Another chapter up!

Sorry for all the irregular updating intervals. Hahaha

I was kind of busy due to sudden Christmas gatherings BUT I was able to make some chapters now

The only problem is when to publish them.

Hahaha

Anyways, this chapter.. I hope you'd enjoy it though.

Thank you!

Chapter 13

Ring Ring Ring

"Shut uuuup!" Jellal shouted trying to hide his head under his pillow.

Ring Ring Ring

His phone didn't stopped ringing and vibrating all night. He even tried to hide it inside the very bottom of his bag. Until he's decided he'll turn it off but right now, what was ringing was his personal phone.

He answered it. "Oh great Mister Fernande –"

He knew who it was. Another reporter. Jellal tried to get rid of them but right now they've also invaded his personal phone number not giving him the only thing he needed right now.

Silence.

The whole incident last night was on the news that very next day. Fairy Law was on headline, not only them but Lucy too as well as Juvia. Jellal doesn't know how it reached the press' ears but he doesn't like it a bit. He had enough of the phone calls he was receiving since last night confirming if Lisanna Strauss was really kicked out of the infamous band, Fairy Law.

Another was the hooded girl on stage performing with Natsu which touched Natsu and Lucy's dating issue.

The 'Band Battle' which involves Lucy's relationship with the band.

And about Natsu and Lisanna another thing involving Lucy.

He went out of his room and saw the other band members, Gray, Gajeel and Levy watching the television at the hotel. And as for asking how the press hear from it? The answer is right in front of their eyes. Lisanna gave her interview about what had happen.

"Shit." Jellal mumbled, cursing while muttering to himself. Now not only his reputation was tainted as their manager but also Fairy Law's. But not only that, is the problem.

Erza barged inside their room earning gazes from the shocked band members and their manager. "What is this?" She was holding up the news paper with Lucy's face on it telling that she is a flirt and all.

Jellal shook his head. He didn't know it would go this far. "I'm sorry Erza."

Erza stopped on her track when she noticed Lisanna was on news, saying things Erza couldn't believe to be coming from her lying mouth. "I'm going to rip that girl apart." She said as she watched how Lisanna sobbed in front of the reporters saying Lucy made Fairy Law kick her out of the band and claimed her 'boyfriend' as hers. Erza turned her glare back to them, she too was being bugged by the reporters since last night. It can be seen through her eyes that she hasn't slept nice yet. Her phone will be crashed in her hands anytime now.

Erza turned away and stomped out of the room. Just then, Jellal stopped her. He closed the door where Erza entered earning a glare from Erza. "We can still solve this. I know that the Board already knew about this, but I know we can still do something. Trust me on this Erza. I know what I'm doing. Just give me some time."

Levy walked to them and tapped Erza on the shoulder. "Please Erza?" She asked with the best smile she could give. Levy too was really affected by this her smile was a really weak one and now how could they be able to go out privately.

Erza sighed. She calmed herself down.

"Alright. But really when I see that girl I'm going to beat her. Do you understand? No one will stop me." Erza said to Jellal. And with that he could only nod.

"Count me in!" Gray said raising one hand. Levy glared at him. "What? I'm just pissed nothing really personal."

Jellal pulled Erza to the couches and Levy followed. "First of all we need to act as if nothing is happening. No one should show they were affected. That will be a hole where they can pierce right through you, so no showing of emotions. Always, act cool." He said the moment they sat on the couch.

They all agreed.

"Second, Juvia will replace Lisanna." This made the people inside the room gasp, except for Gray though. Jellal looked at all of them. "Lisanna officially announced it so why not go with it? We also need Juvia to continue with the 'Band Battle'. You know the event won't stop with just those issues."

Levy felt silent. Gray smiled and Gajeel? Well not caring at all. But in fact he was also thinking of ways on how to help his known family.

"Third, we have to do something to stop all this news from spreading more. If it prolongs fans would be getting wrong stories more. The more it spread the more the story will be modified and the more it will damage the not only the band but the Heartfilia Groups also."

