GNTR96: You are most certainly right, things aren't very canon from here on out. My intention isn't to rewrite Fairy Tail with only Jellal. I wanted to add some interesting elements. Thank you for your review!
And Amliha you crack me up! I cannot stop laughing about the comment you made about Jellal and Erza. Let's hope they use birth control if they decide to do anything in the future, haha.
Without further ado, let's dig a little deeper into the angst. Warning for a graphic description of character death.
Façade
Chapter 22: Premonitions
Jellal knew there was still something left to save in Edolas, even if he had never been to this foreign world.
And that was Simon and Millianna, who heaved heavy sobs as they cried for each other.
There had been nothing else left to do except to escape with the victims of the execution.
Jellal used Meteor and raced past the crowd, using his Heavenly Arrows to detach the chain, causing a loud explosion. The attack sent the guards flying, and before they recovered their footing, Jellal grabbed Simon and Millianna, speeding into the smallest corners of town for a good few minutes. He set them down in a narrow alleyway, where nobody resided nor dare visit.
Edolas Millianna had not stopped sobbing, and Simon remained in his trance.
Not once had he taken his eyes off the opposing wall. Jellal carefully used his elemental magic to dematerialize the chain on his neck. Wordlessly, he pulled away and waited for a moment of normality, where neither of them would contemplate the execution moments ago.
"Is there anything else I can do to help you?" Jellal asked gently.
Simon took his eyes off the bricked wall and shook his head, crouching. "...you use magic too?"
Too. It meant they both possessed magic items illegally. "I do. Please, I ask that you keep it a secret. What the guards did to you was unforgivable."
"I do not entirely trust you," Edolas Simon materialized a spear and pointed it at Jellal. "How do I know you're not working with the kingdom? This could be a trap, for all we know."
Edolas Millianna weakly grasped the weapon, setting it down. "Simon, he just saved us. How could assume such an awful thing? He put his life on the line to save us."
Jellal considered his reasoning selfish. If it were anyone else, he might have not been as affected by the execution. But these people resembled the faces of those who suffered in their lifetime.
"You both remind me of people I know, perhaps that's why I helped you. Regardless, the monarchy should not decide who dies and lives."
Millianna wept and clutched Jellal's coat. "Thank you. Thank you for saving us." She whispered shakily. "I will never forget your heroic deed."
Jellal knew nothing about his deed was heroic. He had done it because of his relationship to Simon and Millianna in Earth Land. It made him contemplate if he would take the risk if his enemies were being executed.
Edolas and their false sense of justice.
Simon nodded in agreement, "I appreciate it, thank you. If there's anything I can do to repay you, I'll be more than happy to help."
A long moment of silence followed as Jellal thought long about his mission. "There is one thing. I need to find a way into the capital and attract King Faust's attention. There's a quarrel I have yet to settle with him."
"If you want the king's attention, try doing something that will get you executed." Edolas Simon stated, referring to the event moments ago.
Jellal sighed, "I suppose I can't do anything else but break the law."
"I would suggest not capturing their attention. King Faust is a powerful person and going against him will be the last thing you do."
"I see. It's best if we all stay out of his sight, and the townspeople. The king may put out rewards for finding you both."
"You be cautious as well. They stationed everywhere guards."
"Right, thank you." Jellal pulled the hood of his coat over his head and took his leave, continuing his journey to find a place to stay for the night.
Checking back on the area where Edolas Simon was to be killed, the guards had interrogated citizens who had been passing by. The monarchy had notified everyone about it, and not once did any street Jellal turn into was unguarded. They suspected anything and anyone, demanding a statement from anyone that seemed suspicious.
Jellal had noticed an unfamiliar creature reminiscent of a dragon soar throughout the capital. There had been three, and one landed in the town he was currently exploring.
He had not expected to encounter the Edolas Erza so quickly—or at all. There was something off about her demeanour. She didn't exhibit any kindness, but she gave off a powerful presence, one comparable to Earth Land Erza's.
Jellal noticed people had walked in the opposite direction to avoid encountering her. Judging by the nervous glances, he concluded this Erza was a part of the kingdom.
He needed to find an alibi for the execution, and fast. Pacing away from the guards, he found a decent hotel with a friendly old hag running it. Deciding to spend the night there, he handed her the amount of jewels. Seven thousand for a night, which was decent considering Fiore's hotels were averaging ten thousand.
"Sir, this is not a currency in the Royal Capital," the woman said, handing the bills back to him. "In fact, we only have one currency around all of Edolas."
That was a problem, Jellal realized. Without having a place to stay for the night, he was prey to the guards and anyone siding with the monarchy.
"My mistake," he tucked the money in his pockets and took his leave. The woman looked like she wanted to say something before he left, but immediately dismissed it.
Outside again, he decided to find Simon and Millianna for a place to stay. Using Meteor, he flew across the streets, in search of the wanted traitors to the royal family.
A little girl had tugged on her mother's coat and pointed at Jellal. "Mommy, mommy! That man was just a star!"
The mother turned to Jellal and raised an eyebrow quizzically. He simply smiled at the child. "What a creative mind you have."
He hadn't meant to make the girl sound like a lunatic, but that's what the mother thought of her daughter.
"I saw him! Liar, liar! You were a star! You were shiny and golden and so fast!" the pink-haired girl cried.
"Meredy, let's go," the mother apologetically led her daughter through the crowded streets, not before looking back at Jellal hesitantly. She knew he used magic, but she was not about to tell anyone.
Edolas Ultear, Jellal realized. With a little girl named Meredy.
A premonition, perhaps? He did not know and was not waiting to find out. Before anyone else could witness him using Meteor, Jellal escaped the town, searching for the alley he left Millianna and Simon in. He found them still debating over their next move.
"We can't go back, they know we're still alive!" Millianna argued.
Simon sighed, "I know, Millianna. But what choice do we have? I was better off dead, that man should have never saved me."
Upon this, Jellal seemed hurt. Someone would have rather died because he complicated their situation. He approached them, saying, "I truly apologize for the compromised situation." Jellal spoke up, startling the two. "But I would regret letting you die, especially since you never deserved it."
"You came back..." Millianna seemed almost relieved.
"I have a favour to ask of you...if it's not a burden. Would I be able to have a place to stay for the night? I don't have money on me, so I can't get a hotel."
In Earth Land, money had only posed a problem for him when he first came to Fairy Tail. Jellal carefully accounted for his savings since being escaping the Tower of Heaven.
Even when he and his friends initially stayed at Fairy Tail overnight because they had no place to sleep, Jellal would always slip out and complete a job to ensure they could afford their next meal.
He had sunk back into the same position for the time being.
Millianna and Simon exchanged looks, "That's the least we could do. Though, I find it hard to imagine you've hit rock bottom, especially since you look so wealthy."
Jellal pulled out a bill and handed it over to them. "The currency here is different. I'm actually from another universe."
"Wow, really?" Millianna beamed, staring at the bill Jellal handed her. "Jewels? Never heard of it. You really are from another universe! There's only one kind of currency in Edolas. It's because you're a mage, right?"
