Amliha wanted fluff, so fluff is what she's going to get (for the most part). :D
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Chapter 27: Little Things Lead On
The day after the Blossom-Viewing Festival, Jellal was at the funeral of Gran Doma's daughter. It was unexpected, but it would have been an insult on Jellal's part to not give his condolences.
An assassination. A threat to kill off his daughter for the Magic Council's information.
Jellal did not ask for the specifics, but one thing was for certain.
Gran Doma chose the fate of Ishgar over his daughter's life. Jellal still didn't know what he would do if he were placed in such a situation.
Just as Jose said:
"Tell me this. If the entire world was doomed, and the only way to save it is by sacrificing Erza, would you do it? Or would you save her, instead, letting the rest die?"
Was it noble on Gran Doma's part to prevent the spread of dangerous information, or brutal to let his daughter die?
The tears he shed at the funeral were those of a parent mourning over their child's loss. Not of a chairman who acted on the better part for his nation.
Jellal could not imagine how hard the decision was.
Amid his sobs, Gran Doma turned to Jellal.
"I now see why you rejected the position as chairman. You knew of the lives you'd lose because of this twisted Magic Council."
Jellal gave a slight nod, knowing it may have been selfish of him to place the burden of chairman on someone else. He could not live on knowing he must protect whatever twisted legacies the former chairmen left behind.
Only now did all the members understand why Jellal left the Magic Council. People killed for a position on the council, only to realize how duty bound they would become.
"Jellal...do you love someone?"
He went quiet for a moment, pondering if he should be honest. He humoured Gran Doma with the truth. "I do."
"Then you must never let them get into harm's way, or else you may end up like me. At a funeral, and mourning their death."
Jellal's throat constricted. "I will protect them, I promise."
Belno's ears strained at the sound of his vow, and knew that the boy from a young age assumed that responsibility.
A boy without parents, a boy that was once a slave, and a boy that lost many things.
Eugene's cries rang in Jellal's ears as he awoke abruptly, barely sweating and right beside Erza.
She sighed in defeat upon Jellal's awakening. "You weren't even five minutes into your sleep when he began crying."
Jellal sat up, staring at the wall in front of him. Erza was here, Gran Doma's daughter did not die, and he was no longer a council member.
"Are you alright?" she inquired softly, studying his countenance.
"I had a dream," he replied in uncertainty, stunned that it had only been five minutes.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
He swallowed, but it was not noticeable to Erza. "I'm alright." He padded towards Eugene's newly bought crib and gently swept him off the mattress.
The child would not stop crying for a while, not when Jellal rocked him, walked around, not when he tried putting the child back to sleep.
Erza emerged with the formula bottle, taking Eugene from Jellal and feeding him. He suckled furiously for the milk, now quiet. "You can likely assume that his sudden awakening is because he is hungry or needs his diaper changed."
"I still haven't noticed consistent patterns of his cues," Jellal said, disappointed at the dragged on effort to be a good guardian.
"Well, you haven't been taking care of them for long. It takes a lot of observation to figure out a child's patterns."
"I think parenting comes naturally to those who will sacrifice themselves for the infant."
"You cannot ace parenting like the way you perfect a spell. It's not a perfect process, and it's unlikely you can ever reach the pinnacle of parenting."
"I realize that," he said, an insincere smile forming. "I'm glad he has you as his guardian, Erza. He would have been off much worse if you let the maid escape with him."
The voids of silence were filled with unwanted bits of memories of Rosemary Village. Erza hoped to find any recollection of her own parents, then left it as is.
Perhaps learning about her history would be a painful adventure.
Erza said, "I'm glad I could grow up in that village, Jellal. I met you, and now you are my family."
"Even if we both suffered to have each other?"
"It was bearable because of your leadership."
Some people developed that skill, but Jellal had naturally possessed such a talent, and such beauty with it.
"Though," she continued, straying from their past. "I'm not sure why you're so keen on trying to master parenting."
"Is it that obvious that I'm trying so hard?" he inquired.
"There's nothing shameful about it. If parenting came naturally to someone, then I would be concerned. You just...need to spend more time with children."
"Never once have I dealt with a child personally. Romeo yes, but all I did was entertain him from the sidelines. But now that I see Eugene, I feel an obligation to help all these children."
She understood that feeling, which was why she grew up raising children in an orphanage.
"Eugene reminds you of yourself when you were younger, doesn't he?" Erza assumed, to which he nodded slightly.
"Now I want to help every child possible. It makes me wonder why I hadn't dealt with children in my younger years. I was simply someone who grew up with the guild, not taken care of them. Not in the way you raised Natsu and Gray."
Jellal internally cringed for lack of a better term. Erza raised them, disciplined them, and they still grew up rebelling against her and calling her a monster.
Erza laughed, "Natsu and Gray are exceptions. When you raise children, they have to be treated with more love and dedication."
"I figured," his reply came quietly.
"Chin up, I'll dedicate more time to teach you about children when we return from the S-Class Trials."
"Thank you, Erza."
Her lips quirked, "At least I can offer you expertise in some regard. Though, being with you still feels like a dream."
"Do you want me to remind you again that this isn't a dream?" he asked, face looming close to hers.
It was simply a kiss to her forehead, but she felt as though she was drifting into space with him, lulled by her imagination.
She barely registered his action before saying, "How bold of you."
"That," he started, pulling back with a smirk, "was a tad more accurate in describing me."
Erza caught onto his implication, to when she called him oblivious. Mortified, she said, "It was a spur of the moment, nothing else. Besides, you were never this bold before."
"Since when was I ever shy about intimacy? Drive me over the edge and I will do much more than this. It's not surprising to see you shy, despite your boldness in the guild, Titania."
"You've known me since the beginning. Intimacy is not be strong suit, nor am I experienced in it."
Rather thoughtfully, he commented, "Not your strong suit? I would say otherwise."
Her eyes rounded at his sinister-like smile, and she had to wonder what made him think so, despite being childhood friends for eight years.
"What do you mean?" she breathed the words out, trying to wonder if-
No, Levy would not.
"I heard a few times in the guild that you were interested in literature. Although, not the kind I read. In contrast to my magical theory and science, my little fiancée would read romance. That didn't surprise me, but your fondness for racy novels always got my interest piqued. Not so much a shy little girl now, are you?"
If Erza could decide to die at any moment, it would be now. Her blush now rivalled her hair colour, and humiliation washed over despite herself. "Did someone tell you? I don't understand. I thought nobody would inform you of all people."
