Not much to say, other than I don't own Fairy Tail, any an all mistakes I apologise for, and to thank anyone who's still reading.

Year – X784

. . .

'My names Lucy, it's nice to meet you'

. . .

Having been scouting in silence for the past week, Erza felt she had done enough to figure out the daily routines of the smuggling ring she had been tailing, enough to put an end to their operations once and for all. Having observed from afar, she had deduced that the easily twenty-something group were mostly made up of hired muscle, and that only a few were in possession of magic and those were the leaders; whether that was the intention or simply gathering as many in a short possible time, she wasn't certain, but ultimately didn't need to; they were coming to an end today.

Having taken the mission posted by the Rangers who patrolled the mountains and forests that made up half the upper kingdom, they needed someone who was specialized in tracking; despite it being their job to look after the areas, they were well known for just that and so found it hard to locate them; they were also convinced a few had magic that had been concealing them and so needed someone powerful enough to find and flush them out.

Considering it was worth 150,000 jewels, was one she wasn't going to pass up and so here she was, waiting for the for perfect moment to strike. Ten minutes later the doors opened and watching as the habitually guard changeover (she wasn't sure why they needed to change seeing as there was no one about was in process and seeing this was her opportunity, emerged from the shadows of the bushes she had been crouched by.

It happened so fast that the foursome had no idea what hit them, literally, as she gripped the first pair by the heads and slammed them together, moving as they slumped to the floor before striking the second and soon was stood over four unconscious guards, who she was quick to tie and dragging towards the cover of the trees before making her way inside.

Swiftly moving down the hall, she could feel the building was large and so unable to afford to take the time to go into every room and possibly give herself away, she closed her eyes, slamming her foot down and waited as the vibrations rippled through the metal surfaces around her. A few minutes later when the results finally came back to her, she quickly carried on; now with the knowledge of were members of the group stood, was easy to sneak up on them and subdue them.

One by one they fell to her silent attacks; none of them really seeing her until she was in front of them, and their worlds went black; in one case, it was a matter of dodging a counterattack from one with rather fast reflexes and so had avoided being hit the first time, as he crouched ready to attack, and after just dodging the force palm thrust, cursed her luck for getting one who was proficient in hand to hand, knowing a swifter action was needed, rushed to meet his strike with a block as their arms collided and pushing herself forwards, opened her mouth, the man barely had time to observe the cloud that expelled from her mouth before he was enclosed inside the dusty mist.

Taking a step back, Erza watched him cough and gag, the spores he was forcibly ingesting doing their job and a few seconds later, watched as he slumped to the floor paralysed. Kicking his side, she resumed her journey further in and towards the main section.

"We take them to the Abyss passage. There's no official influence there, so it'll be easier to get them across the border."

"Are you sure they'll pay though? We did agree a price, what if they turn ugly when they learn we're increasing the amount."

"Who cares? These things are rare as fuck; if they want them that bad, they'll pay whatever we want them to, and—"

The meeting came to an abrupt end when the doors to the room were blasted apart; springing from their seats the trio spun to the door, instantly alert and ready to attack as they watched the singular person enter the room. Erza stepped on the guard who had meant to protect them, taking care to press down as her eyes landed upon the threesome at the planning table.

"There you are."

"Who the hell are you?"

She shrugged idly, eyes still simmering with barely restrained eagerness at the prospect of a fight.

"That doesn't concern you; though you are right on one thing," watching as she slid her leg a little into a widely recognized fighting stance,

"There is no authority this far up; that means I can do whatever I like to wastes of oxygen like you, and no one will ever care."

Regarding her silently, the group's overall boss's expression fell equal parts arrogance and disdain, knowing there was nothing else for it, he stood taller, his shift prompting the others to follow suit.

"If you insist."

There was a pause, a wait to see who would hit first when the one on the far left chose to move; rushing forwards he pushed his hands together, magic gathering in his palm.

"Steel make: Chains!"

Two sets of thick, linked chains shot towards her; remaining motionless until they got within reaching distance, Erza held out her arm and allowed the shackles to wrap around, feeling the irons grip tight and with a smirk, the man started to pull, only for his face to fall when a vicious wrench brought him clean off his feet.

Maintaining her grip, the redhead yanked the steel user forwards, the other two watching as he flew towards her, before getting slammed brutally in the stomach courtesy of the green shrouded fist before his body went sailing into the wall. Watching the unconscious body of their partner slide down the now damaged wall, returned their attention back onto the newcomer, now on full guard.