Jellal never imagined they would believe her, especially since the idea seemed farfetched. "Yes."
Simon nodded, understanding the severity of his circumstances. "It's alright, you can stay with us."
"I appreciate it." Jellal followed them as they cloaked themselves from the public, turning corners to avoid anyone's eye. Word travelled fast about criminals, since the kingdom deemed anyone as innocent or guilty.
Now, even their friends, neighbours, and loved ones would become enemies.
They were in a residential area now, with Simon leading them to a side door of a building. The front foyer could only fit two people, and from there, a staircase leading to a basement.
"Have you always been hiding from the government?" Jellal inquired.
"Because we use magic, we're forced to hide our items. Which is why this basement became our hideout."
The place was not the nicest thing Jellal laid eyes upon, but that was to be expected of people hiding from the law.
"Have you registered yourselves as citizens?"
"We have alibis," Simon explained, knocking on a door to reveal an Edolas Wally with a much different appearance. For one, he was not a blockhead and looked much like his younger self. He spoke more eloquently compared to the Wally Jellal was familiar with, having a tendency to use slang. "I'm called Dalias the Bartender."
"It seems the capital has a watchful eye on their citizens."
"Definitely," Edolas Wally nodded, albeit shyly.
"We were about to die because of your idea, Erza!" Natsu practically hollered as he emerged from the river, coughing out a mouthful of water. "And your armour, just look at it!"
Erza picked at the seaweed decorating her breastplate and shook herself dry. Mirajane's dress clung to her figure. Beneath her jacket, she had been shivering because of the damp material.
And Natsu couldn't begin to describe the atrocity that had befallen him. He initially had a fish in his mouth, and the Dragon Slayer had half a mind of swallowing it whole, hungry from their antics.
"No complaining, we're fine," Erza breathed. People passing by them suspiciously cast glances, wanting to make sure if they were alright after they fell from who-knows-where. "Now, we have to figure out where we are."
"Nowhere near Jellal," confirmed Natsu, unable to sniff him.
"I wouldn't go with your interrogation method to get that answer," Mirajane spoke, knowing Erza would only draw attention. Mirajane would argue that it was rather counter-productive.
"Stand up, Natsu. Let's get going."
He crawled on the grass surrounding the river, coughing up some more water before dropping headfirst into the ground. "Gimme a break!"
What horrified the two females was the sight of him swallowing a fish whole, before choking on it.
"There are bones within a fish, idiot!" Erza clapped her hand behind his back, forcing him to gag the living fish out.
"Thanks," he breathed almost hysterically.
Erza offered a small smile before continuing into the urban area of the town. The structure was nothing reminiscent of Fiore, and many guards were governing the town.
It was unlike anything they'd seen, allowing them to conclude that the monarchy had eyes and ears everywhere.
"Hey Erza," Natsu called out, surveying the area. "Not sure if it's just me, but many people are watching you."
Erza abruptly stopped, causing Natsu to bump into her. "You're right...there's more to our sudden appearance."
"Captain Knightwalker!"
Noticing many armed men making their way towards the group, Mirajane whispered, "They're approaching us. Let's keep walking."
"Captain!"
"They're assuming one of us is a captain of some sort. We should hear them out." Erza suggested, facing them.
"It probably has something to do with our counterparts," Mirajane suggested, causing Natsu to nod in agreement.
The leader of the unit stepped forth and kneeled in front of Erza, who stared at him with narrowed eyes. "What brings Captain Erza Knightwalker to the other side of Edolas?" he asked politely.
Ah, so they were a continent away from their designated location, and this Edolas Erza served the kingdom.
Bingo.
"My visit happened to be on a whim. I'm simply surveying the area, that's all." Provided it was a job for someone of her counterpart's caliber.
Without further questions, he added, "Then might we humbly accommodate your needs here after such a tiring journey?"
"Thank you, but we must get going back to the capital. I would appreciate it, however, if you could arrange the fastest route."
Backing away, he nodded stupidly and ordered the guards to arrange an airship for the departure. Mirajane gulped, "Erza, we're leaving too soon. We don't have enough information about this place. And what if they find out you're not this Erza Knightwalker?"
"Well, I suppose we'll have to abandon the airship." She responded with humour.
"There is nothing funny about our situation. Jellal's life is at stake, assuming he's at the palace impersonating Mystogan."
"I'm serious, Mira. And this is exactly why I'm getting them to arrange a trip for us. Maybe we'll find answers along the way."
Natsu raised an eyebrow, "Who knew the Erza in Edolas could be as terrifying as the Earth Land version? It'd be nice to see a change."
Erza growled, "What did you say!?"
"Nothing at all!" he squeaked, before slowly transitioning into sniffing the area. "Hey, I smell Wendy."
"The Edolas version?"
"No, no, our Wendy. And ya can't doubt me if I'm smellin' Carla and Happy too!"
Running off before Erza could apprehend him by the scarf, the two S-Class mages sighed at his incompetency. What was to be perceived as malicious officials now seemed like a rowdy bunch to the guards.
Soon enough, before the guards brought out the airship, Natsu proudly heaved two mages over his shoulders with a wide grin. "Got 'em!"
Accompanying them, Happy flew around Natsu in tears, afraid of being separated from him.
"Not a moment too late," Erza mused. "Now get in the ship." She pointed at the inflated contraption blocking the pathway. Many citizens shrunk away from the guards, and upon seeing Erza, they instantly bowed their heads. She sighed in contempt; the monarchy thrived in fear. The few who dared oppose them would face consequences.
"We can't go back without helping the townspeople," Natsu raised his voice as he stepped foot into their compartment. The guards seemed like they wanted to question Natsu, Mirajane, and Wendy's appearance, but said nothing.
Mirajane took a seat inside, where the attendants inside offered refreshments. The treatment was incredulously deceiving. "I know, Natsu...I'm not sure it's possible."
Wendy questioningly gazed at them. "I hadn't expected to find Natsu here, or all of you, for that matter. Did anyone else encounter Jellal?"
Erza answered, "You must be talking about Mystogan. I suppose he was your childhood friend, right?"
Wendy's head tilted downwards, implying Erza guessed correctly. "I feel silly for crying to the Earth Land Jellal when I first met him. He didn't know what I spoke of, yet I blamed him for everything."
Mirajane patted the young girl's shoulder. "Don't stress about it, Wendy. I'm sure Jellal found out about your past with Mystogan."
"I hope so," she spoke nervously, earning a hmph from Carla. Happy had uncharacteristically complimented Carla on her ability to navigate them towards Natsu.
Although, that was solely thanks to Wendy's nose.
"I don't understand how we all survived that hole in the sky," Carla precariously mentioned, stirring interest within the mages.
Erza sighed, "Neither do I, but it's good we have more people. Our chances of saving the others increase." Noticing their discomfort, Erza turned to the recent additions to the guild. "I'm sorry, Wendy and Carla. You both recently joined Fairy Tail, and we got caught up in this mess. I hadn't meant for any of this to happen."
