8: Tensions and Secrets

The mood inside the guild hall was heavy. Wizards sat scattered around, the usually lively space now subdued with concern for their arrested comrades. Makarov sat atop the bar with a somber shadow on his face, while Mirajane stood beside him, her arms crossed protectively as she glanced between the guild members and the small red lizard trapped inside a glass on the counter—Natsu, who had somehow been transformed into a gecko.

"This isn't fair, you guys!" Natsu's high-pitched voice was muffled through the glass, his tiny hands pounding against the surface. "Let me outta here already!"

"Natsu, please," Mirajane said softly. "You need to calm down."

"I am calm! Just let me out! Pretty please?! I swear I'll be good this time!"

"You know we can't," she replied. "If we turn you back, you'll just go straight after Erza and Jin."

"Aw, come on!" Natsu snapped, flames flickering along his tail. "You guys know they don't deserve to be locked up!"

"Even if we wanted to help, what could we do?" Gray said, leaning against a nearby post with his arms crossed. "It's not like we can just barge into the Magic Council and start smashing things."

"But those idiots have it all wrong!" Natsu protested, slamming his hands into the glass with more force. "Erza helped save the guild masters! Jin helped us beat that stupid death flute! How can they arrest them for that?!"

"If the Council says you're guilty, you're guilty. End of story," Gray conceded with a frown. "They don't care what we have to say."

"But this doesn't make any sense," Elfman chimed in, sitting by a nearby table. "I mean, we've destroyed a ton of stuff before, and they didn't bat an eye. So why are they making a move on us now?"

"I know, right?" Loke added, standing by with his arms folded. "It feels... off, like something else is going on this time around."

"Dammit!" Elfman slammed a fist on the table. "Jin's only been with us for, what, less than a week? And already he's being treated like a criminal? We can't just sit around and do nothing!"

"I get how you feel, but there's something else we're not talking about," Cana added, her eyes serious for once. "Do you guys remember what that Council person said? She mentioned Jin's got power that isn't magic."

The room grew quieter as the realization sank in.

"What the hell does that even mean?" Elfman asked incredulously. "If Jin doesn't use magic, then… what? How does he even fight and complete all those jobs he's been doing?"

The silence that followed was thick with curiosity, but also uncertainty. None of them had really seen Jin fight closely enough, let alone at all, to know what made him different.

"That's the question, isn't it?" Loke said, breaking the silence and turning his attention to Gray and Lucy. "You two must know something, right? Natsu and Erza aside, you've spent the most time with him, so you must've seen him fight at least once."

Lucy glanced at Gray, their eyes meeting with the same unspoken hesitation. They both knew more than they had let on, but it was clear neither of them wanted to say too much. Revealing anything felt like a betrayal of Jin's trust, but at the same time, the guild needed answers.

"Uh… well, it's… not magic," Lucy began hesitantly. "Jin uses something else—something he calls ki. It's different... way different from magic. He showed it to us but he hasn't said much else about it; just that it's unique to him."

"Ki, huh?" Loke replied with a hint of intrigue. "So it's not magic at all, but where did he even learn… whatever that is?"

Gray rubbed the back of his neck. "He's gonna kill me for this, but... he kind of told how he and others like him were raised to be warriors. I guess that's how he learned to fight and use ki, but that's all I know. Could also be tied to how he survived… whatever happened to him before he joined us."

Elfman's eyes slightly widened, his gaze slightly dropping as he processed the revelation. "So… he's like a fighter who doesn't need magic?"

"Hang on, pull back for a second," Cana interjected, her voice slightly rising in disbelief. "Warriors? With an S? You're telling us there's more like him out there?"

"I really don't know," Gray said before letting out a sigh. "Look, he's… not exactly someone that likes to open up. I know this doesn't explain much, and he'll probably never forgive me for talking behind his back, but…" Gray trailed off, feeling a pang of regret. "He's still one of us, though. Hewantsto be."

The room grew even quieter. What Gray and Lucy had said didn't just raise more questions; it shifted the entire atmosphere. A non-magic user in the guild wasn't too big of an oddity, but one with a secretive past, identity, and a power completely foreign to them all? That was unsettling.

Mirajane exchanged a tense, knowing glance with Levy. Jin wasn't just a mysterious warrior with a strange power—he was a Saiyan; a member of a race hidden away from the rest of the world. The implications of it all were dangerous, and if the Magic Council suspected even a fraction of what they knew...

"Master..." MIrajane began hesitantly. "Should we... tell them?"

Makarov sighed, weighing the decision carefully. Jin's past was more than just a secret—it was something that could shake up what they knew about the magical world. He knew the weight of the secret Jin carried, knew the kind of people the Saiyans were from what Levy had described—prideful, powerful, and born for battle. Jin was one of them... but he was nothing like them.

Still, revealing his origins now could change everything. It could lead to chaos, misunderstanding—or something even worse.

"The situation is dire," Makarov said slowly. "But it's not our place to reveal anything without his consent."

Mirajane nodded. "I see. That's… probably for the best."

Natsu, catching the shift in the atmosphere, narrowed his tiny eyes suspiciously. "Wait, hold on! What are you guys talking about? Is there something I don't know about Jin?!"

Makarov shot Natsu a warning look. "Patience, Natsu. Now's not the time."

"But–!"

"We have to trust that Jin and Erza can handle themselves for now," Makarov said firmly. "For now, we wait."

The clatter of the metal wagon's wheels against the cobblestone road filled the silence between Jin and Erza. Both sat across from one another, wrists bound in thick, magic-nullifying cuffs.

Jin shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the cool metal of the cuffs digging into his skin. He glanced down at them, then back to Erza who sat still, her gaze fixed out the window as she watched the countryside pass by. Jin finally broke the silence, lowering his voice.

"Why? Why now?" He lifted his shackled hands slightly. "Why both of us? What is up with this Magic Council anyway?"

Erza let out a heavy sigh, turning to Jin and lowering her voice as well. "The Magic Council has always held a strict view of law and order in the magical world. They're the governing body; they decide what's acceptable and what isn't, and their decisions are absolute."

Jin frowned, not fully understanding the extent of their power. "But we did what we had to. We protected everyone from Erigor and the Lullaby. How does that land us in shackles?"

"My case... I can understand," Erza began hesitantly. "I fought through Eisenwald's forces at Oshibana, and then there's the collateral damage from Clover. Even though we saved the guild masters and preserved the conference hall, that was enough reason for the Council to intervene." She paused, her brow furrowing slightly. "But… I'm worried about you, Jin. They mentioned your power. They're suspicious."

Jin's gaze narrowed at her words, his heart skipping a beat. "You think so?"

Erza exhaled, her gaze falling to her lap. "You're not like the rest of us. You don't use magic. I don't know how much they've figured out, but they wouldn't arrest you unless they were suspicious of something. And if they've begun connecting dots about the Saiyans..." Her voice trailed off, but the unspoken fear hung heavy in the air.

Jin leaned back, the mention of his heritage echoing in his mind. He hadn't thought about it after all this time—what his presence meant, and what it could mean for the world if people discovered someone like him. The Saiyans had hidden themselves for generations, and for so long, he'd just been focused on surviving, getting stronger, then trying to make a new life in Fairy Tail. He never considered how the truth of his existence could unravel everything.

"Jin?" Erza's voice cut through his thoughts, pulling him back.

A chuckle escaped him. "Now that I think about it... none of this feels any different. The Council, King Vegeta, the elites back home… it's all the same."

"King… Vegeta?" Erza echoed softly, but the unexpected bitterness in Jin's tone wasn't lost on her.

"They see something they don't understand, something potentially stronger than them, and their first instinct is to crush it. To control it. They think by keeping us in these chains, they're protecting themselves from a threat, but what happens when they decide the chains aren't enough?"

Erza didn't reply immediately. She wasn't sure how much of his past still haunted him after everything, but now, seeing the anger etched on his face, it was clear that part of him was still back there, fighting battles he couldn't win.

"You're not wrong. They will try to suppress what they fear, but I don't believe you're the same as the others. You don't carry that violence or lust for power that the Council might assume."

"But I am different." His hands clenched, his cuffs rattling slightly. "Everything I do, every step I take, I'm just reinforcing the fact that I don't belong anywhere. Not with my own people. Not here. Not even in this stupid wagon. And now I dragged you into this too. This is all my fault."

"Jin, you didn't do anything wrong. You didn't ask for this, for any of it, but it's because of you that we stopped Erigor and prevented something even worse from happening. It's because of your initiative to help that we met each other."

Jin scoffed. "Give me a break," he shot back, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "Look around you, Erza. I thought I could find something new here, but all I've done is bring more problems, like I always have. I'm putting you in danger just by being here."

"That's not true and you know it," Erza said softly, "You belong in Fairy Tail. You belong with us. You've earned your place."

"And look where that got us!"

Jin snapped, and without thinking, he brought his shackled hands down hard onto his knee, the sound of metal on metal ringing out sharply. His cuffs snapped like twigs, the magic seals crumbling uselessly around his wrists.

