Hi All.

We are very far along in the story, and because my plot has dragged on for so long, it is likely that many readers lost track of the central themes. Therefore, I compiled a doc outlining the three main plots. I took snippets from each chapter to show the progression of the main plot, as I also added a lot of fluff (but also important to the development of our characters!)

Please see my profile on this website for the link to the document.

This is not a mandatory read. It is only there to serve as a recap. Though, I would highly recommend reading my author's note on it, as it sums up the point I want to drive home.

Without further ado, I present this update! Keep in mind this chapter sets up the plot next chapter, so it is a bit slow.

Façade

Chapter 33: Guilt Consumes

Year X791

"Mama?"

Porlyusica scowled at the child, startled by the title used on her one too many times. "Eugene, how many times did I tell you not to call me that?"

Eugene flinched at her harsh tone. Compared to how free-spirited and rebellious the Fairy Tail guild was, he had turned out to be the exact opposite.

She had raised him like she envisioned Jellal would have been like as a young child. Soft-spoken, polite, but there was a confidence Eugene lacked that Jellal naturally gained in his younger years.

And when she looked into his honey eyes, the young boy spoke volumes of intelligence. Years of reading did that, she supposed.

"I'm sorry Miss Porlyusica." He corrected, walking over to a small table where Porlyusica framed a photo of Jellal and Erza.

She had gotten a Sorcerer Weekly magazine that had featured the engaged couple. She would never forget the date, initialed at the bottom right of the frame. Eugene traced the frame and gazed at it almost enviously.

"Can they even be called my parents?"

Porlyusica frowned upon his incessant questioning of Jellal and Erza. However, she had one thing to say. "If they didn't save you, you would likely be dead. Or with that lunatic of a biological father you have."

Eugene laughed at her word choice. "So I have three sets of parents?"

"I fail to see why this is a laughing matter."

Eugene glanced up at her. "I'm kidding. You're the only parent I have."

Porlyusica had no words. Maybe if Jellal were still alive, she would think he had some nerve to leave her with this child for seven years.

Then again, they were supposed to come back in late December in X784 to get Eugene.

Would that have been possible? There was commotion about Jellal being wanted by the Magic Council. They failed to keep the matter entirely secret. Anti-Magic Council factions were likely responsible for the leakage of the news.

The Magic Council was susceptible to crumbling the more such news came to light.

"I don't know what they saved you from, but they indeed did it out of love."

As he longingly stared at the photo of Jellal or Erza, he could not help but linger at Erza's warm countenance longingly.

As though she felt like a mother.

Erza was not alone when she woke up on Tenrou Island.

Jellal's weight was on top of her, but he was still...

Unconscious? Dead? There were no other words she could think of.

Her first instinct was to inspect his body, and she had found that Acnologia's roar indeed affected him. An extensively torn coat with his body was littered with wounds that were not tended to.

"Jellal?" she called out softly, trying to shake him awake.

"Do you believe in heaven, Erza?"

Her throat constricted upon remembering him utter that sentence. Erza checked for an emblem anywhere that could have saved him, but there was nothing. She did not care if it was scarlet, blue, yellow, white. She needed to see proof of his existence.

There was nothing in sight.

"He's not dead." Another voice called out. It was a girl, floating towards them.

More like a ghost. A tiny female ghost with long wavy hair. Something bordering white and gold.

"Are you..the first master?" Erza asked, finding her voice break despite the revelation of Jellal being fine.

"I am, dear child."

It was strange for a young girl to refer to Erza as a child. But she knew better than to question the wisdom of their first guild master.

Exactly how she refused to question Makarov's very questionable actions as guild master.

"If Jellal is okay, then Simon..."

Mavis tilted her head. "Simon? Who is that?"

"He...he fell off Tenrou Island when Acnologia was attacking us. You saved him, right?"

Mavis teared up. "I...there was someone who died in my presence? Whilst bearing the Fairy Tail emblem?"

Erza's head sunk into her bunched up knees as she hid her tears from Mavis. "He's gone. Simon is...gone."

Mavis wailed, and Erza had to wonder if she was well-acquainted with Simon to be shedding tears so horrifically.

The guild master stopped when she caught sight of Jellal, craning her head and pointing at him.

"The fact this man before you is alive is also a fluke."

Erza turned her head sharply, refusing to believe that it was pure luck that saved Jellal. Mavis further clarified, "I'm not sure how you both survived. I know he used a shielding spell, but it surely couldn't withstand the blast of Acnologia's roar for such a prolonged period."

Erz reeled his unconscious frame closer to her. "It's because he doesn't have the guild mark, right?"

Mavis nodded. "Well, whatever the case, I'm glad it turned out this way. I have to wonder how he survived, though."

"Maybe his spell worked? Jellal is a Wizard Saint, after all."

Mavis' ears perked at the news. "A Wizard Saint, you say?" Her eyes gleamed. "I didn't know people like him were Wizard Saints. I was tired of seeing old men being crowned such a distinguished title for so long. Wow, that's great!"

"I suppose you don't fancy the idea of Makarov as a guild master?"

"What do you mean? Makarov is still a baby to me!"

"You...you don't say?" Erza raised an eyebrow, catching her words. "Still? You knew him as an infant? I don't suppose you knew his parents."

Imagining Makarov's parents as actual people was startling. To think that someone knew of the parents he never spoke about.

"Well...it's a story for another time." Mavis brushed off playfully. "Anyway, back on the topic of this man. I assume he is no stronger than Serena since he takes the top spot. If that is the case, then there is no way he should have survived. It's beyond me as to how he did, but maybe this is a sign that he is stronger than all the Wizard Saints!"

"Doubtful."

Erza's smile disappeared, while Mavis pranced around at the thought of a Wizard Saint holding up his own against Acnologia.

Nothing changed the fact that Simon was gone. How could she ever celebrate the fact that they were alive?

She remembered his words clearly when they were holding their own against the dragon.

...

The guild master teared up, hiding his face into his shoulder. "You reckless children."

Simon grinned, "Better to be reckless than to leave our own guild master to die. We won't be preparing for a funeral upon returning to Magnolia, that's for sure."

...

Erza heard another shaky voice.

Jellal's own voice sounded unfamiliar as he turned his head away and coughed. "We are going to be preparing for a funeral, I suppose. Just not for the person we expected."

He read her thoughts, and it startled her. He did it the moment he woke up, to ensure she was alive.

Mavis was gone to awaken the other mages who were in a suspended state as well. Simon's death filled the voids of her absence.

"She couldn't save him." Erza said, her voice breaking as Simon's death replayed.

"I'm sorry," he uttered. "It was my shortcoming, to not only be helpless but to contemplate death in that given moment. I can't imagine how terrified you were."

"But what saved you, Jellal?"

He flexed his hands experimentally. "I'm not sure. My spell did nothing, that's for certain. I'm going to investigate it after the...arrangements for Simon's funeral."

"The Magic Council is still after you." Erza reminded, staring off into the mainland that was so far away. The buildings appeared much taller than she remembered. "Did Hargeon always look like that?"

Jellal followed her gaze as well. "How many years has it been since we've awoken?"

"Years? Surely you're jumping it, Jellal."

"No. It's been a while. Who knows what happened to Eugene? We also left Sho, Millianna, and Wally back there."

But they did not have the energy to dwell on that.

The question was how were they going to face everyone after Simon's death?

There was no time to have that discussion when she found a green-haired woman running towards her and practically jumping on her for an embrace. A woman who lived seven years longer than them.

