My submission for Day One of Grayza week, Memories! Review?
Disclaimer- I don't own Fairy Tail.
"It's difficult to cope; with anything, really. As kids, we were taught to express emotion and tell our parents any problems we had. We were emotional and irrational. Dealing with emotions and hard times… it's so hard to keep it all in. We just want release. Growing up is just like holding everything tighter to yourself; bottling feelings and desires of our childish sides that we never truly gave up. Erza Scarlet was a woman who had to give up being able to release things freely very early in her life. She kept it all inside.
It was a while until someone had the nerve and the guts to go up to her and talk some sense. No one should be surprised who the idiot was: Gray Fullbuster, god bless him. Ten-or-something years old, going up against a girl who could whoop his ass any day of the week. Well, no wonder they got married, huh?" A pause and a cracked voice. "Erza was better. Don't take my word for it; take Natsu's and the others. After getting into Fairy Tail, Erza opened up. When I grew to know her, Erza was like an older sister. She was mature and strict, but understanding and even devious herself. I-I really loved her, as one of my closest nakama." Her voice broke once again.
"It was shocking to even think of her dying in this way. As guild members, we knew we might not have a late death. Forty-nine years old. Three children. Killed by a rogue beast. I'd still like to believe that Erza is alive. 'That couldn't possibly be her body in the coffin, right?' She's the invincible Titania. How could she just break down like that? How could she be dea—I'm sorry, I need a glass of water. Just a second, please," she takes a step down from the podium to grab a glass from a small arm outstretched at her. "I'm sorry, everyone. Okay. I'm back.
Erza took a large blow just after her fortieth birthday. Gray was dead. He was diagnosed with cancer two years earlier. It was a blessing that he made it so far. His body gave out. I talked to Erza after the funeral. She felt so hopeless, because she couldn't help him at all. If he was killed on a mission—she could've prevented that. Cancer, however… it broke her heart knowing she could do nothing but watch him and hold his hand through his suffering. The oldest had to take care of everything for the twins in their house. How do I put it? Ever since his death, Erza was suffering symptoms of depression. We didn't know. After months of reclusiveness, Erza went out. We thought she bounced back. In reality, she was holding it in again. Crying herself to sleep every night. The only reason she didn't—give up—I-I guess, is because of the kids. She could never let them down.
Erza Scarlet was strong. No matter how fragile her state of mind was after holding all those fears and regrets and self-hatred, she still held her ground. I-I just w-wish… she would've told me—"
By then, she was shivering there on the podium. Her breaths and gasps came short and uncontrolled. I ran up and took her hand, preventing her nails from piercing her skin any longer. I gave it a long squeeze and ran my fingers through her blonde hair.
"Shh, Luce, it's okay. You did great…"
"N-Natsu… I miss them…" She managed to struggle out her words between pained chokes and wavering sobs.
"I know, Luce. Me too."