The wagon lurched to a sudden stop.

Both Jin and Erza froze, staring at the broken cuffs. For a moment, neither spoke, the weight of what just happened settling in.

The door to the wagon burst open. Several Rune Knights stood outside, their spears crackling with magical energy, tips pointed directly at Jin.

"Stay where you are!" one of the knights barked, stepping forward. "No sudden moves."

Panic flashed across Jin's face. "No! No, it was an accident, I swear!" He lifted his hands, the broken cuffs clattering to the floor. "They... they must've been faulty or something! I didn't mean to—"

Erza's eyes flickered with understanding. Ki. The cuffs were made to suppress magic, not the kind of energy Jin wielded. Of course he'd break them easily.

The Rune Knights exchanged wary glances, whispering among themselves. Jin felt the weight of their stares and the judgment behind them, like he had just confirmed their worst fears. He swallowed hard, his pulse racing as two of the knights stepped into the wagon, spears still at the ready.

"Don't try anything," one of them growled, eyes locked on Jin. "We'll be watching you."

Jin nodded quickly, his heart sinking further. Without another word, the wagon resumed its journey, the tension inside thick enough to cut with a knife.

Jin sat in silence, his hands resting awkwardly in his lap where the broken cuffs had been, but he didn't dare move. Had he just made things worse? Would they suspect him now? Would Erza suffer because of him?

Erza kept her gaze forward, but Jin could sense her concern. The weight of everything crashed down on him—the Council, his power, his past, and now, the fear that he was dragging the one person who believed in him into even deeper trouble.

"I'm sorry," he whispered softly. "I… I shouldn't have yelled at you."

Erza sighed, but he didn't look at him. "It's okay. I understand."

Lucy couldn't stop thinking about it—about Jin. How quickly everything had unraveled for him. He had come here seeking something so simple: a fresh start. A chance to be happy. To belong. And yet, in the blink of an eye, it had all been torn from him.

Makarov, who had been watching the guild quietly from his spot at the bar, glanced her way. He saw the tension in her shoulders, the way her lips pressed together in a thin line. He had seen that look before—anger, fear, and determination all rolled into one.

"No! This is wrong!" Lucy suddenly stood, turning to the guild master. "We should be there to testify! Jin and Erza don't deserve this!"

Makarov's expression didn't change. "We're not going to court."

"Why not?!" Lucy demanded, walking toward him with purpose. "We all know they're innocent! We can't just sit here and let the Council lock them away! Jin's already dealing with so much, and he's still adjusting to everything! He deserves better than this, and we're just sitting here doing nothing!" Her voice cracked, and she clenched her fists. "He just wants to be accepted, to be acknowledged and... loved."

Makarov's eyes softened at her words, knowing the truth behind them. Jin was still a boy regardless of who he really was, and despite the power he held, he was fragile in ways most couldn't see. But Makarov also knew what Lucy didn't, that this situation was far more complex than it appeared.

"Lucy, even if we left now, we wouldn't make it in time."

"That doesn't matter!" Lucy shot back. "We can't just stay here! They need us! They're our friends!"

"Am I gonna be stuck in this stupid glass all day?!" Natsu's voice suddenly interrupted, his miniature form flailing wildly inside the jar. "It's getting hard to breathe! Come on, guys, you gotta let me outta here!"

"You sure you want out?" Makarov asked cryptically, turning to him.

Natsu paused, blinking in confusion before scratching his chin in consideration.

"What's the matter?" Makarov continued, scrutinizing the gecko. "It seems you've lost the fire in your belly."

The question hung in the air, and for a moment, Natsu strangely didn't answer. Lucy, Gray, and Elfman all watched with bated breath. Even Natsu, normally so fiery and impulsive, hesitated under the weight of the guild master's words.

After a moment of silence, Makarov suddenly shot a wave of magic at Natsu, leaving a plume of smoke in his wake. As the smoke cleared, someone completely different appeared on the floor where Natsu had been.

"It's Macao!" Levy exclaimed from across the room.

"What the—" Gray's eyes widened as he stared at the transformation. "That was you?!"

"Yeah…" Macao mumbled, pushing himself to his feet. "Sorry, everyone. I owed Natsu a favor, so I kinda… filled in for him."

Lucy blinked in disbelief. "Wait… if you're here… where's Natsu?"

"He went after those two, didn't he?" Gray asked as he approached Macao.

Macao avoided their gazes for a moment before sighing. "Yeah. 'Fraid so."

"You've gotta be kidding me!" Elfman groaned, running a hand through his hair. "That idiot's probably gonna try and fight the entire Council by himself!"

Lucy's heart sank. Of course Natsu would go after them. She should have known he wouldn't just sit back and wait, but still… he was reckless, and if he got himself captured too…

"We need to go after him!" Lucy said, turning back to Makarov. "We can't just—"

But Makarov raised a hand, silencing her. "Enough, Lucy. We're not moving."

"What?" Lucy's voice wavered, disbelief coloring her words. "But… but Master—"

"We've no choice but to wait and see what happens," Makarov said firmly, though his voice carried a hint of the same frustration that Lucy felt. He hated this as much as she did, but rushing in blindly would only make things worse. "I understand your concern, all of you, but Jin and Erza will have to face the Council. And Natsu…" He sighed, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Well, we'll see how far his stubbornness gets him."

Lucy stood there, torn between anger and despair. It wasn't fair. Jin had barely begun to find his place here, and already the world was trying to take it away from him. She wanted to scream, to fight, to do something—anything—to help him, but instead, she was stuck here, powerless to change what was happening.

At the Fiore branch of the Magic Council, Jin and Erza moved briskly through the grand halls, their footsteps echoing off the towering stone pillars that flanked their path. The frog-like councilwoman led the way, glancing nervously at Jin every now and then, as if unsure of what to make of him.

Jin wore another pair of magic-nullifying cuffs after accidentally breaking his first set earlier, though they were a formality more than anything else. The cuffs had no sway over him, yet they insisted he wear them, as if to maintain some illusion of control.

As they neared the entrance to the courtroom, Erza's pace slowed. Something shifted in the air, and Jin's eyes turned to her.

"What's wrong?" Jin asked, sensing her unease.

Before he could say more, they both halted, and he followed her gaze to what, or rather, who, had caused them to stop.

Leaning casually against one of the pillars was a figure with blue hair and a distinct red tattoo over the right side of his face. He smirked at them, his sharp gaze settling on Erza, and she tensed immediately.

"Siegrain?!" Erza's voice was strained, nearly breathless, as if seeing a ghost. The councilwoman immediately knelt, showing respect for the man, but Jin's instincts were already on high alert.

"It's been quite a while, Erza," Siegrain greeted as he approached. "Please, relax."

Erza's eyes narrowed as her entire posture stiffened, but she didn't respond. Jin, seeing her unease, took a step closer to her. His attention was still fixed on the figure before them, a figure that shouldn't be there. He felt… nothing. No presence, no energy, no ki. Just a hollow illusion.

"He's not there," Jin interjected. "I can't sense him at all."

Erza blinked in surprise, her eyes briefly darting from Jin to Siegrain. His form flickered with the crackle of static, just enough to confirm Jin's suspicion.

"Very perceptive. Indeed, I am nothing more than a projection sent all the way from Era." Siegrain's voice turned sly, dismissive. "But my business is with her, not you."

Jin's fists clenched at Siegrain's nonchalant dismissal, his jaw tightening as he kept a sharp glare locked onto him as he approached. Something about Siegrain made his instincts flare, as if he were standing in the presence of a predator. There was nothing physically there, but that didn't lessen the bad feeling gnawing at his gut.

"All those wrinkled faces in there are projections as well," Siegrain continued, glancing at the entrance to the courtroom. "We didn't feel the need to attend this little show in person. Not for something so trivial."

"So… you're the one behind this farce," Erza spat. "You're the reason we're here."

Siegrain chuckled, hands sliding into his pockets as he stopped just short of her. "In a manner of speaking, yes, but it's not just me. The elders in the Council are… worried, let's say, about who will take the blame for the destruction at Clover. You and your friend here make for convenient scapegoats."

Erza's eyes blazed with fury. "You make me sick! Is that why you're here? To revel in this?"

"Let's not be so dramatic," Siegrain continued. "This is merely a friendly reminder. I've always been a staunch defender of Fairy Tail, you know that. It's nothing personal. It's just politics."

Jin could feel his temper rising with every word that left Siegrain's mouth. Scapegoats? That was what this was all about? And the subtle shift in Erza's posture, the way her voice sharpened at Siegrain's presence, told him everything he needed to know. There was history here. Bad history.

"And one more thing," Siegrain added, his tone softening as he reached out, fingers lightly brushing Erza's chin. "Don't let a word slip about you-know-what. For both of our sakes."

Despite him being a projection, Erza shifted herself away from Siegrain's invasive gesture. A fiery protectiveness flared within Jin, but it wasn't just that. There was something darker beneath the surface—a deep, simmering hatred for the way Siegrain moved, spoke, and acted so casually as if he had ownership over Erza's past.

