Chapter 17 - The Tower of Heaven

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"Shiron… a troublemaker that one is." Troublemaker? "Doesn't know when to stop, nor when to put his head down." Jellal smiled at his words. That must have been him! "He was here in this cell with us." Wait… the boy's mouth went agape from the sheer coincidence of that fact. He's in THIS cell! No wait, he was… so where's he now? Jellal gave his attention back to the old man, who took it as a sign to continue. "Shiron, that stubborn boy, yesterday he…" A crestfallen expression plastered on his face, "…stopped the slaver from striking me when they forced me to move faster."

Oh no…

"They took him… likely to discipline him for what he did," Jellal opened his mouth, but was cut off by the old man. "Where? I truly don't know."

No…

"I'm sorry young one, he was your friend, wasn't he?"

He JUST missed him!

Unknowingly, he began aggressively ruffling his own hair. Try as he might, he couldn't help but let the frustration rise to the surface. Really, how could he not be frustrated? Everything somehow went perfectly fine, then, he missed a golden opportunity… by a single day.

AHHHHHHH-

"Jellal." Said boy's internal screaming was interrupted by the old man, who stared at him with the same kindness he felt from him when they first met. "That boy is as stubborn as they get, I'm sure…" Sure what?! "That he's still alive!" Thankfully, the old man's words visibly calmed him down.

That's right. Before, he wasn't even sure, but he knew now! Shiron was confirmed to be here! The chance of a lookalike with the same name was so low it was improbable! It didn't matter where they took him. It didn't matter how long he might have to remain here… because now? Jellal smirked confidently, his fists tightening anxiously. I can plan my escape.

"Hey old ma-"

"Rob." Rob? Oh…

"Hey Rob…" Rob's kind eyes met with Jellal's own.

"Thank you."

*Clang!* With all the strength he could muster, he rose the pick over his head.

*Clang!* And with what's left, he brought it down.

It's only been three days!

Underfed, under-clothed, under-everything! It was the worst living conditions of his life! The slavers barely gave them enough food to keep going. And when they did? Old bread. Augh… Jellal was sure that his taste buds were slowly acclimating to the constant abuse it was taking day by day. Soon, I won't be able to taste anything!

No matter what, he had to keep going!

*Clang!* A large chunk of rock fell off the main wall, causing a nearby slaver to nod and turn his gaze elsewhere.

They were quick to begin his labour. On the very first day, he learned that 'model' slaves, or slaves that were physically well and actually tried, were basically invisible. Inside, he hoped that they would get praised or even more food, but really, this was what he expected. If all the slaves were fed and strong? They would be in far better shape to rebel. And really, in the slaver's perspective? That would be stupid. Regardless, no matter how hard it was, if he kept this up, he would be able to figure out more about the Tower of Heaven. Possible escape routes, weaknesses, and especially… where they kept their weapons.

At the very LEAST, I won't be able to make any headway for five… possible six months.

*Sizzle…*

"AHHHH… PLEASE I'M SORRY!" Jellal flinched, turning to see one of the common daily occurrences: slaves being disciplined. If you were a slave, and you rest even for five seconds? Punishment.

"Get back to work, you useless slave!" Some slaves preferred to use whips, some used batons, and some even used their own fists. This one?

Fire.

No one knew what his name was, but he was the most hated one out of everyone here. Jellal couldn't help but tighten his grip on the pickaxe as he watched the slaver push a torch into the woman's neck.

"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!"

He was hated for a very good reason. The blue-haired boy held his anger in, opting to swing his pickaxe with a renewed vigour. Trying to stop the slaver now would not have done any good for he was not in a position to fight back. If he did? The slavers would have their attention on him, which cannot happen at any cost!

Ignore the sound, focus in front.

Just keep swinging.

"Please." To have something so… surreal happened so close to him. Every scream, every burn etched into the woman's flesh, and to be able to do NOTHING! He turned, looking into the woman's fearful eyes. It might not be today, but I will break you out!

