Retaliation
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"What do you want?"

Jellal stared up at Gajeel, eyebrows drawn together. The gangster was obviously surprised that the bluenette approached him. He wasn't expecting Jellal to go to him. At first, he felt his blood boil and nearly punched the president in his face but stopped himself from doing so.

"I need your help," He pleaded, closing his eyes and biting his lip, "I... I want to avenge Lucy."

Gajeel's eyes widened and his heart skipped a beat. "You want to..." He blinked, "You want to avenge Lucy?" He looked down at Jellal, "But how?"

"I want you to train me how to fight," Jellal said, his eyes strong and firm. Gajeel blinked once again and he looked away.

"I can't train you."

The bluenette felt his heart ache.

"But I know someone who can."

Jellal's head shot up in surprise and he clutched Gajeel's shoulders, wide, frantic and desperate eyes staring into his red orbs, "Who can teach me? Tell me!"

Gajeel sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, "This is troublesome but... Lucy's coach, Analee, is still up for training a few willing and passionate kids just like you. She doesn't like apprentices who whine too much or complain so I warn you to just follow whatever she says and wait until you're all buddy-buddy or something. I can take you to her tonight when she's home from work. She usually goes out to do missions for the gang but she's free today."

The bluenette looked at Gajeel with determined eyes, "I'll take it."

Gajeel went silent for a few minutes before smirking. He crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head back, looking down at him with amused eyes, "Alright then. Meet me in front of Silica's at midnight. Don't be late or else I'll leave without you. Got that, tattoo-freak?"

Jellal twitched at the nickname but nodded nonetheless.

"Got it."

Jellal walked on the empty streets with his hands in the pocket of his jacket. He glanced around, making sure that he was alone as Silica's, a café, slowly came into his view. He saw Gajeel leaning on the wall just beside the window, head lowered down. Before approaching the man, he looked around once more before walking closer, his footsteps alerting the gangster.

"'Bout time," Gajeel mused, lips twitching in a smirk, "Follow me."

The man started walking straight forward, heading for a dark and narrow alley. They walked in and Gajeel crouched down, muttering something under his breath. A few seconds later, Jellal heard the sound of a match being lit and light illuminated the alley. He looked at Gajeel and saw the man holding a torch. He nodded and they proceeded deeper into the alley.

"Where does this alley lead to?" Jellal asked, looking around as he saw insects crawling on the walls. He shuddered and looked straight ahead instead; ignoring the fact that Gajeel was covering his whole view.

Through half-hearted grunts, Jellal deciphered - or more like guessed - that the gangster wasn't going to tell him anything. He wasn't an idiot to not know that Gajeel was starting to get annoyed. If he was in his shoes, he was sure that even he would get irritated. Thus, he decided to shut up and just follow the ebony-haired man.

Their footsteps created loud thudding noises against the rough ground. And with every step they took, his heart pounded faster and faster. At the end of this alley, he would see his only hope: Lucy's coach. If she trained him, he could gain the skills to be a fighter and he could finally avenge Lucy. But he wasn't sure if he could do it. He didn't start out young like Lucy. His passion wasn't fighting. He wasn't as brave as her. And most of all, he didn't have enough courage to fight Minerva. But, one thing was for sure, he was determined to take her down.

Not only was he determined, he was desperate too. He didn't like the fact that a girl protected him-it ruined his dignity. He didn't like the fact that the person he loved was in coma because of him. He hated reality for being so cruel to him because reality was screaming at him that there was no other way to avenge Lucy but to fight, to kill and to push forward. Though it was a horrible way to retaliate for Lucy, he had no other choice. Whether he liked it or not, his conscience would nag him about not being able to do anything. He wouldn't be able to get the voices screaming at him to do something out of his head.

"I love you."

Jellal closed his eyes and inhaled sharply, trying to even out his haggard breathing. He saw Gajeel stop and look over his shoulder but then he continued walking forward, probably deciding that it was best not to pry any further-though, he didn't seem like that type of guy who would give a damn.

"We're here."

The bluenette snapped out of his daze and stepped out of the alley. His eyes widened as he saw another new place in front of him. Old, antique yet intricate street lamps lined the streets. To his right, there were brick houses. In front of him, there were modern looking houses and to his left were a mix of the two. Everything looked so traditional and so new that it made him smile.

