Façade | Jerza

2 | Mirajane's Rivalry

Year X778

Gray, Natsu, and a few others joined the guild. Erza became Fairy Tail's discipliner, and the members were wary around her, namely Natsu after Erza trained him for a week in a camp.

He barely made it out alive; Erza took it as a job well done. But he learned how to read and write, most importantly. Albeit it didn't help that he was learning from the woman who had illegible handwriting. Jellal fixed that, he stepped in to help Erza improve her writing skills. He realized the severity of the situation only when she showed him how to write a letter.

Ever since then, Natsu knew very well to stay away from her.

Gray, however, was having a hard time staying away from her. He wanted to prove his worth to the guild, but Erza would invariably have the upper hand in combat. She'd always test her latest armour on him as if he were some punching bag. Truth be told, he deserved it for pestering Erza.

The boy never learned his lesson, which was concerning considering Natsu had the decency to back down. He approached her, wearing clothes only because that was Erza's condition for fighting. He would have to remain fully clothed because his stripping habit was growing out of hand. "Erza, let's fight."

Wakaba overheard the Ice Mage overconfidently challenge her again, and he ridiculed his proposal. "Haven't you had enough injuries for a week? You know I'm starting to think you like it, or maybe you just like her."

The elders around the guildhall burst into a fit of laughter. Erza stopped them from speaking further when she stared them down, one by one. It was a warning, a clear one. Cana watched in curiosity, noticing Gray's flushed cheeks. He turned away in mortification and tried finding his clothes that disappeared once again.

That was—until Erza punched him in the gut, causing him to double over. She glowered at him furiously, pointing at his almost naked form. "Where are your clothes?"

He groaned, peeking up at her through one eye. "I was looking for them until you showed up. Calm down, Erza."

Mirajane bent over Gray, who was sprawled on the floor, smirking evilly. "Bad move, that's no way to speak to Porky." She turned her attention to the redhead, "I've been looking for you, Erza."

Her rival shot daggers her way, dreadfully stepping closer to poor Gray. He was stuck between the two hotheads, who were going to duel until the latter succumbed. "Is there something you're trying to tell me?"

With an overwhelming grip, she tugged at Mirajane's ponytail until she grimaced in pain. "Yes I am, that hair of yours is weird and gross. You look like a housemaid from the Pioneer times."

"I—what?" Mirajane was provoking Erza with each passing second. She locked horns with Mirajane, gnashing her teeth as the two simultaneously stepped back, only to reciprocate in a battle of footwork. They kicked each other while in the air, demolishing part of the guildhall. Everyone sighed in relief that Makarov wasn't here to witness the destruction of a newly repaired guildhall. Natsu and Gray could concur on one thing, Erza and Mira were hypocrites. The most levelheaded woman in Fairy Tail was yanking on her rival's hair savagely.

Natsu entered the guildhall with Lisanna, grumpy and annoyed. They carried a giant egg with them, which was growing slower than he liked. Lisanna, however, remained patient and optimistic for the dragon inside the egg. They didn't realize Jellal was right behind them, carrying a book dedicated to Natsu and Lisanna's research on the egg.

Sho and Millianna gathered around to witness the glorified spectacle. Sho turned to Erza and signaled her to join them. "Sister, he's back!"

She paused to stare at Jellal, wondering what induced him to help little Natsu. Natsu annoyed Jellal to no end, and the older mage never said anything.