Ignore it!

The slaver gave a disturbing smile as he grabbed the woman and threw her to the ground. "I'll give you something to say please about!" No. Jellal knew what was going to happen next. Instantly, he turned back, refusing to look.

I'm sorry… but I can't watch this!

"NO!" The fire in his belly was threatening to overwhelm his self-control. Every inch of his body wanted to slam the pick straight into the slaver's skull. Even if he couldn't see it, he knew his eyes were bloodshot and veins were popping out on his forehead. Yet, through that rage, he found the will to calm himself down, telling himself the same thing, over and over.

Just… keep swinging!

*Clang!*

If the constant physical labour didn't sour his mood, then that certainly did. These slavers were the worst. ABSOLUTE WORST! Through his anger, he could barely feel his untrimmed nails digging into his palm from the tightening of his fist. After what he saw, he was losing confidence in his ability to remain invisible until his plan could be completed. How can you not resist after seeing that?! Even then…

I had to.

Jellal looked down at his stale bread before taking a bite. I suppose one thing good out of this is those who finish the quota first get first pick on food. Even then, everyone still gets the same. Assuming the amount of work he was required to do didn't change, it would take him anywhere between 6-8 hours to fill ten cartloads with rock. Fortunately, this gives him more than enough time to sleep and continue planning.

*Click*

Jellal looked up towards the door, only to scrunch his face in surprise. His eyes widened as much as they could. Before he realized it, he was running towards the familiar black-haired boy that was forced inside.

"Shiron!" What… happened to him?!

His clothes were in worse condition than even Rob's! Bloodstains were all over his body, and he might as well been another race with how many bruises that were on his body!

Jellal ran to his friend's aid, only for him to extend his palm towards him. Confused, the blue-haired boy slowed his approach, only for his jaw to hang open from what he was witnessing.

Slowly but surely… Shiron was getting up under his own strength.

Did he know he was here the whole time? Today, right now, was the first time they saw each other after Shiron was taken! This was definitely the Shiron he knew, unless… Jellal grimaced. Whatever they did to him made him into some toughened- okay calm down. Don't overthink, at least not now.

Jellal kept his distance, as per his friend's wishes. Regardless, he was still happy. Smiling, the blue-haired finally made eye contact with his friend, confirming who they were to each other.

"I am so glad to see you he-" What?! The boy could barely react as Shiron, previously struggling to stand, shot his hand straight at him and clasped it tight around his collar.

"Why are you here?!" Right… Jellal broke eye contact, looking at the ground instead.

"I…" Really, he did not stop at all to think about how Shiron would have felt if he came here. The only reason he wasn't captured the first time was because Shiron sacrificed himself… And now? He was here with him, willingly.

"I came to save you!" The black-haired boy began shaking from his words; the grip around Jellal's collar tightening like steel.

"You are the peak of stupidity!" Harsh… "Why would you get captured willingly?! This is the biggest hellhole on Earth and you came?!" When he put it like that… Jellal shook his head. No. He was going to be berated for trying to help a friend, not after Shiron did the same! They were both going to get out and that's that!

"Did you think I could rest after what you did?!" Shiron visibly recoiled at those words, his grip loosening enough for Jellal to break out. "You!" The boy shoved a finger into the other's shoulder, "got caught for me!" Now, it was Shiron's turn to get grabbed. "Hellhole or not, I wasn't going to leave you to suffer as a slave!"

Jellal, seeing Shiron's regretful look, released his shirt and took a step back.

"We're going to get out of here, together!" It was more than just a claim.

"No matter what." It was a mere fact to him.

Shiron finally rekindled the conviction to look Jellal in the eye. "You still shouldn't have come." Jellal rolled his eyes at the jovial tone he said that.

"I'm happy to see you too."

The two boys smiled at each over for a few seconds, before Shiron's expression turned serious.