"Bisca...?"

"Erza, you're alive!" she exclaimed, squeezing the scarlet-haired mage. She then turned to Jellal. "Thank goodness we found you both. We thought we lost you."

Jellal and Erza slowly turned to the group of mages, both Tenrou and non-Tenrou members, staring at them in disbelief.

Gajeel stepped forth. "Where...where is Simon?"

Natsu scouted the area, sniffling. "I can't smell him anywhere."

The group remained silent for a long moment, awaiting an explanation.

"Simon died." Jellal stated in the most detached way possible. He was afraid of acting out in front of the guild members in response to his death.

So he distanced himself from the reality, as much as possible.

Natsu trudged over to Jellal, grabbing him by the collar. "You...how can you say that with a straight face?"

"Hey, let go of him." Laxus said, shaking his head as he gently removed Natsu's hand from Jellal's shirt.

Erza looked away, blinking away her tears before anyone else could see them. Simon's death was so fresh in their minds that it felt like mere moments ago they watched him fall, oblivious to the years that passed after Simon fell.

Now that she thought about it, it was best not to go into the details about his death. This way, she felt more numb.

It was an incredibly selfish thing to do.

Makarov stood between the couple, then pulled them in for an embrace. "I'm sorry."

It was a strange spectacle, to have nobody crying but instead a haunting silence, as though nobody believed the news. They did not know what to make of his death. Many would not really care, anyway, for Simon interacted with very few in the guild.

"I'm the cause of his death, Makarov." Jellal whispered. "I took away everything. His first love, his right to live, his health, everything."

Erza shook her head. "Stop it, Jellal."

Makarov said nothing, gazing at the ground.

Gajeel breathed heavily. "Where is his body?"

"Beneath the sea."

Nobody asked anything else regarding how or when he died. They all could piece the rest together.

When Jellal glanced at Makarov momentarily, he asked, "You knew Simon was going to die, right?"

"There's a letter waiting for you in the guildhall." Makarov said instead, avoiding Jellal's question. Still, Jellal took it as an answer.

There was also a person waiting for them.

Eugene.

Erza grabbed Bisca's shoulders, suddenly remembering the infant they left behind. "Eugene...is he alive?"

"He is." She answered. "Porlyusica has been raising him all these years. She's constantly reminded him of you both. It's strange, she even has a photo of you both, and she tells me that occasionally, he will stare at it for long moments. It's almost as if he's judging your worth as parents."

Erza smiled at her momentarily. "It sounds as if these words are coming from another mother."

"We do have a child." Bisca replied, as Alzack came to her side. They had both changed and matured for the better. It felt strange that Erza saw no growth in herself, or the people who were stuck on this island for so long.

"How much time has passed?"

"Seven years." Max answered, coming behind Alzack and Bisca.

Seven years of Eugene having another as his caretaker. Erza could not help but wonder, "Will Eugene want us back as his guardians if Porlyusica has done such a keen job? You would think he would come running to see us, if what Bisca said is true."

Bisca frowned. "Well, we did not inform Porlyusica that Tenrou Island was spotted. We didn't want Eugene to have any high hopes coming here, in case we did not find you here. We assumed it would be another day where we would find nothing. Also...I don't think he would take news of your return very well."

"I have to see him." Erza said, getting up and gazing at the faint outskirts of Port Hargeon.

Jellal also stood by her side. "Once we return...I'll arrange Simon's funeral."

Where did he want to be buried, though?

As though Makarov had read his mind, the guild master said, "Read the letter."

"Did Simon give you the letter before our trip to Tenrou Island?"

"A while back, when he was first sick."

Jellal only managed a nod in response before guiding Erza away from the crowd, grabbing hold of her as he used Meteor to fly towards Port Hargeon.

They both looked at the water and couldn't help but wonder where Simon could be.

The tears came when everyone was aboard the ship.

Mirajane imagined everyone in black, at the Kardia Cathedral, mourning Simon's death.

But...based on Makarov's words, the Kardia Cathedral was not where Simon wanted to be buried. Well, it was not as if anyone in the guild actually followed the Zentopia doctrine. Lisanna being buried there was for the sake of convenience. It was near the guild, so both she and Elfman could go to pay their respects to their sister often.

Makarov was practically going around, consoling everyone about the loss of their guild members. When he came to Mirajane, he settled on staring out into the sea alongside her.

"It's strange," Makarov started, grabbing onto whatever hair was left on his head. "I feel as though Simon's entire life has been an injustice. Yet, it never felt that way when he was alive."

Mirajane looked down at the guild master, pity forming in her deep blue eyes. "Master, why did you constantly mention the letter Simon wrote?"

"So Jellal could stop blaming himself for Simon's death." Makarov answered, taking a deep drag of air. "Those words he wrote are the last hope Jellal has of forgiving himself. Erza can't help him get rid of that guilt, not when she feels the same way."

"We all feel that guilt for being oblivious to his illness. For celebrating Jellal and Erza's union, when Simon suffered on that account."

"Mine is understandable, though. I figured out how to cure Simon while on Tenrou, but he died before we could return."

"I thought...his condition was terminal."

"It was possible for it to be undone. We use magic in Fiore, but there is such a thing as alchemy. The country he wanted to visit, Pergrande, is abundant with alchemists. Surely the fix was as simple as that. It's out of reach to wizards."

"It's a three-day travel, Master. It would have been unlikely that Simon would be alive by the time we would reach there."

"I'd only need Jellal to retrieve it. He would do it in a matter of hours."

That hurt Mirajane further. To know Simon could be alive and well, but the opportunity never came. "I don't blame anyone for Lisanna's death, and sometimes I wish I could revive her. Jellal and Erza...I wonder if they contemplated that possibility yet."

"I wouldn't let them, even if their argument was compelling. Life and death are beyond us to give and take. I want you to know that as well, Mirajane."

Mirajane gave a sad smile, continuing to watch the small tides resist the ship heading towards the port. "Yes, I know. They are only thoughts, Master. I will do the honourable thing for Simon and prepare for his funeral while they sort out the situation with Eugene."

Makarov studied for a long moment. "You've changed a lot, young lady. Now, it seems all you do is worry over your former rival."

"Well, Erza had it rough at some point in her situation with Jellal. It was complicated, and it still is. Something tells me he still hesitates to marry her. The scars from the Magic Council never healed."

Makarov snorted. "I'm ashamed to say this, but you know Jellal better than I do."

"Really? He's a mystery to me."

"He is," Makarov agreed.

Gildarts came out of the cabins on the lower level of the ship and joined the two former examiners. "Our guild had a rough time these past seven years."

"Are you discerning this based on the filthy cabins?"

"Not really. I didn't find them dirty."

Juvia overheard him having exited the cabin simultaneously. "You're joking, right? Do you have any sense of hygiene, Gildarts?"

Cana rolled her eyes. "I'm ashamed to even admit he's my dad."

Juvia flinched. "You're his daughter? Since when?"

"Since I was born? Are our alcohol tolerance levels not obvious enough?"

"I was going to say that explains your hygiene." Though it seemed to make everyone aboard laugh, only nervous laughter resounded the area.

Juvia knew Simon was a testament to a single lesson. Life was simply too short to chase after someone. Ever since she got to know Simon personally, albeit it was only a couple of months, her perspective on many things changed.

She remembered Bora, and how she aimlessly tried to abide by his demands, all for love. But love resulted in an indescribable heartbreak for Simon, one that made him believe he was interfering with Jellal's pursuit for Erza.