Erza, for her part, was already in motion, launching herself across the room, her magic flaring with the anticipation for the battle to come and watched as they both decided to work together to try and beat her as if a tag team would be enough to stop her.

Such fools.

"Water Cyclone!"

Slamming her foot on the floor, the shock gave her a boost as she flipped over the fast-flowing water, coming to land back on the ground and had to bend her upper half when she landed in front of the other man already waiting.

"Sand Whip!"

A long thin lash appeared in his hand which he snapped around and barely avoiding being hit in the face, Erza used her hands to spring back to a safe distance. Sand magic was one she had been meaning to practise more on, but there were other sub-branches as well and admittedly she hadn't been as devoted to the art as much as she would have liked; jumping to dodge the solid ball of sand he had produced in the form of a bomb, she was starting to regret that and made a promise to make up the first chance she got.

The water user pressed forwards, mimicking his comrade, formed two lengthy whips which he used to back her up, trying to corner her; the water was cold, that much she deduced as one slapped against the wall next to her head and she glanced to see a thin slice now embedded into the solid metal; her distraction was enough for the sand mage to create shards that he swiftly hurled at her.

The fast flying compact fragments met the stone floor that she kicked up in defence; the clean sounds of the fortified sand sinking into the hastily brought up shield really had her wishing she had learnt a bit more of the sand art, as she dropped the cover and used her leg to sweep in a half crescent motion, forcing a burrowing trail of dirt to follow her movement and bringing her foot across her body and increasing in speed, the trailing mound of crushed stone collided into the water wielder, sweeping him off his feet.

He landed with a thud on the floor, but didn't intend to stay there for long and was about to jump back up when the oddest sensation of his own water crept over him; confused, he looked down and his eyes went wide to find the stone around him melting into liquid; the once solid mineral now turned fluid, spread over his torso, creating a sticky mess that ran to his arms up to his hands and down to his legs and feet, before he felt the gooey substance turn hard once more; returning to its original state he found he could no longer move his body, and no matter how hard he tried to shift, the newly dense stone remained inflexible… he couldn't even use his hands to try blast the stone apart.

With the water manipulator out of the way and seeing how she had reduced their two to one, the other man had taken to creating a ring of sand to use as a buffer, with Erza currently on the outside and frowning at the high-speed circle keeping him protected.

She really, really had to get back to learning this sub-art as it was annoying as hell how he was smirking at her as if he had already won. He hadn't won anything, and she would make him regret that thought.

She might have neglected sand, but there was one technique that her dad had taught her; another way of gaining the advantage in battle if the odds weren't in your favour, as long as you were skilled enough to know how to use it.

All life had energy. The entire planet had energy—was energy, and it was one thing to be able to see it, as that was easy in the forms of animals, trees and humans … even magic had its own separate energy as otherwise how would it exist. To say one could see it would only be on a superficial level, to actually 'see' and 'feel' one needed to be connected with the earth and the very nature itself. And Erza Belserion was just that person.

She was also, that person strong enough to be able to manipulate the energy of those around her, and one such way was draining the very strength from their bodies. It wasn't something she did often, as she had no reason to and could turn bad very fast; but it was something she knew, and so steadying herself, closed her eyes allowing her own energy to reach out and feel for his.

Behind his barrier, the man's eyes narrowed in confusion as he took in her almost meditative state; seeing her so motionless and not expressing the anger he had seen on her face, wondered what trick she was trying to play. But her momentary nonparticipation had given him the idea to attack and so bringing his other arm up, began to condense another sand bomb.

This time, he made sure to condense more fortified spikes that he concealed within the sphere ready to explode out once it hit her and fuelled more power into his attack until he felt it growing too heavy for his arm and without waiting, pitched it hard in the redheads direction, waiting for the moment it would make contact.

The sphere made it halfway before it crumbled into nothing, dissolving harmlessly, rushed down like a waterfall to the floor; similarly, the sand ring protecting him also broke down, the gritty particles joining the rest of the scattered pile that decorated on the floor.

Dropping to his knees, the man struggled to stay awake; feeling his eyes heavy with the sudden lethargy that came from nowhere… it was as if he had expended his entire magic reserves, leaving him feeling drained and fought the bone consuming tiredness that had swept over him so unforgivingly. Slowly lifting his head, he barely had the strength to looked shock as his opponent was now watching him.