"Knowing you… you probably have some sort of plan?"

Jellal chuckled admonishingly.

"Of course."

After, Jellal was quick to explain what happened in the weeks where Shiron was taken. The black-haired boy simply nodded in understanding, inwardly smiling from learning that there was someone who could sympathize with Jellal after he was taken.

Of course, they could talk later. Now? Their main priority was to escape.

Jellal motioned Shiron to the back corner of the cell, taking out his notes on the tower's layout. "Alright, here's what we're going to do."

The plan was simple. Difficulty-wise, execution took the crown.

Step 1: Mapping.

Likely the longest portion of the plan, Jellal and Shiron had to take every chance, however minuscule, to sneak off and memorize the tower. The most important thing? They could not get caught. Even if they could not advance the plan for days or weeks on end… it was vital that they remained on the slavers' good graces.

Step 2: Identifying.

Yet another difficult step. They had to watch each individual slaver on what they were capable of, and what they were like. This meant… watching them. No matter what, no matter how disgusting, how depraved, how cruel they were acting, the two boys would watch. Not only that, they had to keep up their work without fail. Mannerisms aside, they had to remember the abilities of each slaver. As accurately as possible, they had to estimate their strength and create possible counters if they were to fight them.

Step 3: Timing.

Unlike the previous steps, this step relied on luck. As much as Jellal hated gambling, he had to. They had to keep track of the guard rotations and see if there was a pattern. Even if they had ten, maybe even five minutes… they would be able to break out - assuming all the other conditions are met.

Step 4: Arming

Assuming they found the weapons or even the tools depot, they had to find a way to quickly deliver these items to a large number of people. Jellal had an idea where to hide them if needed, but he still had to confirm something before he could. Additionally, they would have to convince a good amount of the other slaves to be prepared. If they just up and started screaming for revolt people would just sit in the cells thinking they were mad. This would be the MOST annoying part…

For now, this portion was on hold.

Step 5: Revolt

The endgame; it was either do or die if they ever reached here. Failure would mean they all died. Success meant only some of them will die. If they kept track of everything, memorized the locations, and developed successful counters to everyone? They had a chance. Even without magic, they could overwhelm the slavers with pure numbers.

Step 6: Escape

Despite only being here for three days, Jellal was sure that ships would come in at regular intervals. Not only that, he was sure that any ships that came would usually remain for some time to resupply. Even if they fought their way to the bottom of the tower, they had to secure a ship that may or may not come to leave the island. But in the end? Freedom. And that… brings a smile to his face.

"Do you understand what we need to do?" Shiron showed Jellal his conviction with a resolute stare, before nodding.

"Good, above all else? We cannot get caught!" The black-haired boy looked towards the cell door, just to see Rob walk towards their cell, but not before giving a look at the floor guard.

Shiron pointed towards the approaching boy. "What about the others?" Jellal shook his head from the question.

"Not yet, not until I've confirmed some things." Shiron made no effort to protest. "You're the only one I trust with this right now." Jellal's lips scrunched and his eyes narrowed. "You have my back?"

Shiron smiled. "Of course."

The blue-haired boy smiled in response. "Good, because we're playing the long game now."

Was it a good idea to leave the others out of it? Pros and cons he would say. Sure, having more people could have made step one faster. But the risks… Yes, if even one of them were caught, they would kiss the entire plan goodbye. Just having one caught would likely incriminate their whole cell. Even if none of their names were mentioned, all of them would be kept on close watch, making the plan impossible to perform.

*Clang!*

Jellal wiped the waterfall of sweat cascading down his chin. I don't know how long I can withstand this… It's been nearly a week since then. The boy knew, for his plan to work flawlessly, he had to keep up with the labour. At this rate, he should be able to continue. But what if they decide I can do more? If the slavers decide to raise his workload… he didn't even want to think about that!