Juvia glanced at Gray momentarily, and Mirajane could not help but sigh. "I promise your story won't end as Simon's did."

"W-what do you mean?"

"Oh, don't mind me."

It was only today everyone had known of the relationship between Jellal, Erza, and Simon. An innocent friendship that hid so much more truth.

"Jellal...why are we walking there?" Erza asked, trudging towards the forest as Jellal maintained his casual walking pace as they strolled around the city.

"How else are we supposed to get there?"

She narrowed her eyes at him. "You know the implication behind my question."

"Sometimes you surprise me since you realize my intentions, subtle as they are."

Erza stopped moving. "Why are you so hesitant about seeing Eugene? He's been waiting for us for seven years, Jellal."

Jellal tentatively paused, sighing at her question. "I'm not sure if he's been waiting for us."

"Why are you saying that?"

"Do you have any memory of your parents, Erza?"

"No, I do not."

"And if they showed themselves to you today, what would you think?"

At this, Erza went silent and understood his implication. "We're...different. We were supposed to raise Eugene."

"But you assumed the worst of your parents instead of giving them the benefit of the doubt. It's only natural, because as orphans who do not know what became of our parents, we wonder why we were left alone at such a young age. What makes you think Eugene will not think the same?"

"You heard Bisca. She said Porlyusica reminds him of us. She likely told him what happened."

Jellal put a hand on her shoulder. Only then did Erza realize how tense she was.

They both were afraid of Eugene rejecting them as their guardians.

"She did," Jellal concurred. "But that doesn't change the fact that he has countless questions. Porlyusica cannot alleviate doubts a child has never expressed to begin with."

"That may be true, Jellal." Erza said, forcing herself to take a step closer towards Porlyusica's dwelling. "But even so, it's our responsibility to answer those questions for him. I have faith that he will listen."

She knew Jellal was against seeing Eugene so suddenly, given his improper attire and the minimal exchange they had after waking up. However, he acquiesced, slipping his hand in hers, allowing her to guide them to Porlyusica and Eugene.

It was within arm's length a few minutes later, a silence the two shared that felt like an eternity. Jellal knocked on the door and felt Erza's hand slip away from his grasp.

The door did not budge. Though they both knew there was someone inside. There was a rustling of herbs as a pestle ground against a mortar.

It was Eugene, they concluded, because Porlyusica stood behind them, dropping the berries she collected in a basket. Jellal used his telekinesis to catch them all.

She huffed loudly. More loudly than Erza wanted to hear. "You foolish children... Why did you come now?"

"I wish I could give you an answer," Erza said, staring at her boots. "First of all, I'm deeply sorry for the inconvenience we caused you. We were...supposed to raise Eugene all this time."

Porlyusica frowned. "You're sorry?"

Erza nodded slowly, unable to look up at her. Then she suddenly remembered that taking back Eugene was also up to Porlyusica as well.

"I never thought I would have the patience to raise a child. But here we are, alive and well."

Contrary to Erza, Jellal was content with that knowledge. He would leave them alone so long as this was what gave Porlyusica happiness.

"May I see him?"

Porlyusica thumbed the key of her necklace, using it to unlock the door. "He is yours to take."

Everyone stood anxiously as the door clicked open. Porlyusica slowly stepped inside, blocking Jellal and Erza from Eugene's view as she exchanged words with him.

Erza counted three minutes. One hundred and eighty-two seconds. She felt her hands almost go numb from the waiting.

Then Porlyusica stepped aside, revealing the two mages, who remained unchanged for seven years, staring at him.

Erza teared up. She feared of losing him after making a promise to Michelle. "Eugene."

She reached out to him, moving slowly to embrace the boy as he let go of the pestle in his hands, letting them stay by his side as Erza squeezed him.

He let Erza's head remain on his shoulder for a while, and he felt the warmth of a mother radiating from her. As though he had reunited with his long lost biological mother.

Eugene's hair curled against the back of his neck, longer there compared to his wavy bangs. The silver in his hair faded into a white colour of some sorts.

And, of course, his honey golden eyes. How could she forget that?

"You abandoned me," Eugene started, tearing up along with Erza. "I waited for you every single day, and you never came for me."

"I wanted to," Erza whispered, brushing his hair. "I would have come right after the war if I could. But I couldn't."

"Why come now?" Eugene asked, moving away from Erza. He practically pushed her away, albeit gently. "You could have let Porlyusica continue to raise me. She is the only mother I have ever had. The only one I ever will have."

Porlyusica's eyes flickered to Erza, then to Jellal, who still kept his distance from Eugene. "The decision of what to do lies in the hands of you both."

Eugene ran to Porlyusica, tugging at her dress. "No, don't make me go with them. Mama."

Jellal asked, "Porlyusica, do you find it burdensome to raise a child?"

"I gave you that answer seven years ago. It will not change."

He then looked at Erza. "If he wishes to stay here, and Porlyusica has no issue, then I believe we should leave them be."

Erza shook her head. "He was my responsibility in the first place. I will keep my promise to Eugene's birthmother."

"I won't go with you!" Eugene shouted, hiding behind Porlyusica.

"Erza, we should respect his wish."

"Eugene," Erza said softly, extending her arm out to him. He did want to go with them, unbeknownst to Jellal. "I want to hear all about your life in these past seven years. I want to tell you of all the things I could not say within these long years. Both of us want you. Please, come with us."

She bent down, so Eugene was looking down at her.

Jellal found the spectacle almost miraculous. This woman, who would discipline anyone in the guildhall who went out of line, was patiently waiting for the young boy.

She truly knew much more about caring for children than she let on. Still, her insistence on bringing him along with them felt wrong, especially when Eugene kept backing away from her offer.

"Please, leave them be."

"No, Jellal. He will come with us. Porlyusica has done more than enough."

"This isn't only about me," Eugene said. "Mama will alone. It was always the two of us here."

"Eugene, I think it's time for you to go." Porlyusica could no longer stand to watch his denial. She ushered him to grab his things.

Erza stood from her spot and watched with her clasped hands as Eugene slowly went to pack his things, as though Porlyusica's words were his last straw.

To Jellal, however, he could not understand why Eugene accepted the departure so easily when Porlyusica insisted on it.

Moments ago he was arguing with Erza, but when he was told to leave by Porlyusica, he complied a third time.

Almost as though he was waiting for Porlyusica to give the command verbally.

Porlyusica pointed to the door. "Can I have a moment with him while he packs his things?"

Erza and Jellal nodded, strolling outside and closing the door on their way out as they waited.

"You did not give him a choice." Jellal stated with a poker face. He was unsure of what to make of her actions moments earlier.

"I did," she countered softly. "He can act as though he despises us, but in reality, Eugene has been waiting for this day."

"A contradiction I cannot understand."

"Did you look at his belongings?"

"Yes." Jellal answered after a moment of contemplation. "A miniature Magic Council building, a Fairy Tail emblem painting from late X786, a book on Requip Magic, and a Sorcerer Weekly issue—next to our photo—on my appointment as a Wizard Saint."

"What did you infer from that information?"

"They all indicate to me that he had an interest in our lives."

"It's not only an interest, Jellal. Everywhere he went with Porlyusica, he really just wanted to go with us. It was his way of narrating the story of his parents to himself. So even if he distances himself from us right now, he will eventually come through. I promise, give it some time."

"You have a talent for children, Erza. Everything about them comes naturally to you. I find it admirable."

She laughed, "I suppose it's the only thing I can surpass you in."