"Back off," Jin growled, stepping in front of Erza. Siegrain's eyes flicked to him lazily, as if only now acknowledging his presence.

"Ah, I almost forgot you were here," he said, not even bothering to hide his mockery. "It's funny… the rest of the Council is quite concerned about you. Who you are. What you are." He leaned in slightly, inspecting him like he were some kind of puzzle to be solved. "You're quite the... enigma. So much potential… and yet, so unknown. What makes you so special, I wonder?"

Jin's mind raced, his anger swelling alongside the nagging feeling that Siegrain was playing some kind of twisted game with them both. He had some kind of dark past with Erza, enough to make her stiffen at his mere presence, and now, he was poking around Jin's existence like he had the right.

Siegrain's words only fueled Jin's twisted thoughts. This man—this projection—was behind all of it, a man who seemed to know too much, but at the same time not enough. He didn't seem to know about the Saiyans, at least not fully, but Siegrain's curiosity, his probing questions, his connection to Erza—it all filled Jin with an unmistakable sense of danger.

"Curious, huh? Don't be," Jin spat. "I don't trust you, and neither should Erza."

"Well, well… quite the loyal friend, aren't you? A rare trait these days." His tone held a mocking edge, his gaze flicking to Erza before returning to Jin. "However, you should know better than to stick your nose in matters that do not concern you."

Something inside him snapped. His fists clenched tighter, his breath quickened, and his eyes very briefly flashed with a shade of yellow. Without thinking, Jin shattered the cuffs around his wrists in a single swift motion, the metal loudly clattering to the floor.

Erza finched, and the Councilwoman gasped in horror as she scrambled to her feet, but Jin didn't care. His gaze was locked onto Siegrain's projection, daring him to try something.

"And you should know better than to mess with something beyond your control."

For the first time, Siegrain's smile faltered ever so slightly. His eyes darted to the broken cuffs then back to Jin, but he seemed amused by the outburst. If anything, his curiosity grew, and a slow smile spread across his face.

"It seems I was right to be curious about you. Those cuffs are for magic after all," he mused, almost in appreciation. "So you are different, aren't you?

"Keep. Your. Distance." Jin stepped forward and got up in Siegrain's face, his glare boring through the projection. "From her. From me. For all of our sakes."

Siegrain simply scoffed, stepping back and raising a hand in mock surrender. "Calm down, hero. I'm done here, anyway. A final word of advice: your cases will be addressed together, or at least right next to each other. This little trial has become… special, you see."

Erza and Jin exchanged a glance. Whatever Siegrain was up to, it was clear now that this trial was no ordinary proceeding. Siegrain was pulling strings, and it was far from over.

"With that being said, I must join my colleagues on the Council. I'll see you shortly on the other side."

With one last lingering glance, Siegrain walked away, his projection fading into thin air. As soon as he vanished, Jin let out a breath he didn't know he'd been holding. His fists were still clenched, feeling the remnants of his anger coursing through him, before glancing at Erza.

"An old friend of yours?" he asked quietly, his gaze lingering on where Siegrain had disappeared.

Erza hesitated, her gaze shifting to the floor as she spoke. "It's… a long story, one that I'll explain when the time is right." Her tone became tinged with frustration, turning to Jin with a soft frown. "But Jin… why? That was highly unnecessary—"

"I don't care," Jin cut in sharply. "I don't know what happened between the two of you, but I couldn't stand there and watch him toy with you like that. I meant what I said, and I'm not gonna let him push either of us around. Not while I'm here."

Erza blinked, taken aback by his words, but her heart swelled with an unexpected warmth. Seeing Jin so fiercely protective, stepping in without knowing the full picture, willing to face down someone as dangerous as Siegrain... It was surprising, but it touched her in a way she hadn't anticipated. Jin had lost so much, yet here he was, ready to risk himself for someone who understood his pain. Her gaze dropped back down to the floor, and she couldn't help but smile a little.

Jin blinked in realization, glancing at the broken cuffs still clutched in his hands. "Ah, damn it… Sorry about that," he muttered, turning to the councilwoman. "I won't do anything, I promise."

Jin shifted uncomfortably in his seat at the defendant's table, his fingers lightly and impatiently tapping against the wood. It was supposed to be a "special" trial—a public display of justice to show the Magic Council was serious about upholding the law. He and Erza had been told beforehand that she would take the stand first, with his own trial to follow. In any case, the Council had made their objective clear: quickly handle the lesser of the two, then deal with the bigger problem, which was him.

The members of the Magic Council were whispering among themselves, and he could feel their wary glances on him, more so than on Erza. They sat elevated on a platform above, projections of their real selves, but that didn't diminish the weight of their presence. It was clear they were unsettled, and he didn't need to hear them to know they were discussing him: a non-magic user with an energy they couldn't understand.

He had fought before, faced down worse enemies than wary bureaucrats, but this… this felt different. It wasn't just his power that unsettled them. He wasn't a wizard like the others, let alone a wizard at all—and that terrified them. Jin scanned the faces of the Council, gauging their reactions to his presence before them.

One of them, a short old man with a short mustache and a black three-spiked hat, didn't seem like the others. He seemed almost regretful about the situation, as though he didn't quite agree with what was happening. His eyes lingered on Erza with a silent sympathy, though Jin could sense that despite his seemingly gentle demeanor, there was little he could do to help either of them in this court.

But then his gaze drifted to a figure that made his blood simmer.

His sharp blue hair was unmistakable, and his smirk only widened as their eyes met. Siegrain inclined his head toward him, mocking, almost daring him to react, a quiet amusement that made Jin's skin crawl. It wasn't just arrogance; it was a calculated mockery, as though Siegrain knew more about him than he let on. Jin locked eyes with the man, resisting the growing anger rising in his chest.

Next to Siegrain, a woman with dark purple hair leaned in slightly as Siegrain whispered something into her ear. Her eyes were cold, calculating, the kind of person who dissected others like tools. Her lips curled into a smirk, her sharp eyes drifting lazily toward Jin, and she gave him a small wave like a queen acknowledging a peasant.

It took everything in Jin not to leap from his seat and demand answers, to lash out, to do something. It was clear that Siegrain, and now this woman, had their own motives within this Council. What those motives were, he couldn't yet figure out, but he knew one thing—neither of them could be trusted.

They were waiting for him to slip, to give them an excuse, but he couldn't. Not here, not now. He swallowed his anger, forcing himself to remain still. The last thing he wanted was to make things worse—for Erza and for himself.

Finally, the sound of the judge's hammer cracked through the room, snapping them back to reality. The frog-like councilwoman, sitting directly beneath the rest of the Council, cleared her throat.

"This courtroom will now come to order," she began. "Before us is the defendant Erza Scarlet. Please take the stand, Ms. Scarlet."

Erza stepped forward but hesitated, glancing back at Jin. Their eyes met, and for a moment, nothing else existed. They simply looked at each other; it was all they could do for now.

He gave a small nod, letting her know he was right there with her, and she returned it before walking to the stand. He knew Erza was strong, but even now, in this sterile room surrounded by judgment, she wasn't invulnerable.

The Chairman, an elderly man with a long beard, sat at the highest position above the members of the Magic Council, scrutinizing her.

"Erza Scarlet," the Chairman began. "You stand before us to answer to charges stemming from the incident involving the dark guild Eisenwald. These charges include extensive damage to Oshibana Station, the collapse of the Ryusika Gorge railway bridge, and the widespread collateral damage in Clover Town. There are eleven property damage charges against you. According to eyewitness reports, the perpetrator is described as a heavily armored female wizard—"

The sound of the courtroom doors exploding outward cut through the air, sending debris scattering across the floor. The room filled with smoke as gasps echoed from the Council members. Jin and Erza spun around, eyes wide in shock, bracing themselves for a potential attack.

"What is this?!" the Chairman barked, standing abruptly as the smoke began to clear.

It was Natsu, or at least, what was supposed to be Natsu—dressed in the most ridiculous imitation of Erza he could have possibly imagined. A red wig was haphazardly perched on his head, while barrels, pans, and mugs were strapped around him in a bizarre attempt to resemble armor. The ensemble was completed with a poorly made blue skirt, matching the one Erza often wore with her usual armor.

"I'M THE CRAZY LADY IN ARMOR YOU OLD TIMERS HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR!" Natsu roared, flames erupting from his mouth as he waved his arms wildly. "IF YOU'VE GOT A PROBLEM WITH HOW ME AND MY GUILD DO THINGS, YOU CAN BITE ME!"

The Council members' jaws collectively dropped, and so did Jin's. He stared at him, torn between disbelief and an overwhelming urge to laugh. He had completely forgotten about Natsu, lost in the tension of the trial, but now? He was utterly speechless. He glanced over at Erza, who looked like she was two seconds away from strangling Natsu or curling up in a ball to disappear.

Natsu stomped forward, clearly proud of his ridiculous attire. "I AM THE ALL-POWERFUL ERZA!" he declared, striking a pose that was supposed to look menacing but came off as exceedingly silly. "YOU THINK I'VE CAUSED DESTRUCTION BEFORE? YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET!"