Having found his aura and latched on with her own, more powerful one; Erza proceeded to overwhelm his internal energy, giving it no room to fight back or replenish as she slowly siphoned away his magical and physical strength, and opened her eyes to see him having nearly slumped to the floor, his own dark brown orbs near slits in his total forced exhaustion, though he managed - with a herculean amount of effort - to lift his now heavy neck and glare sluggishly at her.

"Wh-what have you done to me?"

His words were whispered, but alone in the resounding silence, they sounded like shouts as she observed his defeated form for a moment, knowing there was no way he was going to regain his strength soon, unless he had a form of energy magic of his own, which she doubted as there weren't many people with the power or knowledge to use such a practise.

"Bringing an end to your pathetic life of crime." She paused, eyes cutting around the room before they fell back to his.

"I'd take a good long look if I were you; as all that you've accrued has been for nought," forcing one last push against him, he keeled over unconscious. Having felt the last of his stamina drained from him, he didn't have another ounce to give and so tipped sideways, crashing down in a dead faint and leaving the redhead to regard his unmoving form carefully.

He was still alive; it would just be some time before he regained enough of his sapped energy to wake and by then he would be firmly under the authorities eye, but first she had to get him there, and so took a step closer, but the muted sounds of whimpers had her pausing and turned to find a pair of terrified eyes focused on her.

Staring at the clearly freaked out water user, her face pinched in a mild frown; she had forgotten about him, as his moans of fear increased upon seeing her focus aimed at him.

"Pl-please… I-I … didn't mean to cause any harm; he's my brother you see, and he's always looked after me since our family died. It was just a few robberies at first, but then it got bigger and I was too scared to back out and whatever you did to him, please don't do to me!"

His last words came out as stifled sobs and Erza pulled back, repulsed at the sight of a grown man crying before she clenched her hand and the stone that had been keeping him down transmuted into liquid once more.

"Get up."

Shaking but complying, the younger man staggered to his feet, before yelping when from nowhere stone shackles forced his hands together and he watched in silence (his feet were still stuck to the floor) as she gathered the first man and then moved to his brother, eyeing in shock at how easy she dragged his deadweight body from the ground and turning back to him, he shivered at the hardness in her gaze before the bindings at his feet disappeared and she nodded to the door.

"Walk."

By the time they emerged from the base, it was to the sight of the mountain Rangers waiting. Having alerted them via the Lacrima transmitter, she was actually surprised to see them there so soon; perhaps they had been close by and didn't give it another thought as she dropped the pair back to the ground ready for them to be put in the awaiting carriages

Job done, all that was left was for the Rangers to clear out the newly abandoned base, as the head guard dealt with the formalities and after a few minutes of talking, gave over the account code that contained her reward. Once that was completed and with nothing else left, she took her leave.

The best part about finishing a quest—besides having successfully kicked peoples arses that is, was the time spent relaxing afterwards; and to her, nothing was more relaxing than camping in the forest. Or woods, if you lived in Magnolia, and never one for returning home straight after completing a mission, Erza decided to spend the remaining day taking in the forest, she, admittedly, had never really looked upon.

A mistake very much her own, as she wandered down the track, bag hitched across her shoulder she made sure to take in every little part she passed. The land was a majestic masterpiece. On either side of the trail for as far as she could see, stood thick, tall trees of every shape and variety, each spanning different sizes and shaded with a diversity of colour: red, green yellow, orange… not one the same colour and all giving a lively effervescence to the trees, painting the foliage with such striking beauty that she lost count of the times she stopped and simply took in the mesmeric scenery laid out before her.

A little to the east and a few hundred yards away, there lay a river. The huge rushing waterway crashed over the many boulders that ornamented the bedrock and was so clean that she could smell it from where she stood.

It was teeming with life also. The unpolluted water allowing various aquatic life to flourish under the surface in abundance. It wasn't just the river to, all around her she could hear the sounds of the many animals that dwelt inside the rich overgrown forest; the shrieks of the birds from above as they hunted for their food, to the land-living creatures unconcerned about anything other than the peaceful way they lived in the harmonious forest. This truly was an unspoiled haven, and any frustration she had felt whilst on the mission, vanished, all that was left was a calmness one could only find immersed in nature. Setting off again, she wandered around for a little while, until the dimming of the light turned her focus into finding a place to make camp for the evening.

The good thing about Earth magic (just one of many) as she came across a flat piece of land next to a small pool of water she figured would do her for the night, was that it made the issue of carrying what would be deemed 'important' equipment none existent as with a lift of her arm, two slabs of angled rock sprung up and fell together forming a tent which would see her through until the morning, before chucking her bag down to use as a pillow and went to search for some wood for the fire she knew she'd need that night.

