p data-p-id="12a13db0510b8f4445f0c2cd65862d3e"strongThe wait is over! The next chapter is out! Hope you like how this turned out. I am not completely following how Steven Universe went since the dad is not going to be in the story yet. /strongstrongI'm/strongstrong listening to Ambiguous by Anna and Hikaru Nara by Sapphire, Y. CHANG etc. and Aoi Shiori by AmaLee and Dims Lancaster while writing just /strongstrongFYI/strongstrong./strongstrong I feel like /strongstrongI'm/strongstrong writing /strongstrongin/strongstrong a rush. Sorry about that./strong/p
p data-p-id="21e7a45bde76f5ed127659fea1a75f51"em"Don't be, it's the truth."/em I said with a pained smile. em"I really am just a nuisance."/em/p
p data-p-id="33e5b8a5153d491f5177ff15585973c3"Before I knew it, I was sprinting out of the house with all my might. I couldn't breathe in there. It was as if father was there in the room. Maybe I'm not cut out for this after all./p
p data-p-id="3dec13f209a90e512f4235b124f55e80"emStop trying to act like her! If you're not going to help, then leave! /emErza's voice kept echoing in my head as I held my head and tried to shake it off. I felt tears drip down my face. I gasped for breath as I came down on my knees. I shouldn't have come here./p
p data-p-id="fa21f7fc845ac69d0716e5158db929f0"I should just go home./p
p data-p-id="96b1fd58f4e731995e70e19825466241"I wiped the tears and put on the best smile on my face. I didn't even look like I was happy. I slapped my cheeks twice and smiled wider. I saw a bit of redness in my eyes, but I just ignored it. I need to get another 5 bus tickets to get back home. Do I want to go home? No, maybe I'll just rent an apartment for now until I finally decide what to do./p
p data-p-id="78fa3b1d50c54031cc40a2eab3c45d3f"emRumble rumble./em My stomach then pinched me, begging for food. That's right, I didn't eat breakfast today. I should go downtown and look for a diner or something. Hopefully there's a normal fast food place around here. Not that I think about it, I've never been downtown before. I mentally prepared myself for the worst. Nothing could go downhill from here. I then cursed myself for jinxing myself./p
p data-p-id="7ee046b02b0ac60fb3b4c84d1ce1bd9a"As I saw the city come into view, I realized I had to climb the fence again. Ugh. I gripped the fence through my fingertips and pulled myself up. As soon as I climbed to the top, I looked back to the beach house./p
p data-p-id="367c7541a9bd4885ac4a1a616e24413c"emYou are being a nuisance! You may be Layla's daughter, but you will never be her! /em/p
p data-p-id="8c9b5644bf7d5ee2ca2bc69f0f8ef8a0"You don't think I already know that? With a heaved sigh, I launched myself off and fell back to the ground. I ignored the sudden impact and grit my teeth through it. Nothing could hurt more than what Erza said. I know she didn't really mean it; she was just really heated up, but she didn't have to say it like that. I felt my fingertips crawling to my gem to scratch it. I really got to stop this habit./p
p data-p-id="a29a499a1a82396110606a110ca0452a"I walked through the town and saw stores that I recognized when I first came by the bus. Then I felt my stomach rumble again, but it was so loud that it could be heard from the other side of town. I got some glances from the side as I blushed from embarrassment. I seriously need to get over this hunger. I think I see a giant banana in the window over there... wait, is that a pie in the sky? Ooohhhhh cotton candy! No no! My hunger is getting ahold of me! I then caught a scent that made me turn my head quickly. My legs started to run without my consent. I didn't care if I was out of breath; my stomach was begging me and I can't stop it now. I then bumped my nose and I stumbled a bit back. I then opened my eyes to see a pizza place. I think I remember this place! I walked inside with drool slowly falling a little out of my mouth. It was noisy in there and a bit crowded. The scent hit my face as I approached the counter. I can't wait to take a bite out of this pizza made of heaven./p
p data-p-id="a1e39e213838a63f71b4cd47114fe8f5""What would you like to order?" A boy asked quietly. He had messy black hair that covered one eye. He had on an apron, but underneath it was a brown shawl. He looked like he was trying to smile, but I could see he was faking it./p
p data-p-id="0f8781a0c09cebf8d49ffeb74608d01d""Yes. Can I have the pepperoni pizza?" I asked with enthusiasm./p
p data-p-id="c0ccce4214a649b1f8e362a3470b3ef6""Of course! Will there also be a drink?" He said with fake joy./p
p data-p-id="5929106c3807804b15064a5fec820e93""Yes please! I'm parched. I'll take a Pepsi."/p
p data-p-id="41b53c7925075c0974e9d7a7e7ec6d66""Ok, is there anything else you'd like to order?"/p
p data-p-id="fefa81f9ccff92fd787bc8cdda56c4e9""I'm really in the mood for fries right now."/p
p data-p-id="44cb4fbaeeae34fd7abddba3af2f178e""Would you like small, medium, or large?"/p
p data-p-id="883f7abefb26c0819f9da4b7f60075e9""I'll take the medium."/p
p data-p-id="cb85171f88276dbdaf192db5662bdf12""Oh that will be 8 dollars and 53 cents. Will that be in cash or credit?" He said, looking down./p
p data-p-id="9958f4980a6f17bf555bfceb8e15628d""Oh I'll use credit." I said as I pulled out my wallet./p
p data-p-id="740728fec3f2eaa0939b44dbf4d3086c""Hey!" A voice shouted from the back. "At least act like you care Alzack!"/p
p data-p-id="10d23af1560ca8ad4716965c6359f02d""I know, I know." He muttered and blushed as he swiped my credit card into the register. He then gave it back and tried to give a bright smile while he handed me a number. "Have a wonderful rest of your day..." I smiled back at his effort./p
p data-p-id="092b854c6b2ecb9e76ccf7071593f5e1"I took the number and tried to find a seat. All the tables were filled and there was no way I was sitting down anywhere. There were so many people that it reached the maximum capacity. Maybe even over. I guess I'm standing while eating. I stood near the door since it was the only spot where I wasn't in the way. Suddenly, the door opened in my face as a couple came in. I was really annoyed, but I held it in. Just grin and bear it, Lucy. It'll be over soon. The door opened once again in my face as a man walked inside. I felt myself twitching./p
p data-p-id="d534e57ec831923b184a19ca5d3e4499""You're really pitiful, you know that?" A slurred voice said. I turned around to see a lady with 5 cups at her table. She had two extra seats. She then gestured at one of the seats. "Over here blondie!" She said as she took another sip from a cup. I questioned, but took her offer. She then took my number out of my hands and put it on the stand./p
p data-p-id="da623e24854dc937c7a16fc9ce1ad547""Hey Bisca!" The girl shouted. "I need another drink here!" She had long brown curly hair with wide walnut eyes. She wore a bikini blue top with dark brown pants. She was a bit tan and had a mole right under her right eye. She looked at me and smirked. "So you're new here?"/p