"A very unpleasant first day," Carla added, seemingly unhappy with their current situation.
Wendy politely waved it off, "It's fine! I don't mind, really!"
Her manners came as a surprise to the mages. It's no wonder the guild loved her. She was very polite.
"Anyway, we need to find out where we're going, and how we'll save our friends," Natsu said.
"By defeating the monarchy...but their power extends to across Edolas. It won't be an easy feat."
"C'mon Erza, that's not like you at all! We just storm into the castle and beat them up the old-fashioned way. It's not like they use magic here."
Mirajane hesitantly shook her head, "Natsu, have you forgotten what Mystogan told us? The royal family harnesses ethernano. Which means of all people, they have access to all magic energy."
The Dragon Slayer huffed in frustration, before an idea dawned upon his face.
Erza noticed, irritatingly eyeing him, "What gives this time, Natsu?"
"We just have to be..." he brought his fingers together like a gun, pointing them upwards. "Ninja."
"Ninja." Happy repeated, imitating his gesture.
"Cut it out, you two," Carla barked.
They would have to ensure Jellal's safety first. And after listening to that fortune teller, Erza knew there wasn't enough time left.
The door creaked open to reveal the leader of the enforcement unit, who kneeled down upon seeing Carla.
Confused, the others stared at each other until he rose after long minutes. "Exceeds. To think I would have the honour of seeing one."
"A what?" Natsu blurted.
Just as clueless as he was, all the mages shrugged. The knight directed his formalities to Carla and Happy.
"Do you know what he's talking about?" Happy mumbled, to which Carla shook her head.
Erza got up from her seat and confronted the man. "How long will it take to reach the capital?"
"A day, Captain Knightwalker. We just heard about the proclamation made by King Faust, I'm sure you're in a hurry."
She eyed him skeptically. "What proclamation?"
"You haven't heard?"
"Speak."
He gulped before saying, "His Majesty is holding a ceremony to harness magic energy in two days. We have a big harvest this year." The soldier's gaze trailed to Erza's right side of the body. "Might I ask, what happened to your arm, Captain?"
"Some evildoers severed it off while trying to fight them," she replied nonchalantly.
"My condolences, Captain. Surely you must be glad those villains are dead. Nobody can escape a crime such as that."
"Indeed..."
"Once we collect this year's magic energy, we can finally defeat all those who dare oppose us."
Natsu stood up, shaking slightly despite himself at the previous news. "You talkin' bout our friends?"
"Pardon me?"
"Natsu, stop it." Mirajane whispered through gritted teeth.
The Fire Dragon Slayer continued despite Mirajane's protests. "Those are people! How can you disregard their lives like that?"
Without warning, Natsu punched the guard's nose in.
"What do you think you're doing!?" Erza shouted amidst the chaos.
Natsu continued further into the compartments of the airship. "We gotta reach our friends before they turn into magic energy!"
She grit her teeth, "That was the plan! This was the fastest way."
"Can't he ever control himself?" Carla growled.
"No, I suppose not." Mirajane answered. "We have no choice but to help him. Maybe I could try to fly this airship once we get rid of the guards."
The shocking revelation of Mirajane honing the skills to control this contraption terrified Carla. It was never reassuring news when it came from a member of Fairy Tail.
Erza steadied herself when she reached the control room, summoning a large blade and preparing to annihilate the pilots in one motion. The pilot who was held captive shouted a command to the co-pilot, and he did as instructed.
No sooner than he flicked a switch, an automated message announced, "Self-destruct in five...four..."
Carla screeched, "We're going to die! Look at what Natsu got us into!"
"Three...two..."
"This is all your fault!" Erza hauled Natsu by the scarf, who nervously chuckled.
"One. Self-destruct sequence initialized."
Right then and there, the airship exploded with the countless guards and the Fairy Tail wizards.
Jellal woke up from a nightmare. It had seemed so real, watching his friends die from an explosion.
A tingling sensation overtook his head, and he recognized it as his Telepathy. With Erza.
He was certain she was here, in Edolas. He could almost hear her yelling, before all went silent. But how would she be here in the first place?
"Oh, you're awake!" Millianna cheered, throwing a packet on Jellal's lap once he sat up. All the essentials, he noticed. "Here, you can wash up while we finish up breakfast."
"Can I skip breakfast?"
Looking over at the pot, they were trying to make stew with the fish, and as kind as their hospitality was, Jellal had no intention of getting sick before his journey began.
"Sure...if that's what you want."
Today, there was some curiosity stirring within the townspeople about the mysterious appearance regarding the Prince of Edolas. He would have to confront the castle alone. Considering they had access to all the ethernano, he couldn't underestimate him.
After he freshened up, Jellal watched the group of friends gather for a meal. It reminded him of the days when he first joined Fairy Tail. The Tower of Heaven children practically lived with each other until they all had a means to survive.
The feeling was absolutely nostalgic.
"You're leaving?" Simon asked, perched on a stool.
"Yes, I should get going. Try to limit your trips outside, or else you both might be caught next time. Thank you for letting me stay over."
Millianna grinned, "It's the least I could do, you're very kind, sir."
Jellal offered a smile before leaving, venturing out into the capital. His first task was to find Edolas Gajeel to confirm the news had been successfully publicized.
But that didn't take long to find out, seeing that there were many people reading about it. Newspapers were entertainment in Edolas mainly because the monarchy had many political issues. There were freelance writers who barely made any money off their news, but Prince Jellal's arrival had been nothing short of shocking.
There had been many creatures—legions, as they called them—with guards on top of them. It seemed they had been interrogating numerous people about it. Jellal was curious about getting a glance, but with no form of currency, he might as well be broke.
A familiar voice had reached out to him as he made his way to the centre of the city. "Excuse me, stop right there."
Turning around, he was surprised to come into contact with the Edolas Erza. Being in her company, however, was nothing short of unpleasant. She had the malevolence of any dark mage, apathetic in the matters concerning citizens.
But at the same time, he had found his way inside the castle. "How may I help you today?"
His tone had taken aback Erza Knightwalker. "The king has summoned you to the castle to be identified as Prince Jellal. Just so you know, the penalty of announcing such blasphemous news will be death. Deny all you'd like, the newspapers match your description."
Jellal smiled, "I am indeed the Prince of Edolas. My name is Jellal, and I had gone into hiding in the parallel universe."
"You dare speak a lie in the presence of royalty?" she shouted, pointing her spear at him.
The action had not startled him. Gaze fixated, he affirmed, "I do not lie. Take me to King Faust and we shall discover the truth ourselves."
Frustrated by his menacing persona, she instructed, "Lily, detain the other suspects, I'm going to deal with this man." Knightwalker kept her spear pointed towards Jellal, calling for backup. The notion was laughable in Jellal's opinion, there had been nothing threatening about his presence.
"Prince Jellal," Panther Lily mouthed.
Oblivious to Mystogan's relationship to the exceed, he said nothing in response.
"You actually believe him?" Knightwalker gaped.
