A/N: Hello everyone and welcome back! I've been swamped with school work recently and I wanted to get this out before things got too out of hand. I've also been trying balance out two stories at once. It isn't as easy as it looks. I spent some time working on Vendetta and a little time for this, so that's probably the reason this is late.
This chapter marks the fifth…and final Side Story.
Yes, everyone, this is the final story…but it is not the final chapter. The side stories were made to give you a glimpse into the future lives of some of the main OTP's of this story. Having done that task, I hope to send this off on a good note because this final piece feature's Jellal and Erza.
I still haven't finished the chapter for Vendetta so after this I'm going to work on that. It shouldn't take me that long. When that is done, I'll get back right into the main plot of this story and from there things will seriously start to pick up.
But for now, I'll give you this.
As usual, before we continue, here's a shout out to you amazing reviewers!
-Cody: Hello and welcome to the story! I'm glad I made your day/night (depending on when you read it) with the chapter update. Thank you for the compliment, I really appreciate it, Yeah, I couldn't resist the urge to add and Avatar reference…the way things played out in my head, I would have never forgiven myself if I let the whole "Cabbage" gag pass by. I'm glad I made you laugh with it, I had fun writing out that part.
-kazenoseiren: Hello and welcome back my lovely reader from afar! I'm glad I helped make your morning with the update. Yeah, Saito was pretty moved by what he did with the rock. Who wouldn't be if they found out they did something for their future self like that!? Yeah, I took some creative liberties and mellowed out Gajeel when he interacted with Saito. Having a family will do that… I guess? As for me and my other stories; I know you like reading this but I can't just give up my stories! I feel really bad if I go too long without updating! But, rest assured, after this chapter I will be working more on this until I feel I've reached a point where I can safely stop.
Oh! The opening sequence here was inspired by an episode of Castle I saw on TV (I do love that show). It was a re-run and I just happened to remember it.
So now that's done, who's ready!?
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Side Story 5: New Light (FINAL SIDE STORY)
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THE FUTURE…SOME TIME FROM NOW
The coffee was lukewarm in the mug as it rested in-between the two palms belonging to a strong set of hands. The fingers formed to the gentle curve of the ceramic as they almost interlaced between each other. The owner of the hands had always found the sensation to be a pleasant one. It was a feeling that really couldn't be replicated with tin, plastic or Styrofoam.
Those materials, if anything, seemed to dull the sensation as if it were some sort of abstract sensation that had no real purpose for being there.
There was just something about warm ceramic, the feeling of the gentle heat, which always put his mind at ease.
However, that feeling was lost to the man as he sat on a small, leather sofa with his left foot tapping frantically against the floor; a nervous habit he had developed over the years.
Every now and again, he would lift his head and look at the wall mounted clock facing him. And each time he looked up, he would see that time was progressing rather slowly than what he swore it was.
Slowly, if ever so slowly, the minute hand landed on the next mark with an audible "tick" and the man let out a deep sigh as he let his head slowly tilt down again. He would swear that the clock, in its own way, was mocking him. That it was deliberately slowing time if only to prolong his agitation.
It was a pitiful sight if there ever was one.
In many ways Jellal Fernandes's appearance was the perfect example of disheveled.
His hair was tussled and uncombed. His brow was knit together in nervousness as sweat lightly formed on his skin. He wore a black button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows over a white t-shirt. He hadn't really bothered to tuck his shirt in all the way into his khaki's which were held around his waist by a belt. His leather shoe still tapped against the linoleum.
Five hours.
Five. Agonizing hours.
That was how long he had been waiting…
…And he still found himself continuing to wait.
He had good reason, mind you, as to why he looked and acted the way he did.
His wife, Erza Scarlet now Erza Fernandes, the "Queen of Fairy Tail"…had begun to give birth to their child.
That had been fifteen minutes ago.
Erza had went into labor around midnight but it was at approximately five o'clock in the morning that the actual birth had begun.
And it had been fifteen nerve racking minutes since then; each minute having been punctuated by a scream or cry of pain from Erza's hospital room.
The doctors had told him to wait…it was all he could do. And as much as he wanted to be by his wife's side, Jellal knew that in this situation, he was powerless to do anything.
It was an ironic feeling, Jellal thought to himself.