. . .

'Alright then, it's settled. You're going to be a part of our team.'

. . .

The best thing about being solo was that she didn't have to bother with the hassle being in a team presented. Upon waking a little after dawn, and performing her mandatory morning routine, settled on a chaise – a little out of place, but who was going to see it - the book Makarov had recommended in hand, with the hopes of getting at least a quarter of the way through, figured the quietness the middle of nowhere afforded was the perfect place to start.

It had taken her the best part of the first year, upon joining the guild, to be able to reach the same level of reading and writing as the people her age. It seemed her level of both wasn't up to the same standards and as much as it frustrated her, could understand. Her dad had tried his best, but given their nomadic and rather reclusive lifestyle, items such as books were something of a rarity and getting them had been an arduous task- especially seeing as there weren't many people who could read themselves, she had been lucky just to have that.

It was somewhat disheartening, but it wasn't going to stop her; the need to be the best in all she did, not the only aspect in what pushed her on, the very real fear of someone stumbling upon them and discovering her secret, that was the main driving force behind her determination to master all he put in front of her. Practising daily, over and over until eventually, he was pleased to say they had reached a point where they no longer needed to continue their surreptitious lessons; but there was still the odd occasion where she would visit him when there was something she didn't understand.

He had also been there to celebrate her gaining S-class status. During their times together and the many conversations that followed, he had divulged more about life at the guild; informing her of all the events that take place and there was perhaps none more important, then the promotional trials. A pretty exclusive club if she was hearing things right, given that out of all the members, only 3 people held the title, and so was determined to encourage as many as he could to aim for the test and boost the ranks, so he didn't fall behind.

To who he never said and truthfully, she didn't care, the only thing that had piqued her interest was the fact that Ikaruga and the demon bitch had been having a good year and as such, he had been seriously considering putting them down as candidates. She didn't consider either to be the adversaries they undoubtedly thought of each other, but she had to admit, there was something appealing in crushing the hopes they clearly had of besting one other when it came to milestones; and what could be more perfect than attaining the ultimate rank before their fated rival? Even more, rage inducing when they lost to one who didn't even see them as such.

She had to smirk at the picture that presented. The white-haired witch and her no doubt furious expression when she learnt that her efforts had been wasted, all her hopes of gaining the coveted title had been so satisfyingly stolen from her, at least for that year anyway. Well, that just settled it, and so learning of when the trials took place, made sure to work extra hard to ensure he thought her a suitable contender… though really, compared to the other third-rate wizards that hung to the guild name; it wasn't like he had a hard time in choosing.

So when the time neared that the trials were due; she was pleased to learn she had been named as one of the nominees (much to Mira's dismay) along with the demon herself, the Requip mage, and two others she didn't know the names of.

Looking back, she had to wonder if a scavenger hunt really was the best Makarov could come up with. Though the monsters were an appreciated touch, overall it just seemed like an insult to their abilities, and given her naturally enhanced senses it was all too easy to be able to sniff out the emblem pieces or find them underground thanks to her seismic shift technique; so unsurprisingly when he announced her the winner, having had the fastest time out of all who took part, she found the victory to be hollow…. The only good to come from it was the terrible mood she knew the takeover mage would be in by the end.

Of course, she wasn't the only one that had been angry, Ikaruga was as well, but interestingly enough, she noted, the other girl wasn't fuming at her for having snatched away the title, she looked angry at herself. Upset by her own failure, it also didn't go unnoticed the look of despair that crossed the Requip users face when she thought none around to see it. Unsure as to why that might have been, but overall not giving it much thought again, Erza contented herself by silently gloating in the direction of the incensed demon.

The year later, both had been awarded the title, by coming in joint first, Makarov, seeing no issue whatsoever with rules, gleefully bestowed them with the honoured rank.

He might have been there to celebrate her victory, but he was the only one. As per her wish he held back on holding a party to mark the day she gained the distinct title, and wholly aware he was saddened by that choice, nevertheless still graced her with a smile and a small cake.

Three years she had been a member of the guild, and in all that time not once had she ever tried to integrate herself with the others, not once had she tried to fit in.

Not once did she think herself a true member of the family.

She liked Makarov; he was, after all, the only person to whom she had come to respect; but just because he was a bleeding heart who enjoyed being around others didn't mean she did. She thrived off the silence being alone gave her, preferred the solitude she got from her own company, and as much as she valued the man and all he had done for her, his repeated attempts at getting her to socialize wasn't actually doing a thing to change her mind. If anything it was just making the issue more tedious to listen to.

