Hey everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I last updated. I had the next 3 chapters written out and when I went to go proof-read them today, my computer quit working. It won't even turn on! Anyway, I don't remember them so I have to re-write everything.

Sorry again, enjoy!

I followed Levy into the guild and what I saw next made my instantly regret my decision. Sitting at a table was my older brother, Gray Fullbuster. He hasn't changed a bit. He's gotten taller, more muscular, and gotten through puberty but other than that it's the same old Gray. Please, please don't let him figure out who I am I beg to whatever gods may be listening. That arrogant bastard left me all alone so he could go train and further his own abilities. I know that the abuse wasn't his fault but he promised he would come back for me. He never did. Gray stayed with that woman and had the time of his life while I stayed behind, getting beaten everyday. That's the reason why I didn't want to see him here. I have no intention of reuniting with the man who, because of a broken promise, ruined my life.

I glance quickly sat Levy, shooting her a panicked look. Before I can do anymore the guild erupts into chaos.

"They're back!"

"How did it go?"

"Who's this?"

Hundreds of questions are being fired at Levy and her team and it's an absolute mess. From the corner of my eye I notice Gray looking at me but I can't focus on him right now. I don't like the noise at all. My heart begins to race and my face gets pale as I have flashbacks to the abuse that I endured not even 5 days ago. Everyone is still crowded around, but something's changed. They're all staring at, me now and asking me the hundreds of questions. Not being able to take it anymore I back up, only to bump into a sturdy figure. Gajeel. "I'm sorry" I squeak out before running as fast as I can out of the guild.

Levy's POV

All of my guild mates are absolutely bombarding us with questions. Questions about the mission, about Amara, all kinds of stuff. It's getting really hectic is my point. I can see my new friend getting pale and fidgety and my expression is full of concern. She must not like all the noise and people bothering her with questions. I'm about to yell at the guild to calm down when suddenly Amara bolts out of the room, leaving everybody silent. Moments pass before I finally decide to speak up

"What the heck guys?! I know you're all curious but did you really not notice her freaking out? The poor thing was so nervous and all you did was make it worse by completely overwhelming her!" I shout, exasperated. They hang their heads and I hear some apologies.

"Juvia is very sorry Levy-san. To make up for her actions she would like to help Levy-san and Gajeel-san, search for the new girl and make sure she is alright." The water mage stares at me, calmly waiting for my reply.

"Thanks, Juvia. That'd actually be really helpful! Her name's Amara by the way" I smile kindly at my strange, but sweet, bluenette friend. "Can the rest of you clean up around here? I want to make a good impression." And with that, Juvia, Gajeel and I leave the guild.

"She couldn't have gone too far. I'll look by the river, Levy you go look by the park, and Juvia you should go look around the in the forest closest to the guild" Gajeel instructs, crossing his arms over his well built, dreamy chest. Ack! Why am I thinking like this? Gajeel doesn't like me. I need to get over this silly little crush. I internally scold myself while trying to hide my burning cheeks.

Luckily Juvia speaks up and neither of them notice my flustered state. "Juvia thinks that sounds like a very good plan, Gajeel-san. She will go now" The blue-haired woman waves to us and makes her way to the forest, leaving me alone with Gajeel.

"Um, I-I had better get going too. Let Juvia and I know if you find her." I stutter, trying to make a quick escape from this potentially awkward situation. I hurry off, letting my heated face cool down in the wind. I walk to the park hastily, not stopping to admire the beautiful view all around me like I usually do. I really hope Amara is okay. If anything bad has happened to her I'll never forgive myself. Finally I make it to the park but after looking around for what feels like hours, I found no Amara. Oh gosh, I really hope Gajeel or Juvia is able to find her.

Amara's POV

Just breathe, Amara. I tell myself, trying to ignore my trembling hands It'll be okay, Uncle Atticus and Aunt Clara will never find you. You're okay. I kneel on the forest floor grasping the dirt and leaves beneath me as I struggle to calm my breathing and tremors. Eventually my breaths return to normal and I'm less shaky. I sit up, finally able to take in my surroundings, and try to figure out where I am. Brushing silver strands out of my face look around slowly. Red and orange leaves covering the floor Mostly leave-less trees and evergreen trees all around me, and a few random animals here and there. I'm obviously in a forest. What forest though? And where is the guild? I'm not ready to go back yet but when I am it'd be nice to actually know where it is.

You see, the reason I ran out is because all the yelling and craziness was making me super anxious. The noise was reminding me of my abusers' voices and constant screaming and being surrounded like that with so much going on really triggered my anxiety. So, I'm sure anyone could understand why I'm not ready to head back just yet. Maybe in a bit…but not now. I crawl over to one of the trees and lean my body against it, relaxing and calming the last of my nerves. I think I'll just wait here awhile. A break from all of my worries and a break from people, even if it is a small one, might really do me good. So I close my eyes and just let everything go.

"…mara…mara…Amara!" I drift out of my slumber and awaken to someone shaking my body and calling my name. Not remembering that I ran away I bolt up, my black eyes wide with fear

"Please don't hurt me!" I cry

"No! Juvia would never hurt you, please try and relax. Juvia is a member of Fairytail. She didn't mean to scare you" My brain finally registers what is going on and I remember everything that had happened a few hours ago. I let out a sigh or relief and quietly apologize for freaking out. She must think I'm a freak now

"That's alright! You have no reason to apologize. My name is Juvia Lockser. I'm a water mage and a proud member of fairy tail. Levy-san and Gajeel-san were worried about you and Juvia felt bad for scaring you so she offered to come along and look for you…are you alright. You did run out pretty quickly." The beautiful mage stands in front of me patiently waiting for my reply. She plays with her fingers and a few strands of stay blue hair fall in front of my face.

"I've been better but, I'll be fine I suppose" I answer meekly still shy around the woman. I see a delicate, pale hand reach out as an offer to help me up. Reluctantly, I place my hand on top of hers and accept her help. "Thanks, Juvia. It means a lot to me that you cared enough to come and look for me" I shyly confess. Juvia lets out a slight gasp and drops my hand only to pull me into a hug seconds later.

"Of course, Amara! Juvia has just met you but she can already tell that Amara and Juvia will be great friends." Juvia clings on to me and I relax in her warm embrace, enjoying the hug. I think with people like Juvia here I may enjoy my stay. Even if Gray is here.

Alright guys, that's it for today. I'm gonna try and make the next chapter a lot longer and a lot better but I guess we're still kind of in the awkward beginning of the story phase I guess. I promise it'll get better as time goes on. Thanks so much for reading! Message me if you're interested in helping me come up with ideas/helping me edit this story. Love you all! :) –Anna xx