The members of the Magic Council sat in stunned silence as Natsu continued his destruction with a loud cackle, their expressions ranging from horror to sheer disbelief. Siegrain, on the other hand, was thoroughly amused, chuckling behind his hand.

"Do you really think the stuff I destroyed is more important than the guild masters' lives?!" Natsu roared again, pointing a finger at the Council. "WELL?!"

There was a beat of silence. Awkward, suffocating silence.

Jin, for the life of him, couldn't suppress the snicker this time. The absurdity of Natsu's makeshift "Erza" costume, combined with the dead-serious look on his face, was too much. He pressed a hand to his mouth, trying to keep it together, but the snicker escaped, earning a glare from Erza.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the Chairman let out a long, weary sigh, the sound of a man whose patience had been entirely drained. Natsu grinned triumphantly, clearly proud of his "accomplishment," while Erza simply slumped over as if she wished the ground would swallow her whole.

"Take them away," the Chairman said, barely able to muster any force in his voice as he slammed his hammer.

Jin could only stare blankly, struggling to form a coherent reaction. His first reaction had been shock, then humor, and now… it was over? The whole thing was over? Because of this?

"We're truly sorry for this, Your Honor," Erza said as she bowed repeatedly, trying to salvage whatever was left of the situation.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING, ERZA?!" Natsu exclaimed, turning to her in disbelief. "DON'T APOLOGIZE TO THESE COUNCIL JERKS!" He very briefly paused, realizing his slip-up. "Whoops! I—I mean… I AM ERZA!"

Jin couldn't even muster the energy to respond. Between the tense buildup to the trial, his stand-off with Siegrain, and… whatever Natsu just did—he was completely spent before anything could happen.

Night had long since fallen by the time Jin, Natsu, and Erza found themselves locked up in a cold, cramped cell nestled within a prison block in the lower floors. Natsu and Erza sat across from each other on opposite sides of the cell, each in their own world of frustration. Jin, however, had taken refuge in a far corner of the cell, his back resting against the cold stone wall, arms folded across his chest. His eyes were fixed on the ceiling, but his mind churned over everything that had transpired.

After what felt like an eternity of quiet, Erza finally broke the tension, her eyes drilling into Natsu. "Words cannot express how furious I am with you right now! That trial was just a formality!"

Natsu's eyes widened, and he quickly turned his glare to Erza. "Seriously?!" he whispered.

"It's a glorified spectacle!" Erza growled, her irritation growing. "The Council was using us as an example. They wanted to remind everyone that even the most powerful wizards—or anyone," she threw a pointed glance at Jin, who acknowledged it with a slight nod. "aren't above the law. It helps maintain order in the magical world."

Natsu leapt to his feet. "Wait, so this whole thing is just for show?!"

Erza clenched her fists. "They probably would've declared me guilty and then let us off with a slap on the wrist. A stern warning at most!"

Natsu tilted his head, trying to process the revelation. "But then why—"

"BUT THANKS TO YOU, WE'RE STUCK IN A JAIL CELL!"

Natsu yelped, practically jumping back against the wall in panic. Erza turned away from him, crossing her arms and muttering under her breath.

"Sorry," Natsu finally said, casting a sideways glance at her. "I just… I didn't want to sit around while you and Jin got blamed for something stupid!"

Erza's expression softened a little as she let out a sigh. "It's okay. I know you meant well." Her posture relaxed, and a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Soon after, Jin stood up and walked over to where Natsu sat, his dark eyes flickering between his two companions before settling on Natsu. He dropped onto the bench next to him, and for a moment, the only sound was the faint crackling of the torch.

"Erza's right," Jin said, his voice low but firm. "I get that you wanted to help, but you need to understand that not every situation needs a full-force assault. Sometimes… playing it safe and letting things unfold can be the smarter move."

Natsu huffed, crossing his arms. "Yeah, yeah. I get it."

Jin narrowed his eyes slightly. "No, you don't. You put all of us in this situation. We could've handled it. We were supposed to show that we could be trusted, that we could take responsibility for our actions. Instead, you made it worse."

Natsu opened his mouth to protest, but the weight of Jin's words and the rare sternness in his tone made him reconsider, and his shoulders sagged further. "Alright, alright! I'm sorry, okay?"

After a moment of silence, Jin sighed and leaned back against the wall beside Natsu. "In all honesty, if either of you were in trouble, I probably would've done something similar... though, maybe without the explosions and tearing half the place down."

A small chuckle escaped Erza, her earlier anger giving way to a rare moment of levity. Natsu grumbled under his breath, casting a sideways glance at Jin.

"Yeah, right. You and your 'play it safe' bullcrap," Natsu muttered, though there was a hint of a smile on his lips.

"Someone has to keep you in line," Jin replied with a slight smirk. "And if you'd just listened to everyone in the guild for once, maybe we wouldn't be in this mess."

Natsu opened his mouth to argue, but before he could, Erza swiftly brought her hand down on the back of his head with a sharp thud.

"Ow! That hurt!" Natsu yelped, rubbing the sore spot.

"It's for your own good," Erza said firmly, but tinged with affection as she crossed her arms again.

Jin let out a soft chuckle, finally easing as he leaned back against the cool stone wall. "Well, nothing we can do but settle in for the night, I guess. Might as well get comfortable."

Natsu grumbled something under his breath, but just then, an important thought crept into Jin's mind, one that he hadn't considered until now.

"Natsu…" Jin began, Erza and Natsu both turning to him as they sensed a shift. "You… actually might've done me a favor."

Natsu blinked, sharing a glance with Erza before turning back to him.

"Wait... what?" Natsu asked. "What do you mean?"

Jin leaned back against the wall, finally piecing it all together. "If things had gone according to plan, the Council would've dug deeper... asked more questions about me, questions I'm not ready to answer." He paused, meeting Natsu's confused gaze. "But thanks to your little… intervention, they didn't get the chance."

Natsu looked genuinely perplexed. "So… you're mad, then you're not mad—now you're thanking me?"

"Yes… no. Well, maybe a little mad," Jin said with a shrug, smirking at Natsu's perplexed expression. "You messed things up, but you also did something right, even if by accident. So… thank you, Natsu."

Natsu's face lit up with a triumphant grin. "Ha! See, I told you I was helping!"

Erza rolled her eyes, though there was a small, amused smile on her face. However, Natsu studied Jin for a moment before leaning forward curiously, something clicking in his mind.

"Wait a second... Is it because you don't use magic?" He asked. "Last I heard, everyone in the guild's been talking about it since, you know… the whole trial thing. I never really thought about it until now, but where'd you learn all that ki stuff? Who taught you?"

Jin and Erza exchanged a glance, a flicker of uncertainty passing between them. Jin had always known this day would come—the day when he couldn't avoid the questions anymore. But hearing Natsu ask so directly made the decision all the more real. Sooner or later, he'd be asked these kinds of questions. But now? Here? In a cell?

"C'mon, man!" Natsu continued, slightly rocking Jin's shoulder with a wide grin. "You know we don't care about stuff like that. It doesn't matter who or what you are—everyone in Fairy Tail's got your back."

"I…" Jin hesitated. Could he trust Natsu with the truth? Natsu didn't exactly seem like the type who could keep secrets, and this—this was something too big to risk.

"Remember, you don't have to say anything if you're not ready," Erza said gently, offering him a reassuring smile. "But you should know, whatever it is… you'll always be one of us. That's never going to change."

Natsu nodded fervently beside him. "Yeah, come on, man! Whatever it is, you can tell me! I mean, we're friends, right?"

He remembered Makarov's words when he first joined the guild—how he didn't need to worry about being judged for his past. It was still difficult to believe sometimes, but here, staring at Natsu's eager face and Erza's calm, unwavering support, Jin felt... lighter. Maybe this was the moment. Maybe just a little bit.

"Alright," Jin conceded. "But first…"

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment.

Natsu blinked in confusion. "Huh? What are you—"

"Shh," Erza whispered, catching on to what Jin was doing. "Let him concentrate."

Jin's brow furrowed as he extended his senses, scanning the area for any sign of other life. He could feel the faint flicker of ki signatures from the guards further down the hall, but none were close enough to overhear them. Satisfied, he opened his eyes.

"We're clear," Jin said quietly, his gaze shifting to Natsu and Erza. "Alright. I'll tell you one thing."

Natsu eagerly leaned in, while Erza remained calm, offering Jin an encouraging nod.

Jin hesitated for a second, then exhaled, deciding to take the plunge. "You guys already know I'm not a wizard. I'm not like any of you. I'm… well…"

Natsu nodded rapidly, his eyes slightly widening. "Uh-huh? And?"

"Natsu," Erza said sharply, causing him to flinch and curl up slightly.

"Sorry!"

Jin chuckled, that one small moment pushing him just enough. "I'm… a Saiyan."

As the words left his mouth, Jin let out a breath he had clearly been holding. Erza smiled softly, proud of Jin for opening up, even if it was just a small step. Natsu, on the other hand, was clearly waiting for more.