Erza understood him. "You're right. Let's move."

"No Erza wait. We're going to stay still until the next performance. All we're going to do is stop the false rumor." Jellal said holding Erza's arm.

Gajeel tugged in Levy's shirt which Levy find irritating. Yet she still turned and looked at Gajeel. "Mirajane.." He mumbled.

Everyone around them looked at the couple.

"Mira?" Levy asked confusedly.

"Mirajane." Gajeel said firmly.

…

…

…

"Oh right! Mira! Oh my gosh Gajeel that's brilliant!" Levy said now hugging him. She pulled away then frowned. "Do you think she'll help?"

"Trying won't hurt. Right?" Gray said. He just understands what they were talking about. And now Jellal and Erza were left dumbfounded. Erza slammed her palm on the table at the center of the couches making everyone flinch.

"I demand an explanation."

Gray gulped. He looked at Levy but she gestured him to explain everything cause she was about to call Mira now. He sat up straight and started explaining. "Mirajane Strauss is Lisanna's elder sister."

Erza looked at him confused. "Then what does she have to do with this? She might make things worse."

"Well you see, Mira is a very influential person she is a model abroad and had a lot of connections. She almost had contacts to every media here in Fiore and abroad." Gray said. "She could help us stop the spread of news."

"But she was her sister."

Gray smirked. "And it won't be bad to try right?"

Jellal looked at Levy and Gajeel, he nodded signalling that he approved of their idea. The two took off and as Erza watched them prepare and leave she felt a hand on top of hers. She looked at Jellal. And he just smiled back at her. "For now let's look for Lucy and Natsu. It's been hours since Natsu said he's going to get Lucy."

"Now that you said it Lucy's not in her room all night. She never called me or texted me." Erza said. "I swear I'll beat Natsu if he does something bad to Lucy."

"I'll call them!" Gray presented himself to call Natsu cause Erza cannot seem to contact Lucy.

He stood up walked to his room and came back, his phone on his ear waiting impatiently. "Stupid guy, not answering.." He muttered irritatedly.

"I think you should ask Juvia about her joining the band before you decide." Erza said looking away from Gray.

Jellal looked at her and nodded. "I believe so."

"Well she'll be here any minute now." Erza said and the door opened revealing Juvia who looked like she just got out of bed. She was catching her breath and is holding a newspaper in front of her chest.

"Oh good you're here." Erza said calmly as she stood up and walked over to Juvia. "I see you've been aware of the news."

Juvia just nodded. How come these people were so calm with all these problems at hand? All Juvia wanted was to meet the band she admired the most not to be in it. Well, she sort of liked the idea of her being in Fairy Law but not this unexpected and as a permanent replacement for someone who said she was 'kicked out'. Actually, Juvia doesn't really know what had happen so she's not in the right place to judge, but knowing Fairy Law she knew they won't just kick a member out of their band.

"Juvia isn't ready for this."

Erza put a hand on her trembling ones. "You have too. She announced it herself so we just have to go with it."

Jellal was just glad Erza understood him. Maybe this could go smoothly. He hoped. Jellal stood up and walked over to them. "Juvia we need you, but I won't force you on something you don't want. You could always turn us down but right now I beg you to join us in this 'Band Battle'." He smiled softly. "For Lucy and the company.."

She doesn't need to think twice. Juvia nodded. "Hmm." Her eyes full of determination. "Juvia will surely help you guys. She will not fail Lucy and you."

"That's good." Gray said his phone still in his ears. He had this irritated expression pasted on his face while muttering things Jellal, Erza and Juvia doesn't seem to understand.

Juvia looked to his direction and her eyes turned into hearts. "She is really willing to be with you Gray."

Erza face palmed and Jellal chuckled a bit. As for Gray he wasn't able to notice it because he was busy contacting Natsu, who might be very busy right now for some reasons Gray doesn't know or maybe will never want to know and just do something about it.

