Seeking Forgiveness (Jellal x Reader)

Chapter 11

You glanced up towards the sky, as the sun reached through the trees, it's rays scattering over the forest floor like spot lights in a futile attempt to break up the shade, the warmth trying to dry out the damp forest floor. Nothing had happened during the Grand Magic Games to make you suspect something was wrong or that dark, sinister forces were at work. So, the rest of the guild left to search for more clues about Zeref. Rumour has it that there was, supposedly, surge of black magic near the border of Fiore and the principality of Veronica, so you guessed they went there.

Currently, you and Porlyusica were on your way back to Magnolia. Porlyusica preferred to walk everywhere, not that you minded after a year of doing it before. It gave her a chance to collect more herbs, and you a chance to admire the world. Of course, you saw it when travelling before, but now it was from the perspective of a healer. Everything was a remedy now, everything in the world was made to help people, or a remedy for a poison.

"You've improved over the years (Y/N)," after hours of silence between the two of you, it shocked you to hear her say anything. You would ask her about the herbs she picked, and then she would give you a curt response, of the name and what it's used for.

You smile, and nodded, your heart soaring at the compliment, "that means a lot to me to hear you say that." Porlyusica hummed slightly in response, her eyes scanning the forest before taking a sharp turn left. It left you confused for a few seconds, you knew the route from the Capitol to Magnolia. You opened your mouth to ask her where she was going, but you never got the chance.

"Just follow me," she sighed, "it will all make sense soon." Knowing not to question the short tempered pink haired woman, you followed her through the forest to an unknown location. Part of you remembered the path from travelling, somewhat. The forest, the bushes, even the creatures tickled a part of your brain that tried desperately to remember where you were.

The day passed slowly, and night was slowly beginning to creep into the sky. Porlyusica never said a word the entire time, keeping a few paces ahead as she led you somewhere. The slope inclined but still, the woman was persistent and her pace never slowed. Your legs were starting to burn, but you followed still.

Finally, when you reached the top of the hill you spotted a small house. Light green wooden paneling covering the exterior of the house. Still she carried on walking until she was standing outside the front door, a polished brown wood that she was started staring vacantly at.

Out of breath, you stopped beside the pink haired woman. You lent forward slightly, leaning on your knees. You had never been good with hills. You looked up at the door, to see a small wooden sign hanging from the doors, the final rays from the sun stretched partly across it, creating long shadows, but the words could still be read clearly.

'Resident Healer'

"What's this?" You ask, your breath coming back, as you too stared at the sign.

"Something I've been planning for a while," came Porlyusica's cryptic response. She pushed the door opened and walked into the house. Darkness filled the halls and soon she vanished into it. You sighed, following the woman. Your curiosity growing and your patience disappearing.

"What have you been planning?" You called into the darkness. Your eyes strained to see amongst the dark, and a chill went up your spine as you continued to walk into the unknown. You reached out your hands either side of you, and stumbled into a wall. You had no idea where you were going and with the growing darkness, you were forced to feel your way through it.

Suddenly, a flame was lit and a fire place roared to life. Porlyusica stood beside it, staring down into the flames a sad look covering her features, "I hate to say I like someone," she sighed, "but sometimes it can't be helped."