His lips curved, right before the door opened again to reveal Eugene with the briefcase of his belongings and Porlyusica behind him.

"No. You are far better than me in many regards."

On the way back to Magnolia, Erza tried to get Eugene to explain the trip to a festival hosted by the Magic Council. Something about a four hundred year anniversary year celebration when he went with Porlyusica.

"Did Porlyusica tell you that Jellal served the Magic Council?"

He nodded slowly. "She said it was a while back."

Erza smiled when she heard his voice. She found him very adorable, very polite, and absolutely angelic. Michelle would be happy with how he grew up. Porlyusica also clothed him just as nicely. The boy was currently donned with brown shorts and a matching colour of boots, with suspenders hanging over his white-collared shirt.

Just like Jellal, he seemed somewhat princely.

Eugene said, "She also told me he was the only one to become a Wizard Saint, and a councillor."

"Impressive, isn't it?" Erza hummed.

Eugene shook his head. "But then he left the Magic Council."

The silence after that told both Erza and Jellal that he wanted an explanation. One that came from Jellal, since he barely exchanged any words with Eugene.

"That is a story I will save for when you are older." Jellal replied, glancing at Erza's hand to find her holding Eugene's. "The Magic Council is not as grand as everyone thinks it is."

Eugene stared at Jellal. "You are strange. Mama told me she could never figure you out."

"She's not the only one," he mused.

"You worked hard to be a councillor, but you still left."

Erza bent down to his level, straightening the little bow at the collar of his shirt. "Sometimes, it's too dangerous. One day, you'll understand."

She resumed walking with Eugene after the small stop, with Jellal pacing up ahead.

Eugene was unaccustomed to Jellal, still. He really missed Porlyusica, despite having waited for Jellal and Erza.

But Jellal, too, was not helping either, given their distance while walking, as though Jellal was unacquainted with Erza and Eugene.

They stopped by the guildhall, after wandering around town in search of it. It was on the outskirts now. That went to show that their reputation had tanked.

"If I had time to make a meal, I would." Jellal said, ushering to Eugene. "But since I have preparations to make...he can eat here."

"I don't want him to see us at Simon's funeral."

Eugene looked up at Erza's hurt expression. "What's a funeral?"

Erza gave a very uncertain look of reassurance. "Nothing you need to know, Eugene." She paused, trying not to croak. "This is our guildhall. I see you had the emblem of our guild painted a while back."

"I wanted to see the guildhall." He nodded, looking up at it. "I heard it used to be the centre of Magnolia."

"It was," Erza agreed. "We're not sure what happened, either. Let's go inside and say hello to everyone."

Erza babied him in a way that did not make him feel inferior. But also in a way that made him feel like the child of a loving mother.

Jellal would take much longer to grow accustomed to the addition of a child. He was more reserved in welcoming Eugene back into their arms. He still wondered why it was so easy to say goodbye to Porlyusica.

"Did Simon specify a certain cemetery?" Mirajane inquired.

Makarov peered at the creaking floorboards of the guildhall. "No, he did not. He just wanted to be buried somewhere in another country."

"We don't...how do we go about making a grave when we can't find his body?"

"Cremation can still be done. We simply don't need burial services."

"I see." Mirajane responded, dragging the empty coffin across the floor. "Maybe we can put his valuables inside this coffin to bury. I feel like it's the least we can do. Then we would require the burial service as well."

"A task we'll give to those two." Makarov mumbled, watching as Jellal and Erza walked in with a grown Eugene.

Erza led Eugene to Makarov, ushering him to take a seat on one of the bar stools.

"Eugene, this is our guild master, Makarov."

"Hello, Mister Makarov." Eugene simply said. The words sounded too familiar on his tongue. "Porlyusica has told me a lot about you."

"Ah, you were so tiny the last time I saw you." Makarov paused, trying to find the words to address his second comment. "Sounds like Porlyusica to do just that. I presume you have a bad impression of me."

"Bad is an underestimate." Eugene mumbled, causing everyone in their proximity to laugh. Everyone except Jellal and Erza.

"He's our master, Eugene." Erza said. "Please treat him with more respect."

"Sorry Mister Makarov."

At this point, the 'Mister Makarov' sounded more like an insult than an honourary.

"I'm sure Porlyusica was fair in her assessment of me. Come, let's get you some lunch."

Makarov signalled the new barmaid, Kinana to serve the young boy some food, turning his back to the two mages who brought Eugene here in the first place. Seven years ago the barmaid would have been a child still, Erza deduced. The purple hair resembled the vibrant shade of the snake that poisoned her during her fight with Cobra.

Erza shivered when she recalled the memory of severing her arm.

"You two go find the letter in the guild master's office. Macao kept it safe and sound."

Erza stepped forth. "But Eugene-"

"Yes, I'll take care of him. If I didn't know any better, I would say you don't trust me. Is that it, Erza?"

"Of course not, but Master-"

"He's my child too. He'll be a member of the guild from now on."

Jellal added, "That will be his choice, Makarov. Eugene gets to choose who he calls a parent from now on. We simply have to prove ourselves worthy."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that Eugene outright refused you as his parents." Makarov's breathless laughter followed.

He was clearly drunk. And they were leaving Eugene in his hands.

The mysterious barmaid replacement for Mirajane, Kinana, smiled at them. "Don't worry, I'll take care of them."

"Thank you," Erza replied, unsure why she trusted the girl than other members in the guild.

Her first instinct was to scout for Sho, Wally, and Millianna.

"They're not here." Jellal said, answering her unspoken question.

"Where are they?"

Macao stopped in front of them. "Who?"

"The rest of our friends."

"They left." The painter, Reedus, answered. "Two years ago, after we were forced into this guildhall."

Erza asked, "What event brought this on? Why did you have to move into this building?"

Gajeel and Wendy were standing beside Reedus, interest piqued by the events leading up until here. Wendy offered, "Well, before we came, Twilight Ogre mentioned something about us owing them a debt."

Erza clasped her hands together, having heard Wakaba and young Romeo briefly discuss how the Tenrou team practically saved them when Laki was being harassed. Her armoured hands clenched into fists. "Oh, I'm about to show them how much debt they owe us. For the mistreatment of our guild members."

"Well, there's more." Gajeel uttered, looking down. "It has to do with Master Jose."

Jellal looked up immediately, remembering the conversation he had with Jose while he was in prison.

Erza would be the price to pay if Jose ever got near them again.

"At least, we think." Bisca chimed in, alleviating some of their concerns.

Erza could not help but cast her gaze downwards, thinking about Simon's death as Mirajane set the coffin aside to a corner.

"Erza?" Wendy asked, waving her hand in front of the mage. "Are you alright?"

"Yes. Sorry, just thinking. Please, continue Bisca."

"It was a night where everyone went home. Someone had planted a bomb in the basement and the guildhall was in ruins the next day. We couldn't afford repair costs, so Twilight Ogre instead paid for the demolishment of the area for the construction of other buildings. That is why we owe them a debt. And it wasn't actually them that paid the debt. They had a benefactor amongst their ranks offering to pay for the demolition. Like Jose, this benefactor was a previous convict."

"Why was Jose the suspect, and not Twilight Ogre?" Jellal inquired.

"It's because the incident occurred the night of Jose's release. We monitored his movements back in prison because we assumed he would be back for revenge. But...there's no evidence to link the incident to him. As for the demolishment, the town considered large guildhall a waste of space with how low enrolment rates were."

Erza shrugged. "I find it hard to believe that Jose would have the means to bomb an entire guildhall the night of his release. Still, what happened to Sho, Wally, and Millianna?"