The exceed nodded, "I was well-acquainted with Prince Jellal. No question about that tattoo, he is our prince."
Jellal smiled, proving his point further.
"We will head back to the palace, apprehend this man."
The guards obeyed the orders without question, attaching cuffs to Jellal's wrist. How ironic, the very man who upheld the law was getting arrested for no apparent reason. So much for corrupt people having power.
"You know, the handcuffs are superfluous," Jellal commented, angering Knightwalker even more.
"I don't recall asking you about it."
"As the Prince of Edolas, I command you to undo these handcuffs. It's a shame you'd even try to touch royalty."
She exhaled sharply, "If this is some sort of act, you had better drop it."
"Go to King Faust, he will tell you I am his son. And once I get out of this mess, you will pay gravely for defying royalty."
The guards backed away, knowing her patience was thinning. She gave them orders after internally debating the decision, "Undo the handcuffs."
Obediently, the guards removed the handcuffs and Jellal silently followed them to the palace. Everything had been going smoothly, on Jellal's end. Reaching the palace, they were graced with the presence of other leaders of the army. Hughes and Sugarboy, Jellal noted.
Hughes was the typical cocky bastard who inherited a sadistic nature.
Sugarboy, however, posed a problem in more ways than one. His appearance was completely unacceptable. For one, why was he in his underwear while on duty? Did these soldiers not have any honour?
Hughes observed the Wizard Saint, "Who's that behind you?"
Erza Knightwalker eyed him warily before answering, "He claims to be the Prince of Edolas."
"And you believe him?"
"Well, he certainly hasn't backed down, knowing the full consequences of impersonating royalty."
Sugarboy grinned, "He must be worth the catch if he's come this far."
With scrutiny, Jellal eyed him, "For someone who's a commander, you don't uphold any honour with such a title."
Sugarboy turned around, thoroughly convinced this man was the prince. He whistled, "I'd say we have ourselves the real deal."
"We'll have to figure that out for ourselves."
Knightwalker continued escorting Jellal with the guards until they reached the throne room, where Faust was giving orders to a young girl, identified as Coco.
She ran off once she repeated her tasks, enthusiastic and cheerful.
"Your Majesty, I've brought the man who claims himself to be...Prince Jellal."
Faust's eyes trailed over to the Wizard Saint, and his apathetic expression contorted into shock, fury, and uncertainty. "Jellal..."
Heeding Mystogan's warnings about Faust's nature, he replied, "Father, it's been a while."
Looking over Jellal's shoulder and to the kneeling commander, Faust gestured to the door. "Knightwalker, leave us."
"Of course."
The throne room's doors creaked shut, where two guards stood outside idly.
A low voice resounded through the king's throat. "So, you came back to Edolas? I never wanted to see your face again, traitor."
"If I truly were a traitor, you wouldn't have been able to harness all that magic energy." Jellal responded in kind.
Mildly amused by his front, Faust continued, "So you purposely hadn't tampered with my next target?"
"No, I had stopped trying to dispel Anima a while back. I realize magic energy is for the greater good of Edolas. I could feel the magic dissipating from this world. It would only bring calamity I were to continue fighting against you."
The statements were revolting, and Jellal never was fond of lying.
"Don't tell me you want to make amends? We're past that, boy. I no longer consider you as my kin."
Two could play a game of politics within a castle. It was like weaving his way around Chairman Crawford.
"Edolas direly needs a successor. If you are to die, what then? We know the entire nation will crumple."
"I've never regarded the future, nor do I care about it. My reign created magic, and it will be what destroys it as well."
Jellal had never seen someone so obsessed with power. He had been driven with greed, and it would soon be his demise.
"Your people will rebel against you if you plan such a future. And if you denounce me as the Prince of Edolas, chaos will erupt."
"Are you threatening me?"
"Not at all, Father. But simply consider what legacy you will leave for the future generations. That is, if your plan ever succeeds."
Notoriety, another aspect that drove King Faust to such extremes. By using it against him, he would have no choice but to accept Jellal.
Giving it a deep thought, the room had been filled with their silence. And within the silence there were menacing plots. Jellal was certain to sabotage his entire plan, while Faust would overthrow his son once he would harness magic energy through his latest project.
The Dragon Chain Cannon.
"Fine, I will welcome you back on the condition you assist me with my plans. I plan on harnessing the magic energy collected from the other world, and we will do it tomorrow.
Jellal forced a smile onto his face. "But of course, anything for my father."
The king tapped the armrest of his throne rhythmically. "You know, your late mother would be disappointed to see you in such a pitiful state. You came back to your father after all these years...
"Tell me, did you forget the accident that befell you as a child?"
Whatever "accident" Faust referred to, it must have been traumatizing to Mystogan. And judging by the way he referred to it as, it must have involved the royal family.
"No, of course I did not."
"Then make no mistake, I will kick you out of the castle as I seem fit."
"...understood."
The palace did not serve as a haven for him.
And in all honesty, Jellal wanted to go home, back to Fairy Tail.
Searching the area for the others who had collapsed beneath the remnants of the airship, Natsu shouted for his friends. When he awoke, it was dawn. Everyone must have been knocked out by the attack, he judged, sniffing the area for the others. Countless guards remained unmoving, perhaps dead.
For half a day the mages lay unconscious, shocking Natsu. They had to reach the capital soon, and with already half a day wasted, there was no telling when the kingdom would commence the ceremony.
Finding Wendy, he called out for her, noticing her brutal injuries. Not too far from her was Carla, who had barely stayed on her paws.
"Carla! Have you seen the others?"
She pointed left to her direction, revealing Mirajane who had been assisting Erza out of the pile of rubble. Losing an arm had been bad enough. Now with her other injured, there was no telling to what extent Erza could fight.
Mirajane heaved a breath, "Erza, we need to find help."
"I'm fine," she grunted, getting up to her feet rather slowly. "It's a miracle we're still alive. We survived that explosion and the fall..."
"Now we have no way to get to the capital in time!" Happy wailed from his position. Thankfully, he had been cushioned by Natsu, saving him from the injuries.
"Pathetic, we had our magic and still ended up like this," Erza said.
Carla crossed his arms, "As disappointing as it sounds, we got off rather lightly. Unfortunately, many of those guards are dead."
Mirajane stared at the spectacle of dead bodies, "And they died for such a horrible cause, to a kingdom who will never honour their contributions."
Wendy teared up at the news of their deaths, but was gently guided away from them by Erza. She had no words to offer.
They had a journey to continue, and this was just the beginning.
"Come on, we've wasted enough time being unconscious. Let's find some place to stay, and perhaps we'll be lucky enough to find food."
"Right," Wendy whispered, following along. Erza knew better than to knock on anyone's home, but couldn't help but wonder what the Fairy Tail guildhall was doing out in the middle of nowhere. In such a deserted place stood one treehouse with the emblem proudly on display.
Pure coincidence and too good to be true.
"Erza, our guild!" Natsu claimed joyfully. "We can get help, maybe they're against the kingdom as well."
She nodded, "Let's go inside."