Gajeel saw this and smirked, looking ahead of him as well. "We're underground, just so you know," He muttered in pure amusement. Even without looking at Jellal, he knew that he was surprised. He had the same reaction when he first came here. He cleared his throat and he began walking again, "Though you probably didn't notice, the alley floor wasn't straight but descending. This place was made by the Heartfilias. They made this as a place for us to stay. Each and every thing you see here was from them. They gave us food to eat, water to drink, clothes to wear and a house to live in. Honestly, they're the best family I've ever had.

They decided that arranging the houses to their style was best so that the whole place looked awesome. If you look above you, you can see the night sky but honestly, it's a hologram but it looks real. The water here is sterilized and no one has ever gotten sick from this place. This place is where Analee stays for now since her house was burned by Lucy-sama's enemies," Gajeel pointed to a certain house that had a chimney where smoke was rising from it, "That house belongs to Lucy-sama's right hand. You don't know him but his name's Zen."

"I think I've heard his name before," Jellal said, blinking, "He's the blonde, right?"

The gangster chuckled, "Yup, you're correct. He's not strong when it comes to face to face battle but with assassinations, he's the guy you need. In fact, I envy him sometimes."

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"Why did you leave Lucy's gang?" The bluenette asked. He looked at Gajeel straight in the eye without hesitation. The red-eyed man knew that he was going to be asked the question someday but not too soon. Nevertheless, he sighed and stared up at the makeshift-sky.

"I was a burden to Lucy-sama. I was hotheaded and nearly got her in trouble with the government because of my recklessness. She didn't want me to leave the gang but I told her that I would always be there for her if she ever needed my help," Gajeel mumbled, eyes distant and sad, "But even if it was that way, I knew that she wouldn't need me anymore. Miraculously, she did."

Jellal didn't say anything else and the two were enveloped in silence as they continued walking. This place seemed endless. However, he could see that Gajeel was heading towards a red brick house. The bluenette wanted to ask if they were heading towards the right house but decided to keep his mouth shut.

They walked up a mini staircase and stood on the threshold. Gajeel pressed the doorbell and there was a sound of a woman yawning. A minute later, the door opened and revealed a woman who looked like in her teens. She had long and bouncy brown almond hair that curled in the ends. She had piercing deep blue eyes that intimidated him. She also had pale skin that resembled a vampire's. Other than that, the woman was beautiful.

"Oh, Gajeel," The woman, Analee, mused, smiling slightly as the man ruffled her hair, "How's Lucy?"

"She's..." Gajeel gulped and closed his eyes painfully, "She's still asleep."

Analee's face was full of despair as she couldn't say anything else but nod. After a few moments of silence, Gajeel cleared his throat and spoke, "Analee, as you know, this is Jellal Fernandes."

The brunette diverted her gaze from Gajeel to Jellal and went silent. She took her time in observing the young man. For her, he was certainly handsome. She couldn't believe that the child whom they planned to kill from long ago was him. With a hum of approval, she smirked and leaned against the doorframe, "And from what do I owe the pleasure?" She laughed, "Gajeel, you shouldn't have brought him here. If I was bringing a weapon, he would be dead by now but I remembered that Lucy abandoned her mission already."

Jellal bent his body in a full bow, "P-Please train me! I want to avenge Lucy."

Analee raised a brow, "What can you do in just a few days? Lucy was under my care for seven years. I stopped being her mentor and coach when she turned eleven."

"I don't care!" The bluenette barked, body still bowing down. He wanted this. No, he needed this! In order to avenge Lucy, he had to be trained. He wanted to kill Minerva! He could feel his blood boiling in his veins out of anger. He could remember the way she laughed incredulously when Lucy was shot. With that, he gritted his teeth, "I... please..." His voice sounded sodesperate, "Please train me..."

"He's really determined about it, Lee," Gajeel said, eyes looking down at Jellal in admiration-even he couldn't do that. With a smile, he turned to Analee, "Give him a chance. Who knows, maybe he could protect Lucy in the future."

The brunette hummed and cupped her chin, her elbow on top of the back of her other hand. She nodded and grinned, "Alright then. We start your training now. I don't like the typical, 'We'll start your training tomorrow so that you're prepared.' I want an apprentice who is willing!" She said, smiling slyly, "If you knew that you'd meet me, you would be ready and not like those usual students who know they're going to train but are not ready. Do you get my point, child?"

