Airy Nothings | jerza

Night

It was a common sight: watching Jellal bid her goodnight and walking away, leaving her wondering when their next meeting would be.

The cool air was normally welcoming to Erza who appreciated the clear-minded effect; tonight, however, was different. With the intensity of the Grand Magic Games and the possibility of dark magic rising, she had never felt more stressed. It didn't help now that Crime Sorciere, and more specifically, Jellal, was staked out in Fiore.

It was late now, and Erza knew she ought to be back at the guild, not worrying over trivial things.

"But is it?" Erza asked, wrapping her jacket more tightly around her. "Is it so trivial?"

"Miss Scarlet? A pleasant surprise," a deep voice resonated from afar.

"Jura-san," replied a startled Erza.

"Lost in thought?" Jura smiled good-naturedly. "Happens to me plenty. It's nice to escape reality for a little while, isn't it?"

"Yes," the scarlet-haired mage said, relieved the Saint didn't interrogate her further. She really should be back at the guild, celebrating. Not wandering the streets at night.

Jura grimaced as though the words he was about to say next weren't as pleasant; Erza braced herself.

"Fairy Tail did well today during the Games."

Erza blinked. "Oh. Yes. Thank you. Lamia Scale was impressive this round, too."

"Your honorable guild makes a formidable foe," the man continued slowly, "but most of all, Mystogan..."

The scarlet-haired mage could feel the heat rising to her cheeks; she knew someone would comment on Jellal's less than worthy performance. 

"I am not quite sure what happened," Erza replied calmly. "There will be much to discuss tonight, back at the guild. I must l-" She broke off upon noticing Jura's inquisitive stare. 

"Had he not...lost control of his magic, I would have been defeated," Jura admitted, not at all abashed. "And although I do not know him well, years prior, I recall his magic being less grand...and very different."

It was true Jellal had gone overboard, resorting to using Heavenly Body magic instead of the power from Mystogan's staves. Erza could not remember the last time his sheer pride had taken control over his instincts.

"Mystogan is a mysterious man," Erza said with a half-hearted shrug. "Over time, his power has grown and adapted." This was a weak excuse and she knew it; everyone, even the schoolchildren, knew magic did not change. "I'd better get going. It was nice speaking with you, Jura-san." She turned to leave without waiting for his reply.

"Erza."

Erza froze.

"When we fought, I could not help but notice his distraction."

Erza said nothing.

"He kept glancing into the audience. It was hard to pinpoint, but..."

It was as if the wind had stilled, and time had stopped; everything seemed to grow quiet, everything but the pounding of her heart.

"There is only one man I know who..."

"Yes?" Erza asked pointedly, a great change from the respectful tone she had been maintaining thus far. Jura must have noticed because he chuckled. 

"Ah, nothing, Miss Scarlet. You must be on your way, now, your guildmates are waiting. Tell Makarov Lamia Scale congratulates him and his guild."

With that said, the two mages bid each other goodbye and left, taking separate ways, into the night.