Upon hearing the guild from outside, there had been roaring laughter and fighting going on, specifically from two women.
With a creak, Natsu slowly opened the doors to the guildhall to hear boisterous laughter and cheering. The atmosphere spoke of tales about a guild who suffered losses at the hands of the capital.
"So Natsu's finally returned, huh?" a voice shouted, before strangling him.
Happy and Natsu yelled at Edolas Lucy, who was currently amid choking him with her series of techniques.
"Lucy?" Erza asked, stepping forth.
Edolas Juvia took a step forth, pointing rather accusingly at Erza. "Ready up all defences!"
"Why?" Natsu asked skeptically.
"Dummy!" Edolas Lucy shouted. "Don't you realize Knightwalker's on our tail? How did she find us so quickly, anyway?" the blonde turned to Edolas Levy. "Hey bimbo, are you sure your warp machine even worked?"
"We're a continent away from the capital, stupid. Of course it did!"
The Fairy Tail mages watched blankly as the two continued arguing. And strangely enough, it was not Juvia swooning over Gray, but the other way around.
Understanding Knightwalker had a poor relationship with this guild, Erza clarified, "I assure you I am not Knightwalker. I look like her, but am from a different universe. My name is Erza Scarlet."
To this, Edolas Lucy cackled. "You think I'm going to buy that excuse? You've come this far, Fairy Hunter, but we won't allow you to hurt our members."
"Erza ain't no Fairy Hunter!" Natsu protested, earning him an elbow to the gut.
"Have you forgotten how many lives this woman took? No evil is as bad as she is!"
Mirajane paced over the guildhall to grab the other version of her, who was working at the bar. "Then how do you explain our resemblance?"
The guild paused, with Edolas Elfman freaking out. "Big Sis! Did you clone yourself?"
"I-I'm just as confused!" she squeaked.
"See," Wendy reasoned, "back where we are from, all of us are members of the Fairy Tail guild too. We came from a different universe."
The Edolas Cana clad in a frilly dress while holding a tea cup announced, "Now, now, let's hear them out. They seem like a very sweet bunch."
"You think everyone has a heart of gold," Edolas Juvia replied dully.
These people were definitely opposites to the members back in Earth Land, which was mildly horrifying.
"Seeing that she hasn't attacked us yet, it's safe to assume we're not dealing with Knightwalker."
"Isn't my precious Juvia always right?" Edolas Gray exclaimed brilliantly.
"Get off me!"
Lucy Ashley stared at Natsu in disbelief. "Wait, so you're not our Natsu? Is your name not Natsu Dragion?"
"It's Natsu Dragneel, Luce! Get it right!"
"Our Natsu isn't as big of a troublemaker as you are. And he certainly doesn't have such a big mouth...I guess we'll have to go with technique number forty-two. How would you like a few broken bones?"
Struggling to release himself from her grasp, he declared, "I will not tolerate this! Fire Dragon: Wing Attack!"
The force of the fire overwhelmed the Edolas citizens, causing them to back away.
Lucy Ashley gasped, "Wait, you all are mages? You can produce magic energy from your own bodies?"
"Yes, we're from Earth Land, a parallel universe," Erza explained for what seemed like the tenth time. "Now I would appreciate it if you all cooperated."
The sudden appearance of Lisanna scolding Lucy Ashley stunned the Earth Land mages. "Lucy, that's no way to treat Natsu, be nicer to him."
Mirajane froze, all the memories of her little sister rushing back.
"...Lisanna?"
The young woman nodded, "Yes, that's me! You must be the Earth Land version of my siblings. Nice to meet you."
"Are you sure you're not...from Earth Land?" Mirajane's knees grew weak as she held her hand out to Lisanna.
"Why do you say so? Have you lost your sister here? Is she the Earth Land version of me?"
The Edolas Strauss siblings' faces fell. They had never fathomed the possibility of losing each other.
Mirajane hoped this wasn't some sort of game fate played with her. Perhaps there was an explanation to Lisanna's death. Maybe she wasn't dead, but ended up in Edolas.
The fortune teller said she would reunite with her sister.
Was this it? The woman had been right until this point.
This had to be Lisanna.
Mirajane abruptly grabbed the girl's hands. "Please Lisanna, please tell me that's you! You never really died, right? You somehow ended up here."
"Mira, calm down!" Erza cautioned, observing both her and Natsu approach the Edolas girl.
Natsu stood beside Mirajane, huffing out deep breaths. "Lisanna, remember us? Mira used to cause all sorts of trouble, and we would always play together. Don't you remember?"
Lisanna gave an apologetic smile, "I'm sorry, but I don't know what you speak of. My sister, Mirajane, has never gotten into any trouble."
Mirajane tried again, "Lisanna, Elfman and I never found your body after you died. This is the only possible explanation!"
Lucy Ashley snatched Lisanna away from the duo. "Hey, you can't go inflicting your friend's death on other people. Talk about insulting."
Mirajane bunched her hand into her dress. Her knees bucked and gave out beneath. "My little sister...oh Lisanna!"
Edolas Macao was suddenly hyper aware of her tears. "Hey, she's crying! Lucy, do you always have to be so rude?"
"Shut your mouths! I didn't mean for any of this to happen!"
"As always, the blonde bimbo is only ever good at making insensitive comments," chimed Levy.
"Say that to my face, you rat!"
Erza ignored the fight and came face-to-face with Mirajane. "She's gone, Mira. Don't mirror your sentiments for her onto another person, it would invalidate her death entirely." She placed a hand on the sobbing woman's head. "But know she'll always live on within your heart."
"I know, Erza." She said through her stifled mouth. There were no words left to exchange about a girl who passed away three long years ago.
Natsu clenched his fists, trying to maintain his cool. Seeing the blinding brilliance of a woman who was his best friend had struck him with awe.
Life never gave their Lisanna a second chance. She would never experience the thrill of looking forward to the future. She had many dreams, but death had chosen her before she pursued anything.
"Mira," Natsu placed a shaky hand on her shoulder. "We're good, right?"
She smiled brightly, as if nothing happened. "I'm fine, thanks."
Wendy had her eyebrows knitted in concern. She tugged at Erza's armoured hand slightly and whispered, "I'm sorry, who is Lisanna?"
"She's Mirajane's sister."
"Oh wow, I haven't met her yet, but I hope to meet her soon."
Carla nudged at the young girl, "Child, she's not alive anymore."
The thought registered to Wendy before she clasped her hands over her mouth. "I'm so sorry! I hadn't meant-"
"It's fine," Erza assured. "This happened a while back. It wasn't supposed to be a secret or anything like that."
Wendy assisted Mirajane with getting up, to which the S-Class wizard apologized for the commotion she caused.
Natsu growled, "Mira, what if that is her? We never found her body."
"Enough, Natsu. She was dead long ago, we can't go making assumptions."
"But-"
Erza held an arm out, preventing him from speaking. "Mirajane would know if that was Lisanna better than anyone else. Let's stop opening up old wounds."
