Key:
writing-normal text
bold writing-Ghoul Speaking
italicized writing-thoughts/dreams/speaking to Ghoul; different languages

Camilla woke with screaming in fear. She couldn't move her body, thrashing around as she tried to move. She couldn't breathe! Gasps were torn from her throat as she tried to take in the precious oxygen, trying to get even a single breath that would reassure her that she was even alive. Everything was dark, she couldn't remember anything, what was happening?!

Suddenly everything snapped into focus as Camilla's eyes shot open wide and she realized she was in her house. Her thrashing slowly calmed as she realized that her reason for not being able to move was because Erza, Gray, Natsu, and Lucy were holding her limbs down, her arms at her sides and her legs straight out in front of her; Wendy was on the bed, holding Camilla's head on her lap and in place. Heavy breaths made Camilla's chest heave up and down as she felt sweat trickle down her temple and stick her clothes to her body. Tears also streamed down her face, the salty taste of them staining her tongue.

The sound of clothes rustling made her look to the end of the bed where Master Makarov was sitting. He seemed relieved as he realized she was fully awake. He patted her foot, standing and walking on the floor to walk to her side. Makarov instructed the mages to let go of Camilla; which they did so reluctantly. She slowly sat up, letting Wendy get off the bed and noticing her bandages had somehow come undone and were strewn haphazardly across her bed and around herself. As she sat up against the pillows, she noticed that the team was still tense. Catching Makarov's eye, she finally decided to speak, calming her breathing so she could speak somewhat normally.
"What happened?" She whispered, her voice hoarse from her screaming. Makarov relaxed as she spoke.
"You had another one of your night terrors; we had to restrain you so you didn't injure yourself or anyone else. Do you remember what you dreamt about?" He replied and Camilla frowned, searching her thoughts for any recollection of what she dreamt about.

"I- I remember..." She paused, clutching the blankets as a few images started to come back and she started to shake. There was a flash of red, pain, and the man with half the face from when her parents were murdered. Her breathing became erratic as she remembered screams of people dying, of the agony of having the pain inflicted on her by the man. Suddenly a small furry body wrapped it's arms around her and she felt a small fuzzy head rest itself under her chin. She smelled the familiar scent of fish and realized Happy had flown into her chest, wrapping his tiny arms around her in an attempt of comfort. Tears welled up again and she held them back as she buried her face in Happy's, holding him close almost like a teddy bear.

They sat there for a moment, the rest of the mages save for Makarov left the room at the Guild Master's command. He patted her leg as she held Happy close.
"Are you okay now Camilla?" Came his muffled voice and she nodded, setting him in her lap as she smiled at the little blue cat. He was quickly becoming one of the few friends she had, maybe one of her best friends even. This made her smile to herself, her best friend was a cat, who would've thought?
"I've decided that you need a little bit of time off Camilla. Yes you've just come back to Fairy Tail and haven't been here long but we all know you need it." He said softly and at this point Camilla couldn't do anything but agree. She nodded numbly and swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood, letting Happy go so she could get changed. She heard the scuffle of Makarov's shoes
"I'll make the arrangments, I am sending one of the Fairy Tail mages with you just in case." He said as he left the room

Lucy woke to the sound of screaming. Immediately she shot up off of her bedroll outside Camilla's house and frantically looked around. Wendy and everyone else was awake as well. She saw the dim figure of Carla flying overhead in the morning dawn.

"I'm getting the Master! Go inside and help Camilla!" She shouted as she passed and another scream pierced the air. At this the whole team thundered into Camilla's house and near the noise. Happy was inside Camilla's room, frantically trying to figure out something when Lucy spotted Camilla.

Her bandages were torn off and she thrashed around, more violently than when Lucy had woken up to her nightmare on the job in Torrine. This didn't seem like a nightmare, it seemed more like a night terror. Her body twisted so violently that Lucy thought her back would snap. She wasn't just quietly crying like back then, no Camilla was full on sobbing. Screams and sobs made Lucy's heart hurt and she finally snapped out of her stupor as Camilla managed to talk.
"NO STOP!" She sobbed and Lucy ran to her side, having to dodge a flailing arm. She grabbed the arm and held it down, looking to her team mates.
"Help me! She's going to hurt herself at this rate!" She shouted and they took action. Gray grabbed the other arm, Natsu and Erza taking the legs. Wendy clambered onto the bed, managing to grab ahold of Camilla's head and holding it as still as she could so she didn't give herself whiplash or a concussion.

