Just Open Your Eyes

Theme: Alive

Pairing: Mystogan X Knightwalker

She screamed his name as she watched him fall backwards, eyes glassy and unmoving, but her voice was lost in the midst of the battle. No one stopped to look at Jellal or to mourn his death. He was just another victim to fall to the enemy. It did not matter.

The rain pounded down on them mercilessly. Even the heaven's seemed to weep for her.

Erza burst through the clearing but her eyes widened as a spear hurtled towards her. She closed her eyes, resigned to her fate. Soon, she would be with him.

A grunt of pain snapped her out of her daze. Standing in front of her was Laxus, muscles strained to grab hold of the spear's tip. Blood from his hands stained the weapon and he dropped it heavily.

She made to continue on her way but a strong arm snaked its way around her waist and pulled her back. Laxus brought up his sword and sliced it across the enemy soldier's torso. Ignoring her screams of despair, he restrained Erza from running over to Jellal's body.

"Stop it," he growled, "There's nothing you can do. He's gone."

She whipped around and slapped him fully across the face. Laxus stared back at her, eyes darkening, but soon he plunged his weapon into another soldier's chest.

He signaled for them to retreat. The blond grabbed at her wrist and he held her against his chest tightly as he whispered into her ear, "Stop it Erza. If you go, you'll be killed. Think about it. Think about Sieg."

She froze at his name and slowly, she crumpled into his arms. Erza could not see the tears on his cheeks as the rain washed over them, but she could tell that he was crying.

Laxus picked her up and fled the scene. Although his face displayed no emotions, deep down, he hurt more than she did. The fact that he was unable to protect his king was enough to kill him.

He had seen many deaths around him but he wasn't immune to it. He was simply numb to the feelings. Yet, he felt a little part of him die along with Jellal and at the same time, he truly understood the meaning of living.

He still had a duty to fulfill.

"Hey, you could at least try," Laxus growled at the boy irritated.

Sieg looked up at him and turned away angrily. Something tugged at the captain's heartstrings as he gazed at the blue haired prince. It was uncanny the way he looked just like his father. He was almost like a clone.

Scowling, Sieg glared up at him. "Why are you always so harsh on me? I don't have to listen to you! I'm the prince and you're just an army captain!"

Laxus folded his arms and placed a hand on the boy's hand. Ruffling his hair, the blonde did not reply.

"You're not even my father…"

Laxus' hands clenched into fists and he hoisted the prince up by the collar. "No, I'm not. Your father was the twice the man I was and he still is."

But Sieg smirked at him defiantly. "He couldn't have been that great, considering how shitty you are."

At that point, Laxus lost control and he punched Sieg in the face.

"Don't. Talk. About. Him. That. Way." He threatened. "You know nothing about him! He went into the war so that Edolas would have a chance to survive. So that you could survive. He went knowing that he would most likely die!"

Laxus was seething as he stomped over to where the prince had fallen. He knelt down, head bowed as the memories flooded his mind.

"Promise me," Jellal insisted. "Promise me."

Laxus looked away reluctantly. "You're going to be fine. Nothing's gonna happen."

He caught sight of his king's face and he relented, exhaling loudly. "Fine…I promise to look after your kid and Erza if…"

Jellal grinned victoriously. "Thank you, Laxus."

The captain scoffed. "I won't have to keep this promise, just to say."

Sieg bit his lip and slowly got to his feet. As he turned to leave, a hand caught his arm. Laxus was still staring at the ground, his face covered by shadows.

"Don't…ever let your mother hear you talk about your father like this, got it?"

Sieg nodded, guilt evident in his eyes, and he ran off.

Unbeknownst to him, tears were streaming down the captain's face.

Jellal, how could you just leave like that?

Probably this might be slightly influence by my world from Retribution, with Laxus coming in and stuff. Something different.