"Can't stop following me, can you Erza?" Jellal asked, lowering his hood. "Am I really that handsome?"

I sheathed my sword and asked, "What are you doing this late at night, sneaking into the woods?"

"I have to atone for my sins," he said heavily.

"And what does that mean?" I asked.

"You'll see," the king whispered, stepping into the dark woods.

"Well I'm coming with you," I demanded, surprised he didn't argue.

"Where are we going?" I questioned.

"You'll see."

"Jellal, this isn't a good idea," I said softly. "Gray might be here. Possessed."

"Exactly," he replied. "I'm going to the Druid shrine."

"Are you crazy?" I cried. "He's possessed! He's going to kill you!"

"I'm well aware of that."

"You think by dying that girl's soul will leave Gray?"

"Yes."

"You can't," I urged, tugging on his arm. "You're the king! You can't die!"

"King Jellal Fernandes. I've been waiting."

We whirled around, coming face to face with Gray.

"I'm here," he said, kneeling before Gray. He dropped his sword.

In an instant, Gray had his sword at Jellal's throat. Once again he spoke with the little girl's voice.

"I died in the attack of the Druid camp. I am an innocent young girl. My life was taken away in an instant."

"It was a mistake."

"Mistake?!"

I stepped forward, afraid Gray would strike the king. Jellal shook his head and whispered for me to move back.

"My Father ordered the attack. He was king at the time. But you're right. It's my fault. I was young and foolish. I thought my Father was right. But people, even those you love, can be wrong. Not all Druids have magic, yet we attacked the entire camp, killing women and children."

"And for that, you will die. You will die and put my spirit to peace."

"I will willingly die," Jellal murmured. "I'm ashamed of what I have done. Killing you is just as bad as treason. The Druids are my people. Magic or not."

Gray paused almost considering his statement. "You are different Jellal Fernandes. You are not like your Father."

"I respected him greatly," the king said modestly. "But I am not him. I wish to start fresh. I...I am sorry."

I stared at him in shock. Jellal had said...sorry?

The girl's spirit within Gray seemed surprised too.

"Promise me something, Jellal Fernandes. Promise me you will treat the Druids respectfully from this day onward. Promise me. Being a Druid is like a religion. I understand you're against magic, and I understand people hate me because I have magic. But not all Druids have magic. Please, treat them well. They're my family. My friends. Your people."

Jellal looked up at Gray, his eyes glistening with tears. "I swear on my life, the Druids will be treated with the respect and kindness they deserve."

"I forgive you, Jellal. Thank you."

Gray tilted his head back and breathed out. I could see the soul of the young Druid girl leave him.

"You're a good king, Jellal. I know you are.."

The spirit of Chelia left, rising to the heavens. Finally at peace.

"J-Jellal," Gray stuttered, following forwards. Jellal sprang to his feet and caught his friend.

"What happened?" the knight murmured.

"Nothing," Jellal said, hugging him. "You just need rest."

I took a step forward and put Gray's arm around my shoulders. "We should go back to the castle."

~ ~ ~

"What did Porlyusica say?" Jellal asked.

"Gray's going to be fine," I said.

Jellal nodded. "Good."

"So.." I began. "I'm glad you're not dead."

"I'm glad too," Jellal whispered.