Good Intentions

Betrayal and Consequences

Disclaimer: All Fairy Tail Characters Belong to Hiro Mashima

Chapter 15: Betrayal and Consequences

The guild doors slammed shut behind Gray and Happy's retreating figures. Inside the guild the only sounds that could be heard were Erza's sobs and Lucy's sniffles.

The members of the Fairy Tail guild were all at a loss. They had no idea how to respond to what they had just heard. They were not used to fighting enemies from within. They looked at each other searching for a clue as to how to feel about this betrayal from one of the most unexpected sources in all of Fairy Tail.

Makarov stood frozen in place. He was having a hard time accepting what he had just heard.

Strong, incorruptible, righteous Titania had knowingly and willingly laced her teammates drinks during a mission. That was the incontrovertible truth. She betrayed Natsu and Gray's trust and by extension every other member of the guild as well. Intentions mattered little. Her careless actions had led to irreversible consequences for two members of their family. His children were hurting and he had to protect them from further damage. He also needed to understand Lucy's involvement better. He had a very difficult decision ahead of him.

"I think it goes without saying that I am very disappointed in both of you. Resorting to cheap tricks is never the correct way to deal with problems. You have hurt Natsu and Gray very deeply and only they will know if they are capable of forgiving you. You have also broken the trust that we have all afforded you. I would like to know why you chose to do this, because I am having trouble understanding why you would go to these lenghts. However, I need time to think about what your punishment will be for this betrayal. For the time being you are both suspended until further notice. You may not take on jobs or represent Fairy Tail in any capacity until I have come to a final decision. I will be wanting to speak with you soon.", Makarov declared.

"To the rest of you, Erza and Lucy are still a part of Fairy Tail and I will not abide any retaliations. Is that clear?"

All of the mages looked at him and nodded.

"Erza and Lucy, I can see from your faces that you want to go after them, I recommend that you give them some time to adjust to their new situation. I will go consult with Porlyusica to see if anything can be done to counteract the effects of the potion. Erza, I will need the potion."

Erza nodded and went to get the vial. Some gasps were heard when she produced it. There was no longer any way to deny what had happened.

"Do not tell Natsu and Gray where I am going, I do not want to get their hopes up."

Once he had received the vial Makarov headed towards Porlyusica's cottage satisfied that Erza and Lucy would be safe in his absence. He would use the long walk to ponder his course of action.

As soon as Makarov left Gajeel made his way up to Erza.

"You have no idea what you did to the Salamander do you?", Gajeel growled.

Erza shook her head slowly.