He was one of the most powerful mages in all of Fairy Tail. He who had fought some of the vilest Dark Guilds in all of Fiore, he who had gone toe to toe with Oracion Seis, the demons of Tartarus and even Zeref himself; the most feared Dark Mage of all time.
But for all his strength and power, Jellal found himself unable to do a thing to help his wife.
Jellal let out a sigh of frustration as he ran a hand through his hair.
Erza and the baby were everything to him. He knew full well the risks that were associated with child birth and the impact it could have on both the baby and the mother. Some of those risks made Jellal shudder in fear at such prospects.
Erza, without a doubt in all of existence, was the love of his life. He had loved her ever since they were children way back when they were prisoners in The Tower of Heaven. No one could hold a candle to the way he felt for her….how she drove the darkness out of his heart and brought him back into the light.
And the baby…his little girl who had yet to be welcomed to the world…
If he lost either the baby or Erza, even worse; if he lost both of them, Jellal had no idea what he'd do with himself.
A comforting hand placed itself on his back and Jellal looked up to see Meredy sit down next to him. The pinkette still wore her pajamas but she had covered herself up with her cloak.
But she wasn't the only one who was present.
Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Mirajane, and most if not all of Fairy Tail had arrived at the hospital. Even Master Makarov himself had been awoken for this event.
All thanks to one blue feline.
Happy let out an extended yawn as he lay curled up in Lucy's lap. It was thanks to him that everyone was here…and that Erza had been able to get to the hospital so quickly.
The Exceed had volunteered to stay with Erza and Jellal once the due date for the baby drew closer. The blue, energetic cat had spent most of his time curled up in bed with Erza in case the baby decided to arrive early. Erza herself found her normally high stamina drained little by little as each day passed throughout her pregnancy. Apparently the baby took more out of her than she expected and that was saying much given how Erza's strength was internationally known.
But, as soon as Erza had awoken at midnight in pain as her labor began, Jellal had scooped her up into his arms and let Happy do the rest. The weight load had been significant but Happy had managed to get the duo, plus one yet to be born child, to the Hospital safe and sound. The Exceed had then flown off into town to see if he could wake the other members of the Guild.
For his actions, Lucy had let Happy crash on her lap after he returned from his last run. The poor thing was exhausted to say the least.
Jellal was more than grateful that everyone was here to show their support.
"Everything will be alright Jellal." Meredy said, snapping Jellal out of his thoughts.
"Yeah," Natsu said as he tried, but failed, to stifle a yawn, "Erza's been through worse. She can handle this."
"Considering that you've never given birth before, and never will for that matter, it's easy for you to say that." Evergreen Strauss whispered heatedly as she rested against Elfman while she gently held Kaito close to her chest as the toddler slept silently.
"I agree with Evergreen on that." Juvia Fullbuster said as she kept little Jenny close to her as well. Gray chuckled silently much to Natsu's ire.
Mirajane Dreyar nodded silently in agreement as she slowly rubbed her hand over her swollen belly. She was seven months pregnant after all.
Natsu held up his hands defensively and in defeat. He wasn't going to argue. Not now, given the circumstances. Lucy gave her husband a sympathetic smile and gently patted his shoulder.
Jellal let a small smile form on his face.
"Thank you…all of you; for being here." Jellal said.
"Think nothing of it," Levy said, "We wouldn't have missed this for the world."
Her response brought forth a series of murmurs of similar liking from all of those who were present.
Another cry of pain from Erza's room startled everyone and caused them to look at the source.
Erza's cries seemed to becoming more frantic…desperate even.
It wouldn't be long before the baby arrived.
Jellal felt his heart pump faster in his chest like the staccato beat of a machine gun. And the gunner pf said machine gun wasn't keen on taking his finger off the trigger.
Jellal set his coffee mug down on the floor and then leaned back in his seat as he ran his hands down his face with a frustrated sigh.
"How did you do it?" Jellal asked as he looked at Gray.
"…Do what?" Gray asked as he quirked an eyebrow, meeting Jellal's tired gaze with his own.
"This," Jellal said as he pointed to hospital door by hitching his thumb over his shoulder, "All of this?"
Jellal then extended his arms outward for better emphasis.
Gray chuckled as he shifted in his seat so Juvia could rest her head on his shoulder.
"To be honest…I'm not sure." Gray said.
"Something tells me I looked a lot like the way you do right now. Panicking out of my mind and hoping the worst doesn't happen." Gray said.