Macao sighed. "That was the last straw for them. They only joined the guild because Jellal had led everyone here. They waited five years for your return, before deciding there was nothing left for them here. Wally and Sho are currently travelling, and Millianna recently joined Mermaid Heel."

"That's...where Kagura is."

Another person who needed to know about Simon's death.

And just like that, the six children from the Tower of Heaven had gone their own ways. A group Erza prided on having. One that Jellal kept together.

"That's the end of us, I suppose." Jellal whispered, turning to Macao. "Macao, are you able to show us the letter Simon left behind?"

The temporary guild master raised an eyebrow. "Huh? Sure, but nobody's had luck opening it. We believe Simon knew what would happen, which was why he wrote a letter beforehand."

Jellal shook his head. "I am not too sure. He knew about something, though."

They walked past Simon's designated coffin and into the crammed office with piles of paper that were once neatly shelved in the previous guildhall.

"This is the envelope. Though it has a magic seal."

Macao handed the envelope to Erza. Sensing their need for privacy, he shut the door to the office.

"How was this letter kept intact when the guildhall explosion occurred?"

"Simon used an incredibly powerful seal." Jellal uttered.

The seal came undone as soon as it landed in the correct recipient's hand.

Erza gulped. "Together?"

Jellal nodded, opening the letter and holding it out in front of them, so they could both read simultaneously.

Dear Jellal and Erza,

By the time you are reading this, with surety I can say that I am dead. The only way the seal of this letter can break is through the caster dying and the correct recipient receiving this. However, I do not know the cause of my death.

My likely guess would be that the poison the alchemist used on me had finally got to me. Surely you both can testify to the cause of my death. Regardless, nobody but that alchemist is to blame. I do, however, owe you both an apology for hiding my condition from you. Jellal especially has a tendency to blame himself for his inability to save others. I could not afford to tell any of you.

Before writing this, however, I did some investigating on the alchemist. It was odd that someone owning an illegal shop in the middle of nowhere in Fiore would have such a powerful potion—one strong enough to kill a person. This is the consequence of using alchemy, a concept similar to magic.

It turns out the alchemist's origins stem from Pergrande, and they work for the militia there. Jellal, their sudden approach that day in the woods was intentional. They knew who we were, and what seemed like an accident was all a setup to poison one of us. We just happened to be there that day.

I already said that both Bellum and Pergrande have a connection to the book that showed up at my apartment. The key enclosed in the envelope is to my apartment, where I have compiled a list of files that connect the alchemist to the royal family of Pergrande. I also have clues as to who sent that storybook, and the true allusion to the plot.

It has to do with you, Jellal. I would love to spoil it, but I think there is merit in having you discover your own origins.

I would like to believe this is the first time somebody has outsmarted you. You took an awful long time to question your past.

Regardless, I hope you both found your peace, and I wish you all the best.

And I'm not sure if I ever said this, but...I love you both. Whenever you are with each other, I can see the affection you hold for one another—the kind you cannot share with another person. You have my congratulations when you are wed.

I have one last request before I finish. Please bury me in Pergrande. I think I'm from the capital, Lumen. It's far, and probably an absurd request, but I want to be buried in my home. Thank you, in advance, wherever I am buried.

At this point in time, I think a proper farewell is due.

Goodbye, Jellal and Erza. Thank you for being one of my few reasons for living.

Yours Truly,

Simon.

The letter had a lone tear drop from it. It was from the eye Erza had not lost.

"He accepted his death months before, Jellal. It was a reality I was ignorant of."

"It wasn't only you." He said, placing his hand on her head, pulling her close. "I was ignorant, too. Especially considering that alchemist had approached us purposely."

She felt a tear fall on her forehead. "Jellal, don't cry."

He sunk his head into her shoulders, finally releasing all the pain that plagued him. "Sorry...I'm so sorry."

"Don't apologize, Jellal. It wasn't your fault. Seeing you cry, makes me want to cry."

Nobody could console him when it came to Simon's death. Everyone in the world could tell him it was not his fault and he would still feel responsible.

"It was. It was, Erza." He embraced her even tighter. "But I swear to you, I will protect you until my last breath. Simon will be the last person we lose."

"Do not cry, Jellal." She said again, caressing his face, wiping away his tears. She wiped away hers as well. "I want you to know that although you may blame yourself for Simon's death, it won't change the fact that you're not blameworthy."

She let him sob against her shoulder, letting him cry to his heart's content. Even then, he was quiet, refusing to reveal the extent of his vulnerability.

Her heart clenched at his tears. Erza had never seen him cry in front of her. He held in his pain for so long, and this was the first time in her entire life that Jellal shed tears. He never cried, even when he was tortured for hours on end in the Tower of Heaven.

There was something different about a composed person losing their cool like this.

There was something different about Jellal, of all people, crying.

He lifted his head from her face after infinite silence passed, as though he had not cried.

"I'm going to find the person responsible for Simon's death." Jellal informed. "They will pay the price for taking his life."

"You don't mean that, Jellal."

"I do."

She touched his face. "You're lying."

He paused, staring at her in bewilderment. "Erza, I..."

"You don't take revenge, Jellal. You never wished death, even on the people who enslaved us. I know you regret accidentally killing the guards who tortured you. So you won't kill this person, either."

He averted his gaze. "I will find them, still."

"I will come along."

There was a time when Jellal would outright refuse her. He would fear that Erza would someday see him differently.

But those worries were now gone.

This was the girl he was going to marry. Saying no to her at this point would be foolish.

So he resigned himself to the reality that one day, she would come to know even the secrets of the Magic Council.

It did not frighten him, not like it once did.

"We'll go together." He said.

She took his hand and replied, "You've changed, Jellal."

It took three days for everyone to travel to Pergrande. Originally, many of the mages backed out on taking the trip because they were seven years in debt, having rented their places.

That was until Jellal insisted on paying for everyone's tickets. He wanted everyone in the guild to be at his funeral. Erza thought his guilt was the driving factor, but then again, Jellal never was concerned about money. With his penthouse paid in full, he had no debt.

So here everyone was, dressed in black and stepping out of the last train to the new country. Some people took jobs to save up for the expenses to stay here. Some still stayed at the guild.

With the trip being such short notice, Jellal and Erza did not yet read the files Simon had been collecting for Pergrande. They would go back and make another trip.

For now, they carried the coffin full of Simon's belongings, hidden with a black cloth draped over it. Erza carried the end of it, while Jellal took hold of the front.

"Lumen." Jellal said, looking back at the letter he had pocketed. "That is where we are supposed to go."

Juvia stepped onto the train platform and took a map of the country from a teller. She opened it for everyone to see. "It's east from here."

Cana stared at the two mages carrying the coffin. "Don't tell me you both plan on walking with this coffin all the way to the capital? It's going to take an hour to reach there if you plan on walking."

"I could use Meteor, but I would be leaving you all behind." Jellal responded, causing everyone to groan at that.

"Alright, we're dead weight I suppose." Gray said, crossing his arms. "But let's get serious. Everyone will know that we're wearing black, so it's a funeral. We don't want them to be evading us because they're terrified."

"I assure you they will not know what our black symbolizes. Pergrande has customs more similar to the north and eastern continents. Black hardly symbolizes anything death-related. Besides, the coffin...will go in there."

Jellal pointed to an automobile with a wide trunk at the end.

Eugene squeezed Erza's hand tightly. "Was he a friend of yours?"

