Just want to correct something before this starts: I typed wrongly in one of the previous chapters, saying it was June when it should have been, in fact, May. I changed it already, but those who read it earlier on might still think it's June so… yeah, it's May in the story now ok!
Enjoy~!
~ Homework ~
Sensei lifted his light pen and began writing in his cursive handwriting. 'The Greatest Hero of my Life' I read the words in my head.
"This is your homework for today," he announced to the class. "I want all essays submitted to me on Friday. That's all."
"Rise!" The class representative shouted. The clutter of chairs and the sound of metal legs scratching against the floor followed. "Bow!"
"Thank you, sensei!" The class bowed and thanked him. Then sensei left and a wave of lively chatter swept over the classroom as that marked the end of school for today.
"Bye, Lucy!" Juvia said before grabbing her bag and leaving the classroom with Gray. They were headed for the pool again today.
With a heavy sigh, I slumped back into my seat and stared at the study material before me. I'd always wanted to go to school but my father never allowed it. Who knew joining Fairy Tail would give me that opportunity?
It was exactly how I imagined it would be: following a fixed routine, doing the same boring things every day, and feeling exhausted at the end of each day. Not to mention, I have to adhere to a bunch of school rules and cope with piles of homework as well.
But… I still like it.
Even though the routine is monotonous, every day is actually different. The people I attend classes with, when everybody gets together, even the most boring lessons can seem fun. It's like Fairy Tail but without magic and the primary mission is to ace all the tests.
"It's tough being a student huh?" Éclair turned around.
"Huh? Eh, yeah," I said.
"Seriously, there's too much homework! Math! History! Now an essay! Argh, I'm going crazy!"
I giggled at her vivaciousness and energetic animation. "I know! And he only gave us two days to complete that essay."
Éclair suddenly became all forlorn and she replied, "Yeah… My greatest hero huh…" She pondered. "I wonder who I should write about."
"Me too," I said. Probably Mama though?
"Your pink-haired friend didn't come pick you up today?" She got up and began packing up her stuff.
"Natsu?" I replied. "No, he joined the karate club so he can't come on Wednesdays anymore."
"I see," she said. "Well, I made plans with my other friends so I'll see you tomorrow!" She waved with a smile and left.
"See you," I smiled back.
Soon, I was the only one left in class – just me and a whole lot of free time.
I sighed to myself. How I wished it would be 5pm soon, I thought as I glanced at the clock in front of the class.
The Greatest Hero of my Life
My mother is the greatest hero of my life.
No, that starting is too plain. I drew a line across that sentence.
A hero is someone who has made a big difference and changed the lives of others. My mother is the most important person in my life and she is my hero.
Urgh, that's too cheesy. I scratched out those lines. Then I noticed the paper had gotten too untidy so I crushed it and tossed it aside. Using a fresh sheet of paper, I rewrote the title at the top and thought for a while before beginning again.
For as long as I can remember, my mother has always been my greatest source of strength. She
…How should I describe her?
She was a
Hmm… Impatiently, I tapped my pen on the desk repeatedly.
She was a kind, caring and compassionate woman who
Hmm… …
… …
"AAHHH–! This is too difficult!" I grabbed my hair and yelled in exasperation.
I put my pen down and looked at the progress. It wasn't much. I had been trying to write the introduction to that essay for about thirty minutes now but to no avail. I guess the urge to write just isn't with me today. I looked at the clock and it said 16:09.
Another 51 minutes to go… What shall I do until then? I looked around the empty dorm room. To the library? Or… should I go for a walk?
I decided to take a stroll.
I lingered around the great room on the first floor for a moment before I decided to go back to school. I sauntered through the peaceful castle town leisurely to get there. When I arrived, instead of heading straight indoors, I decided to take a different route. I went around the castle and cut through the garden. The gentle breeze felt soothing and it blew away my thoughts momentarily.
"Lucy!"
"Oh! Erza!" I turned around to see that familiar redhead. "Monsieur Sol is not with you?" I asked.
"Yeah, he's actually a real teacher here so I patrol alone sometimes. He teaches French!"
"Ah, that's right," I said.
There was an awkward silence for a while as we strolled in the garden. How long has it been since I was alone with Erza?
"Where's Natsu?" She suddenly realized his absence.
"Oh, he went for karate club," I said.
"I see…" She replied. "Must be boring when he's not around huh?"
"It's okay. I spend the time doing homework."
"Oh! How's it?" She smiled warmly. "Is it fun being a student?"
"Yeah!" I nodded. "But I don't think I want to be a student for much longer. What with that huge amount of homework… Ugh."
"Haha, isn't that great? It's a challenge!"
"Heh, I guess," I said. "Actually I wouldn't be out patrolling with you if it weren't for that essay."
"What essay?" Erza asked. "Although I've never actually been to school, I might be able to help."
"Hmm…" I contemplated how I should put it across. "Erza is very strong so I don't know…"
"Huh?"
"Erza, do you have a hero?" I asked.
"A hero? As in someone who rescues other people?"
"Yeah, something like that. Or… somebody who gives you strength."
"Like comrades?"
"Eh?" I had never thought of it like that. "Now that you mentioned it, I guess comrades are kind of like heroes too. But I was thinking of, like, just one person, the most important hero out of all – the greatest hero of your life."
"Hmm…" Her expression changed from one of thoughtfulness to one of amorous bliss. I knew right away what was on her mind. "If it's the greatest hero of my life, then yeah, I do," she replied. "I have one. The person who comes to my aid, the person who gives me strength… He's the one who makes me laugh, the one who takes all my pain away, the one who makes me forget all my troubles…"
"…The one who protects me with all his might." We both said at the same time.
We looked at each other and broke into smiles.
"I think I have a better idea now," I said.
"That's good. Did that help your essay?"
"Yeah! I know what to write now! In fact, I'm going back to write it now," I told her. "If you run into Natsu later, tell him I'll see him at dinner time! Bye!"
I ran back to the dormitory with newfound inspiration.
…He is always there when I need him the most. Just by being with him, I feel like there is nothing I cannot accomplish. With him, I am unafraid. With him, I dare to be me. With him, I become a better person. Natsu is the best gift fate has bestowed unto me. He is the greatest hero of my life.
It was nearly dinner time when I finished writing the essay. I stretched lethargically in my chair. I had just poured out an ocean of feelings onto four pages and it felt great. It took me a chat with Erza to finally realize Mama was the heroine in my life, not the hero.
Natsu Dragneel is the greatest hero of my life.
… …wait a second… …WAIT A SECOND–!?
I snatched up the paper and looked through my essay again.
…Natsu Dragneel is… …being a Dragon Slayer… …Fairy Tail is warmer…
What was I thinking?! I can't submit this! Not if I want everybody to find out about the mission and about our identities as wizards.
Damn! Now I have to rewrite the whole thing!
Inspired by Fairy Tail x Rave Master Special! Have you watched it yet? I have! ^^
Erm. I wrote this in a few hours so I guess it's not much. The last part where Lucy writes about Natsu in her essay is definitely not what people usually write in their homework but... what can I say? She got carried away.
I hope you liked this little story. Please leave a review! I haven't finished writing Chapter 18 if you are wondering… still writing it.
Thanks for the support! ^^