"Nobody did," he hummed, playing with strands of her hair. "But I eavesdropped on Levy and Lucy's conversation once. Then it was Levy and Mirajane a while back, but I brushed the conversations off as rumours. However, after barging into your room one day for the Oración Seis mission, a look at your bookshelf told me you have quite a particular taste for novels."
"I haven't touched them in a while, and that is the truth. My knowledge is limited to what I read only. I..."
"It's not that I'm stopping you from reading them. I just want you to remember that it is fiction, and the reality of intimacy differs from what is portrayed in novels."
"I don't even need to look at them anymore. I'm living a better tale than those people with the man I want. Worry not, Jellal. I will never have surreal expectations of you. Forgive me for asking, but have you ever..."
A voice told her it was possible, but knowing Jellal, she already answered her question before he did.
"I have not," he answered, knowing she was too shy to finish the question. "Nothing but experience is the best indicator for intimacy. If you now look at Wakaba and Macao, their marriages are unstable because they resort to Sorcerer Weekly magazines, which gives them unrealistic expectations."
"It did not surprise me you steered away from them. You became the good for the guild. Even someone like Ivan admired you at one point. He couldn't even love Laxus or Master Makarov for all we knew."
"Ivan...was someone entirely different. He was obsessed with magic power, and he channeled that obsession towards me. I pitied Laxus for loving his father, because Ivan only saw him as a pawn."
Erza seemed deep in thought, as his appearance was a blur to her. "Why was he expelled from the guild? Nobody told us the scenario, only that he risked our guild's safety."
"Ivan wasn't in the guild in our time. I'm surprised you knew of his existence or expulsion." Jellal commented.
"He came back one day, a week after we joined the guild to discuss business with Master. I saw the way he approached you, as if knowing you were to become a Wizard Saint in the future. He knew your worth from the moment he met you, and that scared me."
Jellal tensed slightly, staring at her for moments before speaking. "He was after magic almost as powerful as Primordial Magic. He saw me studying it in the guildhall and approached me, telling me there was something right beneath my nose. Makarov forced him to leave and demanded me to tell him every word Ivan exchanged with me briefly."
"That doesn't sound like Master Makarov at all."
"The panic on his face made me realize that what Ivan sought was dangerous. When I told Makarov I had been reading a publication in the guild on Primordial Magic, he..."
Trailing off, Erza tapped his shoulder once again. "He...?"
"He forbid me from touching another book in the guildhall. Only when I became a council member did he allow me access to the library again. I guess you can say one reason behind me becoming a councillor had to do with that book and what Ivan had told me. The Magic Council did not possess such conflicting works."
Erza frowned in her earnest. "Master wanted to protect you, because he knew that knowledge was dangerous."
"Sometimes, you sound like him, Erza. Are you afraid the books will change me?"
"No," she said, swallowing hard. The lie was written within her words, frozen on the tip of her tongue.
Jellal smiled reassuringly, and once again Erza leaned towards him, finding warmth. "You're far too beautiful for my love to change. You've enchanted me since the beginning, Erza."
"I wish you couldn't use telepathy." She sighed, gazing at the ceiling.
"It's very resourceful when you're hiding something from me." He said, patting the bed expectantly. "Let's go to sleep before Eugene wakes up again."
Eugene fell asleep in Erza's lap, mouth hung open as milk bubbled up to his lips. She gently placed him back in the crib and imagined eyes lighter than Jellal's, gazing at her admiringly.
Erza stared at Jellal long and hard before lying down and looking up at the ceiling. All she could do was gape at his boldness, his handsome features, and him.
Catching her stare, he smirked slightly. "You're full of surprises, Erza."
"Is it because I keep looking at you?"
"No, I'm just thinking about your tenacity." She caught on, he knew. Her cheeks reddened at the thought of him acquiring knowledge about her reading taste. "Keep surprising me. It only amuses me and fuels my ambition to take you as my wife."
Yes, his lovely future wife. Erza wanted to be just that.
Makarov placed eight cards face-down and sprawled them across the table. The S-Class mages blinked at him. The guild master continued on with his stunt smugly, proud of his new idea.
Gildarts blinked at him twice before howling in laughter. "Are we really playing with little Cana's cards before the S-Class Trial?"
Makarov growled irritatingly, "I think you've been getting too comfortable lately, Gildarts. These cards will determine the contestants." He gestured to his fellow Wizard Saint. "Jellal, pick one up."
He did as instructed and when he flipped the card right side up, Simon's name popped up.
"That's our first contender," Makarov concluded, satisfied with the nomination.
"So these cards determine the candidates based on who we believe is the best choice?" Jellal asked.
"That's correct. That way, I know you all made the most accurate decision."
"But Master, what if our decision is unfair?" Erza challenged, knowing Gildarts would be prone to unfairness.
"It won't, because the cards reveal the truth within a person. Besides, I overlook the decision as well and make the final ruling. I think Simon was a great decision."
"Well, you stole the candidate I was considering." Erza gave a pointed look to Jellal, who smiled in turn.
"He was a given."
Makarov hummed, "Erza, you're next."
"A second choice after Simon seems hard," Erza mumbled, flipping the card over.
Gray.
"Your heart says otherwise, Erza." Makarov commented, noticing how Erza came to terms with the card's choice. She believed Gray and Natsu were mature enough to partake in the trials.
Gildarts plucked the next card and found it to be Cana. "Well, I'll be. The girl's been doing these S-Class Trials since she was just a kid. Can't you give her the title, Master?"
"She has to earn it," Makarov answered, firm in his decision to have her repeatedly compete.
Mirajane picked up the next one and found it to be Elfman, unsurprisingly. The guild master made no comment.
Jellal repeated the process. Each S-Class Wizard could choose two, but the cards would decide who the person deemed most suitable. Juvia's appearance didn't surprise him.
"Ah, you've seen Juvia's hidden talent." Makarov hummed.
Erza smiled, "I think her selflessness during the Harvest Festival told us much about her character. However, I don't think Gajeel has showed much compared to her."
"Glad you caught onto that, child. He's a late bloomer, but bound to be a candidate next year."
Erza picked hers up and was shocked by hers.
"Freed?" she said aloud.
"I don't recall you interacting with him much after the Harvest Festival. I would expect someone like Natsu," Jellal teased, although he was genuinely surprised that Natsu had not been chosen yet.
"He had a change of heart after the battle. I suppose he's earned his spot fairly." Erza concluded, waiting for Gildarts to pick up.
"Natsu!" he beamed pridefully.
Well, at least the child had been chosen at some point.