Jellal briefly turned back, using the guard's brief distraction to check with Shiron. Eyes narrowed, Jellal glanced around the area, only to fail at finding his friend. Okay, do NOT panic. Stay calm, keep swinging. As he did, the boy began to ponder.

Shiron was put on rail duty today, which meant he had to load and transport everything he and the others mined. By his estimates, the black-haired boy showed up every thirty to forty minutes to make another round. But where was he now? It was nearly an hour! Wait! Jellal widened his eyes in revelation. He MUST be scouting!

Really, thinking about all the things that could go wrong did him no good. Considering how close he was to the slaver, there was no way he could sneak off even for a second without being caught. For now? He just had to swing in silence. Whatever happens, he could only pray that he would see Shiron back at the cell.

Slowly, Jellal was getting better at the work he had to do. Even if it's the same menial labour every day, there were still small improvements he could make with his technique. Doing this every single day allowed him to shave off the tiniest of seconds.

Today? He was able to finish his work in five and a half hours; a huge decrease from his normal six to eight. Jellal took a seat at the back of the cell, cross-legged in thought. Panic and anxiety-filled his heart despite his efforts to calm himself. If Shiron didn't show up, then he… didn't know what he would do.

Please, let nothing go wrong!

It would be another twenty minutes of trying not to hyperventilate before someone came. This time, it was Rob. Thank god he's fine too…

Was it weird? That despite not knowing any of his cellmates past their names, he found himself caring deeply about their safety.

"I see you're first, as usual." The kind old man sat down with him, craning his neck a few times to stretch out the cricks.

Smiling, the boy turned towards him. "Yep, nothing too difficult today?" Rob waved dismissingly, banging a fist on his chest.

"Of course not, I may be older than you, but I still got youth in my heart!" Heh, you certainly do. In the past weeks, he spoke the most to Rob. Sho, Wally and Milliana didn't seem to talk to him much after their first meeting. Probably because he just sat in the corner and schemed all day…

On the subject of Rob, he knew magic! Healing magic! What are the odds? If he could even learn the most basic of spells, that would raise the chance of his plan succeeding significantly! Maybe, just maybe…

"Hey Rob…" Rob nodded, acknowledging him. "I've been meaning to ask, what's that mark on your back?" Jellal was confused at the genuine smile of happiness from his question. Was it something important to him? Perhaps sentimentally? Jellal stood up to get another look at the mark, to Rob's interest. Some sort of sideways bird?

The elder felt the mark with his hand, before giving a small hole revealing the outside a distance gaze. "It's the mark of my old guild…" Guild?! Rob was a mage? Not just any mage either but a guild mage!

If Rob was a mage, that could mean other slaves knew magic too! If they could find a way to disable their collars, then they could easily equalize the battlefield if it ever came down to it! Not only that but-

"Fairy Tail." The tattooed boy snapped out of his thoughts. Fairy Tail? The old mage simply chuckled at Jellal's visible confusion. "That was the name of the guild, and what the mark symbolizes." Fairies? Didn't they all die out in some weird event hundreds of years ago? Jellal raised his brow, getting a closer look at the mark.

"Why Fairy Tail?"

"Do Fairies exist, do they have tails? It's an eternal mystery, just like life." What? To be honest, he was having trouble correlating the two things together. "It is a mystery, an eternal adventure." I think I get it… kind of.

Jellal stared outside the same hole Rob looked at earlier. He may not have fully understood the sentiment, but he definitely understood what the final part meant.

An eternal adventure.

Jellal gritted his teeth, storming to the side. What sort of adventure involved being a slave? What sort of adventure made him see that. While it was true that he desired his freedom, deep down, he wanted nothing more than to see this entire forsaken tower burn.

I hate this place… so much.

Walking towards the small hole, the blue-haired boy peaked out to see the endless oceans that laid beyond the metal walls separating them and freedom. If his conviction was fire before, then now? It was an inferno. Turning around, he gave one more look to the old man before a smile, fueled by resolve, emerged on his face.