Carla came back with Makarov, he rushed in and jumped onto the bed, taking in the situation.
"Master what do we do?!" Wendy asked, jerking as Camilla tried to bash her head against the headboard of the bed. Makarov looked grim,
"I'm afraid that there's nothing we can do except wait for her to wake up. Waking her up ourselves would make it worse. Just talk to her, reassure her you are here and she is alright." He said solemnly.

They held her down for what seemed like forever. Lucy wished she had earplugs so she didn't have to hear Camilla's cry for help. Wendy was whispering soft words in Camilla's ear., Lucy would sometimes chime in but it seemed futile. Finally, Camilla gasped and her eyes shot open. Her flailing limbs and thrashing slowly calmed as Camilla took in huge gulps of air. Her pupils were dilated and she looked around panicked for a moment before seeming to realize where she was and calming. Makarov patted her foot, getting up and walking to her bedside.
"Let her go now, she's awake." He instructed the Mages and Lucy was hesitant but complied.

The team was still tense as she sat up against her pillows. Lucy noticed the sweat that drenched Camilla's body and saw the remnants of tears streaking her cheeks and temples. As her breathing slowed, Lucy grabbed Wendy's hand to calm the shaking of the tiny girl.
"What happened?" Camilla asked hoarsely, her eyes catching Makarov's after darting around the room. Makarov relaxed, Lucy partially did as well but worry and concern for her friend kept her tense.
"You had another one of your night terrors; we had to restrain you so you didn't injure yourself or anyone else. Do you remember what you dreamt about?" The master asked and Lucy felt red flags go off, this had happened before? Did something in her past cause this? Lucy was jerked from her thoughts as Camilla replied. Lucy nearly went to hug the S Class Wizard when Happy flew at her, wrapping his tiny arms around her and rested his head under her chin. This seemed to calm Camilla somewhat as she held the blue Exceed close to her body like a stuffed animal. Tears welled up in her eyes, shock coursing through Lucy's veins as she saw the glimmer of liquid in her eyes.

"I'd like for you all to leave, Happy you may stay but I need to talk to Camilla alone." Makarov said and Lucy hated it but she felt almost relieved to go sit in Camilla's front room. Everyone was silent; Natsu and Gray being uncharacteristically quiet and solemn. Lucy clutched her hands together in her lap, she bit her lip as she remembered the sheer fear and terror that etched Camilla's face. As much as she wanted to go and hug the girl, Lucy's body didn't want to cooperate.
"I guess I still believe that S Class Wizards are so powerful they can be vulnerable too." She whispered to herself and jumped slightly when Happy fluttered back in. he had a frown on his normally joyful face. The wizards all simultaneously shot to their feet,
"Is she okay?" Erza asked and Happy nodded,
"Aye sir, Makarov said something about her taking a break and leaving for a while. She is getting changed and Makarov said he was going to make arrangements for something." He said and then Makarov came in.
"Camilla will be leaving for a little bit, I need someone to go with her as protection of sorts." he said and the mages looked at each other, leaving where? Why did they need to go with her

After some mild debating, it was decided Gray would go with her. Makarov said his similarity in personality and somewhat similar background could help Camilla open up a bit. As the mages spoke of their different ideas; Makarov had left to 'make arrangements' after they decided who would go with her, Camilla came in. She wore something completely different than what Fairy Tail would normally see her in. She was dressed in a light blue blouse with white pants and a pair of boots. Her hair was brushed and pulled back into a ponytail, her bangs framing her face in loose wavy strands. A gray woolen coat and scarf was folded over her arms, a backpack on her shoulders, and she looked almost sheepish, her eyes still red rimmed from crying but her face was cleared of all sweat and tears.
"Sorry for this morning." She said quietly, her gaze averting theirs in favor of staring at the floor. Carla piped up before anyone else could.
"It's quite alright, we were worried about you and glad you are okay." She said with a reassuring smile, Camilla's lips twitched and she nodded.
"The Master said one of you would be coming with me?" She asked, fidgeting with the coat in her arms. Gray stood up,
"We decided I would if that's alright." he said and again, Camilla nodded.

Lucy stood up, she ignored any other thoughts she had in favor of crossing the room to give Camilla a hug. The girl went still and as stiff as a board but after a few moments, she relaxed somewhat and Lucy smiled when she felt her arms return the gesture.
"We are all glad you are okay Camilla, you had us really worried." She said and she felt the girl nod before pulling away. She let a small smile grace her lips.