The only thing she wanted to do, was to get on with this new life she had been forced to make for herself. The days of wishing for her old one, long since left behind as nothing but a childish fantasy, and one she had to regret clinging onto for so long

She had a family, she had a happy life, and now she didn't.

She didn't need another one.

End of.

They all thought her a bitch anyway. Someone who was far too good for their humble little guild, and only deigned to grace them when she felt like it – which was never; - she didn't have to be around to hear the whispers and so if that was how they felt then let them think that; their optimism grated on her anyhow.

Promising to always be there for each other… she couldn't think of anything worse; if that was the oath they swore, then they could keep it; promises like that served nothing but heartache and resentment for the one who had broken it… she should know.

She had plenty of experience with feeling resentment.

…

Great, she was starting to sound like a generic sob story.

Tired of waxing depression, she hastily pushed the maudlin thoughts down and got back to her book, focused on making a start, opened to the first page and allowed herself to get lost within the world of underwater cities and humans with intelligence far beyond their years, all the while praising Makarov for his eccentric tastes in reading material, they certainly never left her bored.

Hours could have passed, she wouldn't have known, fully engrossed in her reading that the cries didn't register at first, still absorbed in the pages it was only when she got to the end and went to turn over, did they finally reach her ears.

"Help."

Concentration lost, she lifted her head and glanced around the empty area, frowning at the nothingness and wondering if she had imagined it. But then it sounded again.

"Help!"

Nope, definitely not imagining it; setting her book down, she waited again, ears tuning into the air around her as she listened and frowned when the cry rang out again; this time accompanied by laughter and so pushing herself to her feet, lifted her nose to the air and was soon following the newly picked up scent as it led her to where the noises came from.

"Help!"

It didn't take her long to find the source, even if she couldn't have smelt them out the wailing was enough of a beacon and soon came upon the sight of a cat in trouble.

Wait … cat?

Emerging into the small clearing, her eyes fell upon the sight presented to her and wondered for a moment if she had fallen asleep. Clinging to the side of a trunk for all it was worth, a small cat was doing its best to avoid the long stick prodding its rump, an occasional hiss leaving its lips in an attempt to deter its tormentors but to no avail, as its efforts were merely met with giggles and further pokes. Helplessly stuck in its predicament, the cat sighed but looked as something in its peripheral caught its eyes and they lit up once they landed on the older girl.

Amber eyes locked with dark brown as the feline instantly brightened at the thought of being saved, before calling out once more, its face expressing its misery.

"Help!"

Still not entirely sure this wasn't a dream, Erza glanced towards the culprits and watched the two small children laugh as they continued to jab the poor cat and no matter if this was merely a figment of her imagination, she wasn't about to stand and allow any animal to suffer-fabrication or not.

A sharp whistle caused the stick the boy was holding, to clatter to the ground and both spun around as their eyes widened at the sight of the redhead, who was staring at them flatly. Silence followed her presence, as her eyes cut to the cat still hanging to the tree.

"Let it go."

Further silence at her demand; taking the chance at their distraction, the cat leapt from the tree and skittered around the children and much to her surprise, ran right towards the taller girl, taking cover behind her legs; but the sound of the boys angry cry didn't give her time to look down as she lifted her head back up.

"Problem?"

She asked, taking in his spiteful face, watching him nod as he pointed at the cat. "That's ours!"

A beat went by, her brow arching at the bad-mannered remark; still watching the small children with a bored eye, she let her head drop down to where the cat was cowering and scoffed before glancing back to them once more.

"Why do I find that hard to believe."

The boy sneered and stepped closer; his face pulled into a peevish scowl as he pointed the newly picked up stick towards the scared feline.

"It's true! We found it fair and square, that means it's ours. So give it back."

Amazed at the audacity of the uncouth brat, Erza looked back to the small cat and gave it a silent once over before nudging it to get its attention.

"This little cretin here claims he found you fair and square… is that true?"

Predictably the cat shook its head vehemently, earning an indignant outcry from the small boy and with that Erza felt satisfied that the issue had been solved. Not that she was ever going to believe the kid in the first place and pursed her lips before glancing back the twosome.

"Well, there you have it. Clearly, the cat thinks differently and quite frankly I'm more inclined to take its word over yours; so I suggest you be a good little boy and go away."

With nothing else said and seeing the matter firmly resolved, Erza turned and began making her way back to her camp, getting to the edge before taking a step to the side, when a small rock that had been thrown her way sailed passed. Feeling already the beginnings of a stress headache fast approaching, she spun on her heel to face the boy who had thrown it.