p data-p-id="aed851bd4a7f47464840b0b406ff79c2""Yeah... this is the first time I've been in the city."/p
p data-p-id="48c4cdc2fa623ff1d09bb13b602c9421""Figures." She says as she took one long sip of her drink til the cup was empty. "You look like someone though."/p
p data-p-id="db691e52038f2843815a65566ea2b172""I'm guessing you mean Layla." I sighed with a smile./p
p data-p-id="dea973aeae4a897dec9a4b90816429f5""Layla... Layla... that's her!" She exclaimed loudly. "Yeah, you look like Layla!"/p
p data-p-id="a67c3372ad58efbb491e72665316803b""I get that a lot..."/p
p data-p-id="c7afb74545a3f98d50eca72191d71224""Hmm..." She then slumped in her seat./p
p data-p-id="4c7068b317d932302cdee5cfa9c964c6""This is your sixth cup today!" A lady then approached our table and slammed 2 cups onto our table. One of them had a Pepsi and the other was a clear yellow drink. I jumped in surprise. "You better slow down. I don't want to take you home again!" She had on makeup, but it wasn't much. Her green hair was a lime color that stood out under her yellow hat. She also had a polka dot bandana on her neck. She had on a black sleeveless top under her apron./p
p data-p-id="f5845cdab12e8247a8f834a266264678""Some service..." The girl mumbled. "The customer is always right!"/p
p data-p-id="46fe4632ab48ef2b9d099bc5d0ffcb8e""Yeah," the waitress then shook her head. "Unless they're a dead-beat drunk!"/p
p data-p-id="51642366f35fd0521d6e86c6ecc0988c""Whatever you say, Bitch-ka!" The girl across from me laughed. The waitress nodded her head in disapproval and left. The girl had on a satisfied look of victory and drank the entire glass in a second. The yellow liquid vanished instantly and the girl started to hiccup. She looked a bit red in the cheeks./p
p data-p-id="228597a18d614b7dff7304511f914e11""Umm..." I asked. "Are you drunk?"/p
p data-p-id="5b9fadf50c66d0a51200976c81fa4a94""No!" She said and giggled. "I can hold my liquor! Name's Cana by the way."/p
p data-p-id="dd8dd052e2a1d7a9f08bd31049905c7e""Lucy Heartfilia." I replied./p
p data-p-id="1cfc4f116c67d390f2cf304ad7d880dc""Wait... Heartfilia? I definetly heard that before."/p
p data-p-id="f84228e94842955bd85ec9aad1f6c373""Yeah... I'm Layla's daughter." I muttered. Cana spew out the beer and coughed./p
p data-p-id="15f6206b22fdffdf172e6eb53a15686e""Really?!" She then started laughing loudly as we got stared at. "Layla had a kid? This is unbelievable! How is she? Is she here?" She looked around but saw no sign of my mom. I sighed./p
p data-p-id="8b628b9db41b61d43505943e04af5b5c""She passed away."/p
p data-p-id="5a427b1dc1bcd9a252f96a25c5b66c94""Oh." It got really quiet. "Sorry about bringing that up. Must've been hard for you." I then saw Cana started tearing up and she tried to wipe them away. I gave her a questioning look. I didn't know if this was her or the beer talking at this point. "Dang it (hic) Layla! Why'd you (hic) have to (hic) die?" I was so shocked from her reaction. She's crying... why?/p
p data-p-id="fcec13ea75b0ccedfd4c53845cbb50da""Cana, it'll be all right." I said as I rubbed her back./p
p data-p-id="1ca27807678f52536323789951e1e105""Lucy, you'll never understand." The girl said as she laid her head on the table to quiet the hiccups. "Your mother... she brought us back together. My father didn't even know I was alive. He left my mother before she died giving birth to me. He didn't even know she was pregnant! I wanted to confront him, but I just didn't know how. He always traveled to different places and it got harder to follow him. I knew he would return to Beach City once in a while, but he wasn't here for long. It took me three years to track him down. When I finally saw him, I couldn't speak to him. He walked past me like I was nothing. I was too far away from him. I was going to leave, but your mother... she gave me hope. So I spoke to him and he understood. Now we're an actual family. I can't believe I never thanked her for that." Cana then lifted her head as she wiped her tears away. She then turned to me, but with distant teary eyes. "Thank you, Layla... you were right. If we didn't have problems, we wouldn't have family." Suddenly, she banged her head on the table. I poked at her, but the alcohol finally got to her./p
p data-p-id="2d2779c9134f0f5c5dde605e826c59ba""See, I told you so." A voice spoke. I turned around to see the green-haired waitress with a slight sad smile holding a pizza and fries. She then dropped it onto the table while taking my number. She then patted Cana's head as she smiled in her sleep. "No matter how many times I hear that story, I still feel emotional." She then took out her hand. "I'm Bisca."/p
p data-p-id="7eaf4d8f0a96bbd2e702685702f32c30""I'm Lucy." I said, taking her hand./p
p data-p-id="4d7c14ac9e5209b8e7a648ca2e53fa09""Did you know Cana started to drink to forget her mother?" She asked. "She would come here every night and either me or Alzack had to take her home. I swear she's gonna drink herself to death."/p
p data-p-id="e20c7e2049021c09b00afdc8c098484c""Alzack?" I asked from the new name./p
p data-p-id="12777d8fd75fea97212880bd1d1541cd""You never met him him? Alzack! Get over here!" She yelled. I then saw the man from the cash register come over. He looked a bit more red standing next to Bisca. "Go ahead! Introduce yourself!"/p
p data-p-id="de6dd4e36a3af009a66eef6970b9106b""Yeah..." he muttered as he grew even more red. "I am Alzack."/p
p data-p-id="602a05355a3ee3ebb98c975e2cd89af1""I'm Lucy Heartfilia." I said. He bowed and left to go back to the cash register. Bisca nodded her head./p
p data-p-id="68ae489361f303a7f73f8022c7103f66""Oh Alzack... such a quiet guy. He needs to go out more." Bisca smiled./p
p data-p-id="59dfb0208db35031aa145e3f95dbec23""You know he likes you, right?" I whispered./p
p data-p-id="6780671ab762059733e03f3d30143f51""Really? You think so?" She giggled./p
p data-p-id="0eaef5cd3ca0d0b65c23e0cfa0cf155d""He can be seen blushing a mile away when he's with you. He emdefinetl/emy likes you. You should get together. You look really good together." Bisca then smiled sweetly and tipped her cowgirl hat./p
p data-p-id="52c23071e58449ab92a2320bd85407b2""I think so too." She then patted my shoulder. "You should eat your pizza before it gets cold."/p
p data-p-id="7a08391d17ad60eaa97658415665423a""Wha-... my pizza!" I yelled as I took a giant bite out of the crust. She laughed at my hunger./p
p data-p-id="41c9a77dbab899e23646590efe46b957""You must be hungry!" She said through breaths. I nodded in response as she left to serve other customers. I finished the pizza in a matter of seconds. The fries were swallowed in an instant. The drink disappeared with one gulp./p
p data-p-id="4007e4d3998e8c4b766a638953d58aa3""Well that was fast." Bisca said, refilling my Pepsi. "Now I wonder what I should do about her..." Bisca nodded to Cana./p
p data-p-id="ee1d381cf4a4830bc601076a062ab037""It's my turn to take her home!" Alzack said in the distance./p