While waiting for Natsu to pick up his phone Gray's thoughts wandered to things that had happen recently..

Just a few months ago, they met Lucy and she was really one hell of a lady. She was able to be close to them for a short period of time and to Gray she seemed to be fragile like she needed to be protected, that's why as a substitute to substitute, and he would be a good person in her life. Well he doesn't really know what had happen in her past but Gray was sure it was worse than what he had or maybe just the same.

Then there was the Band Battle and now Lisanna.

Gray was not really that close to Lisanna. Yes they were in the same band but Lisanna only interact with Natsu and Levy and sometimes, if needed, with Jellal. So that's why he doesn't really felt her presence. And what Lisanna did doesn't really surprise him, what he was worried about right now was Natsu and Lucy. What could have happen to Lucy that she doesn't answer Erza and Natsu.. well he knew he's like that but after a few tries he answers.

Last night they were really messed up.

The moment the show ended Erza came and the scene shocked her. Lucy composed herself, it was a surprise to them that there is no tears or any evidence of sadness plastered on her face instead she smiled.

"Juvia? I think we need to go and check for the crew. We have a lot to check and guests to entertain." She dusted herself and walked away with Juvia like nothing had happen. Everyone was shocked.

Erza was standing in front of Lisanna she grabbed her hands and led her to a room, well that room was now Fairy Law's HQ at the Heartfilia hotel. None of the band members spoke, they were all dumbfounded. Did these things just happen? All of them followed Erza but Gray has to drag Natsu from the floor 'cause he seemed to be the most shocked at what had happen. It's not every day that a very close friend of yours suddenly bursts and made some revelations and not only that. Lucy was great. How come she was able to hide those emotions? So expert.

As they all arrived Erza pushed Lisanna on the couch earning a squeak from her. One by one Fairy Law arrived, Levy and Gajeel sat on the couch next to where Lisanna was. Jellal leaned on the couch across Levy and Gajeel's. Gray made his way to the kitchen for some water and Natsu he stood by the door frame, his eyes hidden behind his bangs and arms across his chest.

And there was this deafening silence.

Erza walked back and forth in front of the couches but no one seemed to be disturbed of it. No one has seen the whole slapping and drama backstage right? Well right now, that's what they were worried at.

"You know you can't keep us both." Lisanna suddenly spoke earning their attention. They all looked up to her

"What do you mean?" Erza asked when she stopped right in front of Lisanna.

She looked back at her with the same look on her face. "I said you can't keep us both. It's either that bitch or me."

"You're making us choose?" Jellal asked in disbelief. This was the first time he's heard Lisanna say the word pertaining to someone. She was sweet, kind and bubbly.

"I don't want to be near her and I know the feeling is mutu –"

"You don't know Lucy! I know she still wanted to be friends with you after all you've done to her." Gray said reappearing from the kitchen.

"Well then it's just me. We can't occupy the same space in your hearts or in your life!"

"You're not in the same spa –"

She cut Levy. "We are Levy! And don't you dare deny it again! I've had enough of her getting all your attention. I feel like I'm being thrown away!" Lisanna finished urging her tears not to fall. "I can feel it. Slowly, she is replacing me."

"So all this was because of your jealousy to her getting all our attention?" Natsu snapped.

"YES! She is pretty! Rich! Famous! But she's a bitch and I don't like you hanging out with her. You were all lured to –"

"Shut up! I don't want to hear it!" Erza shouted.

The tension inside the room was increasing. Maybe it was a good thing that Lucy isn't there. But what could have happen if she is?

"Stop this Lisanna you're just being blinded by all this shit." Natsu said through his gritted teeth.

"No. I won't unless all you choose between us! Only one should remain!" Lisanna said firmly. "She's just a good-for-nothing-brat. She'll just get in our way!" She chuckled when everyone was silent. "Oh right. I know we need her money."