Watching her walk away, seeing the small feline speedily follow, his immature brain quickly turned to anger and ignoring the muted protests of his sister, bent and picked up the nearest rock. She was going to pay for taking what was his and so without waiting, launched it at her back.

Only to have it miss completely as she side-stepped the oncoming assault and upon meeting his furious stare, didn't even react before the ground underneath his feet seemed to move. Two sets of cries rang up in the air; one a shocked yelp that came from the boy whose body was locked in an invisible grip, and the other a panicked scream as the young girl watched her brother's body be pulled like a puppet, closer to where the taller woman stood.

He kicked and squirmed in a bid to break free, but the hold was too strong as a shadow over him halted his struggles and he lifted his head slowly, as frightened blue eyes widened upon meeting apathetic amber; and despite her more than apparent disinterest in the whole situation-having stopped caring the moment the cat managed to jump away-she still wasn't about to let some bratty little child think he could get away with attempting to harm her person and so with a slow lift of her hand, he was forced to her eye level.

More cries erupted from the pair, the boy felt something sold connect with the bottom of his feet and a small grunt was forced from his lips before his body was lifted and his heart beat furiously when he opened his eyes once more to find himself now face to face with her; and the strong tension that was hanging in the air, felt heavy against his skin, a tingle running down his spine, like ice water that earned a shiver and all the anger he had felt instantly vanished, leaving him with the increasing fear as he stood quivering in front of her.

Observing all the ignorant bravado melt away, replaced by rising distress, Erza sighed internally. This was why she didn't bother with kids; they were just too troublesome and annoying to deal with; their overly confusing and very quickly changing moods were more of a pain to handle than adults and winced when she caught the sheen of tears that were threating to shed.

The sooner she sent them scurrying, the sooner she'd be able to get back to her reading.

Hearing his muted whimpers when she refocused on him, her lip curled involuntarily and the brief flashing of her teeth, caused him more fear when he spied the sight of lengthened canines in what should have been, an ordinary looking mouth

"I'm going to assume that act of foolishness, is merely due to whatever brain you possess up here," he flinched as her knuckle rapped the side of his temple

"Has yet to be blessed with common sense, and so I'm only going to say this once: I do not appreciate assaults upon my person, from anyone – children included - is that your sister over there?"

The small girl in question, trembled when cinnamon coloured hues met hers and the boy started to squirm again more forcefully, clearly panicked at the thought of something happening to his sister as he heard her tiny sob and tried to lash out in his desperation to reach her before the older woman did.

"I'm not going to do anything," she promised upon seeing their tear-stricken cheeks; far from it, she was eager to be rid of them quicker and so leaned in closer, making sure that his attention was on nothing but her; a feat impossible to ignore owing to her imposing aura.

"But remember this little boy… just in case that infantile temper gets the better of you again. If I find you have been treating any animal, the abysmal way you were with this cat… I'll bury you so far underground it'll be your sisters' kids that will be digging you out… understood."

His head was in danger of falling off he was nodding that fast, satisfied he had been reasonably terrified, she let him go, as he dropped to the floor before scrambling to his feet and racing to where his sister stood. Grabbing her arm, he yanked with him and nearly pulled it from its socket as they ran from the older woman, with only a fleeting look back to make sure she wasn't following, disappeared through the trees.

Without another second spared on them, Erza turned and resumed her delayed journey back to camp; only getting a few steps when the rapid pattering of steps had the cat follow on after her.

"Well, that was just horrendous."

Right… he talked… was that a thing, could all cats speak like a human, she sincerely hoped not; recalling the time she happened to cross paths with Natsu in the bakery and had been surprised (not that she showed it) to find him with a talking blue cat. Of course, her mild fascination with such an oddity quickly faded when it became clear the blue monstrosity wouldn't shut up; especially where fish was concerned and for a brief moment, a flash of worry overcame her, causing her stride to slow mildly.

Was this cat going to be the same? Was all it going to talk about, was how yummy fish were.

"You don't like fish, do you."

Whatever else the cat was going to say, got lost in his throat as he lifted up to look at her. "I beg your pardon?"

"Do you like fish," her question was curt, but he heard the almost worried edge her tone held, eyes mimicking the same near dread as she focused her gaze at him carefully and not sure why she was asking, shrugged.

"I can take it or leave it."

