Erza Scarlet and Jellal Fernandes are two prominent characters in the popular anime/manga series Fairy Tail. Many fans speculate and wonder if these two ever had a child together, given their close relationship and hints of romance throughout the story. In this article, we will analyze their relationship timeline, look for evidence of a child, and try to reach a conclusion on this burning question.
Erza and Jellal’s Relationship Timeline
Erza and Jellal have known each other since childhood. They grew up together as slaves building the R-System Tower. During this time, Jellal was kind to Erza and inspiring her to keep fighting. He even named her Erza Scarlet after her beautiful red hair. However, after being possessed by evil forces, Jellal changed and attempted to sacrifice Erza to revive Zeref. After being freed from possession, Jellal reformed but felt too guilty over his past sins to pursue a romance with Erza.
Despite this, the two clearly care deeply about each other. When the Tower of Heaven was collapsing, Jellal sacrificed himself to save Erza and she cried over losing him. Later, during the Nirvana incident, Erza embraced Jellal after freeing him from brainwashing. At the Grand Magic Games, Jellal cheered Erza on from the shadows wearing a disguise.
During the Tartaros arc, Jellal rescued Erza from danger and nearly kissed her. He acknowledged he cannot give her happiness due to his past deeds. However, their mutual feelings towards each other remained strong. There are hints they grew even closer later on, though their relationship remained complicated.
Evidence of a Child?
Despite their bond and hints of romance, there is no definitive evidence in Fairy Tail that Erza and Jellal had a biological child together within the timeline of the story. Here is an analysis of common arguments:
Time Together Offscreen
Some point out that Erza and Jellal spent unknown periods of time together offscreen between story arcs, providing opportunity to conceive a child. However, there are no contextual clues, statements, or timeline gaps long enough to indicate this occurred. Any substantial time together would likely have been acknowledged.
Hidden Pregnancy?
Others suggest Erza could have been pregnant during the story but hid it. However, Erza was constantly battling or training hard with no indication of being pregnant. She also showed no signs of post-pregnancy body changes. It’s unlikely a pregnancy could be completely hidden.
Irene’s Comments
During their battle, Irene tells Erza “You’re going to visit your old friends from the tower, aren’t you? Give my regards to Jellal”. Some interpret this as Irene implying Erza and Jellal had a child together who died at the tower. However, in context Irene was simply referring to how Erza was intending to die fighting her, and she would be “visiting” her dead friends from the tower in the afterlife, including Jellal.
Early Concept Art
Some fan speculation points to early concept art of a redheaded child as Erza’s kid with Jellal. However, this child doesn’t appear in the actual story and the concept was scrapped. The art alone isn’t proof of a child.
Why No Child?
While not definitive proof, there are also several logical reasons why Erza and Jellal most likely did not have a child together within the story timeline:
– No mention – No character ever referenced Erza having a child. Someone likely would have brought it up.
– No father interaction – Jellal never acted as if he was a father towards any child.
– Age – Erza and Jellal were both quite young during the storyline, in their late teens/early 20s.
– Lifestyle – Erza was often away battling and lived in the guild dorms, making raising a child difficult.
– War focus – The story was focused on the battles against Zeref and Acnologia, leaving little room for pregnancy.
– Unstable relationship – With Jellal gone and their relationship unclear, the situation wasn’t ideal for having a baby.
Conclusion
Based on an analysis of Erza and Jellal’s relationship history and the evidence from the Fairy Tail story, it seems unlikely the two characters had a biological child together within the established canon timeline. While they cared for each other, the circumstances surrounding their bond, age, lifestyle, and the story’s narrative focus makes the idea of a secret child highly implausible. Short of confirmation from the creator, the answer appears to be no – Erza and Jellal did not have a kid. Their future after the story remains open to speculation.