"A... what?" Natsu blinked, slowly processing the word. "Saying? You're saying what? What's that?"

Jin's lips twitched into a smirk, standing up and moving back to his corner of the cell. "That's all you're getting for now. I'll tell you more when I'm ready."

"Wait… what?!" Natsu groaned, throwing his hands up. "That's not fair! You can't just drop something like that and leave us hanging!"

"Give it a rest, Natsu," Erza interjected softly. "We've all been through enough today. We'll have more time to talk once we're out of here."

Natsu grumbled, but didn't press further. He slumped back against the wall, clearly dissatisfied with the lack of information but too tired to argue. "Fine. But I'm gonna hold you to that!"

Jin simply nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips as he settled back into his corner. As they settled in for the night, Jin felt the weight of his secret ease just a little. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

But in the shadows of the cell block, hidden from sight, the projection of Siegrain stood silently with a sinister smirk on his face.

"So, a Fairy Tail wizard came to their aid... Natsu Dragneel," Siegrain mused quietly, eyes narrowing with interest. "And Jin… a Saiyan, you say?" His smirk only widened at his own words. "How careless of you."

The next afternoon, Jin, Erza, and Natsu had all returned to the guild hall after their brief stay in prison. It didn't take long for the news to spread through the guild that their arrests were nothing more than a show put on by the Magic Council to display their power. The ordeal seemed like a distant memory already, but Natsu, in true form, hadn't let it go just yet.

"Who would have thought fresh air would smell so sweet?!" Natsu bellowed, standing on a table with a wide grin. "I'm gonna breathe it in all day!"

Flames erupted from his mouth as he dashed across the guild hall, the fire sizzling in the air as he whooped in excitement.

"It's the sweet smell of freedom!" he added, much to the growing annoyance of those around him. "I'm never taking it for granted ever again!"

"Shut up," Jet grumbled.

"Put a sock in it, man," Droy muttered.

"Isn't he precious when he's excited?" Mirajane mused from behind the bar, watching Natsu's antics with a soft smile. Makarov chuckled quietly, shaking his head at his rowdy guild.

In another corner of the guild hall, away from the chaos, Jin sat with Lucy and Gray. Natsu's antics were more background noise as Jin recounted the bizarre series of events following his and Erza's arrest.

"So you're telling me," Gray said, trying not to laugh, "Natsu barged into the courtroom dressed like Erza and thought that'd help the situation?"

Jin nodded, still somewhat baffled himself. "It was more like barrels, pots, and pans all strapped together with some… fake hair." Jin trailed off slightly, unsure of what word to use.

"A wig," Lucy corrected with a half-amused, half-exasperated smile.

"Yeah, a wig," Jin nodded, still looking slightly puzzled by the concept. "He made a mess of the place before we even had a chance to say anything. The trial couldn't continue, so they threw us in prison right after."

Gray burst out laughing, slapping the table. "Oh, man, I wish I saw that. Natsu, trying to be Erza?! That's gold."

"Oh, for crying out loud," Lucy groaned. "All that panic, all that worry… for nothing! Seriously, I thought they were going to lock you two up for good."

Gray leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head. "Yeah, man, I didn't think we'd see you or Erza walk back in one piece. That was some messed-up business. How are you holding up?"

Jin gave a small, weary nod. "I'm alright. They weren't exactly welcoming, though. Not to me, at least."

"I can imagine." Gray's expression shifted slightly, narrowing his eyes. "Does it have anything to do with that Siegrain guy you mentioned earlier?"

The mere mention of Siegrain made Jin's jaw tighten. He hadn't forgotten the man's unsettling curiosity towards him during the trial, the way his cold, calculating eyes seemed to strip away any defenses Erza had tried to keep up.

"Yeah," Jin replied quietly, staring into the grain of the table. "He's up to something, and he's not alone. He wasn't just observing. He was… playing with us. Trust me, he's not just some Council member. He's involved in something bigger, and I'm sure Erza knows it too."

Gray's frown deepened, exchanging a wary glance with Lucy, who shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"I've only heard of him through Sorcerer Weekly," Lucy admitted. "He's pretty high on the… uh, 'boyfriend rankings,' but I had no idea he was on the Council."

Jin let out a harsh scoff, the spite in his voice startling them both. "Don't be fooled by that. Just stay away from him. Both of you."

Gray and Lucy exchanged a look, a little startled by Jin's intensity. They had never seen him this worked up before—his usual reserved demeanor replaced by something raw, something darker. Hearing his barely concealed hatred for Siegrain caught them off guard.

Before long, Jin took a deep breath, forcing himself to relax. "Anyway, how's everyone in the guild been? We weren't gone that long, but... did anything happen while we were out?"

Gray and Lucy shared a look, this one far more uneasy than before. Lucy bit her lip, unsure of how to approach the topic.

"Uh, about that…" she started cautiously, glancing nervously at Jin. "Everyone in the guild knows about your… ki."

Jin blinked. "They… what?"

Gray rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. "I'm sorry, man. I didn't mean to talk behind your back, but… after everything that happened, people were asking questions. Everyone was worried about you two, and to them, the Council's reasoning was just… bizarre."

Jin's eyes darted around the guild hall, suddenly feeling more exposed than ever. He caught sight of a few curious glances thrown his way, and his shoulders tensed instinctively. For so long, he had kept his ki—his very nature—a secret. Now, the thought of the entire guild knowing about it made his stomach churn.

For a while, he fell silent. Part of him wanted to yell at them, to demand why they had spoken about something so personal without his consent. But Jin realized that it wasn't their fault, and everyone in the guild had every right to be concerned.

Gray and Lucy, sensing his discomfort, exchanged worried glances. Lucy bit her lip, guilt evident in her eyes.

"Jin, we didn't mean to—"

"I know," Jin interrupted, exhaling slowly. He looked up at them, offering a small, reassuring smile. "This was bound to happen sooner or later."

Gray blinked, taken aback by Jin's sudden shift in tone. "You're... okay with that? You can say something if you're pissed, you know."

"Look, I'm still... getting used to it all, but… I trust you both, and I know you and everyone else are just looking out for me and each other. There's a lot you don't know, but for now, I'm fine with just being here."

The tension at the table dissolved, replaced by the warmth of mutual understanding. Lucy sighed, slumping slightly. "Thanks, Jin. We just didn't want you to feel like we were betraying you, ya know?"

"Yeah, man," Gray added, clapping Jin on the shoulder. "We're always here if you need us."

Jin nodded and smiled faintly, but before he could respond, Natsu's voice rang out from across the hall.

"Hey, Erza!" Natsu called out, pointing a finger at her. "Whaddya say? Wanna pick up where we left off?!"

She was seated at a nearby table with a teacup in hand, but she didn't even look up as she sighed. "I'm not in the mood right now."

"Too bad!" Natsu, undeterred, formed a fist enveloped in flames and charged. "I'm not letting you off the hook that easily!"

"I swear," Erza grumbled, setting her cup down. With a single, fluid motion, Erza stood up and slammed her fist into Natsu's stomach, sending him crumpling to the floor. He lay there, motionless, the fight knocked out of him in an instant. "How's that? Are you satisfied?"

"And he's out!" Happy exclaimed, hovering nearby with a gleeful expression.

Gray and Elfman burst out laughing, while Lucy tried to stifle their own laughter.

"Way to go, champ!" Gray said between laughs.

"Guess we know who the real man is!" Elfman said, still laughing.

Jin chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I should go talk to her," he said, standing up from the table and glancing back at Gray and Lucy. "We'll catch up later, alright?"

"Do what you gotta do, man," Gray replied, slowly calming down and wiping a tear.

Jin exchanged nods with Lucy before making his way across the room. As he walked toward Erza, he passed by Levy, catching her attention, and she couldn't help but grow concerned as he watched him go. She caught Lucy's eye and approached the table, sitting down to join her.

"Hey, how's he doing?" Levy asked quietly. "Is he… gonna be okay?"

Lucy sighed, watching Jin's retreating figure. "Yeah, but… I think he still needs some time. We just need to be there for him. It's all we can do for now."

Jin walked over to the table where Erza sat, a little hesitant at first but ultimately deciding it was better than facing Natsu's wild celebration on the other side of the guild hall. Natsu was still sprawled on the floor, unconscious after being knocked out by Erza's well-placed punch just moments ago. Shaking his head, he glanced down at Natsu briefly before meeting her eyes.

"Mind if I join you?" Jin asked quietly.

Erza nodded, gesturing to the seat with a calm smile. "Of course. I was wondering when you'd come over."

He took a seat next to her, his gaze lingering briefly on the red and white dessert she was enjoying. They sat in silence for a moment, allowing the bustling energy of the guild to fill the air between them. Jin hadn't felt true relief until they'd walked out of that place unscathed, but it still nagged at him how close things could've gone wrong. He let out a slow breath.

"Hey, Erza," Jin began, slowly. "How are you holding up after... everything?

