Behind the scenes

A Guiding Light

I was going to wait a few more days to update, but wonder_insipre begged for more. XD
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It's been a few weeks now, since Fairy Tail declared war on Phantom Lord because of my actions. They destroyed us, that Salamander kicking my ass worse than I'd have thought possible.

"There are people in this world who enjoy being alone, but there isn't a single person who can bear solitude."
"I destroyed your guild." I stated.
"I don't care about that anymore."
"And your members..." I replied, frowning.
"You hurt them, and no matter what happens, I will not forgive you for that. But, if I were to ignore a young man attempting to fall into darkness, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself even more."

That crazy old man came and found me a few days ago. Juvia sent him to find me, I guess, because she was worried. Even though I've done such terrible things to his guild, he invited me to join. I came to find Juvia first, and ask her what the hell she'd been thinking, sending him after me.

"Ya know I don't need no help, woman! Especially from these scum! What'd you send Makarov after me for?" I yelled at her. I shouldn't, she's the closest thing I have to a friend, but I was angry. And tired. I hadn't felt safe enough to sleep lately, and every time I did, that stupid Salamander beating me would play over again in my mind.

"Gajeel-kun was always so lonely at Phantom, because he couldn't trust people. The Fairy Tail guild is full of good wizards, and good people! Juvia thought you should give them a chance. If the Love Rival and Gray-sama could forgive Juvia after she kidnapped Lucy and fought with Juvia's beloved, surely they could forgive Gajeel-kun for destroying their guild!" Wow. She must feel strongly about this, Juvia talks so much... Come to think of it, I looked around, it's not raining. I've known Juvia for 6 years, and it's always rained when she's around.

I sighed, "I didn't just destroy their hall, Juvia. I almost killed people." I muttered, looking at the ground. Juvia gasped.

"Juvia had heard rumor, but she did not believe Gajeel-kun would do such a thing! Why? How could you?" I couldn't meet her eyes. Couldn't see the horror I heard in her voice.

"You saw what happened the last time I let Fairies go. Master had Aria almost kill me, and then let those other bastards try. I couldn't take the chance of those scum making me look weak again!" I clenched my fists, then took a deep breath to calm myself. I looked up quickly, smelling that now familiar paper and ink smell. "You've been around her. The shrimp."

"Shrimp? Gajeel-kun must mean Levy? Yes, she's a very nice girl." Juvia smiled at me, "well, Master Makarov still invited you to be part of Fairy Tail. Maybe you can see for yourself how strong and good these people are. They're not what Master Jose told us." With that, Juvia walked away, leaving me with my thoughts.

"This is not 'salvation' it's simply a guiding light to tomorrow. Continue or stop dead. You will make that decision on your own."

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Kind of a boring chapter, sorry! Sections in italics are quoted from the manga.