p data-p-id="454d90686bc0ce50f70734096a5dad0d""It's always your turn! Let me do it!" Bisca then turned towards me. "Lucy, can you watch over Cana until my shift is over?"/p
p data-p-id="6c9c0f680de31e4874785a74f7c4783e""Oh sure..." I said, waving my hand over her face to see if she's awake. "Maybe I can take her home. I don't have anything else to do today anyway."/p
p data-p-id="ec00d82d5d8de24a356f3153a26cca50""I'll take care of it." A husky voice spoke. We both jumped at the sudden outburst. Behind us was a man who stood at least 6 feet tall. He had on dark orange hair with a goatee coming in. He wore a ragged cape that covered his entire body. If he weren't so old, he'd be pretty hot with all those muscles and cheerful brown eyes. "Up ya go." He said as he lifted Cana onto his shoulders./p
p data-p-id="c139db26e2c65f9dfb7bf1e35500d6ce""Umm... who are you?" I asked him suspiciously./p
p data-p-id="cb0b13f8c1a2656560a53071885dc1ce""Me? I'm her father. And you are?" He said in a sarcastic voice./p
p data-p-id="63a1d57e9518ced46de2f35f3be6b460""I'm her friend, Lucy. Pleasure to meet you, Cana's father."/p
p data-p-id="a0c6a558530f29cc29db441135def48c""Please, just call me Gildarts." He said jokingly./p
p data-p-id="fdcece790ced471e4bb6535fead81be1""Oh Gildarts!" Alzack said as he met up with us. "I can give you a ride back."/p
p data-p-id="eaf0e712e2ec44cb048a25c9275eb74c""I'll come with." Bisca piped in as she set down some drinks./p
p data-p-id="e0bd6be371df6ec693456eb431204793""There's no need, lovebirds!" Gildarts cooed. Bisca and Alzack blushed at the comment./p
p data-p-id="1e21afe376649cb56855674115497363""But she needs to get over her drinking habits." Alzack said. "We can't always take her home."/p
p data-p-id="badc6473fa421a66c3e9270470c60a31""That's what her father's for!" Gildarts laughed. "If we didn't have problems, we wouldn't be family!" There it is... that phrase again./p
p data-p-id="43ed65747df841d7b56b54a4eb204a6b""Did Layla tell you that?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="b8f76023f6fdc4a989e8aed14def52ed""Actually, yes. She brought my family back together. I'm guessing you're Layla's daughter, correct?" My eyes widened from awe./p
p data-p-id="c0feacc400e9331893436246267f0f79""How did you know?"/p
p data-p-id="468e5f649da2119edc547091544c6cf1""You're just like you're mother. Same with my sunshine. The time I got a good look at her, she was identical to her mom." He felt Cana falling off his shoulder so he hoisted her up again. Cana giggled in her sleep./p
p data-p-id="345433054b7cb56761193dcf2948b09b""Are you sure you don't want a ride?" Alzack reminded. "I can bring my car around during my break."/p
p data-p-id="644a73aa3e3fe3695a0dbb510a6c0581""It's fine. I can take care of her myself." He said as he looked to her sleepy face. "She is my little girl after all." He then left with his daughter out into the darkness. I didn't even know it grew dark./p
p data-p-id="9fa3bf8dc4c31f159b67a73b5cddd027""I guess I better go too." I said, slightly yawning. I looked at the clock to see it was already almost 9 pm./p
p data-p-id="1cc2bca453622108e6be330fa777950d""Thanks for the stopping by." Bisca replied./p
p data-p-id="7b85022dc17ffd78dad744657f8ae1a3""Thanks for having me." I waved back and stepped out into the cool air of the ocean breeze. I took in a deep breath as I walked to nowhere. I still had nowhere to go. And that's when I realized that I still have all my luggage at the beach house. I'm so stupid. How was I going to leave without any of my clothes?/p
p data-p-id="b93b862243d53effb92b350c16a15c6d"I facepalmed myself and I headed towards the dreaded beach house. I felt myself scratch at my gem again. But I still couldn't get the phrase out of my head. emIf we /ememdidn't/emem have problems, we /ememwouldn't/emem have family./em Is that true? It didn't work with me and my father. Maybe it's impossible for my family./p
p data-p-id="7be91814bd29150be80020a7cd7a0212"I caught sight of the fence and climbed over it. I saw the lights were still on in the beach house. Great, now I have to talk to them. I sighed and jumped over. I walked closer to my house, but I couldn't feel any more distant. As soon as I got to the door, I took one more breath and slowly cracked open the door. It was bright in there, but no sign of life. I breathed a sigh of relief and ran up the stairs. I saw my door was closed and opened it. Nothing was touched and was left the way I left it. I started to gather my things. Before leaving my room, I double checked to make sure I didn't leave anything behind. I then said a final goodbye to the room as I closed the door, dragging my suitcase behind me. I brought my bags down the stairs and whispered my farewell. As I headed towards the door, the door slams open. A bright red light blinds my view and I squinted to see a shadow. The shadow got closer to me and lifted me into its arms by the waist./p
p data-p-id="dcd4ce5e5a9c77e1dbe33c5ddbcb5321""Hey! What are you doing?!" I screamed at the shadow as I punched it's stomach repeatedly. "Unhand me this instant!" I heard the shadow snicker as it ran out of the house and jumped off the balcony. It ran farther towards the beach as I was dragged along. It then dropped me as I fell onto the sand. I grunted from the impact and tried to stand up. I then saw a hand extended towards me. Suddenly, the bright red light vanished and I saw a familiar boy grinning at me from ear to ear./p
p data-p-id="3fc46ead4b56c8df6cbe8b379291224f""Mission Kidnap Lucy is complete!" Natsu smiled as he helped me to my feet./p
p data-p-id="d2ba641234b1712685f2d1e5e315628c""Natsu? Why did you drag me here?"/p
p data-p-id="9faa720ef3da7864bfc1b0aa4a868ef9""We need your help of course!"/p
p data-p-id="cfd65ad97164d09448972f750dcc6ec3""No you don't. I'm just a nuisance, remember?"/p
p data-p-id="c8cae920d2e85f077bb6d220ebb6a2be""Look," Natsu said as he scratched the back of his head, looking down. "Erza may have said some things, but she didn't mean it. She's actually really sorry. Will you please help us?" Natsu gave me a sad pleading look. I wanted to refuse, but he knows I can't resist that face./p
p data-p-id="3470e829c19ec5fb4da53c89b7e9bf01""Fine, but I won't stay for too long." I mumbled./p
p data-p-id="e114345c70f7baed5c2cf6e5a034404a""That's all the time we need!" He grabbed my hand and we started running down the beach. Why would they need me? Why now? I then saw the whole team except Erza in view with the cannon. All stress flew out of me. "Guys! I brought Lucy!"/p
p data-p-id="2f19def1668de71203d32546e31442e8""Lucy!" Gray said as he ran to me. "Are you okay?" Mira then followed after him./p
p data-p-id="df06e8224ff51a0d97f69a7e45e5f363""Lucy, I'm so sorry about that!" Mira said, panting./p
p data-p-id="54a0363ca8bd9e23c1c4ce2f8e62319d""Woah woah you two! I'm fine!" I said, putting both my hands up in defense. "Where's Erza?"/p