And with that Erza stomped her way to her but stopped when Levy was right in front of her. Lisanna's head was turned to the side and Levy's hand was on air. She was crying. Everyone stared at the scene. After realizing what she has done Levy shakily put down her hands while sobbing.

"I-I'm sorry Lisanna." She said and cupped her face with her tiny hands. She fell on her knees while sobbing and Gajeel immediately went to her. "She's not the Lisanna I know." Levy muttered when Gajeel pulled her close.

Lisanna smirked. "Well after all these years of acting and stuff it was all of nothing just because of that slu –"

"STOP ADDRESSING HER THAT WAY!" Erza shouted.

"Alright. Alright. Relax, I've had enough of the slapping for this night. Well I just joined the band all because of you." She turned to Natsu and smiled seductively. "I never knew it was that difficult to get you." She stood up and walked towards Natsu. "Well I think your answer is unanimous then?" She smiled right in front of Natsu and traced his chest with her index finger drawing circles on its surface making him shiver.

He grabbed her hand. "Stop this Lis. This is not you."

"Maybe people could change Natsu." She sang and leaned closer to him. "I will always long for those soft lips of your to be with mine again." She whispered to his ear which made Natsu's eyes wide. "I know what you need."

Lisanna pulled back and turned towards the other people in the room. Her eyes were watery but that evil smirk on her face convinced them all. "Okay that's it. I'm kicked. Thanks for choosing Lucy. Don't worry I have my own payback to both Fairy Law and Heartfilia." She said and slammed the door behind her. Lisanna left them staring at the door where she just left and she runs to somewhere while wiping the tears away from her eyes.

Gray shut his eyes close. No one knew this would happen. No one liked it. Levy and Gajeel were now working for Mira's help, Jellal and Erza were dealing with the press, while Juvia well she was staring at Gray for some time now and it sends him the chills.

He was getting more and more impatient as time passes and still no news from Natsu and Lucy. Suddenly..

"Speak!" Natsu's voice was in a hurry. In the background Gray could hear the engines of moving vehicles.

Wait. Vehicles..

"Shit." He cursed earning Jellal, Erza and Juvia's attention. He turned to Erza. "Prepare an escape vehicle. They don't know what happen yet so we need to be ready. And now, I think reporters were after them."

Erza understood it. It was unusual for her to follow commands other than Lucy's but this was about her so why not? She reached for her phone and dialled a number. "Prepare a helicopter. Send Virgo and Caprico." And she turned it off.

Gray kept his phone to his ear.

"SPEAK FREAK! I'm not in the mood of talking to you right now so if it's not that important I'm hang –"

"Tell me where you are!" Gray said cutting him off.

"Reporters were after me right now –"

"I said where? Idiot! Where's Lucy?"

"She's fine with me. I had her cover up so no worries." Gray could hear the smirk Natsu is giving off right now.

"Where exactly are you heading right now?!" Erza and Jellal were on his side now.

"Somewhere near Taiyou sea."

"Need help?" Gray asked.

"Not if it's y –" He could hear some arguing from the other side saying 'Hey! I was talking' and 'Stupid. We need help!'

Suddenly another voice was on the line. "Hello Gray? It's me Lucy!"

"Lucy!" He shouted but then his phone was not in his hands anymore.

"Lucy! This is Erza what the hell did Natsu do to you?" She asked full of command demanding an answer.

"I-I-I'm fine Erza. Don't worry about it for now, we – Kyaaaaaa!"

"Lucy! Lucy! What happen?" Erza asked frantically.

"Sorry sorry Erza! Pinky just made a sharp turn. Sorry!"

"Tell me where are you now! I've been asking for a while now. Answer me!"

"I think we're heading West of Taiyou Sea."

"Okay got it." Erza said. "Help is on the way." And with that she cut the call tossing Gray's phone back to him.

"Why did you hang it up?!" Gray asked.

"Because they won't be needing any disturbance right now."

"Actually, they do." Jellal smirked and grabbed Gray, Erza and Juvia out of the room.