It was cold as Camilla boarded the train, she pulled her wool pea coat tighter around her and slid open a door to mostly empty compartment(I'm imagining the trains like the Hogwarts train. It's my opinion so if you have a problem with it... bite me). The only other people in the compartment was an old elderly couple that chatted quietly among each other. Sitting down nearest to the window, she couldn't help but jump slightly when Gray took the spot next to her. He sat a close enough so people knew they were sitting together but far enough so they could have personal space. The two Fairy Tail members talked quietly, mostly it was Gray asking questions about if she was okay and if she wanted to sleep. She held back a yawn and leaned her head on the train wall as it started up with a rumble. As it left the station she closed her eyes, intending to only let her eyes rest but that didn't happen quite like she planned.

Camilla jolted away and realized two things. One; she had fallen asleep rather quickly and two; she was no longer leaning on the wall of the train, instead she found herself leaning her head on something soft, warm, and breathing. She quickly realized she had in fact moved closer and had fallen asleep on Gray's shoulder. He was asleep as well, his head resting on her own as his breath slowly puffed out, stirring her hair slightly. A flush of red covered Camilla's face and she wanted to move away but felt Gray's hand enclosing her own.

The elderly couple across from them smiled warmly and that only made Camilla's cheeks flush harder. The man turned to start buttoning on his coat and the woman's smile only widened. She pulled something from inside her coat; a letter, and handed it to Camilla as the train came to a stop.
"This is for you dearie, I hope you have a wonderful day." She said with that warm smile as her and her husband left the train compartment. Camilla watched as they disappeared into the train stations crowd and then opened the letter the woman had given her. The handwriting was very beautiful, the swooping cursive catching Camilla's eyes before she actually read the letter.

Dear Young Couple on the Train,
I couldn't help but notice you both right as you sat across from my husband and I. You both seemed so closed off to each other when you first sat down but it was when you, my girl fell asleep that you made me smile. It took a bit, before you scooted closer to the young man next to you and leaned on his shoulder.

Oh my dear boy your face was a joy to see. It turned bright red and you seemed so embarrassed but you didn't move. Instead you simply let the young girl rest in peace. Eventually you fell asleep yourself and the hand of your girl. Don't lose her dearie, she seems like such a wonderful girl and both my husband and I could see the trust she places in you.

To you my dear girl, don't let go of him. It is seldom that you will find a young man that cares that much. His concern for you is genuine, I can tell you want to doubt him but don't. If you place trust in him it may lead to the greatest thing in your life.

As I arrive closer to my stop I hope you don't mind but I simply had to sketch a portrait. You both are such a precious couple. The picture is enclosed with the letter, and I truly hope your relationship flourishes.
Sincerely,
The Woman Across on the Train

Camilla felt her face mimic a furnace as she read the letter. Grasping the smooth paper of the picture in her free hand, she took note that the woman was truly talented. She captured the both of them in detail. Her hand in his, his head on hers. The woman had signed her name in the corner of the paper but Camilla didn't have time to read the name as she felt Gray stir. She hid a yelp as she quickly folded the letter and picture, hiding them in her coat pocket as Gray opened his eyes. She hadn't moved her head from his shoulder and didn't have time to as he saw she was awake. Quickly leaning up, she averted his gaze, hoping he didn't see her burning red cheeks.

The rest of the train ride was spent in awkward silence. They averted each other's gaze, both their faces bright red. The words from the woman's letter swam through Camilla's thoughts. Did she really act like she trusted Gray? Thinking about her actions, it made sense. She had allowed him to help her walk and she knew she really didn't like being that close to humans, or people for that matter.

As they got off the train, Camilla wrapped her scarf tighter around her neck and pulled her coat tighter around her, large fat snowflakes danced down from the sky. She hated that she got cold so easily but that was pushed to the back of her mind as she felt dread make her heart stop momentarily. A grimace twisted her face, her master was going to kill her. Camilla hadn't contacted the woman since she left after seven years under her tutelage at age fourteen. She hadn't sent so much as a letter and that alone would surely piss her teacher off. A shiver ran down her spine as the two maneuvered the crowded streets of the small town known as Newshire.