Erza paused mid-bite, lowering her spoon. "I'm fine, all things considered. It was a farce from the start, but it worked out better than I feared." She then gave him a thoughtful look. "But what about you? Are you alright?"

Jin let out a sigh. "Yeah, I'm okay. At least we got out of it before they could try anything." He glanced toward Natsu's unconscious form. "Even if… someone caused a bit more destruction than necessary. The Council… Well, even if it was all just for show, they weren't exactly happy about me being there, were they?"

Erza gave a half-smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yes, it certainly could have gone much worse. I was... concerned, especially with their… growing interest in you." Her voice dropped slightly, a hint of something unspoken lingering in her words.

Jin nodded grimly. "I was more worried about you, though. That Siegrain guy—there's more to him than he lets on, and he's not the only one up to something. Some other woman in the Council is working with him."

A shadow passed over Erza's face at the mention of Siegrain as she glanced away, her hand curling into a loose fist before relaxing. "I would… rather not discuss him right now."

Jin blinked, noticing her discomfort, but he understood it completely. Siegrain was part of something deeper for her—a part of her past she wasn't ready to talk about yet, and he knew that feeling all too well. Even she had her own ghosts from her past.

"Right," Jin muttered, resting his head on his hand. "Sorry."

The conversation lulled, and for a moment, they sat in comfortable silence. Jin finally let his mind wander away from the trial… until his attention fell on the food in front of Erza. Something unfamiliar sat on her plate, and he leaned forward slightly, studying it as she took another bite.

Erza noticed his gaze and quirked an eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"

Jin hesitated, then pointed at her plate. "Um… what's that?"

Erza followed his gaze and smiled. "It's strawberry cake."

"Strawberry... cake?" Jin furrowed his brow, the name clicking but confusing him at the same time. "Is it like… pancakes? Lucy made me those the other day."

Erza blinked, slightly taken aback by his comparison, but smiled softly. "Not quite. Pancakes are more of an actual meal, for breakfast. Cake, especially this one, is meant for dessert. It's sweeter, something you enjoy after a meal."

Jin nodded, though the concept of simply savoring food still baffled him. Dessert. That was still new to him. His life up until recently hadn't really involved luxuries like sweets or pastries. Everything had been functional, for survival.

"I see," Jin muttered, his gaze lingering on the cake a bit longer than intended. "I've… never had anything like it before."

Noticing his interest, Erza tilted her head. "Would you like to try some?"

Jin blinked, a bit surprised by the offer. "Are you sure? I mean... it's yours. I wouldn't want to take any—"

"It's fine," Erza interrupted. "You can have a small bite. I don't mind."

Still unsure, Jin sighed, nodding slightly. "Alright, why not. I'll just go and get—"

Before he could finish, Erza had already scooped up a spoonful of the cake and brought it closer to him, stopping him in his tracks. He blinked, staring at the spoon now hovering in front of him.

"Um… what are you doing?" Jin asked, thoroughly confused, his eyes flicking between the spoon and Erza.

"I'm offering you some," Erza said simply. "Go on."

"Oh, y-you don't have to do that," Jin stammered, raising his hands slightly. "I… I can just get my own spoon."

Erza's brow furrowed, her hand still outstretched. "Nonsense. Why waste another spoon when we can save one for Mira to clean later?"

Her logic was impeccable, but something about the situation didn't sit right. She was trying to spoon-feed him, and the way she said it with such a straight face only added to the awkwardness. Jin's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he tried to figure out a way to politely decline without offending her.

"Look, seriously," Jin insisted, waving his hands. "I can just—"

"It's just a bite of cake," she said. "What are you making a fuss about?"

He cast a desperate glance around, hoping no one had noticed, but his hope shattered when he noticed Levy at Lucy's table, nudging the latter and pointing towards them. Lucy's eyes lit up as she followed Levy's gaze, and soon enough, Gray was called over as well, barely containing his laughter as he joined them in watching the unfolding scene.

"Erza, stop!" Jin stood up, trying to maintain his dignity. "This is embarrassing! I'll just—"

"Sit. Down."

There it was—that tone. It was the same authoritative voice that had put Natsu and Gray in their place, and now he was on the receiving end of it. It wasn't just a suggestion anymore—it was a direct order, and before he knew it, he sank back down into his seat.

Her stern voice triggered something in him, a flash of memory to his mother's own firm reprimands when he'd refused to listen. He could already feel his face growing hotter, and he could practically hear Lucy and Levy giggling from their table.

"All right, fine," he muttered, closing his eyes as if preparing for the inevitable humiliation. "There's no way this could possibly get any worse."

"Good," Erza said. Her sternness melted into something far gentler as she brought the spoon closer. "Now, say 'ahh.'"

Jin's heart practically stopped in his chest, his face growing so hot he thought he might actually pass out. He shot one last pleading look toward Gray, hoping for some kind of rescue. Instead, Gray burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. Levy giggled, while Lucy barely stifled a squeal, watching the scene unfold with wide, amused eyes. He could feel every eye on him now, the stifled laughter of his friends, the murmured "aww" from someone nearby, all making Jin's situation even worse.

"Erza…" Jin muttered, looking utterly defeated. "Are you serious?"

"Ahh," Erza repeated patiently, as if speaking to a small child.

If there was any hole in the ground he could crawl into, he would have done it in a heartbeat. His pride shriveled, and with no way out, he reluctantly opened his mouth. Erza, with surprising gentleness, fed him the spoonful of strawberry cake.

The sweetness hit his tongue immediately, soft and creamy with just a hint of the tartness from the strawberries. Jin blinked, surprised by how good it actually was compared to anything he had eaten before.

"Well?" Erza asked. "What do you think?"

Jin nodded slowly, swallowing the cake. "Huh… this is… actually pretty good."

Erza beamed, clearly pleased with herself. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"

Jin simply shook his head and groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Just… Kill me now."

Erza, however, looked satisfied, setting the spoon down and giving Jin a warm smile. "I'm glad you liked it. Strawberry cake is my favorite, after all."

"I can see why," Jin muttered, hiding his head underneath his arms. "But… never again. Please."

Despite the embarrassment, a small part of him was grateful for the moment. There was something about the way Erza cared for him, in her own strange, commanding way, that reminded him of his mother. He couldn't help but feel… cared for, even if what she did, and the reactions to it, made him want to shoot himself with a ki blast.

But then, something in the air shifted. It was subtle at first, like a strange heaviness settling over the room.

Erza's spoon paused mid-air as her eyes grew heavy, her hand trembling slightly as she set her cake down and reached for Jin's shoulder.

"Jin…" she muttered, nudging him.

He instinctively pulled away from her touch, thinking she might try to spoon-feed him again.

"No thanks," Jin muttered, still facing away. "I'm not hungry."

She didn't answer immediately. Her grip tightened, and something felt… off. Her touch wasn't playful or teasing. It was weak.

"Erza?" Jin finally lifted his head, his brow furrowed. She looked… tired. Unnaturally tired. He leaned toward her, eyes slightly widening with concern. "Hey, are you okay?"

Erza, her eyelids half-shut, tried to stand. "It's... him..."

"Him? Who—?"

Before Jin could finish, Erza's knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the table, barely catching herself on the edge before slumping down. Jin's heart raced as he turned, his senses kicking in too late.

"Erza!" Jin staggered to his feet, but a wave of dizziness nearly knocked him back into his seat, a strange lethargy tugging at his limbs. "What is this...?"

He blinked rapidly, trying to shake the overwhelming sense of fatigue, but it only grew stronger, spreading like a haze over his mind. He scanned the guild hall as a creeping realization washed over him.

All around him, guild members were collapsing one after another. Gray slumped to the floor beside Elfman, who tried and failed to catch himself before hitting the ground. Mirajane gently crumpled to the floor, her eyes fluttering shut as she slid down behind the bar. Lucy and Levy fell forward onto their table, and even Happy spun in a lazy spiral to the ground, falling asleep in midair.

Jin's heart raced as he turned back to Erza who was now asleep on her knees, one hand bracing the table.

"What the hell… is happening?!" he exclaimed, stumbling toward her. "Erza…!"

Jin reached for her, but the weight of exhaustion finally hit him like a boulder. His legs gave way, and he collapsed beside her, accidentally stumbling over her limp form in the process. He felt his consciousness slipping. Every fiber of his being screamed for him to rest, to let go. The room dimmed as his eyes threatened to close.

"No... not like this…"

All around him, the guild fell silent as the last of the members collapsed, leaving only Makarov who barely managed to sit upright at the bar. It was then that the hall doors creaked open, a dark, heavily cloaked figure entering the guild with a deliberate, unhurried pace.

"Mystogan…" Makarov muttered weakly, his eyes half-lidded but open enough to recognize the figure.

Mystogan walked down the middle of the hall and straight toward the second floor, completely unfazed by the bodies littered around him. His face was obscured beneath a mask and hood, and without a word, he grabbed a job request from the board. He began descending and made his way toward Makarov, raising the job request for him to see.

"I shall return."