p data-p-id="bd2c89fd2368e78c7cc8d996d066f583""She's out sulking us a plan." Gray laughed. Did I hear that correctly?/p
p data-p-id="568482d2aa35169cd01392017a765798""Never mind that, we have a plan ourselves." Natsu whispered./p
p data-p-id="6a6ef9d8c124c2ffcec488ebdabfa365""Okay, first off I need to understand what's going on." I said./p
p data-p-id="31694d064db8ecd4a48508735e02591a""Remember the giant eye in the sky?" Natsu asked. He then pointed in a direction. When I followed his gaze, my eyes widened. The gem grew at least 10 times than it's original size and it seemed to get closer by the minute. So that's where the red light came from. "In about ten minutes, it will collide the Earth and possibly cause the destruction of Beach City."/p
p data-p-id="9f93030cb1b508b0f6d03f2e599ac37d""So how do we destroy it?"/p
p data-p-id="f37c714d28c048f5be53f789ccba01c3""We already tried attacking it, but the force field around it is still protecting it. We're going to try activate the cannon again."/p
p data-p-id="bb67972c736fbd4c5915909e6873d698""But that didn't work last time!"/p
p data-p-id="f60c8907b1c87e32dc984c2704c8246f""Because you didn't say the right words." Mira said, bringing out a notepad. She handed me the pages and pointed to the last page. The first pages had some words, but we're crossed out over and over. I glanced at the page that I could read:/p
p data-p-id="bb6ec910c9c15efc212e4e96deb28542"emI, /ememLayla/emem Heartfilia, command thee to activate the cannon for the /ememsake/emem of my family!/em/p
p data-p-id="7ce800c4b51bc484ef7c5048d8283a2f""Are you sure this will work?" I said, inspecting the phrase./p
p data-p-id="6652cc18224589d1ad4fb7c3e56418b8""Just try it. We have about only 5 minutes left." Gray said, watching the gem. We then heard footsteps running towards us. I turned and my blood turned cold./p
p data-p-id="e9a49ace0a69e3d97a3496aca28e0ebe""Lucy! Is that you?" Erza called. "I want to talk to you!"/p
p data-p-id="9726b50fc7685de37e1d6c3a083e7897""Wait! Let me do this!" I yelled as I was about to incantate the words./p
p data-p-id="fc09ea94f3f3dd72931364d095a35c39""But listen-" Erza screamed, but I ignored her, placed my hand on the cannon, and yelled: "I, Layla Heartfilia, command thee to activate the cannon for the sake of my family! I, Layla Heartfilia, command thee to activate the cannon for the sake of my family! I, LAYLA HEARTFILIA, COMMAND THEE TO ACTIVATE THE CANNON FOR THE SAKE OF MY FAMILY!" I then felt the cannon move. I jumped in surprise as it started to glow. The pink cannon started up as everyone waited in anticipation. I was smiling at my accomplishment. Maybe I am helpful after all. I smiled./p
p data-p-id="8ba380f37091440ef91d9e1ff45d6f98"And then it stopped./p
p data-p-id="8061a23c4f21b9245c6800ba4ab9cc34"Everyone dropped their mouths to the floor as the cannon turned back off. The team was shocked with disappointment. I couldn't stop staring at the cannon./p
p data-p-id="d0613902207fd2ab8aa60acb24081c4a""It's ok!" Mira confided in me. "We can try again!"/p
p data-p-id="16e45102e3ac8ffa4bc24ae1bbf98a32""Mira," Gray said. "It'll be here in like two minutes." Mira's smile then faded away as she thought about it. We all started at the gem about to crash into the shore. I then felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around, expecting Natsu to tell me one of his jokes. Instead I saw emher./em/p
p data-p-id="cadaa74a46d20d7f2b2c316afc1d303b""Lucy... I'm really... I just... I wanted to... you know I..." Erza stuttered. She then took in a deep breath. "I... I'm sorry. I never should have said that. You are an asset to the Crystal Fairies and I never acknowledged that." She looked stiff with a wesk smilr. She looked hurt as she gazed up at me. She then gave me a tight hug and I was shocked. I felt the tension flow out of me as Erza hugged me tighter. "Lucy I'm so sorry. Please forgive me." Suddenly, I felt something drip down my face. I brought my hand to it and realized the multiple tears dropping. I stifled a cry as I hugged back Erza. I felt like my mom was hugging me again and it nade me want to cry even more./p
p data-p-id="65239151fa80026ebfaf7b695c59230b""Erza, it's fine. I forgive you." I said, trying to hold back my cries. I could feel everyone watching us, but I didn't care. I felt relaxed and I couldn't stop crying. It was as if the gem wasn't about to crush us. It was like I was talking to my mom./p
p data-p-id="22376b8d552f98a072ae80f51f41b472""But I said such terrible things... I shouldn't have said that." Erza wasn't crying, but her voice was cracking. We weren't perfect, but maybe this is what brings us together. Nobody's perfect. Maybe this is what true love is like. Maybe this really is my home. Maybe they are my family. I finally understood what it meant./p
p data-p-id="6724d27965b51891d066c1b11d1fca48""Don't be. " I said smiling. "If we didn't have problems, we wouldn't have family." I felt Erza flinch at the phrase, but she then held tighter. I did say Layla's line after all. I wanted time to stop so I could stay here forever. I didn't want to separate from her warm embrace./p
p data-p-id="eec5efc3cfdac80f0a5c7e1c10ffd0e7""Lucy, Erza, look!" Natsu yelled as we slowly got out of the hug. Our expressions turned into awe as the cannon was in full power and ready to fire. Everyone was as surprised as I was./p
p data-p-id="9deb394d93ad89531d7b08cc9043c6af""Th-that phrase..." Erza muttered. "Jude used to say that all the time..."/p
p data-p-id="a9fa3fe10ffef4877a24505da832f926""Don't you mean Layla?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="a00538341c8b60ced7138b96e197effb""No, it was Jude. I'm sure of it." I again was in shock, knowing now that my dad, the coldest person on earth, used to say that. I really need to find out his past before I die of surprises./p
p data-p-id="b815352173f0844707b478d4a2bd40f3""Layla really did love Jude, didn't she?" Mira said, smiling. "That's what she whispered into the cannon each time." Mira then nodded to me as I walked to the cannon. The gem was about 30 feet from the ocean now and I needed to do this quick. I gathered my courage and placed my hand on my mother's cannon./p
p data-p-id="4a8cba6fe978dbd95c9afe6f26fef393""Cannon, fire!" I said as three beams of light shot out from the cannon. Two lights swirled around one and made itself almost like a spinning spear towards the eye. Then, it went right through the force field and right into its gem. The gem shrieked and started to swell as the beam of light went through the eye. That looked like it was going to hurt. Out of nowhere, the gem exploded and the jewel fell from the sky. I caught it in my hands and gave it to Erza, clenching her hands around it. The sky turned bacck to its original night color. I looked back at the cannon, thanking my mom. Natsu was cheering my name in the back while Gray snickered at him. Mira enjoyed the view as she finally saw the stars glimmering in the sky./p