Natsu dropped into a chair and watched with dazed eyes as Lisanna served her guild mates, offering refreshments to him and the others.
The girl grinned, "Sorry about Lucy. She can be a handful when she's angry. But she's really nice..."
"I can see that," Erza replied, amused at the change of personalities. "You would think I would be nicer in Edolas."
"Did you just admit that?" Natsu asked.
Erza nodded smugly, "Although I am Fairy Tail's discipliner, I still have a lot to learn; my temper gets a bit out of hand."
"Hence her name, Titania," Carla noted.
"Afraid so," Mirajane apologetically glanced at Natsu, who seemed petrified at Erza's honesty. Everyone liked to think she was too honest for her own good at times.
And following her confession was a much needed comment from none other than Happy. "Aye, sir! That's the Great Erza."
"Be glad Luce isn't around to hear that," Natsu said, to which the exceed giggled.
Lucy Ashley stood on a table and clinked her glass with a fork, "Let's celebrate the newcomers of Edolas!"
Cheers resounded the room as the Strauss siblings prepared to serve food. Mirajane offered to help them, which they gladly accepted.
"Wow, Earth Land Big Sis is exactly like our Mira." Commented Lisanna, to which her brother nodded.
Natsu and Erza began salivating at the dishes being served. "I'm starving!"
Wendy's stomach rumbled, to which she embarrassingly rocked back and forth from her spot.
"Wendy, learn to control your-" Carla was no different in the matter. Her stomach grumbled along with her comrade's, earning a giggle from Happy.
"Want some?" Erza extended her plate out to Wendy, who shook her head. They all wondered how she had grown accustomed to living with one arm.
Mirajane handed her a plate of her own, much to both Carla's and Wendy's surprise. Their appetite had been fulfilled just by staring at the meal.
Erza crossed her legs, "I know we should get rest, but we also have to reach the capital. If what that man said is true, we have to reach there by tonight."
Turning back to her plate, Erza found it empty and eyed Natsu warily, who chewed the last of her meal.
"I'm hungry!" he defended through his stuffed face.
"Can't blame the guy, the food is tasty!" Happy burped.
Not in the mood to start a brawl, she simply sighed.
Carla pointed to the rusty machine at the back of the guildhall. "Didn't they mention something about warping? Perhaps they can do it again."
Lucy Ashley shook her head, "Unfortunately, Levy's stupid machine only works when we have enough magic energy. It will take some time for the machine to build up enough power to use it again."
"How long?"
"Usually twelve hours. And even then, it's not guaranteed we'll be near the capital. We spawn at a location at random."
Erza set her plate aside, approaching the machine. "You said you need magic energy to operate this, correct?"
"Yeah, what about it?" Levy skeptically examined the S-Class mage, who sat in the machine's seat.
"I'll give you magic energy. Requip!"
Everyone gasped at her ability, astonishing many. Natsu grinned, now they were certain to reach the capital by tonight.
"Did you not hear me? The machine spawns us at random. It can take you hours and you still won't land in the right location." Lucy argued.
Erza smirked, "That may be, but we only need to be in the same continent to reach our destination. I'll be operating this thing from now on."
"My machine!" Levy hollered.
Carla sighed, "This is a terrible idea."
Hughes found the prince intriguing, to say the very least. His knowledge in magic surpassed even Faust's, impressing him.
Knightwalker felt ashamed for mistaking him as an imposter. "Prince Jellal, please forgive me for my actions."
"It's quite alright, Captain Knightwalker."
For someone who had spent his life as a commoner, he excelled in his role as a prince. They all wouldn't expect him to be so...formal.
Panther Lily had seemed bothered by his abrupt appearance, but made no effort to share his thoughts. Jellal wondered if Mystogan had a connection to this exceed, now that he observed Panther Lily's changes in formality.
He also noticed that despite the hierarchy in Edolas, this exceed was not considered of nobility, despite being from Extalia.
Ideally, he had to stop wandering around the castle and disrupt the ceremony.
But first, he had to get rid of the very clingy commanders. "Must you always accompany me? The lack of privacy is frustrating."
Sugarboy asked, "I still want to know what kind of magic you used in the parallel universe."
What magic did Mystogan use?
He had sleeping spells, but that wasn't exactly his magic type. And besides, people from Edolas could not produce magic from their bodies.
He carried those staves around, though.
"I used magic staves to cast a variety of spells." It was a suffice answer, for now.
"Interesting, it seems being unable to produce magic from your own body is also a problem for you. I thought you could do that in the other universe since magic energy there is unlimited. I would want to visit it someday." Hughes seemed thrilled to be in Jellal's company.
He also seemed like an egomaniac, Jellal thought.
"Speaking of magic..." Sugarboy trailed off. "I heard a civilian saved the commoner who was to be executed for using magic."
Knightwalker hummed, "Yes, I've been interrogating citizens since the incident. Apparently the man had been too fast to catch a glimpse of him."
Masking his emotions had proved to be a taxing job at one point, but Jellal did so without failure.
They suspected Jellal did not have a clue about the execution, which turned things in his favour.
Hughes grinned sadistically, "The girl with him also disappeared, which meant whoever did it, had connections with both people. Fear not, I'll ensure their capture and make them confess who saved them."
That proved to be a problem. But they wouldn't say anything...
Would they?
Besides, Hughes probably wouldn't prioritize Edolas Simon and Millianna's capture if the ceremony was of the king's interest.
One more day before the ceremony. Jellal would save Magnolia before then, it was his vow.
Having heard everything he needed to, Jellal dismissed the guards.
The first three commanders chatted their way back to the inside of the palace, while Panther Lily remained in his spot.
Sensing his presence, Jellal confronted them. "Is there something you would like to say?"
The exceed eyed the ground before saying, "Welcome back, Prince Jellal."
With that, Panther Lily took his leave. The words confirmed Jellal's suspicions—he shared a history with Mystogan. Perhaps the exceed suspected im to be an imposter, which was likely, since they both had been acting oddly around each other.
Glancing around to make sure nobody watched him, Jellal took off with Meteor until he reached the city. It would probably best to cover himself with a cloak, seeing that everyone discovered the prince's return.
That news reporter was to thank.
The Wizard Saint was not far into the city before he came across a giant guarded lacrima. Unbeknownst to him, Faust had been standing on the balcony, which explained the prayers, tears, and happiness within the crowd.
These citizens were oblivious to how the magic energy was acquired. This magic that would allow Edolas to thrive for another decade caused Earth Land to suffer for it.
Jellal despised the expression on the king's face. He took an entire town's magic energy in order to satisfy his greed.
He silently squeezed his way out of the crowds, trying to devise a plan. Along his way, he caught another cloaked figure, observing the crowd with a grunt.
Approaching him, the man tried making himself scarce, until Jellal pulled the hood of his cloak down.
"Gajeel..."
"How do you know who I am?" the Dragon Slayer demanded, before blinking heavily. Staring through the hood, Gajeel recognized the tattoo. "...Jellal?"
"Glad you got my name right."