"I get last pick, which is..." Mirajane flipped the card and showed it to everyone. "Levy."
Jellal's lips curved. "Are you sure you didn't pick her because she's your own personal cheering squad?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Mirajane said, attempting to allay his suspicions. Since Levy and Mirajane bonded over matchmaking so many times, the She-Devil did not blame him for drawing that conclusion.
"That concludes it. I must say we made some excellent choices this year. We will make the announcement tomorrow, since we can't afford to delay preparations." Makarov beamed, getting off his chair.
"The trial is starting rather late this year," Jellal noted, since Makarov usually intended to get the trial wrapped up weeks before the holidays.
"Ah yes, but it was inevitable since we had a ridiculous year."
Erza tentatively gazed at Mirajane, noticing her continuous stares. "Something the matter?"
"I can't hide it anymore." She grinned, pacing to the back of the guildhall archives to retrieve a long chalkboard that had been quite ancient. Jellal internally sighed in defeat.
He should have known everyone was betting on pairs within the guildhall. And none other than Mirajane was the instigator.
"One person bet on you both for becoming the first official couple in our guild since we made this board."
That meant the board could not have been made long ago. Though, Mirajane's curiosity was sparked far before this idea came into play.
"Carla must have made that bet on behalf of Wendy." Jellal deduced.
"Why would it be Wendy?" Erza inquired.
"Because she has her own little fortune teller with her, Carla."
Everyone gasped, knowing there was a loophole to the betting game. There were many set rules in place, but Mirajane forgot the important one.
"Is it too late for me to bet on another pair?"
Makarov watched interestingly as Mirajane presented the board and allowed Erza to write a new pairing, the two that were not as obvious.
"Oh, you're a cheater," Mirajane said lowly.
"I just catch on to things when Bisca speaks to me."
Mirajane tilted the board in Jellal's direction. "Do you want to place a bet?"
"No, but based on my observations I think the Thunder Legion has slowly absorbed Elfman's attention. Dare I say, Evergreen specifically?"
Mirajane's face went blank at the mention of Evergreen. Elfman had been perceived as an innocent and naive child, that would also attract naive girls. Evergreen was a sly fox to an extent. Some rumoured her to be an experienced lover. The knight doubted that, or else Evergreen would have flaunted her art of seduction in front of little Erza.
"I refuse to put that as an option."
"I figured you would get defensive when Elfman would be brought up. You may disregard what I just told you."
Gildarts yawned. "I didn't bother betting on those two because they were both oblivious to each other's feelings. I mean, come on, how can Erza be that dense?"
"I was not dense. I was simply waiting for the right time. Besides, Jellal was never obvious in his interest towards me."
"So I wasn't obvious enough?" Erza blushed at his insinuation, and everyone followed with noises of approval.
"Love blinds people in more ways than one," Makarov sighed, grabbing both of their shoulders. "But I'm proud you both came to terms. Continue on together, no matter how hard it becomes to live. That is what it means to love."
"I hope we've gone through the worst of it."
"You haven't, and it's going to get harder from here on out. Publicizing your engagement only gives leverage to your enemies. Never allow another person to exploit that weakness. I hope Jose taught you that."
Gildarts trailed off as he said, "Master Jose never struck me as a threat, especially to you, Jellal."
"I sometimes wonder how the worst came to pass," Jellal replied, almost reliving the pain of watching Erza suffer again.
Gildarts may have not been the most understanding person, but he was sharp when reading Jellal's expressions. "Listen, kid, not all of us are made for politics. I sometimes pity you for getting involved with the Magic Council. You burdened child."
Mirajane paced towards the bar for preparations, and upon finding Jellal's lack of response, Gildarts tailed her. All that remained was the child with his guardians, along with Makarov.
Jellal, a person to be pitied on? People envied him, but Gildarts had seen through Jellal's unyielding mask, and he wondered if it was a bad thing.
"Jellal, there's been something I've been meaning to ask you about Jose. Apparently, I heard about his connection with the previous chairman. I was wondering what became of those two."
"A failed task to get Chairman Crawford arrested. I wanted Jose to confess his involvement with Crawford so we could open a case for him. But during the Harvest Festival, he left the Magic Council. I believe it was because King Toma and Arcadios found out about his rumoured alliance with the dark guilds. So, Jose's sentence was halved because the Magic Council ruled Crawford was unfair in punishing him."
Erza clenched her teeth. "So nobody told the council that Jose was about to kill you?"
"There was no evidence that he wanted to murder me. Unfortunately, the only thing they knew was that he tried getting information about the Magic Council from me. In that case, I was more liable for my actions than he was."
"Now, what do you think he's going to do in five years? He will only despise us further if we allow him for his release so soon."
"Child, settle down," grumbled Makarov, patting her shoulder. "Juvia and Gajeel didn't want revenge. Jose may be the same in that regard."
"He's a threat to us, Makarov." Jellal insisted, and apart from him, only Erza knew the extent of this man's threat.
"A jailed man? You're bound to have years of experience during his time locked away. So long as you don't repeat history, you both are safe."
Jellal wanted to call his guild master's thinking naive, but decided against it. Everyone in Fairy Tail grew up thinking all people had kindness within them.
If Jellal thought the same, then he would have been dead by now.
"Lighten up, children. This is your party, after all. I'm sure they finished setting up."
Erza rested her hand on Jellal's arm to stop him from saying anything from Makarov.
It's okay, she told him. This is our burden to carry, so let them be oblivious.
The statement surprised Jellal, from none other than Erza. They were more alike than he anticipated, and now being engaged, they were communicating better.
Somewhere along their battles, they learned.
Jellal tangled his fingers in hers and nodded tentatively with a poker face. At times like this, Erza couldn't tell what was going through Jellal's mind. Seeing him stoic and unrelenting made her cautious of him.
It seemed everyone else got the memo, since all the mages were dressed up. Erza had to wonder how everyone kept it a secret. Then again, there were many members on jobs right now.
Mirajane came up from behind, giving them a little push towards the centre of the guildhall. Despite the gentleness, they both tumbled to the ground together.
"Come on, give us a little dance to lighten up the mood!" Mirajane gleefully said, cheering amongst the crowd. Laughter followed, and if anything, Erza was conjuring ways to make the She-Devil pay.
Jellal got up and gently took Erza's hand, leading her to the centre of the guildhall, where eyes watched as he curtly bowed.
It was December; the realization dawned upon him. Everyone would be ready for Christmas when they would return from the S-Class Trials.
Jellal smiled slightly at the situation they forced into, even if it was primarily Mirajane having her fun. "May I have this dance?"
