Façade | Jerza

35 | In a Place Like This

I toned down the descriptions of violence this chapter, but do be warned! There is still graphic content. Lots of psychological and child torture, so proceed with caution!

Also, the reference to Wally's dismemberment can be found in the second chapter of Façade Shorts (on FF.net or AO3).

"Well, this is the abbey." Laki said, waiting for Gildarts to breeze past her so they could explore the area.

"Say Jellal, is this place still in operation?" Gildarts inquired, observing the empty area.

"You feel it too, don't you? The lack of life around us."

"Yeah. Probably not."

Laki clenched her hands apprehensively. "Perishing remains a viable hypothesis."

"We still need to find her. It might give hints as to who killed her and what their motives were. Bringing a doll to life that can impersonate her is a rare talent."

Approaching the locked entrance of the abbey, Jellal found himself face-to-face with a pair of lifeless eyes peering through the eye shutter.

Before Jellal could inquire about anything to her, she stated, "Outsiders not allowed."

The statement resounded around them. "Outsiders not allowed."

The trio looked behind to find a group of nuns approaching them, chanting the same thing over and over.

"Hey, uh, I was never really religious but we really can't hurt these nuns. Should we hide?" Gildarts suggested, glancing at Jellal.

Jellal, on the other hand, struck them down with a swipe of his arm, nonchalantly wiping them out.

"Hey, Jellal, are you crazy? Zentopia's gonna put a restraining order on you!"

"They're dolls." Jellal stated, gesturing to the dematerialized nuns. "It's no use, we need to get in the abbey. There's an endless swarm here."

"Made of earth and wood," Gildarts deduced. "Well in that case, leave it to me." Extending his palm, he unleashed his Crush, obliterating the remaining dolls in one powerful attack. Laki couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and unease in the presence of Gildarts' overwhelming power.

"Great, let's enter from the back of the abbey." Jellal led the way as they ran around the large structure.

Laki frowned, The gravity of the circumstance eluded Master's discernment."

Gildarts nodded. "Zentopia's up to no good. I wouldn't find it surprising if they were working with the Oración Seis."

Jellal blasted his magic at the doors, revealing the swarming nuns waiting for them. "It seems these dolls are drawn towards life forces."

A mischievous smile played on Gildarts' lips. "Well, I guess that won't matter because I'm about to turn them into dust."

Laki glanced at Gildarts with a disapproving gaze. "You mean, you're planning to massacre them?"

"It's not a crime if they're dolls."

Laki and Jellal followed Gildarts as he struck every corner with Crush, eradicating anything and everything in their way. Once his bright light cleared, they inspected the various parts of the abbey.

Gildarts gestured to the latch on the roof. "This might lead us somewhere. They're awfully secretive for an organization that claims to have transparency with Fiore."

Jellal inspected Gildarts' discovery. "I doubt that will lead us anywhere of interest. Zentopia's structures are always built underground."

"Like here," Laki gestured, prying off a couple of floorboards to reveal a ladder leading to an underground passageway.