"No… wait…" Makarov said softly. "Lift your sleeping spell before you leave…"

Mystogan turned to leave and made his exit, but he halted mid-step when something—no, someone, was planted firmly in his path.

Jin, fueled by a mix of confusion and urgency, pushed himself up from the floor. His legs wobbled and his breathing was heavy, but he refused to back down.

A violent surge of white aura burst from him as he stood shakily on his feet, his face drenched in sweat. He forced his ki to skyrocket and barely kept himself conscious, but it wasn't a smooth process. His body was still fighting him, still yearning for the sweet release of unconsciousness—but his will was stronger.

"Who… the hell… are you?" Jin demanded, his voice strained from keeping himself awake through sheer willpower. "What did you… do to them?"

Mystogan turned his head slightly, as if mildly intrigued. "You're… awake."

"Damn… right I am, but you still haven't… answered me," Jin spat back, his energy flaring around him as he desperately willed himself to stay alert. "Fix this, or I swear—"

"This is highly unnecessary," Mystogan interrupted, almost disinterested.

"Unnecessary?!" Jin's aura flared again, but this time it flickered as if it was becoming unstable. He took a threatening step forward, wincing as the pressure in his body increased. "When I see my friends like this… Ineedto get involved!"

"Jin… stop…"

Makarov's weak voice broke through the tension. Jin tilted his head to look behind Mystogan, shocked to see Makarov awake, albeit barely.

"Master?!" Jin exclaimed, still panting from the strain.

"He's… with us," Makarov murmured. "Let him… go."

Mystogan stepped forward, producing the job request he had just taken. "If it means anything to you," he said calmly, showing it to Jin. "I'm here for this."

Jin's eyes flickered between Mystogan and Makarov, his mind spinning with confusion. The man before him had put everyone to sleep, and now he was told to let him go? Makarov had told him to back down—but he trusted the wise guild master, even when things didn't make sense.

With a low growl, Jin let his aura flicker and die, his body sagging slightly as the aura was now reduced to a white outline. His body screamed in relief as the tension left his muscles, but the pain from holding himself awake still throbbed in his bones. Slowly, Jin stepped aside, leaning heavily on the edge of the nearest table.

"Fine," Jin muttered, still glaring at Mystogan with suspicion.

Mystogan proceeded down the middle of the guild hall, but as he passed Jin, he hesitated, turning his head ever so slightly toward him.

"No normal wizard in the guild could resist my sleep spell."

Jin stared at him for a moment before he scoffed, glancing away as he braced himself against the table. "Well… I'm no wizard, if that means anything to you."

Mystogan remained silent for a moment, as if considering Jin's words, before continuing his walk toward the exit. The door closed softly behind him, and the moment Mystogan was out of sight, the oppressive sleepiness lifted from Jin's body all at once.

His aura fully dissipated and he dropped to his knees, gasping for breath as the strain of keeping his ki active finally took its toll. He clutched his sides as the pain hit him all at once, but he forced himself to stay upright, leaning heavily against the table for support.

Around him, the guild members began to stir. Gray groaned as he sat up, rubbing the back of his neck, while Elfman blinked in confusion, looking around the room. Mirajane slowly stood up behind the bar, shaking her head as if to clear the haze.

But Natsu remained sound asleep, snoring softly on the floor.

Erza groaned softly, pushing herself up into a sitting position, rubbing her eyes as she blinked away the sleep. When she looked up, she saw Jin standing there, still glaring at the entrance with his fists clenched as if expecting the cloaked figure to return.

"Jin…?" she mumbled, sitting up from where she had been slumped over. "How are you…?"

Jin blinked, as if shaken from a trance. He quickly moved to her side, offering a hand to help her up. "Are you okay?"

Erza accepted his hand, rising to her feet and brushing herself off. "I'm fine, but it seems Mystogan was here."

Jin blinked, the familiar name clicking in his head. "Wait, that was Mystogan? Then what was all this for?"

"He casts a sleep spell whenever he comes to the guild hall," Erza explained. "No one knows what he looks like, and he prefers to keep it that way."

Jin frowned, his brows knitting together. "Why does he—" he began, but let the question hang. He could sense there was more to it, but her tone made it clear that Mystogan's secrecy was accepted without question. "Forget it. I'm just glad you guys are okay."

Erza tilted her head, studying him curiously. "Wait… why are you still standing? How did you not fall asleep like the rest of us?"

"I…" Jin hesitated, as if reluctant to answer. "I raised my ki, forced my body to stay awake. It wasn't exactly pleasant, but it worked."

"That's…" Erza trailed off, her eyes widening slightly. "Mystogan's magic is strong, but... Jin, that sounds dangerous. Raising your ki like that—are you alright?"

Jin nodded, though there was a subtle wince in his posture. "A little sore, but I'm okay. Nothing I can't handle."

"Well, well, well, looks like someone got to see Mystogan's face!"

The guild's attention snapped toward the sound of another voice, a man standing tall and confident on the second floor balcony. He was a tall man with blonde hair and a lightning bolt-shaped scar along the right side of his face. His cocky smirk was enough to set the entire hall on edge as all eyes turned to him.

"Laxus?!"

"Talk about rare."

"You're never here!"

"Laxus," Erza muttered darkly. "Just what we needed."

Jin's ears perked up slightly. He had heard the name before, mentioned in passing, but never given much thought to it.

"Wait… That's him?" Jin asked, his eyes darting between Laxus and Erza.

"Unfortunately," Erza confirmed, but there was a sharp edge to her tone. "You're not going to like him."

Laxus's grin widened as he noticed the attention. "All this fuss over some guy in a hood. Mystogan's just shy, that's all. Maybe you should all respect his privacy, huh?"

The sound of Laxus' voice seemed to jolt Natsu awake. He bolted upright and immediately pointed at Laxus, the fire in him reigniting.

"Laxus!" Natsu shouted, fists already ablaze. "You and me! Right now!"

Laxus snorted, clearly unimpressed. "Why should I waste my time on you? You can't even beat the redhead."

Erza's eyes narrowed, and she took a step forward. "What are you trying to say?!"

Laxus grinned, spreading his arms wide. "I'm just reminding everyone who the strongest wizard in this guild is."

Natsu bristled, taking a step toward the stairs leading to the second floor. "Then come down here and prove it!"

Laxus cocked his head, the smirk never leaving his face. "Why don't you come up here, little man?"

"With pleasure!"

Natsu ran down the guild hall and jumped off the bar to the stairs, but just before he could land, Makarov enlarged his fist and slammed Natsu to the guild floor, halting his advance where he sat.

"You're not allowed up there, Natsu," Makarov said. "Not yet."

Laxus scoffed. "I think you made him grumpy."

"Shut up!" Natsu exclaimed, his voice strained under the weight of Makarov's fist.

"That's enough out of you, Laxus!" Makarov demanded, shooting a glare at his grandson.

"The most powerful one in the guild isn't a chick or some hooded weirdo. You wanna know what the strongest wizard looks like?" Laxus continued, pointing at himself. "You're looking right at him!"

The guild hall fell into an uneasy silence. Jin clenched his fists as the words echoed in his head. He had heard this kind of arrogance before—this unchecked pride, the absolute certainty that one's strength made them untouchable.

He had seen it countless times among his people, but it was the worst of them that Laxus reminded him of now. Laxus' arrogance reminded him too much of something—someone. The way he strutted, the way he spoke… it was all too familiar. Prince Vegeta.

But where Vegeta had eventually earned Jin's respect long after his death, Laxus was… different. He exhibited the worst traits of the Saiyans—pride, cruelty, an inflated ego.

"Prick."

"What was that?!" Laxus called out, his head perked up as he placed a hand on his ear while leaning in. "Speak up! I can't hear you!"

The rest of the guild briefly glanced around, wondering who he was referring to, but eventually, Laxus' eyes landed on Jin, pointing a finger at him.

"Got something to say, newbie?" Laxus said. "You've got a lot of guts talking like that."

All eyes turned to Jin as he kept his gaze locked onto Laxus without hesitation. "You heard me."

Laxus raised a brow, a mocking grin spreading across his face. "Oh, so the newbie's got a bit of a spine. Interesting." His gaze darkened as he sized Jin up. "Mystogan's sleep spell didn't put you down. That's impressive."

"And your point is?" Jin replied coolly. "You say you're the strongest, but from where I'm standing, you're just a loudmouth with a fragile ego."

Laxus chuckled. "I'm interested in strength, real strength. You? You've got something, so why bother wasting time with these weaklings around you when you could be doing a hell of a lot more?"

The insult made Jin's blood boil. "These 'weaklings' you're calling are my friends. I'm right where I need to be."

Laxus chuckled darkly. "Oh, that's cute. You're really one of those guys, huh? The 'power of friendship' types. The last guy who said that to me ended up face down in the dirt."

Something inside Jin snapped. He stepped forward, his body rising off the ground as he levitated up to the second floor, glaring at Laxus with a focused intensity.

Erza, realizing what he was up to, reached out to try and stop him. "Wait, don't—"

He raised a hand to stop her, continuing his ascent. Gasps rippled through the guild as they watched him levitate higher, but Jin didn't care. His eyes were locked on the man who seemed to embody everything he despised.