Erza brought her hand to his offered one. "Careful, I'm known as the dancing demon."
He chuckled lowly, "I think I can keep up with you."
Jellal matched her step backwards as they began their waltz.
Erza put one hand on Jellal's shoulder and stared deep into his eyes.
Him. Him. Him.
It was all she could think about. She heard being obsessed with someone was toxic, unhealthy. But if Erza had an addiction, it would be Jellal, and his love only fuelled it further. Lest it brought her down, she would not have enough of him.
Every touch ignited him, her, and the love they carefully crafted. Jellal's eyes held some distance and love, a traitorous combination.
Erza wanted to be destroyed by his heat.
Jellal stepped back, twirling Erza into his arms. Her back arched as he dipped towards her, and her leg was pressed against his body.
How many seconds had he kept her like that? She didn't seem to count, but it felt like a while and he purposely had done that. She tuned out of the music and the only rhythm Erza was matching was her lover's.
The buttons of his coat arrested her chest, and they were so, so close.
"Jellal," she said, so softly yet his name echoed in his ears.
"The things you make me do, Erza." He breathed, matching her paced heartbeat.
"You never struck me as someone who knew how to dance."
"Surprised?"
They pulled away momentarily and simply continued dancing. The guildhall stilled, only focusing on the miracle they witnessed.
A boy allowed to love, and a girl who could finally be loved.
"Not at all," she replied in amusement.
Many people considered Jellal to be untouchable, figuratively and otherwise. Erza defied fate, denied whatever obstacles would pose a problem to make them possible.
Stepping with ease, a murmur in the breeze. Love incantations whispered to one another at night.
This was all they knew.
"Thank you for freeing me, Erza." Jellal whispered, pulling her in once more as they continued their dance.
Their dance to understand each other, to read one another.
"You freed yourself, Jellal." She responded against him.
Natsu gawked at the couple, bewildered to see them so close. To him, Jellal was an angel, while Erza was the demon and monstrosity he did not want to remember being mentored by.
The Dragon Slayer confidently predicted Jellal would be single for the rest of his life. That was his bet made when of all the couples in the world he could have chosen, Natsu said Jellal would be single.
What a sum to pay.
"Gray, they're about to make babies!" Natsu stifled his laughter, looking away as the two powerful mages almost kissed.
"Natsu, that is not how you make babies!" Lucy half-shouted.
"I'm not that naive, Natsu." Gray commented. From behind him, Lucy could make out Juvia breaking a structure beam of the guildhall from her excruciating grip and yelped.
Happy giggled, "Kissing is part of the process, though."
"For a little one, you have a perverted imagination," Lucy grumbled, swatting the exceed away.
It seemed Juvia disregarded the comment almost instantly when she watched Erza stare at Jellal lovingly.
Wendy appeared beside her, leaning against the older girl. "They look beautiful, don't they?"
"They do," Juvia confessed, admiring what the two had. Her resort tickets were left to a side. Jellal and Erza really needed that vacation, not her.
Carla commented, "I can see why Mirajane is fond of them. However, my clairvoyance tells me they will not be the next ones getting married in the guild."
Wendy gaped at her, "But they're engaged, so I think they will get married sooner. Besides, everyone else in the guild's younger generation is single."
"Everyone?" Carla asked, ushering to Alzack and Bisca who were staring, dumbfounded at the performance Jellal gave to the audience.
Wendy and Juvia giggled as they eavesdropped on Alzack and Bisca. Carla rolled her eyes at the two, unable to stare at each other despite being a couple now.
"Jellal never struck me as..." Bisca began, unable to find the right words.
"A...lover?" Alzack unhelpfully supplied, confused himself on how to describe him.
"Something like that," Bisca said, standing next to Alzack stiffly.
Mirajane's gaze was sharp after she forced the others on the floor to dance to the classical tune, with Alzack and Bisca being the next targets. Wendy stepped away as Alzack awkwardly shuffled towards the open floor with his girlfriend.
Jellal and Erza casually took their leave after being forced together. Mirajane could tell neither of them were amused by the show they openly gave to everyone. Erza was rather reserved in showing her affection.
"Well, you both look comfortable," Mirajane began, approaching the two whose engagement it was. Jellal held Eugene in his lap and stared up at her blankly.
"The party is much appreciated," Erza responded, taking Mirajane's hand in hers. "Thank you for doing this for us."
"Come now, it's tradition to celebrate everything."
Erza's fingers flexed at the apprehension of everything that would follow the engagement. Not specifically the marriage, but how their timing was unusual. Right before the trials and right after the Magic Council fiasco.
Mirajane handed them both drinks, then left with a smile, nothing more.
"You started thinking again the moment our dance ended," Jellal affirmed, bringing Erza's gaze towards him.
"I'm not sure why Master's statement sticks with me. He doesn't strike me as someone oblivious."
He raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Oh, and I do?"
"I know that was rash of me to say," she rushed out, blushing and stepping away from him. Jellal didn't mind it and let her go.
"Makarov knew exactly what he was doing by bringing Juvia and Gajeel to the guild. I'm assuming when you have many stray cases, Jose's actions seem forgivable."
"He cannot be forgiven!"
"That is because you know the full story, and Makarov does not." He held her hand. "For my sake, please do not tell anyone else about our loss in that battle. Regardless, we need to put up a strong front."
"You would lie to the guild about the extent of your willpower and strength?"
"No, I wouldn't. Jose isn't the most powerful foe I've come across."
"He's the most cunning, though."
"How is it you find fault in whatever I say?"
"Nobody can deny your power. I'm only saying the guild is family. They can know of your weaknesses as well."
"Then dare I ask, would you tell them about our past?"
She froze, and he stared at her knowingly, with a gentleness Erza wished he did not hold.
He smiled as an affirmation, "You would not tell them."
"I cannot," she said instead.
"No, it's not that you cannot. It's that you will not do such a thing. It's detrimental to both them and yourself."
"I...shouldn't have said that." She said, using the opportunity to tend to Eugene, who was quiet, but she wanted to be elsewhere for the second time.
She could tell Jellal wanted to say something, but the words never left his mouth.
It turned out they didn't speak for the rest of their party. Gildarts picked on him moments later, causing the young male to follow the powerhouse upstairs so they could talk.
Eugene smiled a little when he caught Erza's gaze, and she sighed against him.
"Why is he always right, Eugene?"
The baby made a noise, as if protesting Erza's statement.
Lucy stared afar at the job request board, and was shocked to see Nab finally snatch a request.
