400 years

50

Erza finally must have heard enough, her cold eyes stared at Jellal as she began to speak. "So you're willing to let people believe that you were influencing Emperor Spriggan and Acnologia and involved in the assassination attempt." She blinked slowly, as to take in the details.

"Well, he sure had us fooled, aye Erza?" Rogue tried to ease the atmosphere.

"If only, sadly the Black Dragon isn't easily slain."

"Why.. why didn't you say anything?"

"There's a saying Erza, to fool your enemies, start with your friends."

Erza gave Jellal a stony glare as she stalked up to him— and punched him right in his smirking smile.

'Ouch! She's pissed!'

But Jellal just looked back at her.

"You haven't fooled everyone."

Surprise briefly passed over Jellal's eyes. Erza, without another word spun around and stalked off.

"Well, that was impressive." Jellal said as he touched his split lip with a bittersweet smile.

'Thankfully Jellal seems alright, but someone should check on Erza..'

As I thought this, Natsu talked about how he'd put Jellal in a poor position. Yet Jellal denied it, as it was his own choice. And Romeo added how he didn't understand why reasonable adults had to resolve to throwing blows to solve simple problems, Wendy nodding with agreement.

I'd decided to run off in the direction Erza had gone in, missing Gray tease Jellal about fixing this one.

Outside of the tent, I found Erza feeding the horses.

"Are you alright, Erza?"

"Lucy?" She said staring at me.

"Heh, shouldn't you be asking that to the man I punched in the face?"

"Nah, I'd much rather ask the one who looked the most hurt."

Erza's tenses expression softened.

"Thanks, Lucy."

"Hey, What are friends for?"

Through the bitterness that lingered in her expression, Erza gently smiled.

"So, um.. what was that back there?"

Erza looked up at the sky with a heavy sigh, Jellal.. my husband.. 'Husband!?' lets his alter ego take over when it comes to war. This ego, came from a build up of past sins. It really ticks me off that after what we've been through he- (Erza choked back tears as she continued.) he chooses to shoulder burdens alone and putting himself in such danger."

I couldn't hide my shocked face, I knew of her feelings of Jellal, but never did it occur to me that they were married!

"First off, you gotta admit, his plan was good. Second, YOU'RE MARRIED!?"

Erza lightly chuckled, "Yes. Remind me once this is over and I'll gladly tell you about it."

"Deal!"

The two of us laughed a while longer as I helped watering and feeding the horses. In the middle of battle we'd found a sliver of peace.

We'd finally drove Acnologia's forces off today, and by nightfall our army was able to reach a village affiliated with the Dragneel- Dragnof clan.

This time we'd be able to rest without incident. But the battle isn't over yet.

~*~

I'd gotten myself ready for bed, but I couldn't picture myself sleeping. I touched my lips, which Natsu had stolen in the heat of battle, as I thought back to that moment. 'He better remember!'

Just then, the door to my room slid open. My heart leapt into my throat, as Natsu entered my room.

"Luce, I've come, like promised."

I tracked Natsu with my eyes as he sat down in front of me. A raw heat was in his gaze as he reached out and touched my cheek. I was so impatient that even that touch caused me to shiver.

"Tonight, I'm only here for one thing."

'Yes!! Finally-!'

"To finish our game."

'Excuse me!?! You meant to say "to have my way with you.." Right?' Discouraged, I stared at him.

"Sorry, I don't understand."

"Our game of Go, this will be our last."