Child of Magic | jerza

Queen of Shadows [1]

Summary: Minerva, now acting on her own, is ready to take over Fiore again. She's negotiated with the Callieach and created a tear in the veil between the spirit world and the living world, causing all of the Dorocha to be freed.

~ ~ ~

"Halt," a Fioran guard said.

The woman sighed from atop her horse.

"We need to check your wagon before you enter King Jellal's land."

"Very well," the woman whispered, sliding off her horse.

The guard pulled off the cloth covering  the wagon and screamed as black mist floated out. The guard's eyes rolled into his head and he collapsed.

"Oh, Morgause," Minerva whispered. "Your magic has really weakened."

Morgause lay in the wagon. But she was hardly human. Her eyes bulged out her head, her hair was burnt. Half her face look melted, ruining her once beautiful features.

"I can't do this Minerva," Morgause croaked. "I'm useless. I'm as good as dead. Let me move on."

"You have to live," Minerva begged. "I told you, I can't kill you!"

"Minerva, my darling," Morgause whimpered. "I'm in pain."

"I will kill Porlyusica for what she has done," Minerva snarled. "Who knew an old hag had magic? I bet Erza was horrified!"

~ ~ ~

They rode until dusk, where they entered the Isle of the Blest. A sacred, empty courtyard that was strangely peaceful. Not a single bird chirped when they entered. It was absolutely silent.

"Lay me here," Morgause whispered, shutting her eyes in pain. "Take my knife. And sacrifice me to the Keeper of the spirits. People call her The Cailleach"

"What?" Minerva asked, tears in her eyes. "Why?"

"I am a High Priestess, just as you. But one day you will grow to be the strongest High Priestess to walk the lands of Fiore. It is your destiny, Minerva." Morgause smiled sadly. "This is my last gift to you. Trade my soul to the Keeper of the spirits- in exchange she will break the veil between the spirit world and the world of the living. With the spirits of Hell, you can attack Fiore."

"If you wish, Morgause," Minerva said. "I will never forget your sacrifice. I will use my gift well."

Minerva stabbed her friend, the woman who taught her, took care of her and showed her who the Fernandes' truly were. What magic truly was.

Morgause closed her eyes and breathed her last. "Thank you, Minerva."

~ ~ ~

"We shall celebrate our new king," Siegrain explained.

"He became last king last month," I retorted. "Or are you forgetting."

"Yes, but all we did was grieve for Father. We never celebrated at Jellal's coronation. It was all very somber."

"Alright," I said smiling. "But I still think you're looking for an excuse to have a party."

"Aw, c'mon," the prince laughed. "You know you want a party too!"

"Okay, okay," I joked. "I'm guilty."

"Now what did she do?" Jellal asked, entering the Council Room. "Steal food from the kitchen's again?"

"We decided to have a party for you," his brother said. "Tonight."