"Is it downtime for villains?" Lucy asked, noticing the lack of jobs on the board.
"I'd say it's more of a crazy time for us wizards at the guild," Mirajane responded, surprised only Lucy just now noticed.
"Come to think of it, I haven't seen Natsu or Gray anywhere for the last few days."
"Just wait a few hours and you'll find out why."
Lucy gasped. "Should I be taking these jobs too? Is there an apocalypse coming up that Master foretold?"
"I'm afraid taking on a job at this point of time would be a little late."
Another voice chimed in from behind the two, "I think you've been too invested in writing your novel, Lu."
Lucy turned around just as quickly, surprised to see Levy with her messenger bag. "You were gone for a job too?"
"Sure was, and I took Wendy along as well. She's really helpful with her support magic."
Wendy blushed slightly. "Don't even mention it, Levy. My skills are still rusty."
Mirajane observed Levy's friendliness towards Wendy despite being "Interesting, I thought everyone would still be job hungry. But I suppose this is good practice for little Wendy."
Lucy hummed in deep thought, before finding Jellal entering the guildhall with Eugene. Erza was nowhere to be found.
"You would think Erza and Jellal would gun for S-Class quests if they were partaking."
Mirajane chuckled lightly, wiping a glass down. "They are involved somehow, but not like the others that are running around taking jobs."
Lucy still couldn't piece together anything other than the two being engaged. It would be going overboard if Makarov was up to something because of those two.
"And here comes the single father," Mirajane said, grinning widely at Jellal's narrowed gaze.
"Your word choice is poor," he responded, much to Levy's despondency.
"And you seem tired. Can't take care of him properly when Erza isn't around?"
"She's undoubtedly great with children, a skill I lack."
"Not lack, but haven't developed."
"You sound like Erza," Jellal mused, taking Eugene out of the stroller to hold the baby by his chest, like Erza taught.
Mirajane hummed, "Ever the humble fiancée she is. Where is she, anyway?"
"Speaking to Freed about something, though she didn't give me the details."
"I hadn't known she spoke with Freed so often. I'm sure she has some business with him."
"Don't tell me he's a candidate for the S-Class Trials!" Levy shouted, facepalming herself. "That's already one spot gone. Now I'll have to recalculate my chances of being chosen."
"S-Class?" Lucy repeated, before slapping her forehead. "There's an S-Class Trial coming up, and nobody thought to inform me?"
"I'm surprised you're only finding out just now. People talk about it all year round," Jellal said, hoping Erza didn't go after Freed to disclose information to him.
"So, it's Freed?" Levy moaned dreadfully as Wendy soothingly rubbed her back.
Jellal answered instead, "I think it's something else."
"So you want me to bring a ship in a few days' time to Tenrou Island?" Freed asked, mildly bewildered by the request. "The Thunder Legion ship?"
"Easy enough, right?" Erza proudly annunciated, stuffing herself with some strawberry cake at the cafe she told Freed to meet her in.
"...and you want me to do this undetected? With the baby onboard?"
"Is there a problem?" she asked in her challenging tone.
Freed scratched the back of his head awkwardly and sighed, telling her that there was a huge problem. For one, doing that without Makarov or Jellal noticing was next to impossible.
"Well, the Thunder Legion's ship is quite large, so I'm not sure if we can accomplish such a feat. Unless I'm able to cast an enchantment for that duration..." he paused, asking, "When would you like this done?"
Of all things, that was the only question that mattered. He dared not ask Erza why she was so insistent on bringing Eugene along in the Thunder Legion's ship.
"During the S-Class Trials." She responded confidently.
Freed gasped, "But what if I'm chosen to compete?"
"But what if you're not?" Erza asked, a smile forming on her lips. "If you can do this favour for me, I'll put in a good word for you. The announcement is to be made in mere hours, so I still have time to convince Makarov to make you a candidate."
His ambition to gain the title overruled all reasons. "I'll do it, anything for that consideration. Then I'll be a wizard of Laxus' caliber."
"Careful, you still have a long path to trek," she cautioned like an elder offering advice.
Erza wouldn't be lying about her consideration for Freed. After all, she technically chose him through Makarov's card game.
"Leave it to me, Erza."
She sighed in content. It seemed her respect was well earned by the people in the guild. Without a moment's hesitance, she got off her chair.
"I'm off. I will surely speak to Master Makarov about your candidacy."
"Appreciated. I can only wait in anticipation for the results."
"Let's hope you're not disappointed," Erza said thoughtfully, knowing he would thank her later.
A win-win situation, just what she needed. The woman strolled out of the cafe casually and thought to prepare for Eugene's little escapade to Tenrou Island.
But what she hadn't expected was to find out Jellal was not going to Tenrou Island for the first half of the trial when she returned to the guildhall. A decision that was made during her absence for the sake of Eugene.
Stunned, Erza asked, "Why? You're needed for the S-Class Trial!"
"Well," Jellal started, leaning against the wall, "Makarov and I recalculated the routes that the participants could take. Apparently, he seems keen on giving one team the serenity path, so technically there can only be three S-Class wizards to battle the participants. I think having four would be overkill for the first round. So, we've improvised. I will take part in the second half of the trial."
"Couldn't it have been Mirajane, Gildarts, or even me in the second round?"
"Oh? Since when did you willingly decide to give your position up? If I recall correctly, Erza Scarlet never surrenders her spot to anyone."
"You should still be there for the entire duration." That ended her persuasion on an awkward note.
He was not finished; she could tell by his thoughtful expression and let him continue. "You've been acquainted with Freed recently. I wonder what the reason behind it is."
"Are you insinuating that I'm plotting against you?"
"You wouldn't need him to pull that off."
"Jellal," she huffed, placing her hands on his chest. "I have a reason for everything. I do everything to make it easier on us."
"As do I, Erza. I also backed out because I can use the time to parent Eugene while the first half of the trials are conducted. Then when you come back, we can switch roles."
Except that wasn't what Erza wanted. So she froze when he explained the reasoning behind his actions.
"Is something the matter?"
"I've already assigned a babysitter for Eugene."
Linking her meeting today with the green-haired mage, he said, "I'm not sure how Freed would be a viable contender, seeing he will partake in the trials."
"What makes you think it's Freed?"
He stared at her quizzically. "Do tell me who you consider reliable and not going to Tenrou Island."
Erza visibly deflated, for many reasons. Nobody else was trustworthy enough to babysit Eugene. Maybe Wendy, but would Jellal approve of her?
The look on his face clearly told her the answer.