The ice mage then looked down at Juvia and Jenny, who was gently snuggled up to her mother's chest. Gray gently moved a stray strand of hair from Jenny's forehead. The toddler stirred slightly in her sleep.
"But to be honest," Gray said as he looked back at Jellal, "I did something I never thought I would do."
"And what's that?" Jellal asked.
"…I prayed."
That statement caused a few heads to turn.
"You? Praying?" Natsu asked.
Gray nodded.
"I prayed. I prayed that Juvia would pull through alright. I prayed for Jenny to be delivered to us safely…that no harm would come to her or Juvia. I prayed…because at the time…it felt like the right thing to do. I didn't know who or what to pray to…but it felt right to do so."
Jellal rested his hands on his knees as he let Gray's words sink in.
Pray…the word sounded foreign to him…alien even.
A man like him didn't pray…he didn't deserve to receive whatever mystical blessing a prayer might bring for him.
Not after who he had been in the past…not after what he'd done.
But still…the notion of doing such an act struck at something deep within Jellal. He didn't know what it was, but at the moment it didn't matter.
Another cry of pain from Erza echoed into his ears.
"SHE'S COMING! SHE'S COMING!" Erza screamed in half pain, half relief.
Jellal closed his eyes tightly. This was it.
These final moments would be the most crucial ones for the baby and Erza. Only a miracle seemed to be able to make his hopes a reality.
"What the hell?" Jellal thought simply.
Jellal slowly clasped his hands together as he bet forward and rested his forehead against his thumbs.
For the first time, in what had been a long, long time, Jellal made a silent prayer to whatever deity he hoped was listening.
"I know you can hear me…I know you're watching me," Jellal thought, "I wouldn't have gotten this far in life if you hadn't. I know that I've done some unforgivable things in my life…but can you do me a favor; if only just this once. Can you please help my wife…can you please help her and our daughter? I'm not asking for much…just this that's all."
Amidst the Erza's frantic screaming and the blood pounding in his ears, Jellal could have sworn he heard a voice whisper into his ear.
It said: I heard you ask…and I answered…
There was a final, long and exasperated cry from Erza.
And then silence.
Nobody dared speak let alone breathe.
The tension in the air was heavy to the point of it being almost suffocating.
After and unknown amount of time, the doors to the room opened and the lead doctor walked out as he pulled the cloth mask down from his mouth. Everyone seemed to stiffen in their seats as their eyes locked onto the doctor. With just a few steps, the doctor stood before Jellal.
"Mr. Fernandes?" The doctor asked.
"Yes." Jellal said. Hearing himself, Jellal noticed that his voice sounded hollow and that his mouth was dry.
The doctor regarded Jellal for a moment…
…as the soft sound of a newborns cry's came from within the room.
The doctor smiled warmly.
"Congratulations sir," the doctor said, "you are now the father of a healthy baby girl."
With those simple words, Jellal felt all the tension leave his body as he explosively exhaled in relief while he collapsed back into the sofa. His reaction mirrored that of the others before they let out a series of cheerful hoots and hollers.
Sweet, sweet relief washed over Jellal's body like a heavy rain.
"And Erza?" Jellal asked as joy crept into his voice.
"She's just fine," the doctor said, "it was tough on her but she'll be alright. We'll need to keep her under observation, just to be safe however."
Jellal nodded as he stood on shaky knees before firmly shaking the doctor's hand.
"Thank you doctor…may I...may I go see them?" Jellal asked.
"Go right ahead. You're the father and the husband so that means you get first dibs." The doctor said as he patted Jellal on the back.
Jellal swallowed hard, silently thanked whoever answered his prayer and the proceeded to walk into Erza's room alone.
Silently closing the door behind him, Jellal approached the hospital bed while a nurse stood nearby, checking an I.V. drip.
Erza's bed had been adjusted so she could sit upright throughout her labor and the birth, and it was in that position that Jellal found his wife. Her scarlet red heir, the color of the name Jellal had given Erza so long ago, was messy and matted to her forehead by sweat. Her cheeks were flushed from exertion and stained with tears.
It was her eyes, which drew Jellal's attention. Although they were tired with dark bags slightly forming beneath them, her eyes expressed one single, pure emotion. Joy; absolute joy.
It was then that Erza noticed her husband's presence. Looking up, her mouth formed into a radiant smile as tears streamed down her face.