p data-p-id="4857a4987b34b56397d06b9deb37bd56"em"Layla and /ememJude/em emare/emem right." /emErza said with a smile. em"If we /ememdidn't/emem have problems, we /ememwouldn't/em emhave/emem family."/em/p
p data-p-id="21e7a45bde76f5ed127659fea1a75f51"em"Don't be, it's the truth."/em I said with a pained smile. em"I really am just a nuisance."/em/p
p data-p-id="33e5b8a5153d491f5177ff15585973c3"Before I knew it, I was sprinting out of the house with all my might. I couldn't breathe in there. It was as if father was there in the room. Maybe I'm not cut out for this after all./p
p data-p-id="3dec13f209a90e512f4235b124f55e80"emStop trying to act like her! If you're not going to help, then leave! /emErza's voice kept echoing in my head as I held my head and tried to shake it off. I felt tears drip down my face. I gasped for breath as I came down on my knees. I shouldn't have come here./p
p data-p-id="fa21f7fc845ac69d0716e5158db929f0"I should just go home./p
p data-p-id="96b1fd58f4e731995e70e19825466241"I wiped the tears and put on the best smile on my face. I didn't even look like I was happy. I slapped my cheeks twice and smiled wider. I saw a bit of redness in my eyes, but I just ignored it. I need to get another 5 bus tickets to get back home. Do I want to go home? No, maybe I'll just rent an apartment for now until I finally decide what to do./p
p data-p-id="78fa3b1d50c54031cc40a2eab3c45d3f"emRumble rumble./em My stomach then pinched me, begging for food. That's right, I didn't eat breakfast today. I should go downtown and look for a diner or something. Hopefully there's a normal fast food place around here. Not that I think about it, I've never been downtown before. I mentally prepared myself for the worst. Nothing could go downhill from here. I then cursed myself for jinxing myself./p
p data-p-id="7ee046b02b0ac60fb3b4c84d1ce1bd9a"As I saw the city come into view, I realized I had to climb the fence again. Ugh. I gripped the fence through my fingertips and pulled myself up. As soon as I climbed to the top, I looked back to the beach house./p
p data-p-id="367c7541a9bd4885ac4a1a616e24413c"emYou are being a nuisance! You may be Layla's daughter, but you will never be her! /em/p
p data-p-id="8c9b5644bf7d5ee2ca2bc69f0f8ef8a0"You don't think I already know that? With a heaved sigh, I launched myself off and fell back to the ground. I ignored the sudden impact and grit my teeth through it. Nothing could hurt more than what Erza said. I know she didn't really mean it; she was just really heated up, but she didn't have to say it like that. I felt my fingertips crawling to my gem to scratch it. I really got to stop this habit./p
p data-p-id="a29a499a1a82396110606a110ca0452a"I walked through the town and saw stores that I recognized when I first came by the bus. Then I felt my stomach rumble again, but it was so loud that it could be heard from the other side of town. I got some glances from the side as I blushed from embarrassment. I seriously need to get over this hunger. I think I see a giant banana in the window over there... wait, is that a pie in the sky? Ooohhhhh cotton candy! No no! My hunger is getting ahold of me! I then caught a scent that made me turn my head quickly. My legs started to run without my consent. I didn't care if I was out of breath; my stomach was begging me and I can't stop it now. I then bumped my nose and I stumbled a bit back. I then opened my eyes to see a pizza place. I think I remember this place! I walked inside with drool slowly falling a little out of my mouth. It was noisy in there and a bit crowded. The scent hit my face as I approached the counter. I can't wait to take a bite out of this pizza made of heaven./p
p data-p-id="a1e39e213838a63f71b4cd47114fe8f5""What would you like to order?" A boy asked quietly. He had messy black hair that covered one eye. He had on an apron, but underneath it was a brown shawl. He looked like he was trying to smile, but I could see he was faking it./p
p data-p-id="0f8781a0c09cebf8d49ffeb74608d01d""Yes. Can I have the pepperoni pizza?" I asked with enthusiasm./p
p data-p-id="c0ccce4214a649b1f8e362a3470b3ef6""Of course! Will there also be a drink?" He said with fake joy./p
p data-p-id="5929106c3807804b15064a5fec820e93""Yes please! I'm parched. I'll take a Pepsi."/p
p data-p-id="41b53c7925075c0974e9d7a7e7ec6d66""Ok, is there anything else you'd like to order?"/p
p data-p-id="fefa81f9ccff92fd787bc8cdda56c4e9""I'm really in the mood for fries right now."/p
p data-p-id="44cb4fbaeeae34fd7abddba3af2f178e""Would you like small, medium, or large?"/p
p data-p-id="883f7abefb26c0819f9da4b7f60075e9""I'll take the medium."/p
p data-p-id="cb85171f88276dbdaf192db5662bdf12""Oh that will be 8 dollars and 53 cents. Will that be in cash or credit?" He said, looking down./p
p data-p-id="9958f4980a6f17bf555bfceb8e15628d""Oh I'll use credit." I said as I pulled out my wallet./p
p data-p-id="740728fec3f2eaa0939b44dbf4d3086c""Hey!" A voice shouted from the back. "At least act like you care Alzack!"/p
p data-p-id="10d23af1560ca8ad4716965c6359f02d""I know, I know." He muttered and blushed as he swiped my credit card into the register. He then gave it back and tried to give a bright smile while he handed me a number. "Have a wonderful rest of your day..." I smiled back at his effort./p
p data-p-id="092b854c6b2ecb9e76ccf7071593f5e1"I took the number and tried to find a seat. All the tables were filled and there was no way I was sitting down anywhere. There were so many people that it reached the maximum capacity. Maybe even over. I guess I'm standing while eating. I stood near the door since it was the only spot where I wasn't in the way. Suddenly, the door opened in my face as a couple came in. I was really annoyed, but I held it in. Just grin and bear it, Lucy. It'll be over soon. The door opened once again in my face as a man walked inside. I felt myself twitching./p
p data-p-id="d534e57ec831923b184a19ca5d3e4499""You're really pitiful, you know that?" A slurred voice said. I turned around to see a lady with 5 cups at her table. She had two extra seats. She then gestured at one of the seats. "Over here blondie!" She said as she took another sip from a cup. I questioned, but took her offer. She then took my number out of my hands and put it on the stand./p
p data-p-id="da623e24854dc937c7a16fc9ce1ad547""Hey Bisca!" The girl shouted. "I need another drink here!" She had long brown curly hair with wide walnut eyes. She wore a bikini blue top with dark brown pants. She was a bit tan and had a mole right under her right eye. She looked at me and smirked. "So you're new here?"/p
p data-p-id="aed851bd4a7f47464840b0b406ff79c2""Yeah... this is the first time I've been in the city."/p
p data-p-id="48c4cdc2fa623ff1d09bb13b602c9421""Figures." She says as she took one long sip of her drink til the cup was empty. "You look like someone though."/p