"Yes," Erza whispered softly. "Jellal and I loved him very much."

"Did he also love you both?"

"Even more."

Love. That word only applied in the context between parents and children for Eugene. He did not comprehend the love between Jellal and Erza.

He did not understand the complications of Simon's unrequited love, either.

"Can I...can I drive that automobile?" Gajeel of all people asked. Levy and Juvia stared at him quizzically, wondering why he of all people requested the role that Erza or Jellal should have taken on.

"Please do." Erza said, surprising everyone. She clutched the fabric of her black dress, the cotton almost a blur to her with the unshed tears threatening to slip.

To the guild, her permission to Gajeel was proof that she had accepted Simon's death. That she let go any hope of him existing amongst them.

Mirajane, Juvia, and Lucy all came to embrace her as they wept over the loss. Eugene was stuck in between them, and upon feeling so many heaved breaths against him, he, too, cried for the man he had never met.

It ironically rained as well, much to nobody's surprise. Even when Lisanna died, it had pelted heavily.

Jellal turned away from the guild. He wanted to cry, wanted to scream for the injustice Simon went through.

But he knew his guilt would only surface again after trying so hard to contain it.

If there was any moment the guild was ever silent for, it was the death of someone.

Erza glanced up at Jellal momentarily. "Hey, are you alright?"

Jellal did not turn around.

Instead, he collapsed against the tiled cement, legs giving away.

"Jellal?"

Erza's throat constricted as Gray and Natsu reached for his collapsed body.

"Erza?" Mirajane asked, shaking her still body. "Calm down. He's just unconscious."

Her eyes still remained wide. She did not blink for a long while. Not even as Makarov ordered to take Eugene away from the scene.

"He's probably overwhelmed by Simon's death." That was all Erza could offer as an explanation for Jellal's collapse.

So Makarov ordered her to continue following the others to the cemetery.

Without Jellal or Eugene.

He dreamt of a hell in this country. A war waging on against Bellum, Simon a victim of it all.

And right beside Simon was him.

This country was forsaken, a lost cause ever since the king had taken over. He remembered hearing about his father being executed, his mother living in solitary confinement, and him being subjected to horrendous treatment.

Pergrande was a terrible, terrible place.

When he awoke, a blur of memories came rushing to him, nothing which he could make sense of.

It was as if something prevented him from remembering.

"Jellal."

It was not Erza's familiar voice he awoke to, but rather, Mirajane's.

"Thank goodness you're alright. You scared everyone."

He sat up, registering that they were in a hotel room, the one he had arranged for the guild to stay in. By his side were also Wendy and Eugene.

Mirajane smiled at Wendy. "Looks like your magic worked."

"Well, actually, my magic did not help at all, I'm ashamed to admit. He was never physically ill."

"That's unlike you," Mirajane pointed out. "The only time I've seen you collapse was when you carried a wounded Erza while bleeding to death, and even then you insisted on carrying her. Quite the romantic, aren't you?"

Jellal turned away, as though denying it. "Right, I collapsed when I stared at..."

The palace.

His heart pounded when he remembered exactly what he was looking at and immediately refused to finish that sentence.

"Jellal, are you sure you're alright?"

"I am," he assured, standing up to find his boots. "Why did everyone decide to bury the coffin without me?"

"When you collapsed, Erza assumed it had to do with your overwhelming feelings towards Simon's death. Nobody could bear seeing you torment yourself over his death, Jellal. It was best that you stayed here."

Well, Simon's death was not the only thing bothering him ever since he ventured into this place.

"I want to see his grave."

The door opened, revealing the tired mages that returned from mourning over Simon's death.

Erza filed inside the hotel as well, searching for Jellal.

He came to her, gazing at her swollen eyes.

"I'll take you there." She offered weakly, landing against Jellal's chest.

Eugene came running towards them, bumping into the two mages, falling, mumbling an apology, then taking their offered hands to help him up.

"Take me as well."

Erza simply looked at Jellal for confirmation, and he nodded as they left.

They both wondered how they could get married anytime soon, with the mourning mess they were.

Not to mention, the Magic Council still technically sought after them.

So did Jerome, who was likely out of prison.

So did Jose.

"Erza, give me a month."

She looked up at him. "For what?"

"To sort out this situation with Simon. After I track down the person responsible for his death and sort everything out, I promise we'll get married."

She simply said, "I waited for your confession for years, Jellal. I can wait a little longer to get married."

"I'm sorry."

That was all Jellal did these days—apologize.

"What are you sorry for this time? For being unable to control the uncontrollable?"

"For everything."

"You need some time to forgive yourself, Jellal. None of this is your fault, but I suppose it will take more than that to convince you otherwise." She paused, glancing at the bits of hazel, green, and honey in his eyes. "You don't exist to protect us, Jellal. You are human, as well."

Eugene squeezed Jellal's hand in response to his words. "You make everyone worry when you act like this."

Even me, he wanted to say, despite knowing Jellal for only a couple of days.

The words never formed on his lips.

A week had passed since Simon's funeral, and almost everyone returned to Magnolia within the week.

Well, except Jellal and Erza. And Eugene, who Makarov advised to not stay, given Jellal and Erza's current states.

Eugene insisted, as though he came to accept them as his parents. Makarov knew from Eugene's knowing gaze that he certainly refused to accept Jellal as a parental figure. It was clear Erza was the favourite.

The former guild master now turned his attention to the strange girl that approached their guild.

Lucy blinked as the random girl claiming to be a relative of hers came inside the guildhall, unable to take no as an answer as she held a long briefcase in her possession.

"My name is Michelle Lobster. Do you remember me, Lucy?"

"Lobster?" Gildarts mouthed, setting his glass down upon hearing the girl utter her name. "Where have I heard that name before?"

"The incident of Eugene's parents occurred at the Lobster Plantation." Mirajane reminded, smiling at Michelle when she looked at both S-Class wizards. "Maybe she's back for Eugene."

"Are you sure that's even her? She looks no older than Lucy."

"Can Lucy not give viable offspring?"

The blonde blushed furiously and berated Mirajane. "I can hear you!"

"Sorry Lucy, just trying to drive a point home. Continue."

"Man what idiot thought this girl could be Eugene's mother?" Gray asked, pointing at the alleged Michelle Lobster. "She would've been ten if that were the case."

Much to nobody's surprise, Mirajane was in tears because of Gray.

Again.

"You're...not you, Mira." Seeing Mirajane cry hurt him, and he was not sure why he pitied her. After all, she called the shots around the guild, with a heinous reputation as the She-Devil. "I meant Gildarts."

"Shut up, Gray." Gildarts groaned. "You're not helping."

Juvia cringed at the comeback from Gildarts. "She's not even related to Eugene." She added, crossing her arms. "This woman would have made some mention of him if that were the case."

"I can't be for certain." Makarov hummed, deep in thought. "Only Jerome's name was publicized. We could mention Eugene to see if we rouse something from her, but that would be cruel. She seems carefree, so I'm convinced she's not Eugene's mother."

"But wasn't Eugene's mother surnamed Lobster?" Wendy asked.

Makarov scratched his head. "Gah, where's Erza when you need her?"

The mages near the bar remained silent to overhear the conversation.

From what they gathered, this Michelle Lobster was indeed from the reputable and wealthy Lobster family.

The girl also came because of a clock piece inscribed with a hidden message from Jude Heartfilia. How interesting that she came to fulfill the agenda of a dead man. Now that Makarov recalled, Lucy mourned not only Simon's death, but her father's as well.