"Jellal…" Erza whispered.
Jellal was soon at his wife's side as he pulled up an awaiting chair while tears of his own formed in his eyes.
"Jellal," Erza said, her voice picking up strength, "we did it…we did it!"
Jellal nodded before he leaned in and took his wife into a passionate kiss. Breaking their lips, Jellal rested his forehead against Erza's.
"I was so worried about you." Jellal said.
A tiny whimper and coo caught Jellal's attention and he turned his head so he could look at the small, linen bundle gently nestled in Erza's arms.
"Both of you." Jellal said as his voice cracked slightly.
His daughter. He was finally looking at his daughter.
She was slightly chubby and her skin was a warm shade of pink. Her eyes were closed tightly as another whimper escaped her ever so tiny lips. Jellal extend his fingers and gently ran them through the small, matted strands of dark blue hair that adorned the baby's head.
"She's…she's perfect." Jellal said as tears of joy unashamedly ran down his face.
Erza hummed in agreement as she rested her head on Jellal's shoulder.
"May I…" Jellal said after a long pause, "May I hold her?"
Erza looked at Jellal with a quirk of her lips.
"Of course you can, she is your daughter after all." Erza said in a light hearted tone.
Jellal flushed in embarrassment for only a second before Erza gently raised her arms. Steadying his shaking hands, Jellal gently took his baby girl into his arms; her head resting in the crook of his elbow for support while he kept her close to his chest so she could hear the beating of his heart.
The baby squirmed slightly but soon settled into the warmth of her father's embrace.
Jellal let a bright smile form on his lips.
After everything that had happened in his life…all the pain, loss, obstacles and general insanity, Jellal felt the world around him disappear. All that mattered at this point of time was his, his wife and his daughter.
The baby's eyes briefly fluttered open and Jellal was rewarded with a pair of dark, amber colored eyes before they closed again.
Oh yeah…the world could've ended and Jellal would never have noticed.
But…a fact soon pulled itself form the back of his mind.
"We still have to pick a name for her," Jellal said gently as he looked at his wife, "have you finally decided on anything?"
Erza nodded and reached out her pinkie finger so the baby could wrap her hand around her mother's outstretched limb.
"I have…" Erza said, "I want to name our baby Senna."
Jellal paused as he thought the name over before his lips curled in a smile with a chuckle.
"The name that shall ensure she will live for a thousand years…coming from the woman who has mastered a thousand swords and armors."
Jellal gently kissed Erza's forehead and looked her in the eyes.
"I couldn't have picked a better name for our baby."
Erza giggled softly as she wiped a tear from her eye.
"I knew you would like it," Erza said as he took Senna back into her arms. Jellal was hesitant to do so…but he knew he would have all the time in the world to do so again.
"You're amazing...you know that right?" Jellal asked as he gently stroked Senna's cheek.
"Thank you… the same goes for you." Erza said in return.
The two were silent for a while before Erza spoke again.
"Jellal," Erza said, "I love you…so, so much."
Jellal smiled and rested his head on his wife's shoulder.
"And I love you more." Jellal said.
As the first rays of morning light filtered in through the window blinds, the two proud and new parents gazed lovingly at their daughter.
Today was the start of a new chapter in their lives.
Today was the start of a new life.
Today was the start…of a new light.
XX-END-XX
A/N: So…yeah; Jerza fluff for you guys!
Like I said earlier, this chapter marks the end of the final side story so I hope I sent it off on a good note. After this, prepare thy selves because the plot train will be moving at full steam for the main branch of this story.
Get ready ladies and gents, that's all I'll say.
Next time; CHAPTER 15: The Return to Crocus; A Night to Remember!
But before I start that, as I said, I'm going to finish working on Chapter 3 for Vendetta. Once that is over with, I'll haul my sorry butt back to this story.
Just be patient please.
OH! Quickly, before I go, I have a question to ask regarding my OC's. It's nothing major, but I've been wondering; have I created believable characters with my OC's? I'm not asking this out of worry, if anything it's more out of curiosity. If you could give me your thoughts, I would appreciate it. You don't have to write a paragraph, just something short and to your liking.
By now you guys should know the drill; if you guys have any comments or questions, please put it in your review and I'll make sure to respond to you in the next chapter.
Until next time; read, review and most importantly of all, HAPPY READING!