I've trained with Jellal for almost a year now. He was extremely skilled. When I had first fought him, he would've won. Deep down, I knew that Jellal had rightfully won that battle. So when King Faust fell over and Jellal raised his sword, I knew that would've ended the tournament. But instead, the prince pretended to trip and fall to the ground.

Faust got up and kicked him, so he landed on his back. He raised his sword and pointed it at his son's chest.

The old man stared into Jellal's green eyes and whispered, "This battle is won."

The announcer stood up, but Lady Minerva grabbed his arm and whispered something.

The announcer shook his head and said, "The battle is won! King Faust has reclaimed his title as Best Fighter in Fiore!"

The crowd cheered.

King Faust helped Jellal up and patted him on the back.

"Nice job..RIko."

"You too, Father," Jellal said, grinning.

I smiled.

Maybe Igneel was right. Maybe Jellal was actually maturing. Maybe he would unite the lands of Albion and bring back magic.

But for now, I would wait.

~ ~ ~

"Nice ring," Mira Jane said. "Where'd you get it from?"

"Juvia," I said. "She's a friend."

"You have friends?" Mira teased.

"Shut up, Mira."

~ ~ ~

"You fought well," Siegrain told his twin. "Even if you did lost."

"I agree," Minerva said. "Even if you fought anonymously."

Faust raised his glass of wine. "To Jellal! The true winner!"

Jellal beamed with pride. Receiving praise from his father was rare.

"I'm proud of you, son. Even if you faked fighting your best and purposely lost."

Jellal nearly choked on his wine. "W-What?"

King Faust laughed. "I've trained with you and Sieg since you were little. I know how good you are with a sword."

~ ~ ~

"O drakon, fthengomai au se kalon su katerkheo deuro!" I shouted, running into the clearing in the woods.

Igneel flew down from the sky and landed beside me. "What now, young sorceress?"

"I made a mistake," I confessed. "I should've listened to my heart and helped Minerva. Told her that I had magic. Show her that magic is used for good, not evil."

I paused and whispered, "I made myself an enemy. Fiore now has a traitor in their midst. The king's ward."

"Ah..Mistakes happen. But it is too late. Minerva made her decision. It is part of your destiny. I'm sorry, young sorceress."

"There's nothing I can do?" I pleaded. "The Lady Minerva is like the king's daughter. Like the princes' sister. She's Fiore's beloved ward!"

"I'm sorry," Igneel said. "You must not meddle with things that can never be changed. Minerva and Morgause..They're your burden."

"I understand," I whispered.

Igneel flapped his huge wings and flew away.

I was alone.

Author's Note:

Hey minna!

Sorry for the short chapter, but guess what? Real stuff is going to happen from this point! It's going to get real intense and exciting! I can't wait for your guys reactions.. ;)

-- TheFairyHunter

aka Author-san