p data-p-id="db691e52038f2843815a65566ea2b172""I'm guessing you mean Layla." I sighed with a smile./p
p data-p-id="dea973aeae4a897dec9a4b90816429f5""Layla... Layla... that's her!" She exclaimed loudly. "Yeah, you look like Layla!"/p
p data-p-id="a67c3372ad58efbb491e72665316803b""I get that a lot..."/p
p data-p-id="c7afb74545a3f98d50eca72191d71224""Hmm..." She then slumped in her seat./p
p data-p-id="4c7068b317d932302cdee5cfa9c964c6""This is your sixth cup today!" A lady then approached our table and slammed 2 cups onto our table. One of them had a Pepsi and the other was a clear yellow drink. I jumped in surprise. "You better slow down. I don't want to take you home again!" She had on makeup, but it wasn't much. Her green hair was a lime color that stood out under her yellow hat. She also had a polka dot bandana on her neck. She had on a black sleeveless top under her apron./p
p data-p-id="f5845cdab12e8247a8f834a266264678""Some service..." The girl mumbled. "The customer is always right!"/p
p data-p-id="46fe4632ab48ef2b9d099bc5d0ffcb8e""Yeah," the waitress then shook her head. "Unless they're a dead-beat drunk!"/p
p data-p-id="51642366f35fd0521d6e86c6ecc0988c""Whatever you say, Bitch-ka!" The girl across from me laughed. The waitress nodded her head in disapproval and left. The girl had on a satisfied look of victory and drank the entire glass in a second. The yellow liquid vanished instantly and the girl started to hiccup. She looked a bit red in the cheeks./p
p data-p-id="228597a18d614b7dff7304511f914e11""Umm..." I asked. "Are you drunk?"/p
p data-p-id="5b9fadf50c66d0a51200976c81fa4a94""No!" She said and giggled. "I can hold my liquor! Name's Cana by the way."/p
p data-p-id="dd8dd052e2a1d7a9f08bd31049905c7e""Lucy Heartfilia." I replied./p
p data-p-id="1cfc4f116c67d390f2cf304ad7d880dc""Wait... Heartfilia? I definetly heard that before."/p
p data-p-id="f84228e94842955bd85ec9aad1f6c373""Yeah... I'm Layla's daughter." I muttered. Cana spew out the beer and coughed./p
p data-p-id="15f6206b22fdffdf172e6eb53a15686e""Really?!" She then started laughing loudly as we got stared at. "Layla had a kid? This is unbelievable! How is she? Is she here?" She looked around but saw no sign of my mom. I sighed./p
p data-p-id="8b628b9db41b61d43505943e04af5b5c""She passed away."/p
p data-p-id="5a427b1dc1bcd9a252f96a25c5b66c94""Oh." It got really quiet. "Sorry about bringing that up. Must've been hard for you." I then saw Cana started tearing up and she tried to wipe them away. I gave her a questioning look. I didn't know if this was her or the beer talking at this point. "Dang it (hic) Layla! Why'd you (hic) have to (hic) die?" I was so shocked from her reaction. She's crying... why?/p
p data-p-id="fcec13ea75b0ccedfd4c53845cbb50da""Cana, it'll be all right." I said as I rubbed her back./p
p data-p-id="1ca27807678f52536323789951e1e105""Lucy, you'll never understand." The girl said as she laid her head on the table to quiet the hiccups. "Your mother... she brought us back together. My father didn't even know I was alive. He left my mother before she died giving birth to me. He didn't even know she was pregnant! I wanted to confront him, but I just didn't know how. He always traveled to different places and it got harder to follow him. I knew he would return to Beach City once in a while, but he wasn't here for long. It took me three years to track him down. When I finally saw him, I couldn't speak to him. He walked past me like I was nothing. I was too far away from him. I was going to leave, but your mother... she gave me hope. So I spoke to him and he understood. Now we're an actual family. I can't believe I never thanked her for that." Cana then lifted her head as she wiped her tears away. She then turned to me, but with distant teary eyes. "Thank you, Layla... you were right. If we didn't have problems, we wouldn't have family." Suddenly, she banged her head on the table. I poked at her, but the alcohol finally got to her./p
p data-p-id="2d2779c9134f0f5c5dde605e826c59ba""See, I told you so." A voice spoke. I turned around to see the green-haired waitress with a slight sad smile holding a pizza and fries. She then dropped it onto the table while taking my number. She then patted Cana's head as she smiled in her sleep. "No matter how many times I hear that story, I still feel emotional." She then took out her hand. "I'm Bisca."/p
p data-p-id="7eaf4d8f0a96bbd2e702685702f32c30""I'm Lucy." I said, taking her hand./p
p data-p-id="4d7c14ac9e5209b8e7a648ca2e53fa09""Did you know Cana started to drink to forget her mother?" She asked. "She would come here every night and either me or Alzack had to take her home. I swear she's gonna drink herself to death."/p
p data-p-id="e20c7e2049021c09b00afdc8c098484c""Alzack?" I asked from the new name./p
p data-p-id="12777d8fd75fea97212880bd1d1541cd""You never met him him? Alzack! Get over here!" She yelled. I then saw the man from the cash register come over. He looked a bit more red standing next to Bisca. "Go ahead! Introduce yourself!"/p
p data-p-id="de6dd4e36a3af009a66eef6970b9106b""Yeah..." he muttered as he grew even more red. "I am Alzack."/p
p data-p-id="602a05355a3ee3ebb98c975e2cd89af1""I'm Lucy Heartfilia." I said. He bowed and left to go back to the cash register. Bisca nodded her head./p
p data-p-id="68ae489361f303a7f73f8022c7103f66""Oh Alzack... such a quiet guy. He needs to go out more." Bisca smiled./p
p data-p-id="59dfb0208db35031aa145e3f95dbec23""You know he likes you, right?" I whispered./p
p data-p-id="6780671ab762059733e03f3d30143f51""Really? You think so?" She giggled./p
p data-p-id="0eaef5cd3ca0d0b65c23e0cfa0cf155d""He can be seen blushing a mile away when he's with you. He emdefinetl/emy likes you. You should get together. You look really good together." Bisca then smiled sweetly and tipped her cowgirl hat./p
p data-p-id="52c23071e58449ab92a2320bd85407b2""I think so too." She then patted my shoulder. "You should eat your pizza before it gets cold."/p
p data-p-id="7a08391d17ad60eaa97658415665423a""Wha-... my pizza!" I yelled as I took a giant bite out of the crust. She laughed at my hunger./p
p data-p-id="41c9a77dbab899e23646590efe46b957""You must be hungry!" She said through breaths. I nodded in response as she left to serve other customers. I finished the pizza in a matter of seconds. The fries were swallowed in an instant. The drink disappeared with one gulp./p
p data-p-id="4007e4d3998e8c4b766a638953d58aa3""Well that was fast." Bisca said, refilling my Pepsi. "Now I wonder what I should do about her..." Bisca nodded to Cana./p
p data-p-id="ee1d381cf4a4830bc601076a062ab037""It's my turn to take her home!" Alzack said in the distance./p
p data-p-id="454d90686bc0ce50f70734096a5dad0d""It's always your turn! Let me do it!" Bisca then turned towards me. "Lucy, can you watch over Cana until my shift is over?"/p
