "I was never oblivious to Erza's feelings." With that, he left the guild master alone, dwelling in his own thoughts.
Gajeel interrupted his train of thoughts by surprising him from behind, startling the Wizard Saint. Jellal let his guard down and took a seat on the bench. "Gajeel, I didn't expect you to be here."
"Yeah? It's not like I'm taking part in that stupid parade. Shrimp tried convincing me, though."
Jellal looked at him bemusedly, "Ah, Levy? You seem to have grown closer to her. If I'm not mistaken, she was the first person to forgive you."
"Shut up! When will the guild stop teasing me for that?"
"Get used to it, you're now part of Fairy Tail."
"Against my will; you practically forced me!"
A smirk crept onto Jellal's face. "You can't say that's the worst thing that's happened."
"It's not exactly the best, either. This guild is full of sappy people."
"Better to be sappy than go pummeling your fellow members with iron, right?"
Gajeel looked away in shame. "You council members don't let up, do you?"
Jellal returned his look with as much seriousness, all jokes aside. "The Magic Council is an unforgiving bunch, I'll give you that."
"You talkin' from experience?"
Unforgiving in the sense that Jellal was bound to everything the council thought was important. "Yes, I am."
"Listen Jelly, I have to say-" the shove to the ground followed by Jellal's magic interrupted him. "HEY! What was that for?"
Jellal rubbed his temples. "For giving me such a horrendous nickname. Millianna's been calling me that ever since the battle ended."
"If you think I'm going to apologize, you're wrong." As if he remembered something, he shuffled away from Jellal and out of the guildhall. "Later!"
From the corner of his vision, Jellal could see Erza on the other side of the guildhall, ready for the Fantasia Parade in her overflowing white and red armoured dress. She twirled around it as Laki adjusted a few straps around her waist to secure the abundant fabric. The guildhall was empty, as everyone else had gone on to do their hair and get their costumes ready. He approached her, feeling apprehensive about everything Makarov discussed. It didn't help that he could feel the small box in the pocket of his coat.
"Hey," Erza softly greeted. "Aren't you going to get ready for the parade?"
"I'm too injured to take part in it," he admitted, trying hard not to sigh. Jellal knew the kids would be disappointed. They always loved the last show of the night, where the Man of the Stars appeared once a year.
"I understand. These bandages are ruining the shape of my dress." She huffed out.
"Regardless, you look lovely."
He registered the blush on her face, despite her attempts to conceal it. "W-well, you always wear extravagant coats on a daily basis, so you already look great for the Fantasia Parade."
"I'll gladly take the praise." He looked at her amusingly, making Erza's heart beat faster. She thought she was going to die from embarrassment.
Laki tried moving her to the left but failed to tug at the dress properly. "Erza, you're stiff right now."
"Sorry, I got carried away..." she glanced at Jellal yet again. "If you're not taking part in the parade, then neither am I."
Her declaration seemingly caught him off guard. "Erza, everyone's expecting you there."
"Don't tell me the children haven't been waiting on you. It's been a year, and they haven't forgotten."
The corner of his lips tugged into something sly. "Maybe I'll do something for them."
"It's worth considering. Only this year, you'll finally reveal yourself."
"Not a chance. Imagine the chaos that will ensue if they find out a councillor is behind the scenes."
The guildhall doors burst open to reveal a young mage and two older men standing by the door.
"JELLAL!" hollered Romeo, entering the guildhall with Macao and Wakaba. The younger boy ran in with a plastic Katana, sliding it against Jellal's ribs.
"Easy Romeo," he picked him off the ground by his shirt, causing the younger boy to groan in frustration as he struggled in the mage's grip, kicking and shoving against his frame. Romeo pouted when Jellal manhandled him easily.
Macao scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, placing his other hand on Jellal's shoulder. "Jellal, I was wondering if you could take care of Romeo tonight. Wakaba and I have some sightseeing to do this evening, and I heard from Master that you weren't participating in the Fantasia Parade tonight."
Jellal stopped himself from lashing out at the older male for setting a poor example for Romeo. Instead, he complied. "Of course, you don't need to worry."
"I knew I could count on you, my boy! Let's go then, shall we?" they strolled out the guildhall, feeling relieved that Romeo was in the hands of a far greater person than a petty excuse for a father.
"Alright Romeo, where do you want to start?"
"I want to meet the Man of the Stars tonight." He said, taking Jellal's hand in his.
Erza coughed, proving her point to the Wizard Saint. He couldn't help but feel guilt-ridden about not making an appearance.
"I'm coming with you two, and that's final." Erza affirmed, placing his hands on her hips.
"Makarov won't be happy."
"Master gave me the choice to act as a chaperone for the kids, but I chose the parade. Surely he won't mind if I switch to my alternate role."
"He will if you're changing it on your own accord."
She reached out to brush strands of Romeo's bangs out of his face. "I want to enjoy this festival to the fullest. Please?"
He gave up. "You win."
"Let's make the most of this event!" Erza led them outside the guildhall where the streets were full of decorated lanterns and stalls. Everyone from around Fiore came to celebrate the Harvest Festival, originally a Magnolian tradition. Everyone murmured from afar as Jellal and Erza roamed around the town, looking for places to visit. It wasn't uncommon for people to sneak a picture of either of them, but Jellal had grown irritated—especially since it had drawn the attention of the paparazzi.
