Chapter 05: Reminding I'm Not Jellal
Fanfic by: Geraint(Nero's POV)
At the coast of Tenrou Island, we stood at the dock, ready to depart. It was time to say goodbye to the ghostly troublemaker affectionately known as Lolibaba.
"Stinky Nero, did you forget anything?" Lolibaba asked, her transparent form floating above the sand.
"Ready and packed, Lolibaba. I've got everything I need." I shook the bag on my back for emphasis.
"Alright then." She turned to Uncle Makarov, her expression softening. "I leave my mischievous grandson in your care, Third Master. Please look after him."
"Of course… you can count on me, Master Mavis." Uncle Makarov bowed respectfully.
"Makarov," she said with a smirk.
"Hm?" he looked up.
"When you need advice, you're welcome to bring this stinky twerp back and complain to me about the guild's problems."
"Heh… Thank you, Master Mavis," he chuckled.
"Oh—and one last thing, to avoid any unnecessary drama in the future…" she pointed sternly at me. "Never. Ever. Call him Jellal."
"…What do you mean, First Master?" Makarov raised an eyebrow.
"Just don't. He may look like Jellal, but he's not. Trust me, your guild's sanity depends on it."
"…Understood."
"Lolibaba, we're heading off now," I called out.
"Safe travels, you two. And don't forget to bring me some tasty treats when you return!"
"Heh… Look forward to my new recipes, Lolibaba."
Uncle Makarov just gave a quiet nod. We climbed into the small boat.
"We're off."
"Bye-bye~, Lolibaba!"
"Goodbye, Stinky Nero!" she waved at us like a mischievous child.
And with that, we paddled away.
A few days later – Magnolia Town
We arrived at Magnolia, and it was... overwhelming.
"Wow…" I murmured, taking in the bustling town.
"Your first time here?" Uncle Makarov asked.
"Yeah. I've only been to the coast near Akane Beach before—to sell the fish I caught."
"Then, welcome to town, Nero."
"Thanks, Uncle."
After a short walk, we arrived in front of a large, raucous building.
"Nero, this is Fairy Tail. The guild founded by your grandmother, Master Mavis."
I looked up at the signboard and smiled, "Lolibaba always told me stories about the chaos inside—mostly about the property damage."
Makarov sighed, deflated. "It hasn't changed much… honestly, it's probably worse."
I laughed, "Let's go in. I want to see it for myself."
He smiled. "Alright then."
We stepped inside together. The moment I walked in—
"Wow… Amazing."
People were eating, drinking, laughing. Kids ran around playing. Some members studied the Request Board, planning their next mission. It was more alive than I'd ever imagined.
A beautiful waitress approached and greeted Makarov with a smile. "Welcome back, Master. How was the trip?"
"All good," he replied.
Then her eyes fell on me. "Who's the boy with you?"
"This is Nero. He's my relative's son. He'll be staying with me for a while."
"Nice to meet you, my name is—"
"JELLAL!"
A loud shriek cut her off. Everyone turned.
A little girl with shoulder-length scarlet hair, a white dress with armor, and an eyepatch came stomping toward me, eyes blazing.
"You dare show your face to me after what you did?!"
"Huh?! What are you talking about? And who even are you?" I scowled.
"That's Erza…" a shirtless boy nearby mumbled—definitely Gray Fullbuster.
"Erza, calm down!" a drunk man called out.
But she wasn't listening. This was young Erza Scarlet—and she was out for blood.
"I'll make you pay, Jellal!"
She unsheathed her sword and lunged at me.
"Erza, don't! He's not—" Uncle Makarov tried to say, but it was too late.
PEEEEEEW!
A magical barrier stopped her sword just inches from my shoulder. She stumbled backward from the force.
"Argh!"
"Erza, are you alright?" a concerned girl with long dark hair ran over—Cana Alberona, I assumed.
"You bastard!" Erza yelled, charging at me barehanded now.
She threw a punch. I dodged easily, tilted back… and SLAP! smacked her across the cheek.
"You monster!" she shouted, throwing another.
SLAP! Right cheek.
"I'm going to kill you!"
SLAP!
"You jerk!"
SLAP!
"Waaaaah!"
SLAP!
"Cana! Gray! Hold her down!" Makarov commanded.
"Yes, Gramps!"
They grabbed her from behind.
"LET ME GO! I HAVE TO KILL HIM! FOR MY FRIENDS!"
Her cheeks were swollen. She was crying.
This… was Jellal's fault. And now I was paying for it.
"Release them, Jellal!" she screamed.
"I. Am. Not. Jellal!" I said firmly.
"Erza, calm down!" Cana pleaded.
"Erza, get a grip!" Gray added.
She growled like a wild dog.
"What exactly happened between her and this Jellal guy?" Makarov whispered.
"No clue. Don't care. That's between them. I just want to find new recipes for Lolibaba and live in peace," I shrugged.
"You're not helping…" Makarov muttered.
"Erza's like a rabid animal. Careful—she might bite," I added.
"Please stop provoking her," Cana sighed. "We're barely holding her."
"Oh right, introductions." I looked around at the crowd.
"My name is Nero Vermillion. I'll be in your care from now on."
"…What?" Erza froze.
"Erza, listen. I'm not Jellal Fernandes. We may look alike, but I'm way more awesome than him."
"Liar! Jellal doesn't have a sibling!"
"Then how can I prove it?"
She said nothing.
"Fine. How about this."
I pointed my palm at her.
"Steal!"
A flash of light—and suddenly, I was holding something soft and white.
"Haha… jackpot."
A pair of white panties.
Erza's face turned crimson as she grabbed her skirt.
"W-Wha—?!"
I spun the panties on my finger. "So? Still think I'm Jellal?"
"No way… Jellal would never be a pervert like you… I believe you now. Just… please… give them back…"
"Not so fast. After trying to slice me up? You'll have to earn them back."
"What?"
"Catch me if you can!" I dashed out the door.
"HEY! GIVE THOSE BACK!" she screamed, running after me.
(To be continued...)