Façade | Jerza

3 | Erza's S-Class Trial

Year X780

Everyone was growing excited for the S-class trials, mainly because Makarov chose Fairy Tail's Titania for the trial the succeeding year Jellal had taken it. The guild master already granted him the title of an S-Class wizard. Both Laxus and Jellal had passed the trial that year, the other candidates marvelling at the two younger children who held up against Gildarts.

It surprised Laxus that Jellal was able to fight Gildarts on an equal footing.

Erza felt apprehensive, she was counting on being the youngest female S-Class wizard. The candidates chosen to Erza's knowledge were Cana, Bickslow, Macao, and a few others Erza couldn't recall.

She and Jellal were training—more so for her sake—for the upcoming S-Class trial. They were outside of Magnolia in Shirotsume Town. There was a small community and lots of rural land, suitable for practicing without causing destruction to any infrastructure. Wielding a sword, Erza practiced her Knight Requip Magic, which ultimately came to her after mastering Telekinesis.

She flawlessly dodged Jellal's attacks, having mastered her swordsmanship unlike Jellal; who proficiently wielded it during his younger years. Her heart thumped like the clock ticked, a one, two, and three. Erza twisted her wrist so she could use her sword to loosen Jellal's grip on his. Successfully, she took it out of his grip and seized it midair. She panted heavily, tumbling onto the turf while Jellal smiled in content. She concluded, "You were going easy on me, weren't you?"

"Well, no, I-"

"You were, Jellal. Let's face it, I'm no match for you, it's no wonder you made it to S-Class at such a young age."

"Don't let Laxus get through to you, everyone has potential if they strive for their goals. You can win this, just focus." From a distance, Erza could tell he had something on his mind which was bothering him.

"It seems you're the one that can't focus," laughed Erza, poking his cheek. "Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine, with time comes obligation. You know that better than anybody else Erza, scolding almost everyone in the guild." He stared at the scenery up ahead, the sun was setting.

Erza turned to watch the sunset, "Not really, I have so many weaknesses."

"You do not need to fix anything, Erza. You're a great person just the way you are."

She nodded, acknowledging the meaningful compliment. She rose, "Well, it's getting dark. Let's head back to the guildhall."

They hiked to Magnolia, as there was no train station. Shirotsume was a tiny town contiguous to Magnolia. There was no need for transportation in the village barely populated compared to Era and Crocus.

When they returned, they could see Happy tagged along with Natsu and Lisanna, who were holding an outstretched map of the municipality. Lisanna carried a knapsack behind her, ready to travel for a few days. Jellal approached them, and Lisanna jumped up and down in delight.

"Hello Jellal!" she addressed, hugging him.

"Hey Lisanna, where are you and Natsu off to?"

Natsu confidently answered him with his hands on his hips. "We're on the greatest and most secret mission of all time!"

"Ah, is that so?"

Lisanna giggled, "That's not true, we want to explore Magnolia. We haven't really done anything since we joined Fairy Tail other than take on job requests and attend the Fantasia Parade. We want to try something different."

Jellal advised them to stay away at this hour. "Magnolia's a big place, you can get lost in the fairs and restaurants. I'm specifically referring to Natsu."