"You know the landlord for Fairy Hills, right?"
"The one who recklessly sold my estate?" he countered, unamused.
Okay, maybe the landlord was a bad name. It only seemed to put Jellal further on edge.
"His daughter is quite the responsible person. She's even older than us and has two children! Isn't that a qualified person?"
"You're forgetting she doesn't know who Eugene is. If she goes around town with him, then we risk his identity being revealed."
"She's a stay-at-home mother, and she gets her groceries delivered to the door! Eugene can't possibly be disclosed to anyone."
Where was she making this all up? Erza internally grinned at her professional skills to narrate a story.
"Still, Erza, having one of us is safer bet than a stranger. Besides, I don't recall the landlord mentioning a daughter that old."
Well, Erza still didn't seem Jellal practiced enough to take care of a child all on his own for about a day.
"Are you a friend of hers or am I?" she asked, grabbing his face between her hands.
"I think I would have known about her had she been a friend," he said.
"You don't pry into my life to that extent, Jellal."
"I grew up with you. That's why I know who keeps you company."
She tangled one hand at the back of his neck, playing with the ends of his hair. His tense posture eased upon her touch. Jellal eyed her, knowing it was a decoy and a distraction. She was well-versed in the art of intimacy for a beginner.
"Please? I think if we both go together, it will be more romantic."
Jellal laughed half-heartedly. "What is supposed to be romantic about a promotion trial?"
"I can nurse you once to your normal self after you battle with all the mages. A different nursing, if you understand what I mean." She batted her eyelashes flirtatiously to get her point across.
Jellal's ears went faintly red at her faint voice and suggestion.
"If you end up in that nurse outfit, you will regret it, my love."
"I'll take my chances."
Jellal sighed, moving away to clear their distance. He seemed very into the moment, and Erza didn't know if it was pride tugging at her.
She made him lose control, and she very much liked it.
"Fine," he said after composing himself. "If you promise he will be in good hands, then I will come along with you."
"I promise there's not a thing to worry about," she replied, reassuring him with her grip on Eugene's stroller.
Good. Now Jellal would not know about Eugene tagging along.
Besides, it would prove to be a good trip for the child.
Gajeel was keen on taking missions lately, and his frequent disappearances peaked Jellal's interest.
The Dragon Slayer scoffed; that man was too perceptive for his own good. Especially with the S-Class Trial coming up, he thought it would be a good time to investigate Ivan's base further.
He sat around the guildhall, thinking about how he would get Raven Tail off his trail. For a guild keen on taking down Makarov, they were rather stupid for not interpreting Gajeel's intentions.
Maybe he would cause some ruckus with Raven Tail during the trials, since Ivan's first move would probably be to destabilize a weakened guild, with all the strongest gone.
"You seem deep in thought. Are you interested in the promotion trial as much as the others?"
Gajeel snorted at Jellal, who take a seat in front of him. "I was technically S-Class in Phantom Lord. But I suppose comparing Juvia to Erza wouldn't really help my case."
"I'm glad you've caught onto that. However, the thing Makarov wants to see is growth amongst the guild."
"Not somethin' I've shown, Jellal. You, of all people, know who has been chosen. If I ain't selected, I'll continue with my other plans while the wizards are gone."
"Did Makarov inform you beforehand? Or are you acting on your own accord to fish for more information on Ivan?"
Gajeel's eyes widened in disbelief momentarily. He composed himself just as quickly and plastered a grin instead. "You're really something else, Wizard Saint."
"How coincidental. Erza and I had that conversation last night, and it seems Ivan still holds some power over the guild's past and present."
"You mean, over a weakened guild, once you all parade to the trials. Of course, not that I am weak or anything."
"Careful, you might parade there with us as well."
Gajeel wanted to ask what he meant, but after hearing Makarov's voice resound through the guildhall, Jellal had disappeared to his side instantly.
"If Makarov doesn't choose me for this stupid trial, then I might as well say goodbye to S-Class." He said to himself, almost disappointed about the revelation.
Well, he was certain it was because he was new to the guild and not that his behaviour had anything to do with it.
Juvia would soon make him realize.
Levy filled in the spot Jellal once occupied and waved at Gajeel. "Hey there," she greeted, albeit not as enthusiastically as he expected. One would think the fear would eventually subside once he redeemed himself.
Then again, acting at Makarov's beck and call wasn't exactly redemption to remedy his relationship with the Shadow Gear. It only benefited Makarov. Not even Jellal could consider him heroic for doing the bare minimum.
Gajeel waved slightly in response before crossing his arms. He would honestly prefer to be alone, but everyone crowded the guildhall.
Even more crowded on his side when Juvia, Panther Lily, and Wendy joined by his side.
Gajeel nudged at Panther Lily, "Where have you been this entire time?"
"In the company of Wendy, it seems. She seems to attract all the exceeds with her adorable little face."
Wendy stared at the duo sourly. "I-I'm not that tiny!"
Panther Lily panicked as Gajeel stared back and forth between the sensitive girl and exceed. "I thought that was a compliment!"
Carla nodded. "It is a compliment, Wendy. There should be nothing shameful about your cuteness."
Wendy swiped at her eyes. "That doesn't help my case one bit, Carla."
"Quit the dramatics, child. You have Master Makarov's announcement to hear."
At that moment, Makarov howled into the microphone, sending shivers down everyone's back. "So, kiddos, the big day for you all, huh?"
Gildarts sighed, continuing as Makarov was caught up in his sadism. "What Master is trying to say is that we have selected eight candidates to compete in the trials."
Makarov composed himself and continued, "This year, our S-Class Trial will take place on Tenrou Island. There will be a few rounds before you get awarded the title. But in order to become S-Class, you'll need to get past Erza."
Ruckus spread at the mention of Erza.
Mirajane instilled more fear as she cheerfully added, "I'll also be fighting alongside Erza to weed out the participants."
"Quite the challenge this year, eh?" Makarov exclaimed with a gruff laugh.
Everyone lost their minds at the idea of fighting those wizards. There were so many ways to go about the battle. However, the only little comfort that came with it were the rumours about the wizards holding back.
Mirajane coughed, bringing the attention back over to the front. "Each participant will choose a partner to compete with. This tests your friendship and chemistry with the partner of your choice."
Erza nodded, "Observe these two rules when choosing a partner: number one, they must be a member of the guild, and; number two, they cannot be an S-Class wizard."
"To sum it up, we will have sixteen participants. You must clear your adversaries with both partners standing. Overall, the key to your success lies within your teamwork." Jellal informed, tying the knot after the overwhelming information presented to them.