I'll get us out of here, ALL of us… I promise.

To say the following month was difficult would be a complete understatement. So many close calls, so many mistakes; both capable of ruining their plan. Perhaps, if it wasn't for the continuous assignment of being a miner, then his plan would have been easier. Shiron was constantly the one that had to sneak away; being a cart loader certainly gave him the opportunity… but it makes me feel so useless!

Thankfully, for the first time in weeks, he actually managed to sneak away to scout where the tool depot was. The slaver didn't bother checking for him because of his track record. Not just that, but he was lucky enough to be assigned in an area outside of the guards' line of sight.

At the very least, he was confident in his observations of guard rotations, break times, and individual abilities. Still, that's nothing compared to Shiron mapping out basically the entire tower by himself!

And we STILL haven't found the depot!

If he was lucky, then he could potentially sneak away for hours before the rotation. The current guard almost never checks this particular area, at least… according to his past observations.

Ah ha!

Jellal weaved around the shadows, dodging the eyes of another slaver on his regular patrol. Directly in front of him… was the tool depot!

And it only took me 1.5 hours to find it!

Shiron would have never been able to find this. Simply put, it was too far from his cart route, and he couldn't risk the extra hour needed to actually scout this deep. But for him? Even if Jellal's chances were far fewer, they were much longer. Each scouting run could easily last for half the day. Of course, he couldn't do this too often even if he could.

The slavers began to raise his workload and he had to act sick on the days he planned to scout so he could have a reason for finishing the work late. Honestly, he was lucky that the slavers were stupid. Cruel, but ultimately stupid.

Jellal grinned in victory. Now that he knew where the tool depot was, at least for this portion of the tower, he could finally return back and continue the next portion of his plan!

"What are you doing here?!" The blue-haired boy froze in his tracks, his blood running cold from the voice filled with panic.

No… this couldn't have happened at a worse time!

Jellal's mind was going a mile a minute. Slaves weren't allowed to even go near the tool depot. Any excuse he could think of likely wouldn't fly. Which meant… he was done.

All this planning, enduring, and pain… for NOTHING!

Suddenly, Jellal found himself grabbed by the robed figure to the side while another set of slavers walked past without noticing.

What?!

Why was the slaver doing this? From what he could tell, it was as if… Jellal widened his eyes. He was trying to hide me!

"Kid!" Jellal was broken out of his stupor from the slaver's hushed voice. For some reason, he was just as anxious as he was being here. What if…

"Kid!" Jellal looked at the slaver, who wore the same half mask like everyone else. "Why did you come here! You know you're not supposed to be in this area!" From the clues, the blue-haired boy was able to piece together a theory. It was a HUGE gamble; from the slaver's actions, his words, and his very demeanor… Jellal smiled. I may have found a potential ally.

Jellal steeled his will and stared resolutely at where the slaver's eye would be.

"I intend to escape." The slaver froze, before gritting his teeth and gripping tightly into Jellal's shoulders.

"Are you mad? I've been trying to look for ways to do that for years!" He was right! If one slaver was here involuntarily, there must have been others! "Listen kid, this tower is an inescapable hell hole! You're better off praying to god then… whatever you're doing!" Scowling, Jellal brushed off the slaver's hand. If praying worked, we wouldn't have been here.

"I have a plan." The slaver stared at him disapprovingly. "A good one." Disbelief was still visible on the older man's covered face.

"Yet I still managed to catch you." Jellal smiled, expecting his answer. While that's true…

"It was you." The slaver's mouth went agape, seemingly realizing what Jellal was talking about.

"…" In that moment of silence, the blue-haired boy knew that the slaver was contemplating deeply about this plan. No doubt that he wanted to escape just as much Jellal wanted to free everyone else. And if I had someone on the inside…

"How do you know this plan will work?" Once again, the boy stared right at where the slaver's eyes would be.