Jellal nodded, "I understand it completely, ma'am."

"Oh, please," The woman laughed, "Just call me Analee. I hate being called master or ma'am or any other formalities-Analee's fine."

The bluenette gave a smile, "Okay."

Revenge.

"HARDER!" Analee yelled, hands placed on her hips as Jellal began to kick and punch the punching bag furiously, eyes set with determination.

The brunette inhaled, "Faster!"

Determination.

"Put your back into it!" Analee barked, swinging her feet high and dragging it down fast, aiming for the bluenette's head.

Jellal cursed and dodged the attack, bending down and kicking Analee's knee, making her fall forward. Despite of this, she placed her palms on the floor to stop her fall and rolled to the side.

Desperation.

"Put your weight behind you!"

Jellal panted, his body glistening with sweat as he sucked in a deep breath and went in a fighting position. In front of him, a woman who Analee claimed as her cousin was in the same position. They were about to determine whether he was getting better or not.

The woman began sending a mix of punches and kicks, red eyes glaring at him. Jellal gulped and raised his leg. Her eyes widened, a name leaving her lips.

"Lucy's...?"

And he slammed his heel down on her head.

Patience.

He held a gun in his hands, eyes closed in concentration. After seconds of clearing his mind, he opened his eyes and pointed the gun at a target.

"You should be able to pull a trigger."

He inhaled sharply and pulled the trigger.

"I love you."

It hit the middle of the red circle.

Objectiveness.

"Why are you under Analee's training?" Zen asked, raising a brow.

Jellal went silent and he stared up at the makeshift night sky, eyes saddening. It has been two months since he was put in Analee's care and to be honest, he sort of felt tired, like he wanted to give up. He considered it many times but forced himself to think straight. He had to think clearly.

"I... I want to avenge Lucy," He said through a sigh, his grief-filled eyes darting over to Zen, "I'm sure you understand."

Zen smiled softly, "I do."

Deliberation.

"Remember what I told you," Analee said, clutching Jellal's shoulder firmly, "Do not give up. You've only been in my care for two months but you're a fast learner. You can do this."

The bluenette nodded and he swallowed wearily, "I can do this."

The brunette smiled, "You can."

With a final smile, Jellal stepped into the ring, all clumsiness and humor disappearing from his eyes. And in them, they saw a look of focus.

Love.

"Good morning, Lucy," Jellal greeted, placing the bouquet of flowers he carried on the side table. He sat on a chair beside her bed and grinned slightly, tucking a few strands of hair behind Lucy's hair.

"Analee's being as cruel as usual," The bluenette muttered in vexation, eyes rolling, "But as always, she's considerate. I'm supposed to be training now but I asked her if I could visit you. I was scared that she would say no for she looked so impassive and dark. But then she smiled and told me that I could," He chuckled, "She's amusing."

Silence drowned him and he gazed at Lucy's face with adoration and not sadness.

"I love you." And he kissed her forehead.

Devotion.

Jellal released a resounding battle cry and the girl in front of him was knocked out, falling to the floor. He was left breathing heavily, blood dripping down the side of his head. But despite of this, he was grinning widely, a fisted hand raised high.

"For Lucy!"

Analee and the gang laughed, raising fisted hands as well.

"For Lucy-sama!"

Resolve.

"Are you sure you want this?" Gajeel asked, frowning as he held the needle and ink in his hand.

Jellal nodded, his eyes unwavering. He released a shaky breath and waited for the needle to pierce his neck. As it started moving rapidly, the pain numbed and he found himself relaxing. He no longer felt the agony of the needle. And when it was done, he was made to stand in front of a mirror.

Gajeel grinned, "Gihi, what do you think?"

Jellal touched his neck and grinned, "I love it." He stared at it one more time;

The mark of The Crossed Heart gang was tattooed on his neck.

Completion.

"Jellal Fernandes wins the fight!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd as the said bluenette raised his arms, standing inside the ring in all his glory. But, even though thousands of people were chanting his name, only one woman was on his mind. And because of her, he completed his training-well, not completely. Due to his victory, they decided to finally take action.

"I did it!" He yelled in happiness.

Gajeel grinned, "You did it indeed, kiddo."