"Thank you, my noble S-Class wizards," Makarov said, clearing his throat. "All participants will take a ship there together, and from there, team members will assign routes, based on who reaches there first. If you succeed in the first round, you will be tasked in the second round with a bit of a hindrance."
Everyone swallowed as Makarov pointed to Jellal. "This makes your task much harder. But if there's about eight people against Jellal, then you should be able to defeat him."
Jellal chuckled lightly, already planning out a strategy on how he would eliminate the members one by one.
"As many of you know, Gildarts has returned, and will aid the other three in your demise."
Levy flexed her fingers. "Master makes it seem like a bloodbath."
While the thought of battling Gildarts irked everyone else, Natsu beamed at the idea. "I get to battle old man Gildarts for real!"
Gray gawked at him. " Gildarts is the last person I would want to be fighting on that island."
"Yeah, but where's the fun in that?" Natsu asked, grinning widely.
"If you can't beat me, punk, then you're not beating Gildarts." Gray pointed out.
"I don't give my a hundred percent when I fight you, pretty boy." Natsu growled, bashing heads with Gray.
"Oh yeah? My capacity limit is a hundred and ten percent, so you ain't seen nothing yet."
"You wish!" Natsu howled, swinging his arm at Gray.
"Gentleman, please save your energy for the trials. If you get in, that is." Jellal intervened, using his telekinesis to separate the two. Natsu and Gray nonchalantly floated in the air.
They stared at Jellal before making eye contact with one another.
Then, to everyone's dismay, Natsu and Gray simultaneously shouted, "I'm fighting Jellal during the trials!"
"Good luck with that," Makarov mumbled under his breath.
"Fine, I'm calling dibs on Erza then. When I kick her sorry butt, you'll be left behind weeping at your loss against Jellal." Natsu triumphantly claimed, crossing his arms.
"Wait until you're the one fighting him." Gray commented.
"First we have, Simon Mikazuchi, who, apparently isn't here. Strange." Makarov surveyed the area, but found no sign of him. Even the other Tower of Heaven children seemed confused by his absence.
The guild master continued quickly. "Gray Fullbuster, Cana Alberona, Elfman Strauss, Juvia Lockser, Freed Justine, Natsu Dragneel, and Levy McGarden."
Gajeel gaped at the S-Class wizards, "What? Juvia was chosen, but not me? How is that fair?"
Panther Lily suggested, "From the looks of it, you have quite a shady reputation in Fairy Tail. I don't think they quite trust you yet."
"That's crazy. They can all trust me just fine!"
"Why don't you take up the decision with Erza for an appeal?"
Gajeel shivered upon hearing her name, and worse, she had eavesdropped on to two.
Cruelly, she said, "Sorry, you're not ready yet."
The Iron Dragon Slayer clenched his fists. "I want Jellal to appeal the decision!"
The Wizard Saint waved at him. "I'm sorry, but I'm with Erza on this one."
"You just don't want to make her mad, so you blindly agreed with her." Gajeel mumbled under his breath.
"What was that?" Jellal asked, stepping towards him. "I don't share your sentiments about Erza's reputation, but she is definitely a fearsome person periodically. Though I haven't been on the receiving end of her fury, so truthfully, I wouldn't know."
Okay, maybe Gajeel found Jellal a tad terrifying, too.
Makarov brought everyone's attention to the front again. "Fret not, if you were not chosen. The participants have a week from today to choose their partner and train with them. All the competitors will meet at Port Hargeon. Good luck, and see you all in then!"
Makarov casually took his leave, not bothering to answer questions.
Now the question really begged where Simon was.
Lucy followed Cana outside, where it was snowing without abandon.
"Hey, Cana! Congratulations!"
She turned back to find Lucy's joyous smile disappear upon staring at Cana's discouraged face.
"Do you want to talk about what's bothering you?"
She slowly shook her head, huffing out a breath. It was in disbelief, not addressing Lucy's question.
"I want to leave the guild," Cana said slowly, as if that was her only thought since her name was announced.
"What do you mean? Don't you see this is an amazing opportunity to be promoted to S-Class?"
"Not when this is my fifth year competing. Jellal, Erza, and Mirajane became S-Class at their first try, even Laxus. You would think it should be easy for me as well."
Lucy laughed, placing a hand on Cana's shoulder. "Come on, you're comparing yourself to people who are inhumane. They're on a whole other league."
"They all became mages after me. From what I heard, Jellal only started studying magic when he joined Fairy Tail. I had three years of experience on him, and look where we are now."
Lucy smiled softly. "Something tells me he pushed himself that far for the sake of something. He has something to live on for, and maybe Erza motivates him for a purpose. Someone like myself doesn't have the ambition and drive like he does."
"You would think my ambition would have gotten me to S-Class right now. And it's something more than pleasing a little lover."
The way she made it sound had Lucy thinking that maybe Jellal's purpose for learning magic was shallow.
Then again, they knew nothing about his past, and Lucy dared not ask, for she feared the mixed emotions that would follow with it. Revealing her own past was disturbing.
Cana's shoulder collided with someone else's, and if she had not known better, she would have brushed it off as an accident.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" Cana yelled, waving her fist in the air.
When Lucy turned around, they were met by a beautiful woman with a sheathed katana at her hip.
Kagura's eyes narrowed slightly. "Apologies."
"You're Simon's sister," Cana breathed, confronting her in a daze at first, then scowling at her. "You didn't have to hit me so hard, y'know! Let a girl rest off her booze!"
It was as if the revelation of Kagura made no difference to how Cana would deal with her.
"Calm down, Cana!" Lucy shrieked, apprehending the woman so she wouldn't agitate Kagura any further. Her expression was chilling, and somehow Lucy detected her as a threat.
"Sorry, she's a bit moody right now," Lucy nervously laughed.
Then she remembered everyone's confusion at Simon's absence earlier in the guildhall.
"Hey!" Lucy called out, stopping Kagura once more. "Do you know where Simon is? The S-Class Trial participants were announced today, and he wasn't there. I'm happy your brother got in!"
Kagura's hair swayed with the violent wind that came with the snow. Maybe Lucy was happy for Simon, but Kagura wasn't. "Do you know where Jellal and Erza are?"
Lucy's heart clenched; this woman meant serious business with those two.
"I think Erza's in the guildhall speaking with Master Makarov. And Jellal...he went somewhere, I believe."
Kagura nodded and continued towards the guildhall, while Cana stared at her for a long moment.
"What's her deal?"