"I don't." Even then, he would still try.

The slaver stood up in silence, looked out left and right, and nodded to Jellal. "Listen… escaping? It's crazy. Plain crazy." With one last look of silence, the slaver turned. "I'll have to think about it for a while." Darn, I really hoped he would join! Of course, what else could he have expected? A slaver capturing a kid caring not about his own safety who has a plan that may or may not work… without knowing the actual plan. The fact that the slaver even bothered to entertain his idea should have been a surprise by itself.

"How will I fin-"

"I'll find you." Jellal blinked, right. "In the meantime? Do try to be more careful." With that, the slaver left through the right corridor, leaving Jellal to sneak back through the left.

True, his luck may not have gone all the way. But, he was still safe! Not only that, he learned some new information about the tower!

If that slaver decides on joining… freedom was as good as theirs!

…

After the day of 'excitement,' Jellal was once again ignoring the other kids in favour of scheming with Shiron in their spot at the back of the cell.

"Listen, I may have found a potential ally." The black-haired boy raised his brow.

"Ally?" Jellal grinned, but not before giving a glance to the cell; a habit they both picked up when discussing… sensitive things.

"One of the slavers, they-" Hands gripped into Jellal's shoulders, again. This has got to stop happening!

"A slaver?! Are you insane, you of all people should know better. They are not to be trusted!" Jellal placed his hands on Shiron's wrist.

"I know what this sounds like, but I have a good feeling about this one!" That only served to enrage Shiron more.

"Why do you always insist on making these gambles?!" Okay it's not like I had a choice after being caught!

"Because, with the help of-"

*Clank* What?! The sounds of the cell door opening alerted everyone in the room. It could mean only three things. A new slave, that he was completely and utterly boned, or… Jellal smiled, they had just gained a valuable ally! Please, for the love of all that is holy, be the third one! Jellal grimaced. Or at least not the second!

Everyone in the cell looked at the newcomers… a boy and girl.

Jellal sighed, both in relief and disappointment. Sure, it wasn't one of the slavers taking him to god knows where to be punished… like Shiron was. At the same time, he was really hoping for another ally. From the entrance, a petite red-haired girl managed to get onto her feet despite her injuries. Looking past the bruises, Jellal was able to tell that she was older than both Sho, Wally, or Millianna… and was likely closer to his and Shiron's age.

On her side, was a brown-haired boy sprawled on the floor, covered in injuries. Jellal grimaced as his eyes dropped. He must have put up a fight…

Before he could himself, Shiron was quick to go to the boy's aid. Jellal took another second, before deciding that whoever he was, was in good hands.

Looking back towards the girl, Jellal noticed that she had been staring at him for the last ten seconds.

"…" The girl kept staring.

"Hi…?" This was getting kind of weird.

"I'm Erza." Jellal noticed she extended her hand in the universal sign of greeting. Despite the rather… awkward first impression, he decided to overlook it. No harm in doing that.

"…I'm Jellal." Smiling, the boy shook her hand, causing the girl to smile in return.

*Click click* What?

Jellal turned towards the slaver, noticing he was making slight gestures for him to come closer. With widened eyes, the boy let go of the girl's hand. Don't tell me…

Walking closer, Jellal took the time to study the man standing in front of the cell door. This was the same slaver that caught him! Was he going to join him? Or perhaps punish him? A million thoughts went through his mind as he finally made his way to the front.

No… if he came here, he must have used the two as an excuse to come to this cell!

Looking up towards the slaver's half-masked face, he saw the barest of smiles emerge. Two words. That was all it took for a grin to stretch cheek to cheek.

"I'm in."

.

.

.

.

Chapter 17 Done! Next Chapter: Calm before the Storm!

How's my rendition of the Tower of Heaven flashback? Let me know what you guys think :D Anyways, I'm doing a writing challenge with some people, and that means you can expect weekly updates, and possibly more on special occasions!

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