"Jin!" Makarov began. "I just said the second floor—"

"I don't give a damn about your second floor. I do give a damn about the asshole standing on it."

Gasps echoed around the room. Makarov's jaw tightened, speechless at Jin's remark, while Gray stifled a laugh behind his hand.

"Hey!" Natsu called out, still buried under Makarov's fist. "Save some for me, will ya?!"

Erza was both shocked and proud, seeing Jin stand up to Laxus with the same fierce protectiveness she'd witnessed before. She felt her heart swell with admiration—and worry.

Now that Jin was levitating in front of Laxus, the tension was palpable. Laxus grinned, sizing him up.

"You're not a wizard, are you? You've got something else going on. Some other kind of power." Laxus crossed his arms, a flicker of interest in his eyes. "That's why the Council's been sniffing around you, isn't it?"

"I don't need magic to beat you, Laxus. If you're so confident in your strength, prove it."

Laxus laughed, the sound dripping with arrogance. "A smartass that's no different than Natsu, thinking you can stand against me." He leaned in closer, lowering his voice. "Don't get ahead of yourself, pal."

Jin scoffed, his eyes briefly flashing. "Funny. You should take your own advice."

In response, Jin let his white aura explode outward in a wave of ki that swept across the guild hall, rattling the windows and sending a gust of wind through the room. The guild members flinched at the sudden burst of energy, feeling the raw power that radiated from Jin.

The room fell into stunned silence, with some guild members wide-eyed and whispering amongst themselves. Jin had just revealed his true nature to everyone—something that hadn't been fully understood until now.

"Oh, we've got a light show now," Laxus remarked, unfazed by the display. "Is that supposed to scare me?"

Jin scoffed. "The smartass here is the one thinking he can take on something he doesn't understand."

"That's enough!" Makarov interjected. "This is neither the time nor the place! We're a guild, not a battlefield."

Jin, still glaring at Laxus, let his aura dissipate, the energy fading away. He glanced at Makarov, nodding curtly before turning back to Laxus.

"You heard the Master, but this isn't over."

Laxus grinned, backing away from the railing. "I'll be waiting."

Later that night, Jin lingered at the back as the last few guild members shuffled out. The day had been long—exhausting both mentally and physically. He stood, arms folded over his chest, his tail flicking behind him as the earlier altercations with Mystogan and Laxus replayed in his mind.

At the bar, Makarov finished his drink, the old master looking wearier than usual as he rose from his seat. He looked ready to leave, but something about his slouched shoulders caught Jin's attention. Makarov's usual spark seemed dimmed, and Jin couldn't shake the feeling that he had played a part in that. Taking a deep breath, Jin stood up and walked toward him.

"Master?" Jin called out, his voice softer than intended. "Do you have a second?"

The elderly master turned, a tired but warm smile crossing his face. "Jin, my boy. What's on your mind?"

He gestured to the empty stool beside him, and Jin sat down as he searched for the right words.

"I... I wanted to apologize. For earlier." He glanced down at the counter. "I caused a scene when I shouldn't have. Two, actually."

Makarov raised an eyebrow, setting down his glass. "Apologize? For what?"

"For... " Jin trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I had no idea that was Mystogan earlier. And Laxus, I—" He exhaled sharply, trying to find the right words. "I'm sorry for… insulting your grandson."

Makarov regarded him for a long moment, then shook his head with a chuckle. "You really are too nice for your own good. Mystogan's a strange one, no doubt, but there's no harm done there. It was all a misunderstanding." His tone shifted slightly as he continued. "As for Laxus… well, that's on me."

Jin blinked in surprise. "How so?"

Makarov sighed, his gaze turning distant as his fingers tapped absently against his glass. "I don't blame you for what you said. Laxus has... his own way of seeing things. That boy's been lost for a while, and I take full responsibility for that."

The sadness in Makarov's voice was unexpected, and it made Jin feel strangely unsettled. He wanted to say something—anything—but words escaped him. Instead, he watched as Makarov composed himself, the moment of vulnerability passing as quickly as it had come.

"Anyway," Makarov said, his tone lighter as if pushing the subject away, "I've been meaning to check up on you, Jin. It's been quite the whirlwind since you joined the guild, hasn't it? How are you holding up?"

Jin let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Honestly… I'm happy. Despite everything that's happened, despite the mess I've gotten myself into," he said with a faint chuckle. "It's just... it's still hard to believe I'm really here, that I'm a part of all this. Everything's changed so fast."

Makarov's face softened into a gentle smile. "That's good to hear. Life here can take some getting used to, but you've found your place. I see it in the way the others look at you."

Jin chuckled, though there was a hint of disbelief in his tone. "I guess so. It's just… I'm still figuring it out. After everything, it's hard to just… settle in."

"It'll take time, but you've done well for yourself. You've made quite the impression already." Makarov's gaze sharpened slightly. "That being said, you answered a lot of unspoken questions today."

Jin frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

"You showed everyone today that you're... different, with Laxus earlier," Makarov began, leaning forward slightly. "Everyone felt it—sawit. It won't be long before people start asking questions. They'll want to know more about who you are, and more importantly, what you are."

Jin's heart sank as Makarov's words hit him. He realized with sudden clarity that his outburst against Laxus hadn't just been a confrontation—it had been a revelation. The entire guild had seen it. They knew now—maybe not exactly what he was, but they fully knew he wasn't like them.

"I…" He faltered, unsure of how to respond. "I didn't mean to—"

Seeing Jin's discomfort, Makarov reached out and placed a hand on his arm, the warmth of his grip grounding the young Saiyan. "Listen, Fairy Tail will always be with you no matter what," Makarov said softly. "Your friends—they've already shown you that, haven't they?"

"Yeah, but…" Jin began, swallowing thickly. "What happens when they learn who I really am? I'm not just different, Master. I'm a Saiyan, and if they know… things could change. I could bring trouble to the guild, just by being here."

Makarov nodded. "I understand, but we are all here for you, and that's why you don't have to worry in the slightest. However, you need to ask yourself something important." He paused, letting the words sink in. "Are you ready? Ready to tell them the truth about where you come from—about what it could mean for the guild? Possibly for the magical world?"

Jin's chest tightened as he thought back to the Magic Council, to how they had looked at him: An anomaly. A threat. The idea of exposing the truth about the Saiyans, about his heritage, made his heart race. It wasn't just his story—it was the story of a whole people, violent and prideful, long hidden from the world.

He couldn't hide forever—not from his friends, not from himself. But Fairy Tail had proven itself time and again. No matter how heavy his truth was, he knew, deep down, that they wouldn't abandon him.

He thought of Natsu and Happy's infectious energy, Erza's commanding yet comforting presence, Gray's quiet but brotherly support, Lucy's teasing and sympathy. Despite everything, they stood by him, accepted him. That much was clear.

"I… don't know if I'm ready now," Jin admitted quietly. "But… I'll try."

Makarov smiled, satisfied with his answer. "That's all anyone can ask of you, Jin. Take your time. There's no rush."

Jin exhaled, the tension in his chest easing. Makarov was right. He wasn't alone. Not anymore.

"Now, off you go," Makarov said, hopping off the barstool. "Tomorrow's another day to spend with your friends. I'm sure they'll have you busy."

Jin's mood lightened at the thought of going back to jobs with Natsu and the others. He turned to leave, but Makarov's voice stopped him again.

"One more thing."

Jin turned back. "What is it?"

Makarov's grin widened. "How's Erza doing these days?"

Jin blinked, taken aback, his face flushing slightly. "Erza? She's... uh, fine. I mean, we get along, I suppose."

Makarov chuckled. "You know, she was a lot like you when she first joined Fairy Tail. Always shutting people out, carrying a weight no one could see." He gave Jin a meaningful look. "But people like Natsu and Gray—they helped her open up, to trust again. She found her way just like you will, and I like to think she sees a bit of herself in you."

Jin blinked at the revelation. Erza, closed off? He'd never considered that she might've struggled like he had. She always seemed so... strong, untouchable. But now that he thought about it, hearing that she had once struggled the same way… It made her seem more… human. It slowly began to make sense why it felt like Erza could understand him. Maybe they weren't so different after all.

"Do yourself a favor, Jin. Cherish your time with her," Makarov continued. "Take care of each other. You two understand one another better than you realize."

Jin felt his face heat up, but he managed a smile, giving a determined nod. "I will."

The old man's grin turned mischievous. "And who knows? Maybe one day it'll be you spoon-feeding her cake."

Jin's eyes widened in horror, stammering incoherently as Makarov walked away, laughing heartily.

"I—! That was...!" He sputtered, his words getting lost in his embarrassment.

"Goodnight, Jin! Sleep well!" the old master called over his shoulder, leaving Jin utterly mortified.

As Makarov left the guild hall, Jin let out a long breath. Despite the embarrassment, he found himself smiling. He had a long way to go, but maybe, just maybe, he was ready to start facing the truth—one step at a time.