"She's nothing like Simon," Lucy said, taking her eyes off Kagura and escorting Cana to her apartment. "Never mind that; they'll handle her. Now, will you please tell me why you want to quit the guild?"
Cana was only thinking about Kagura's presence. From what Erza had told everyone, Simon's sister was anything but brutal, cold, and unrelenting.
Nothing like the woman they saw today.
Jellal climbed through the window to Simon's apartment. The window led to the narrow corridor, and Jellal remained quiet until he appeared in front of the mage himself. There was no telling how Simon could interpret his actions.
"Jellal," Simon said from behind, holding a mug in his hands. The Wizard Saint awkwardly stared at him, because for once it was him that was sneaked up on.
He was not in pyjamas, but there was something odd about him.
"You knew about the announcement today, but you didn't come. Is something the matter, Simon?"
"...it's a little cold I have."
"You haven't been yourself for the past few weeks. I'm only assuming that Porlyusica couldn't successfully extract that poison from you."
Simon grimaced at Porlyusica's words when she spoke with him in private, but omitted it in his explanation. "Jellal, please don't worry about it. Porlyusica is working on a cure, and I'll be fine in no time."
The Wizard Saint sighed, placing a hand to his temple, thinking hard. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have taken you with me to destroy that merchant's shop. If you hadn't been poisoned, you wouldn't be facing the consequences today."
Jellal wouldn't live with himself if he was the reason Simon faced any fatalities. Edolas Simon ended up dying anyway, according to Gajeel.
So he had to save the only Simon left here, his closest friend.
"You didn't have to get me anything," Simon insisted, taking the gift bag from Jellal's hand. "Although it would be more appropriate to ring the doorbell and hand it."
"I thought you were ignoring me," Jellal confessed quietly. "I wanted to make things right, especially since your sickness is all my fault."
"Or did you think my so-called ignorance would be because of your engagement to Erza?"
Only Simon was clever enough to deduce people's actions and emotions, and sometimes Jellal was uncomfortable around him because of this habit.
"You didn't react to it at all, so that concerned me more than anything."
"I understand your concern, but I knew Erza always loved you. She was out of my grasp and attained the unattainable."
Jellal whispered, "I'm not unattainable."
"Don't demean your worth, Jellal. You made the right decision to pursue Erza, because she waited long enough."
Just because people waited, it did not mean they would get the things they longed for.
Simon was living proof.
Jellal's words were laced with something reminiscent of pity. "You waited as well, Simon."
"Well, I realize Erza and I were not meant to be, and that observation was made clear by the others, too. She would never be happy with someone like me, no matter how much I compromised. What's the point of such love if it exists with regrets?"
Jellal felt his stomach clench at Simon's statement. Did he himself regret proposing to Erza, knowing she would be in more danger?
Everyone around him faced danger at some point, and partially because of his status. He wondered if that was also why he had to separate from his parents at such an early age.
Simon continued, "Kagura is a bit hostile towards the news of your engagement, but in time, she will learn to accept you both."
"I'm not sure if it was a good idea to reveal your sister's thoughts like that," Jellal cautioned, smiling slightly after.
"You're bound to notice her behaviour, but don't take it personally."
"Duly noted."
There was a herd heading towards them once the apartment door clicked, and it revealed Erza, Wally, Sho, Millianna, and Kagura all bewildered at Jellal's presence.
"How did you know he would be here?" Erza asked her fiancé, letting her hands dangle by her sides as the rest rushed to Simon.
"Simon is predictable in some ways," Jellal replied, ushering her to come over.
Erza stared at Simon's disheveled appearance, handing over chocolate she bought on the way here. "Congratulations on becoming an S-Class candidate!"
"Makarov has chosen me?"
Erza stared at Jellal quizzically, surprised he had not brought it up it yet. Then again, there were personal matters to clear up before he could move onto today's events.
"It seems, however, his method of choosing is unique," Erza answered with a nod, giving Jellal a knowing look.
Her ring gleamed as the light fixture was directly above Erza. Kagura continuously stared at it, almost in faux admiration.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm recovering, and I can certainly partake in the trials, so there's nothing to worry about."
Kagura ruffled Simon's hair. "Don't push yourself, Simon. You wellbeing is more important."
"I'm fine, Kagura. Thank you," he said, scanning the room for a missing person. "Where's Eugene?"
"With Master, after Kagura rushed into the guildhall to inform me about your sickness." Erza sheepishly responded.
Millianna grinned. "We didn't expect to find Jellal here. It seems he can find out where everyone is in the right place and right time."
"Perhaps Simon and I have a telepathic connection."
"Simon is just emotionally intelligent. I doubt it has anything to do with telepathy," Kagura commented, passing the others swiftly to get a damp cloth for Simon's forehead.
Everyone entertained the thought, and only Erza would agree with it because of how easily he deciphered Simon.
Jellal and Simon were both similar to an extent, especially since they both gave off a mysterious aura.
"We'll help you recover before Tenrou Island, so leave the preparation period to us." Erza said, relieved that Simon could finally be in the company of his childhood friends.
Maybe when this was over, they could have a sleepover like when they were children, she hoped.
Sho suggested, "For starters, we can get that herb Erza won in the bingo."
Erza grumbled at that, "We will never speak of that prize again, since I brought that myself. But we can always get it again and get the Blizzard Wyvern's scales to aid Simon's protection."
"I really just want an excuse to spend more time with Eugene," Millianna cawed, trying to convince Erza to bring him along.
Wally whistled, "We can take care of him while you get the herb, and it'll be an entire night we can spend together under Simon's roof."
Erza found Jellal's silence mildly intriguing as he sat through the conversation, trekking his mind.
"Jellal, is something the matter?"
He tentatively met Erza's eye. "Nothing at all."
The only thing he could think of in that moment was his determination to save Simon.
Thank you, Simon.
Even if Jellal received no response, he was certain Simon heard it all the same within his head.
Simon nodded slightly, acknowledging that Jellal had thanked him for all the wrong reasons; acknowledging the fate he was subjected to.
He dared not mention the bits of memories he would see each night. Simon would sometimes hear Jellal speak in a foreign language, uttering a phrase repetitively, with utter devotion.
Mon roi, ma reine.
A language not native to Fiore, but a language Jellal grasped at an early age.
Simon watched Jellal's every movement and wondered where he came from prior to the Tower of Heaven.
There was also double the surprise when Simon understood the foreign language Jellal spoke in the dream.
Jellal's backstory has been figured out and there's no going back! As always reviews are much appreciated! :D
Ciao lovely people!