The town was situated far north, it snowed most of the year and when it wasn't snowing it was raining. The town itself was built at the entrance of a large mountain range known as Winter's Core. People said that Winter's Core was where a great being known as the Great Winter created the season itself so it was the coldest place in Fiore. Camilla knew it was just old stories but the mountains certainly lived up to its name. She took a small cobblestone path, the wooden houses with straw roofs reminding her of the viking homes of old.
"Camilla where are we going? You know you never did tell me." Gray commented, his large strides keeping up with her easily. She shrugged.
"Well this is Newshire, the town of my old teacher. Makarov suggested I spend a while here so I can recuperate..." She trailed off as they reached her first destination. It was a horse stable with the scent of hay wafting from the large double doors. She took a breath before pushing the doors open and walking inside.

Inside was warm and she rubbed her hands together. A man was grooming a pair of male roan clydesdales, one was larger than the other but they both were still massive. Camilla smiled, she recognized the twin brothers, Bucky and Barry. She had actually been present when they were still tiny foals and named them both. She rung the bell at the door and the large man turned. He was bald, a scruffy beard and striking blue eyes being his main features. He wore a fur lined coat over a dirty white shirt. He wore black snow boots and pants. A large grin spread across his face and he clapped his hands together with a loud smack. Bucky and Barry neighed a greeting as they spotted her, the man crossed the room in four strides and swept Camilla up in a big hug.
"Camilla Ray! You finally came back!" He boomed, his thick accent slightly blurring the foreign language. Camilla nodded as her mind translated the words.
"Yes, I finally came back Johnathan. I actually came her to ask if my companion and I could use Bucky and Barry? I have to return to Master." She replied in the same language(I imagine it sounding a bit like German and Russian) and Johnathan laughed, setting her down, going back to the pair of horses and started to saddle them up. Gray leaned over to her.
"Who's that? And what language were you speaking?" He whispered in her ear as Johnathan readied the pair of horses, whistling loudly to himself. Camilla turned slightly towards him to reply.
"That's Johnathan, my Master's husband actually. He runs the stable here since the only way to get to my Master is by horseback." She whispered back. Johnathan had both horses readied in mere minutes, much to Camilla's embarrassment, he picked her up and set her on the horses back. She let out a very undignified shriek as she wasn't expecting him to pick her up. She heard Gray snicker but quickly stopping as Johnathan turned to him.

"Who are you my boy? Camilla's companion?" He grunted in heavily accented Fiorean(english?). Gray nodded, Camilla tuned out their conversation, instead she re-familiarized herself with the saddle. She heard Gray swing himself up into the saddle and Johnathan opened the doors so they could ride out.

It was freezing as Camilla and Gray galloped through the snow. They made good time, the incline of the mountains making them go slower but not by much. The path was large enough for Bucky and Barry to ride side by side but not much bigger than that. The snow from the horses hooves flew up in a frozen spray into Camilla's face. She had to shake her head several times to rid herself of the frozen water. Gray didn't seem that affected but that made sense since he was an Ice Wizard.

After forty five minutes of riding, they finally made it to the small cottage that was Camilla's Master's house and Camilla's temporary home. She stopped her horse, Bucky neighing in slight protest but he did as she commanded and slowed to a stop. Gray came to a stop next to her and dismounted easily. Camilla had a bit more trouble since she was a bit shorter. She jumped into the snow, landing easily and immediately tethering the horses to a large post in the shed/stable to the side of the cottage.

The cottage was more of a vikings home, with massive logs as the roof and walls. The front part of the house was small, that was front room. After several feet of the smaller room, the house was bigger, that was a large dining/living room with a partial upper floor. There was a small room in the back of the house that served as her Master's and Johnathan's room. Camilla walked up to the heavy front door, taking a deep breath to swallow her rising fear and knocked on the door.

Soooooooo I know that said that the next chapter would be a Christmas Special but I decided that I wanted the Christmas Special to be apart of the storyline so I have to write this first so the Christmas Special can be set up with some characters that need to be introduced(aka the Elderly Couplethey will be coming back and Johnathan). Urgh; lots of fun that's was.

ALSO! I have decided to use the Edolas Camilla as the main villain. Someone on said I have already technically set the man from chapter 2 up as a villain and I have realized that to be true; but as I was going through the plot for Inconspicuous I realized that the ideas I have for Book 1 wouldn't work with him as the main villain. So the Man is going to be in the second book. Whatever the case I hope you liked this chapter! Please favorite, comment, and follow!

Until the next update! FairyTailWzard over and out~!