Paying the humourous comment no mind, he said in a daze, "Last I saw you was before that mission with the alliance. What happened to you? Master Makarov said somethin' about you disappearing after a mission. Then I encountered Mystogan and—holy cow! He looks exactly like you!"
Jellal smiled, "Why does that surprise you? I found your counterpart as well."
"Yeah, I met him here. A pretty handsome fella, if you ask me."
Piecing the puzzle together, Gajeel raised an eyebrow. "...so you're this Prince Jellal everyone's been talking about. I figured Mystogan returned, but it seems like you're playing pretend..." he paused. "Or maybe you are the Edolas version."
"I'm here as a decoy, Gajeel. And I think I've figured out what's going on."
"There had better be an explanation. I can't remember a thing."
"Mystogan probably told you he was trying to prevent Anima from appearing in Worth Woodsea. While he did that, Faust successfully used Anima on Magnolia, causing the town to become a lacrima."
The Dragon Slayer blinked in disbelief. "How come I wasn't caught up in it?"
"I'm confused as well, since you were likely below it. However, this is good news. We can send the lacrimas back to Earth Land with the both of us working together."
Hearing him use the plural term, Gajeel gaped at Jellal. "You mean to tell me there are more of those crystals? This one is huge!"
"It's broken off from the top right corner. Look there," Jellal gestured to the uneven bits of the crystal illuminating from the sunset.
"So we have to find out where the other piece is."
"I was assuming you'd be able to sniff out the ethernano."
Gajeel shrugged his shoulders. "I got no lead. It must be pretty far from here."
"That shouldn't be the case, since Faust is using it for the ceremony tomorrow."
The Dragon Slayer pointed to the balcony where the ruthless king laughed to his heart's content. "That geezer's responsible for all of this? And he's Mystogan's father?"
Jellal confirmed it all with a nod, "Surprising, isn't it?"
Gajeel hummed in agreement, "Since the other lacrima isn't in sight, it's safe to assume they'll hold off their plans for the missing piece."
"No," Jellal countered, "something tells me there's more to this than the eye. Faust said the lacrima was worth a decade's power. That doesn't add up, since this lacrima is relatively small."
"Small?" Gajeel gawked at him, unable to understand the Wizard Saint's perspective.
"Even if you think these lacrimas are large, it's not worth a decade's power. From what I've gathered, this year is supposed to be a big harvest of magic energy, so the kingdom is planning something. We have to act fast."
"Meaning we gotta destroy this lacrima?"
"Without attracting the attention of the guards. I think your Edolas counterpart can help you with that. If you haven't noticed, his relationship with the kingdom is quite strained."
"If I have myself helping me out, it'll be a cinch." Gajeel grinned.
"Then I'll investigate the plans within the kingdom." Jellal fished out a capsule from his pocket and popped it open, holding it out to Gajeel.
"What are these?"
"These pills will restore your magic energy. If you haven't noticed, you can't use magic while in Edolas since it's finite."
"Don't know how you came prepared. It's as if you knew this would all happen."
"This is all Mystogan's idea. I have no choice but to have faith in him," Jellal said.
"I'll see ya around, then."
With a grin, Jellal readjusted his cloak. "Likewise."
They both confidently parted ways without another word.
"Erza, I think everyone's getting motion sickness because of this, not just Natsu," Mirajane exclaimed, as they teleported for the fifteenth time. Carla had been able to tell how close they had been from the kingdom, something that impressed all the mages.
Carla stared outside, "You crossed the continent. Now we're near the Royal City."
Erza grinned, "Never underestimate my powers!"
Edolas Levy peered at Erza with round eyes. "Woah, this chick has so much magic energy!"
"Tell me about it," Lucy Ashley agreed, almost terrified of her. "She might defeat Erza Knightwalker at this rate."
"So Edolas Erza is our enemy," Mirajane mumbled.
Carla held a paw out, stopping everyone from getting their hopes up. "Now hold on. There are guards everywhere, and they were likely informed about the airship incident. We'll need to disguise ourselves from here on out. The capital is still west to us, so we still have ways to go."
"It's already nightfall," Wendy observed.
Erza swung her legs over the seat, getting back to her feet. "Well, I won't take any more risks. This is as close as we'll go. The ceremony is tomorrow, so leaving at nightfall will help us disguise ourselves for the time being."
Exiting the guild's doors, they were met with an exhausted pink-haired man.
"Natsu!" Lucy Ashley shouted over the mages, tugging at his arm. "Where have you been!?"
"I could ask you that question, Lucy. You guys moved locations so fast, I gave up on chasing you all." Natsu Dragion countered with an unreadable gaze. "I met this chick along the way, looked exactly like you."
"Lucy..." Erza murmured, going outside to find the blonde unsteadily sauntering around.
She stirred within her spot, barely moving, "Erza...Knightwalker? Stay back!"
Lucy held her keys out, confusing the S-Class mage.
"No, Lucy. It's me, your guild mate."
Her body had been sore, and bruises sported her. Relieved, the blonde sunk down to her knees, breathing heavily.
Wendy kneeled down, trying to heal the Celestial Wizard.
No magic escaped her palms.
"Why isn't your magic working?" Natsu asked.
Wendy stared at her fingers. "I-I don't know!"
Erza shook her head, "Wendy did not consume the pills Mystogan gave us. Unfortunately, we don't have any extras."
Natsu grabbed his counterpart by the collar. Angered by how Lucy ended up in such a fatal condition, he demanded, "How did this happen?"
Natsu Dragion shrunk away. "D-don't ask me! I rescued her while she was in the hands of Knightwalker. Only after saving her I found out she wasn't our Lucy."
"Natsu, put him down." Erza commanded with her arms crossed. "We should be relieved she escaped Knightwalker with his help. It seems she's quite renowned for the fear she instills in everyone."
Natsu Dragion scratched the back of his head, "Speaking of which, I heard Prince Jellal returned to Edolas."
The news came as a shock to many. Erza, completely clueless about what was going on within the castle walls, was unable to explain to anyone. "Jellal..."
Edolas Lisanna grabbed a roll of bandages and a bottle of crushed herbs, approaching Lucy. "Here, this can help."
Erza took the items from her and assisted Lucy in healing her wounds. To think brute force would be used on a civilian.
But then again, this guild is considered a dark league in the eyes of the kingdom. Lucy must have been mistaken for her counterpart.
"Perhaps Jellal's appearance caused a delay in their plans." Carla suggested.
Edolas Natsu sighed, "Apparently they have a giant crystal ready to convert. This plan the king has...it's to provide a decade's worth of magic. They say Queen Shagotte of Extalia claimed Prince Jellal plays a vital role in the king's project. Faust made a declaration during the evening."
Wendy shivered, "No, he can't be helping them. Jellal would never do such a thing."
"I know he wouldn't. Which is why we have to reach the palace before sunrise." Erza hunched the barely conscious mage over her shoulders.
Lucy Ashley blocked their way out. "Are you all out of your minds? Going against the kingdom is suicide!"
"We have our comrades to save," Natsu growled, using brute force to make his way through the hesitant guild.