Well it wasn't what she was expecting, but it sounded like a good sign he wasn't in adoration of the thing enough to make a speech and so gave him a nod before carrying on her way, leaving him to watch her go, confused and wondering if he was right to follow her, but seeing as he had no other option, picked up his pace.

"You know, it was a good thing you came by when you did. I wasn't sure how long I could have held off before I had to do some serious damage."

Feigning interest, Erza merely hummed but caught the back end of his statement and a snort had him looking once more to find an amused smirk on her face.

"What?"

She looked disbelieving earning a frown from the tiny feline who brought the pair back to a stop yet again, suspicion growing on his face and small brows dipped when he put it together.

"You don't think I could… see these?"

Glancing to where he held his paws up, small claws slowly unsheathed and to her furthering amusement, he swiped them down in a flurry of gesture; a look of intense intimidation on his face that she assumed, was meant to be scary, but to her just made him look bewildered and maybe a little winded

"These are lethal… deadly… formidable weapons of anyone's doom who stands in their way, and— are you even listening?"

He scowled as he saw her wavering attention turn the opposite way and crossed his paws over his chest.

"Great. Out of everyone that I could have come across, I end up with the one person who makes a fishes attention span seem envious."

She snapped her head back to him, "I thought you didn't like fish."

. . .

"I should have just taken my chances with the kids."

Eventually, they began their walk again and not long after made it back to camp where he came across the earth created tent; observing it in silence before finally nodding.

"Handy,"

Erza had moved to pick up her book from where she had left it, before sliding her foot over the floor, the chaise she had intended to use, dispersed back into the dirt it had come from, the ground flat as though it had never been touched at all.

Turning, she went to do the same to the tent, only to pause when the sight of items—items that should have been in her bag, was now flying through the air; a frown slowly forming and ignoring the fact she'd have to pick them up, moved to the entrance of the shelter

"What do you think you're doing?"

Her lips curled in revulsion at the rather unattractive sight of his rear as he rummaged through her pack, withdrawing a moment later, a pleased look adorning his furry face as he held a small pouch of what she knew, to be her peanuts in his paws. Peanuts she had been saving and was severely displeased when he sat down and tipped them up, shovelling them into his mouth.

Watching as he munched on the salted snacks, her growing scowl reached new heights of irritation as he tossed the now empty pouch on the floor and dived back inside her bag; a cry of triumph as he extracted, this time, the baggy of beef strips and gazed at them with a ravenous eye.

Licking his chops, he went to devour them as he had the nuts but found himself chewing empty air and opened his eyes to find the redhead staring at him vexingly, the strips of meat clutched in her hand.

"Seriously, what are you doing."

"I'm hungry,"

Tawny orbs narrowed. "So that gives you right to eat all my food does it?"

"I'm hungry," the cat repeated slowly, staring at her like she was an idiot for asking.

"And that's my problem how?" she paused a moment, "For that matter, where did you actually come from?" now giving it more thought as she hadn't bothered before, watched his mildly bold demeanour seemed to vanish and her brow arched at his newly displayed moroseness, as he slowly sat down and began to tell her his story.

It had surprised her greatly, to learn he had been at the base; having been a part of the smuggler's stolen cargo, had been left in a cage for some weeks before he had been able to break free. After she had smashed the ring and delivered them for arrest, it had been left to the Rangers to clear out the building, and upon coming across his carrier, had been startled when he moved, dropping the crate causing the lock to loosen which in turn allowed him to push against the door, and make a bid for freedom.

But it seemed in his haste to flee, he had overestimated how fast he was flying, and hadn't been able to avoid slamming into the side of a tree. With one of his wings injured, he could nothing else but walk; as he had in circles for a while before being found by the two children, which was where she eventually found them as he had tried to run away from them too, before being rescued by the redhead.

Having stayed silent throughout his story, two things came to mind: one, was that all smugglers really were nothing but scums and the second, and probably the most important detail she gleaned from his tale, was could all cats fly?

But he did look rather forlorn and so gathered there was something else bothering him, not that she really wanted to ask, seeing as she wasn't good at offering comfort to anyone, much less a cat; but she also couldn't stand having a mopey tag-along which she was quickly realising, might be the case, so it was in everyone's interest (mostly her own) to get it sorted.

"They take you from your family?"

He looked to find her watching him and mulled on her question; Erza's eyes narrowing upon the imperceptible flash of sorrow that crossed his features before he schooled it into a look, she was very much acquainted with and shrugged blithely.

"Not that I can remember. For so long it's just been me and then a bunch of unhygienic imbeciles; if I had a family… they're most likely long gone by now."