To have him brought up after freshly visiting his grave was yet another disturbance to the young girl. "Mirajane, watch Lucy for me, will you?"

Mirajane disposed of Natsu's plate as she nodded, glancing cautiously at the alleged relative of Lucy Heartfilia.

"Her name is Michelle." Mirajane said. "I'm certain that's what Erza told me."

"We won't know unless we investigate the matter." Makarov grumbled, before smirking in Gildarts' direction.

"Who, me?"

"Yes," Makarov affirmed. "Go investigate the Lobster Plantation with Laki and find out where this girl is from."

"I don't have a clue where to start." Gildarts whistled. "Besides, Laki seems like a strange person to pair me up with."

"Don't try anything funny with her." Max narrowed his eyes at the older male, who simply shrugged in confusion.

Mirajane side-eyed Gildarts as she handed the dried glassware to Kinana. "You can start with Zentopia. Remember? Seven years ago, Zentopia took her to the rehabilitation centre."

Gildarts whistled. "Doubt she's there. Mind you, her husband likely got out of prison as well. It's possible he's been searching for her far longer than we have. I hate to say it, but she might be back in the place where she dreaded being confined."

It was no secret that Jerome had abused his wife, and though he spent time in prison for it, who was to say he would not do it again? He had status and wealth in his favour.

Even worse, Jellal, the supposed guardian of Eugene, was now a criminal in the eyes of the Magic Council.

Gildarts whistled as he caught sight of the many soldiers standing in front of the guildhall. "Makarov, it seems someone is here to arrest Jellal."

"You find this funny, Gildarts?"

"Course I do. Trouble always finds the kid, no matter how hard he tries to run away. No wonder he has a guilt complex."

Carla raised an eyebrow. "I don't understand. Are you insinuating that he should be feeling that way?"

"He should, alright. Think about it, he rebelled against the Magic Council, was about to get Fairy Tail disbanded back in Phantom Lord, and now he's being sought for his crimes. Oh, not to mention that his plan to destroy an illegal apothecary got Simon killed. Why would he not feel terrible?"

"You oversimplified the situations." Mirajane countered, glaring at him.

"Did I? I stated the outcomes exactly how they went. Of course, none of the incidents are his fault. Jellal naturally takes the blame because he puts himself before others. When something goes wrong, he doesn't look at others to blame. Rather, he questions his own ability."

From behind, the mages could hear Lahar arguing with Macao. Still, Mirajane continued as though nothing was out of the ordinary.

"It's rather heroic, if you ask me."

Gildarts laughed. "If you call his guilt heroic, then sure. Otherwise, I find him to be a sad cause."

"Excuse me," Lahar interrupted, startling the group as he bypassed Macao. "I'm looking for a member of your guild. Jellal Fernandes."

Gildarts snorted. "Sorry, never heard of him."

"This is not a joke. You are currently being investigated by the Custody Enforcement Unit of the Magic Council."

The older mage bat an eyelash insultingly at Lahar. "Listen kid, if you think I give a damn about the Magic Council, then you have more important things to worry about."

Makarov smiled, remaining criss-cross on the bar stool. "Long time no see!"

"Surely you know where Jellal is."

"Dead." Makarov said it too happily for Lahar to believe him, but he might have just bought the excuse if he did not have to go on a wild goose chase for the former Wizard Saint.

"I suppose it's what I can tell the Magic Council." Lahar sighed, rubbing his temple. "I heard people had sighted him. Gran Doma is not too happy with his return. Strange, since he seemed the most affected by Jellal's disappearance on Tenrou Island."

Gray leaned into the guild master and whispered some news into his ear, which was obtained by Wakaba. Only then did Makarov straighten his back and gleam, "Jellal's in another country. Come back when it's a more convenient time."

Lahar stared at him quizzically. "...which country?"

"Pergrande."

Mirajane slapped Makarov's shoulder. Then she glared at Gray.

She whispered through gritted teeth, "You're playing right into his hand."

"Nope, he'll be busy with all the church attacks as of late. Ain't that right, boy?"

"Pergrande?" Lahar repeated, paling visibly. "Getting that country involved is problematic, to say the least. Never mind that. Thank you for your time."

Lahar instantly left with the numerous Rune Knights that marched into the small guildhall.

"First time he never arrested anyone." Gray mentioned with a breathless laugh.

Juvia blinked, "Church attacks? Isn't that more concerning than an escape convict's whereabouts?"

"Yeah, their priorities are interesting." Makarov scratched the back of his head. "He said Pergrande is dangerous?"

"For a Fioran, yes." Macao responded. "I believe there were rumours that Pergrande is planning on declaring war against Bosco, Fiore, and Seven. It's a common misconception that Fiore has the strongest guild leagues. In reality, we don't hold a candle to the Pergrande Kingdom."

"Well, what the kingdom doesn't know won't hurt them. I think Jellal knows exactly how dangerous it is to be there."

"They use something other than magic, which is how they overwhelmed the small nation of Bellum. I believe they call it alchemy."

"Yes, I know of it."

"You would have to be in Pergrande to have any possession of alchemy."

Makarov's eyes widened. "You mean to tell me that the person who killed Simon was from Pergrande?"

Gray's jaw clenched. "I don't know about you, Master, but this whole ordeal seems purposeful. Simon's death and all."

"It is." Macao nodded. "Something tells me that Simon is connected to the kingdom. Millianna told me in passing that Simon received a book from there, a story about a prince escaping a war."

"It would be a stretch to say this, but..." Juvia gulped, "perhaps Simon is part of the royal family there."

"Would that make me a prince?" Gray sarcastically snorted, causing Juvia to purse her lips and turn away as her heart beat faster.

"Someone's in love," Happy teased.

Juvia closed her eyes, remembering what Simon's blinding love resulted in.

Makarov hummed. "I wouldn't say immediate royal family. Somewhere high among the ranks, though. If he was direct royalty and their intention was to kill him, they would have located him sooner."

Mirajane frowned. "He paid the price of being born into a family he had no knowledge of. But doesn't that mean that they'll target his little sister next?"

Gajeel, too, chimed in. "Stop with the speculations. I think it's best we share our thoughts with Jellal. Something tells me he intentionally stayed in that country."

"You used your brain for once, Metalhead." Levy said, laughing when he blushed furiously in embarrassment.

"In the meantime," Cana interrupted. "Let's help Lucy get this grand clock piece her father has hidden away. Michelle is speculating that it has to do with the recent church attacks, since an anti-Magic Council faction is trying to obtain these pieces themselves."

"Anti-Magic Council groups?" Makarov questioned. "There are tons of them. We won't be able to help the Magic Council without knowing which one is targeting these pieces."

Juvia crossed her arms. "Cana says anti-Magic Council, but they're a division of Zentopia, called the Legion Platoon. At least, that's what this Michelle girl claims."

"Zentopia and the Magic Council coexist peacefully. I dare say it's rather bold of you to assume otherwise, Cana."

"Cana was never religious, Master."

"Yeah, yeah." Cana rolled her eyes. "Anyway, let's help her already. My cards will determine the teams."

"Exclude Laki and Gildarts on the selection board."

Cana did not listen, striking her cards on the map of Fiore to reveal that Laki and Gildarts were already being teamed up together. "They're assigned to the Lobster Plantation."

Gildarts smirked. "That's my girl. Let's go, Laki."

Cana looked away. "Get out of here before you make a fool out of yourself."

"Come back as soon as possible." Makarov called out, watching as the odd duo left.