p data-p-id="6c9c0f680de31e4874785a74f7c4783e""Oh sure..." I said, waving my hand over her face to see if she's awake. "Maybe I can take her home. I don't have anything else to do today anyway."/p
p data-p-id="ec00d82d5d8de24a356f3153a26cca50""I'll take care of it." A husky voice spoke. We both jumped at the sudden outburst. Behind us was a man who stood at least 6 feet tall. He had on dark orange hair with a goatee coming in. He wore a ragged cape that covered his entire body. If he weren't so old, he'd be pretty hot with all those muscles and cheerful brown eyes. "Up ya go." He said as he lifted Cana onto his shoulders./p
p data-p-id="c139db26e2c65f9dfb7bf1e35500d6ce""Umm... who are you?" I asked him suspiciously./p
p data-p-id="cb0b13f8c1a2656560a53071885dc1ce""Me? I'm her father. And you are?" He said in a sarcastic voice./p
p data-p-id="63a1d57e9518ced46de2f35f3be6b460""I'm her friend, Lucy. Pleasure to meet you, Cana's father."/p
p data-p-id="a0c6a558530f29cc29db441135def48c""Please, just call me Gildarts." He said jokingly./p
p data-p-id="fdcece790ced471e4bb6535fead81be1""Oh Gildarts!" Alzack said as he met up with us. "I can give you a ride back."/p
p data-p-id="eaf0e712e2ec44cb048a25c9275eb74c""I'll come with." Bisca piped in as she set down some drinks./p
p data-p-id="e0bd6be371df6ec693456eb431204793""There's no need, lovebirds!" Gildarts cooed. Bisca and Alzack blushed at the comment./p
p data-p-id="1e21afe376649cb56855674115497363""But she needs to get over her drinking habits." Alzack said. "We can't always take her home."/p
p data-p-id="badc6473fa421a66c3e9270470c60a31""That's what her father's for!" Gildarts laughed. "If we didn't have problems, we wouldn't be family!" There it is... that phrase again./p
p data-p-id="43ed65747df841d7b56b54a4eb204a6b""Did Layla tell you that?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="b8f76023f6fdc4a989e8aed14def52ed""Actually, yes. She brought my family back together. I'm guessing you're Layla's daughter, correct?" My eyes widened from awe./p
p data-p-id="c0feacc400e9331893436246267f0f79""How did you know?"/p
p data-p-id="468e5f649da2119edc547091544c6cf1""You're just like you're mother. Same with my sunshine. The time I got a good look at her, she was identical to her mom." He felt Cana falling off his shoulder so he hoisted her up again. Cana giggled in her sleep./p
p data-p-id="345433054b7cb56761193dcf2948b09b""Are you sure you don't want a ride?" Alzack reminded. "I can bring my car around during my break."/p
p data-p-id="644a73aa3e3fe3695a0dbb510a6c0581""It's fine. I can take care of her myself." He said as he looked to her sleepy face. "She is my little girl after all." He then left with his daughter out into the darkness. I didn't even know it grew dark./p
p data-p-id="9fa3bf8dc4c31f159b67a73b5cddd027""I guess I better go too." I said, slightly yawning. I looked at the clock to see it was already almost 9 pm./p
p data-p-id="1cc2bca453622108e6be330fa777950d""Thanks for the stopping by." Bisca replied./p
p data-p-id="7b85022dc17ffd78dad744657f8ae1a3""Thanks for having me." I waved back and stepped out into the cool air of the ocean breeze. I took in a deep breath as I walked to nowhere. I still had nowhere to go. And that's when I realized that I still have all my luggage at the beach house. I'm so stupid. How was I going to leave without any of my clothes?/p
p data-p-id="b93b862243d53effb92b350c16a15c6d"I facepalmed myself and I headed towards the dreaded beach house. I felt myself scratch at my gem again. But I still couldn't get the phrase out of my head. emIf we /ememdidn't/emem have problems, we /ememwouldn't/emem have family./em Is that true? It didn't work with me and my father. Maybe it's impossible for my family./p
p data-p-id="7be91814bd29150be80020a7cd7a0212"I caught sight of the fence and climbed over it. I saw the lights were still on in the beach house. Great, now I have to talk to them. I sighed and jumped over. I walked closer to my house, but I couldn't feel any more distant. As soon as I got to the door, I took one more breath and slowly cracked open the door. It was bright in there, but no sign of life. I breathed a sigh of relief and ran up the stairs. I saw my door was closed and opened it. Nothing was touched and was left the way I left it. I started to gather my things. Before leaving my room, I double checked to make sure I didn't leave anything behind. I then said a final goodbye to the room as I closed the door, dragging my suitcase behind me. I brought my bags down the stairs and whispered my farewell. As I headed towards the door, the door slams open. A bright red light blinds my view and I squinted to see a shadow. The shadow got closer to me and lifted me into its arms by the waist./p
p data-p-id="dcd4ce5e5a9c77e1dbe33c5ddbcb5321""Hey! What are you doing?!" I screamed at the shadow as I punched it's stomach repeatedly. "Unhand me this instant!" I heard the shadow snicker as it ran out of the house and jumped off the balcony. It ran farther towards the beach as I was dragged along. It then dropped me as I fell onto the sand. I grunted from the impact and tried to stand up. I then saw a hand extended towards me. Suddenly, the bright red light vanished and I saw a familiar boy grinning at me from ear to ear./p
p data-p-id="3fc46ead4b56c8df6cbe8b379291224f""Mission Kidnap Lucy is complete!" Natsu smiled as he helped me to my feet./p
p data-p-id="d2ba641234b1712685f2d1e5e315628c""Natsu? Why did you drag me here?"/p
p data-p-id="9faa720ef3da7864bfc1b0aa4a868ef9""We need your help of course!"/p
p data-p-id="cfd65ad97164d09448972f750dcc6ec3""No you don't. I'm just a nuisance, remember?"/p
p data-p-id="c8cae920d2e85f077bb6d220ebb6a2be""Look," Natsu said as he scratched the back of his head, looking down. "Erza may have said some things, but she didn't mean it. She's actually really sorry. Will you please help us?" Natsu gave me a sad pleading look. I wanted to refuse, but he knows I can't resist that face./p
p data-p-id="3470e829c19ec5fb4da53c89b7e9bf01""Fine, but I won't stay for too long." I mumbled./p
p data-p-id="e114345c70f7baed5c2cf6e5a034404a""That's all the time we need!" He grabbed my hand and we started running down the beach. Why would they need me? Why now? I then saw the whole team except Erza in view with the cannon. All stress flew out of me. "Guys! I brought Lucy!"/p
p data-p-id="2f19def1668de71203d32546e31442e8""Lucy!" Gray said as he ran to me. "Are you okay?" Mira then followed after him./p
p data-p-id="df06e8224ff51a0d97f69a7e45e5f363""Lucy, I'm so sorry about that!" Mira said, panting./p
p data-p-id="54a0363ca8bd9e23c1c4ce2f8e62319d""Woah woah you two! I'm fine!" I said, putting both my hands up in defense. "Where's Erza?"/p
p data-p-id="bd2c89fd2368e78c7cc8d996d066f583""She's out sulking us a plan." Gray laughed. Did I hear that correctly?/p
p data-p-id="568482d2aa35169cd01392017a765798""Never mind that, we have a plan ourselves." Natsu whispered./p