His voice trailed off, leaving him looking small and the redhead uncomfortable. Dam those fucking scumsuckers… if she could go back, she'd do a lot more than just take their energy, as her eyes landed on his now slightly hunched form and sighed.

She couldn't do anything about the family part, having no clue on where he had been stolen and from what he had said, he didn't know either; but she couldn't stand to see him looking so sad, it really was like looking at a kicked puppy, only in cat version and a lot more pitiful. He heard her sigh and lifted his head to find her expression pensive, before finally voicing her thoughts.

"I think you are correct in assuming that wherever your family are, they are no longer in the place you last remember,"

He looked downcast at that, but nodded nonetheless, allowing her to continue as she leant back on an arm to prop herself up.

"But if you wish; I shall gladly take you to the nearest town so that perhaps we can see about finding you a new place to live."

Little ears perked up at her offer, and he looked back to find her waiting for his response, "You mean it?"

Watching as she nodded, he smiled wide-tiny fangs on show and she refrained from the sudden urge to pet his head, and instead offered him another, slightly tighter smile as his tail wiggled from side to side with his newfound joy.

"So where is the closest town?"

That was a good question, as she went to reach for her bag, only to remember that most of her stuff now littered the ground, and with a dry glare thrown his way, rolling her eyes at the offered sheepish one in return, looked about until she found the parchment close to the shrubs.

Opening it out and spreading it across her lap, she gazed down as shuffling saw the cat moving to sit next to her; coming to rest by her side, but not before taking the baggy of beef parts earning a slight shake of her head at his pilfering paws; but stayed silent at just how tightly he seemed to be keeping grip on the bag and focused on the map in front of her.

"Alright, the nearest town would be Clover, and that's at least half a day's walk from here. So if we take the disused track, we should be able to make it by evening… just after teatime." Folding the map over and standing up, she began to gather her things.

"We have to… walk?"

Looking over her shoulder, it was to find his expression now one of distaste and frowned. "Of course. What did you expect?"

Stuffing a piece of beef into his mouth, small shoulders shrugged. "I don't know, when you mentioned that track, I thought perhaps there would be a train, you know… it is a track."

Folding her jacket and shoving it in her bag, she wouldn't be needing it, the sun was already blazing, she turned back to him with a pointed glance.

"Yes, but I also said it was disused; there is a reason hardly any transport comes up here, and a large part of that has to do with it not being fiscally sustainable. Besides, even if there were any, I'd have still been walking anyway."

His nose wrinkled at her words, "Really?" watching her nod and with a slam of her foot, eyed with some fascination, the earth tent melt back into the ground leaving the area flat once more,

"Really. It's a lot healthier, you get to see more of the scenery and myself and trains have never mixed well."

He looked on, a little puzzled by that, but anything he wanted to say faded from his lips when he watched as she slung her bag over her shoulder and turned to start walking.

"Wait—we're going now?"

Without stopping or looking back, she nodded leaving him sitting with his bag of beef, to stare at her retreating form. It wasn't until she was nearly out of sight did awareness finally strike, and he scrambled to his paws – shoving whatever food was left back inside the bag before running after her. Once he was close enough, he took a flying leap and she paused when she felt him clinging to her shoulder, and observed in silence, as he struggled to pull himself upright; but eventually managed to swing his legs over, a satisfied smile on his face as he made himself comfortable for what was sure to be, a long journey ahead.

"What?"

He caught sight of her questioning gaze, looking unrepentant in his obvious intentions for a free ride.

"You said it yourself, it's going to be a good while before we get there, and normally I'd be flying some of the way, but since I've hurt my wing, I can't and so have to carry me instead."

Such cheek, still staring at him, he bounced a little in his spot, legs gently rocking and pointed onwards,

"Well Clover isn't going to get any closer if we just stay here, you know. Come on … get moving."

Lips thinned at his words; hands clenched at her sides; she quashed the impulse to punt the little creature as far from her as possible. Such impudence…

Anyone who dared have the audacity to try command her like a donkey would have seen the wrong side of her fists, she wasn't sure what the rules for beating up a talking cat were, and truthfully, had no time or desire to care, he was right anyway.

If they did wish to make it before total darkness then they'd have to make a start now.

Inwardly cursing demanding cats and auspicious timings that saved their scrawny hinds, she resumed walking, pointedly ignoring the sly little smirk that now decorated his face as he continued to eat her food.

. . .

'But… Lullaby,'

. . .

'What could this mean?'

. . .

. .