With no other means of transportation, the group collectively decided that walking the remaining way was their only option.
Natsu Dragion watched them admiringly. "To think someone would dare oppose them."
"They're a bunch of idiots," Lucy Ashley exclaimed, barring the door on the group.
Mirajane thanked the guild before departing, despite hearing Lucy Ashley's comment.
Erza scoffed, "They lose hope too quickly. It's no wonder many people here hide from the monarchy."
"Being as powerless as they are, I suppose there's not a lot to do in their case." Mirajane replied, glancing at the guild behind them.
"True. We should be glad their Natsu could rescue Lucy in time. How did she end up in Edolas? I thought Lucy was in the guild."
Wendy spoke up, "Well, Carla and I were in Magnolia, but we weren't turned into the lacrima."
Happy supplied, "I was looking for Carla and Wendy when that hole appeared in the sky. It must have something to do with us being cats."
"Exceeds." Carla corrected. "It's all coming back to me. Our homeland is here in Edolas, within a nation called Extalia."
The group froze, puzzled by the revelation. Happy yelled at the foreign piece of news. "YOU'RE KIDDING, RIGHT?"
Carla shook her head. "This is why I've been able to tell Erza how far we were from the capital. Before all of this, it felt like everything was a strange fog of amnesia. Happy and I are from here, I'm certain."
Happy tapped his head, "How come I can't remember anything?"
"Aw come on, buddy! You'll remember soon!" Natsu beamed.
"I hope so..."
The rumbling of a vehicle startled the group. They whipped their heads around and prepared to fight anyone coming in their way.
Natsu Dragion stopped his vehicle in front of the mages and peered his head out from the window. "Need a ride to the capital?"
"YES!" Happy wailed. "My feet are killing me!"
Erza and Mirajane were in no position to complain about the offer.
Back at the palace, the commanders had been sauntering around the prison cells, awaiting for any news about Hughes' capture.
Despite the plans for tomorrow's ceremony, Hughes had gone on a hunting spree and found exactly what he was looking for. Albeit he went in the evening, the inconvenient time paid off.
For the kingdom, at least.
Sugarboy raised an eyebrow at the new prisoners being dragged around by Hughes, tied up and vulnerable.
"Don't tell me you picked on a few kids today? Cut your hunts some slack, Hughes."
The man smiled, "These aren't any ordinary people. They're the ones who were able to flee the execution."
"Them?"
From the looks of it, both of them had been scared to their wits. The girl, especially, who hadn't stopped shivering or sobbing since their capture.
"Simon and Millianna." Hughes named, throwing them both into a dungeon. The bars brutally shut upon their recovery from the brutal force.
Edolas Simon breathed, "I do not know what you want from us. We did nothing wrong."
"Oh, so you didn't?" Hughes mocked cruelly. "I was the one who submitted a claim against you, illegally possessing magic weapons. It's a shame you did nothing wrong."
While Simon kept up his act, Millianna wailed and shook her head. "Please, let us go! We won't use magic next time, please!"
"Millianna..." Simon mumbled in defeat.
Hughes debated the decision and decided he could get something out of their freedom. "I'll comply with your request, but only on one condition."
The two prisoners froze, wondering what horrifying condition he created for their freedom.
"Oh, don't look so devastated. It's nothing hard, I promise you. Just tell me who saved you yesterday during the execution."
Millianna and Simon had promised him not to say a word about their rescue.
...but humans were such troublesome beings. When their lives were at risk, they would do anything to save themselves. This was certainly the case for Millianna.
Simon firmly shook his head, "I'd rather you take my life, it was already forfeit long ago."
"No! Simon!"
Hughes clicked his tongue. "So you think you'll die being the tragic hero? I'll find them, and I will give them a penalty worse than death."
"You're going to be searching for an eternity," Simon laughed. "They're a force to be reckoned with."
Properly annoyed, the commander inserted a key into a lock into the cemented wall and watched as a chain lowered a wooden board with holes the size of a wrist and one the size of a head.
Sensing his intentions, Millianna shook her head as Hughes mercilessly manhandled Simon into the contraption with a flick of his wand.
They were sentencing him to death.
"I'll tell you who it is!" Millianna screeched, grasping the handles of the cell.
"Millianna, please, don't!"
"I won't let you die like this, Simon! You're my friend!"
"Now his life is in your hands, girl. Tell me who saved you and I'll set you both free." Hughes said, grinning widely.
Millianna ignored Simon's protests and wiped her eyes. "He's a tall man with blue hair and a red tattoo around one eye. His name is Jellal..."
"Prince Jellal? You've got to be kidding me. An accusation like that will land you in lifetime jail, little girl."
"I'm not lying! If I described his features correctly, then it is him, is it not? He's also from this parallel universe."
Simon clenched his teeth at Millianna's desperation. Hughes' countenance had revealed everything they needed to know.
They all knew she spoke the truth because of that one detail. "How do you know he's from a parallel universe?"
"Because..." she stared at her friend, who pleadingly shook his head.
Regardless, she would rather have Simon saved. "He needed a place to stay for the night, but had a currency that did not exist in Edolas. So he stayed the night over at our place."
A momentary chuckle had turned into a boisterous laugh that resounded through the haunting halls of the palace's dungeon. "So our little prince is a traitor? Who knew someone could deceive the monarchy with such precision?"
Footsteps echoed near the staircase, where Sugarboy and Knightwalker frantically emerged from the chaos of upstairs.
"Hughes, there's something wrong!" Knightwalker gasped, "Prince Jellal is unconscious, and we can't find King Faust!"
"Oh, really?" Hughes mused, eyeing the prisoners. "I'm sure His Majesty is speaking with Byro. I wouldn't worry too much about the crown prince if I were you."
The two commanders stared at him in confusion. "But he's necessary to the project! We need him alive!"
"I understand your concerns, but right now I'm a bit occupied. I'll join you both upstairs. Split up and find Byro while someone stays by the prince's side."
Their armour-clad steps disappeared in a minute's time. Upstairs there was a search being conducted, but nobody in the dungeon paid it any mind.
Hughes grinned, "It seems your prince is in quite a mess, right?"
"Don't you dare touch him!" Simon demanded.
"That's a bit too late, I'm afraid."
They both gasped when a chainsaw descended from the roof. "You lied!" Millianna screeched. "You never intended to keep Simon alive!"
He didn't confirm or deny it. "The Queen of Extalia decides who lives and dies, believe me, this is not my decision. Simon was to be executed either way under her orders. You both fought a great battle, but in the end, death is inevitable."
Not wanting to watch the execution, Hughes took his leave quietly, without remorse. Millianna thought she had heard his laugh, but the notion was forgotten as the chainsaw neared Simon's neck, unrelenting.
Unable to untie herself, the only thing she could do was scream.
Her shrill would have awoken those who had died. It would send chills down the bravest of men.
But it would never be enough to save her friend.
She sobbed as his head separated from his body.
Her voice was barely a whisper as his head rolled next to her, "Goodbye, Simon."