"It's the Fairy Queen!" the children laughed, pulling at her layers of rich golden, red, and white.
Romeo let go of Jellal's hand, tugging at his fancy coat. "Can you carry me?"
Jellal watched him quizzically as he attempted to climb on the older mage. "Is something wrong?"
Embarrassingly, he crossed his arms and looked away. "I want to see everything from a higher view. It's not fair, I'm so short!"
His little tantrum reminded Jellal of younger Natsu, who had the same habits as Romeo.
"Well, if that's what you want then..." Jellal lifted him up and secured Romeo's legs by his shoulders, supporting him by the boy's waist
"Wow, I'm so high! Look Erza!"
"The stars must look brighter up there. It'll be even better when the Man of the Stars visits us tonight."
"Yay!" the children yelled in unison.
It wasn't exactly a scowl, but Jellal didn't look jovial about it. It's not like he couldn't use magic. Rather, the battle with Laxus and taking down Thunder Palace tired him out.
"I want food!" exclaimed the younger boy, kicking his legs while Jellal searched for a food stall. Erza found one for funnel cakes.
Jellal narrowed his eyes at her, "I should've suspected you would find a funnel cake stand of all places."
She returned his impassive countenance with a cheeky grin. "You can't blame me. I wasn't joking when I said I'd make the most of tonight."
"That's expected of you." Jellal responded just as smugly, before remembering something out of the blue. "But isn't the Fantasia Parade starting soon?"
Erza looked over his shoulder and gasped, watching everyone file into lines as the Fairy Tail wizards passed by. "Jellal, it's already started!"
"I want my dinner!" demanded Romeo.
Jellal prodded the boy's nose teasingly. "It can wait, Romeo. Besides, you're not going to miss out on your father's performance, will you?"
"Daddy's performing?" he asked hopefully. The boy tugged at Jellal's hair. "We need to watch!"
They arrived earlier than Macao's appearance. Jellal also found Wally, Millianna, and Sho in the crowds of people watching the parade. Mirajane's appearance set off many of her fans yet again when she transformed into an enormous lizard. Her fans had gone haywire over the lack of Mirajane in the Fantasia Parade. But what surprised people more was that Erza didn't take part of it.
"There he is!"
Romeo felt proud to see Macao's magic rise into the air and dance around Wakaba and Cana. He had felt less confident about himself ever since his friends at school made fun of him for his underachieving father. But now, he would prove his point and be smug about it.
The last person in the parade was Natsu, who was shooting fireworks in the sky from his fingers due to being heavily bandaged. Happy flew around him as Natsu marched unsteadily, groaning at the confined gauze.
"That's your cue," Erza motioned to the sky.
Jellal didn't argue about it anymore, knowing that he could give the children a brief show that fascinated them every time.
He asked Romeo, "Do you want to see something interesting?"
Romeo beamed. "Is it better than seeing the Man of the Stars?"
"Even better," he promised, before making eye contact with Erza. "Since you didn't participate in the Fantasia Parade, do you want to lend a hand?"
"I'd love to."
Jellal gently set Romeo off his shoulders and into his arms, before racing to the sky with Meteor.
The boy came to a realization, staring at Jellal's tattoo in fascination. "You're the Man of the Stars?"
He screamed in delight as he felt the wind breeze through his hair. He never imagined he could touch the stars at such a young age. This is the freedom Jellal loved, the things he dreamt as a kid with his childhood friends.
"Between you and me, this is a secret."
From below, Erza stood on a roof and summoned her most beautiful blades, complimenting the stars and celestial magic. She sent them circling around what the children thought was a shooting star.
But shooting stars didn't purposely make constellations. The children gestured at Jellal. "Look, it's the Man of the Stars!"
Jellal created Grand Chariot, forming the famous constellation which never ceased to amaze anyone. They never saw one so big and defined.
But today, Jellal stopped in front of it, holding out Romeo as all the kids erupted into chaos. Nobody could tell it was Jellal from such a wide-ranging distance unless a person had a telescope on them. He would rather keep his identity concealed for the sanity of the already aggressive mobs of people.
Jellal held a hand out and brought the stars closer to Grand Chariot, illuminating it in the sky.
"The Man of the Stars is a human! He's not a moon...or...or a star!"
"He's holding a child, too."
"Please take me to the sky, Man of the Stars!"
Natsu glimpsed at Erza and sent his fireworks to the sky. On cue, Gray and Juvia followed with their magic, creating snowflakes around the spectacle.
From above, Jellal could also see Laxus heading out of Magnolia. They both locked eyes and smiled at one another. But the most beaming smile came from Erza, who enjoyed the start of the night.
Even if Jellal vowed they could never be with each other, he would cherish her from the distance.
He promised. Though the celestial bodies shone brilliantly, they were each other's brightest stars.
A quick blurb about what's stopping Jellal from confessing to Erza. If you're unsure how she would be a target for Jellal's enemies, take the Tartaros arc for example. Erza was specifically imprisoned because Tartaros needed to find Jellal, and Kyouka was aware of their history. And this was still seven years after Jellal was defected from the council. A few chapters ago, Jose was close to killing Erza because he found out Jellal loved her. Being on the Magic Council comes with a price, which is the central theme of this fanfic.