p data-p-id="6a6ef9d8c124c2ffcec488ebdabfa365""Okay, first off I need to understand what's going on." I said./p
p data-p-id="31694d064db8ecd4a48508735e02591a""Remember the giant eye in the sky?" Natsu asked. He then pointed in a direction. When I followed his gaze, my eyes widened. The gem grew at least 10 times than it's original size and it seemed to get closer by the minute. So that's where the red light came from. "In about ten minutes, it will collide the Earth and possibly cause the destruction of Beach City."/p
p data-p-id="9f93030cb1b508b0f6d03f2e599ac37d""So how do we destroy it?"/p
p data-p-id="f37c714d28c048f5be53f789ccba01c3""We already tried attacking it, but the force field around it is still protecting it. We're going to try activate the cannon again."/p
p data-p-id="bb67972c736fbd4c5915909e6873d698""But that didn't work last time!"/p
p data-p-id="f60c8907b1c87e32dc984c2704c8246f""Because you didn't say the right words." Mira said, bringing out a notepad. She handed me the pages and pointed to the last page. The first pages had some words, but we're crossed out over and over. I glanced at the page that I could read:/p
p data-p-id="bb6ec910c9c15efc212e4e96deb28542"emI, /ememLayla/emem Heartfilia, command thee to activate the cannon for the /ememsake/emem of my family!/em/p
p data-p-id="7ce800c4b51bc484ef7c5048d8283a2f""Are you sure this will work?" I said, inspecting the phrase./p
p data-p-id="6652cc18224589d1ad4fb7c3e56418b8""Just try it. We have about only 5 minutes left." Gray said, watching the gem. We then heard footsteps running towards us. I turned and my blood turned cold./p
p data-p-id="e9a49ace0a69e3d97a3496aca28e0ebe""Lucy! Is that you?" Erza called. "I want to talk to you!"/p
p data-p-id="9726b50fc7685de37e1d6c3a083e7897""Wait! Let me do this!" I yelled as I was about to incantate the words./p
p data-p-id="fc09ea94f3f3dd72931364d095a35c39""But listen-" Erza screamed, but I ignored her, placed my hand on the cannon, and yelled: "I, Layla Heartfilia, command thee to activate the cannon for the sake of my family! I, Layla Heartfilia, command thee to activate the cannon for the sake of my family! I, LAYLA HEARTFILIA, COMMAND THEE TO ACTIVATE THE CANNON FOR THE SAKE OF MY FAMILY!" I then felt the cannon move. I jumped in surprise as it started to glow. The pink cannon started up as everyone waited in anticipation. I was smiling at my accomplishment. Maybe I am helpful after all. I smiled./p
p data-p-id="8ba380f37091440ef91d9e1ff45d6f98"And then it stopped./p
p data-p-id="8061a23c4f21b9245c6800ba4ab9cc34"Everyone dropped their mouths to the floor as the cannon turned back off. The team was shocked with disappointment. I couldn't stop staring at the cannon./p
p data-p-id="d0613902207fd2ab8aa60acb24081c4a""It's ok!" Mira confided in me. "We can try again!"/p
p data-p-id="16e45102e3ac8ffa4bc24ae1bbf98a32""Mira," Gray said. "It'll be here in like two minutes." Mira's smile then faded away as she thought about it. We all started at the gem about to crash into the shore. I then felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around, expecting Natsu to tell me one of his jokes. Instead I saw emher./em/p
p data-p-id="cadaa74a46d20d7f2b2c316afc1d303b""Lucy... I'm really... I just... I wanted to... you know I..." Erza stuttered. She then took in a deep breath. "I... I'm sorry. I never should have said that. You are an asset to the Crystal Fairies and I never acknowledged that." She looked stiff with a wesk smilr. She looked hurt as she gazed up at me. She then gave me a tight hug and I was shocked. I felt the tension flow out of me as Erza hugged me tighter. "Lucy I'm so sorry. Please forgive me." Suddenly, I felt something drip down my face. I brought my hand to it and realized the multiple tears dropping. I stifled a cry as I hugged back Erza. I felt like my mom was hugging me again and it nade me want to cry even more./p
p data-p-id="65239151fa80026ebfaf7b695c59230b""Erza, it's fine. I forgive you." I said, trying to hold back my cries. I could feel everyone watching us, but I didn't care. I felt relaxed and I couldn't stop crying. It was as if the gem wasn't about to crush us. It was like I was talking to my mom./p
p data-p-id="22376b8d552f98a072ae80f51f41b472""But I said such terrible things... I shouldn't have said that." Erza wasn't crying, but her voice was cracking. We weren't perfect, but maybe this is what brings us together. Nobody's perfect. Maybe this is what true love is like. Maybe this really is my home. Maybe they are my family. I finally understood what it meant./p
p data-p-id="6724d27965b51891d066c1b11d1fca48""Don't be. " I said smiling. "If we didn't have problems, we wouldn't have family." I felt Erza flinch at the phrase, but she then held tighter. I did say Layla's line after all. I wanted time to stop so I could stay here forever. I didn't want to separate from her warm embrace./p
p data-p-id="eec5efc3cfdac80f0a5c7e1c10ffd0e7""Lucy, Erza, look!" Natsu yelled as we slowly got out of the hug. Our expressions turned into awe as the cannon was in full power and ready to fire. Everyone was as surprised as I was./p
p data-p-id="9deb394d93ad89531d7b08cc9043c6af""Th-that phrase..." Erza muttered. "Jude used to say that all the time..."/p
p data-p-id="a9fa3fe10ffef4877a24505da832f926""Don't you mean Layla?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="a00538341c8b60ced7138b96e197effb""No, it was Jude. I'm sure of it." I again was in shock, knowing now that my dad, the coldest person on earth, used to say that. I really need to find out his past before I die of surprises./p
p data-p-id="b815352173f0844707b478d4a2bd40f3""Layla really did love Jude, didn't she?" Mira said, smiling. "That's what she whispered into the cannon each time." Mira then nodded to me as I walked to the cannon. The gem was about 30 feet from the ocean now and I needed to do this quick. I gathered my courage and placed my hand on my mother's cannon./p
p data-p-id="4a8cba6fe978dbd95c9afe6f26fef393""Cannon, fire!" I said as three beams of light shot out from the cannon. Two lights swirled around one and made itself almost like a spinning spear towards the eye. Then, it went right through the force field and right into its gem. The gem shrieked and started to swell as the beam of light went through the eye. That looked like it was going to hurt. Out of nowhere, the gem exploded and the jewel fell from the sky. I caught it in my hands and gave it to Erza, clenching her hands around it. The sky turned bacck to its original night color. I looked back at the cannon, thanking my mom. Natsu was cheering my name in the back while Gray snickered at him. Mira enjoyed the view as she finally saw the stars glimmering in the sky./p
p data-p-id="4857a4987b34b56397d06b9deb37bd56"em"Layla and /ememJude/em emare/emem right." /emErza said with a smile. em"If we /ememdidn't/emem have problems, we /ememwouldn't/em emhave/emem family."/em/p