Now that he examined the teams, there were quite a lot of odd combinations.

"Why are all the weaker people staying at the guildhall?"

Cana raised an eyebrow. "My cards never fail me. This is the best possible outcome."

"I fail to see how a problem involving Zentopia will lead Natsu, Happy, and Gajeel to the East Forest."

"Don't question it, Gramps." Natsu laughed, slapping him on the back. "Let's fight, Gajeel."

"You've too many loose screws in your brain, Salamander!" Gajeel yelled, following Natsu and Happy as they dashed out of the guildhall.

"Well, we're off Wendy and Juvia." Lucy said, picking up their call cards.

"You are still potentially a love rival," Juvia mumbled.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

"You're not going, Master?" Kinana asked.

"Not until I'm required to get involved. Anyway, I'm interested in hearing how you joined this guild."

"Well, I don't have any memory of it, actually. But Master Macao can tell you."

Macao immediately shot Makarov a look of uncertainty.

There was more to Kinana than Makarov expected.

Mirajane glanced at Makarov. "Cana mentioned the faction was Zentopia?"

"Seems so."

"Why would they set their own churches in fire? That doesn't make sense."

Makarov pointed to the door. "There's your invitation to investigate this for yourself."

The She-Devil thought to herself for a moment, before grabbing Elfman and departing to help find the next clock piece through the churches.

Macao nudged Makarov. "What about the rest of the equation about Michelle Lobster?"

"Well, time to send a letter to Jellal."

Laxus threw down a vulcan that had approached him in the East Forest, unknowing of the sudden return of Fairy Tail's stronger members.

The vulcan, Gorian, cried out as Laxus pulverized him until he scrambled away.

Now looking at the East Forest, he wondered how a frail lady like Porlyusica could live in such a place.

"Hehehe," he heard from behind, and Laxus resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

"So the fiery spirit of Natsu returns?"

Natsu cackled, lighting up a fire with his fists. "That's right. I'm here to challenge you!"

Gajeel groaned. "Did you just forget we're on a mission to retrieve that clock piece?"

Natsu stared at Gajeel for a long moment in scrutiny. "Mm, never heard of it."

"You can't be serious!"

"That's Natsu for ya," Happy added with a giggle.

Laxus watched them bicker amongst themselves in astonishment. "Clock piece?"

"Yeah, we're trying to prevent some church from getting it."

"Prevent them from getting something? Zentopia, right?"

"Yeah," Gajeel answered. "How'd you know?"

"The Magic Council has been investigating the recent fires on all the churches. Apparently, there are wizards setting fires to the buildings purposefully. That, and they're targeting Celestial Mages."

"Lucy's in trouble." Happy said.

"Nah, she can take care of herself." Natsu countered, dead serious.

"You're joking?" Gajeel groaned yet again. "Anyway, we gotta be on our way."

"Hold up!" Natsu shouted, causing Gajeel to jump. "Man, how can you be so lame? Laxus is here right before our eyes!"

"And?"

"You can't be that dense, Gajeel. This is our chance to beat up Laxus and consider ourselves the strongest mages in all of Fairy Tail!"

"You'd have to beat Gildarts for that. Much less, Jellal." Laxus admitted. "But if you want to challenge me that badly, then I'll gladly take you on."

"Alright! Jellal's win against in the Harvest Festival doesn't count. A win against you is a win against him."

Gajeel's face stretched in irritation. "He really makes up the rules, doesn't he?"

"Aye, sir!"

Laxus' lightning reverberated across the entire forest as the two geared up for the battle.

"Hey, if I win against Laxus, would that make me S-Class tier?" Gajeel wondered.

Happy giggled, "I'm imagining Panther Lily would talk some sense into you."

"I should've brought Lily with me. Forget Cana's cards. Why does Salamander have his personal cheerleader here?"

"Aye! Get yourself a cat like me."

"Alright Laxus," Gajeel started, completely ignoring Happy's comment. "I'm going to fight you too!"

"Wait your turn, buddy." Natsu said through gritted teeth. "You can fight him if there's anything left of him after I'm through with big ol' Laxus."

"Someone's cocky," Laxus mumbled with a smirk. "It'll be all the sweeter once I humble you."

"Wait!"

Everyone looked behind Gajeel as Wendy and Carla ran towards them.

"Hey kid, this isn't a playing field!" Gajeel reprimanded.

Wendy put her hands on her hips. "If you're going to fight, then we need to have an official itinerary and event."

"Itine- what?" Natsu asked.

"Itinerary." Wendy repeated, completely serious. "Tomorrow at South Gate Park under the Sola Tree. Let's make it happen twelve sharp. The first battle will be Natsu and Laxus. After the battle, there will be a one hour intermission before Gajeel takes on Laxus."

"How dare you treat Laxus low enough to fight him directly?"

Freed came out of his hiding spot, unbeknownst to everyone that he was eavesdropping. Wendy wondered why Laxus was surprised. Even she half-expected the Thunder Legion to tail him.

"As a member of the Thunder Legion, I won't allow you to hurt Laxus!"

"Here we go again," Evergreen said with a snicker, coming out of the hiding spot with Bickslow.

"Stand down," Laxus assured. "I'm in the spirit to fight as well. Good then, tomorrow afternoon it is."

"There was never anything wrong, Freed." Evergreen said, patting the man's shoulder. "You were worried about Laxus for nothing."

Natsu pointed at Laxus, then Freed. "You were worried about him? A guy in his own league?"

Another person came forth with the group, scaring everyone. They all assumed a fighting stance, and Bickslow even sent a doll after the figure.

The doll came back, squeezed in Porlyusica's grasp as she held a basket in her other hand.

"You."

Bickslow pointed at himself. "Me?"

She threw the doll at Bickslow's abdomen. The impact was hard enough to send him flying to the ground and knocking the Thunder Legion down.

"Classic," Happy added with a giggle.

Laxus' eyes narrowed at the fallen trio. "I'd say you deserved that."

Porlyusica paused upon staring at Wendy.

Wendy also stopped in her tracks, looking pleadingly at Porlyusica. "Grandeeney?"

Porlyusica did not regard her comment. Not yet, anyway, as she asked the mages, "How is Eugene doing?"

Natsu's shrugged, "Well, he's with Jellal and Erza."

"Still mourning Simon's death, I presume?"

"Yes." Natsu answered quietly. Even to him, it did not feel right that Jellal and Erza had taken them in. He never imagined hurt people making good parents.

"I see. How are they faring?"

She was worried about Eugene, most definitely. Taking him in for seven years and having to give him away must have hurt. But he was a handful with her lifestyle in the East Forest. This was no place for a boy to live, who should have been attending an academy.

Still, she missed him terribly.

Laxus came behind Natsu, putting a hand on his shoulder to straighten him. "They're doing better, last I checked."

"You..." Natsu started, not willing to finish his sentence. Suffice it to say everyone was staring at Laxus in bewilderment.

"That's good to hear." Porlyusica said, before turning away, before Wendy stumbled and ran after her.

"Child, come back!" Carla called out, chasing after Wendy. Happy followed too, forming a chain of one person chasing after another, and an exceed chasing after another exceed.

Natsu glared at Laxus. "Why'd you lie? You didn't even bother showing up to Simon's funeral."

"Because sometimes we need to ease the burden on another's shoulder. I did her a favour."

Gajeel tucked his hands into his pockets and spun on his heel. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow..."

As much as everyone tried moving on from the events on Tenrou Island, nobody could bring themselves to do it.

Not even Laxus.