Alright guys! Just like I promised here's the next chapter! You guys wanted to get the Erza and Kera chapter out of the way so here it is and I hope you guys enjoy it. Now I'm going to start on my Archangel chapter. I will be doing an individual chapter for both Archangel and Gray since I have been neglecting them slightly. I will also make a chapter with Kera and Wendy and maybe, just maybe even one with Laxus and another one with Sting. Also since I'm getting better I probably will be getting back to my writing here.
Now to the chapter. I have been wanting to do something like this and wondered who should be who, but I think I done a good job here... hopefully. So I hope you guys enjoy this and the next chapter will be about Archangel and Kera!
Also I deleted the notice and put this in it's stead so don't be confused!
Guest1: I have to say that I haven't thought about it. I haven't played much of Dark Souls but I will think about it. Maybe get some ideas for new enemies and Demons.
Liz: I like that idea. I probably will put it in at some point ;)
Reader: I know I've been neglecting her. I haven't forgot about her, but I got too caught up with just the people the chapters were about, but I'm trying to change that. So expect more Archangel in the future!
EC: I know I neglected her, but the next chapter will be with Archangel so don't worry.
Kelaino: I apologize for that, I'm trying to fix my mistake, but the next two chapters will be with Archangel and Gray, so hang on.
Guest2: You got it and here it is!
Guest3: Not a problem being a bit selfish ;) so here's the chapter I've been working on while I was sick! The next one is going to be about Archangel!
Zwack15: Glad to hear it and thanks! I am getting better, not much of a cough or sniff but I still have that crappy feeling. But yea... four weeks being sick is not fun...
Replaced?
Today was a relaxing day for Kera. Why you ask? Well for starters there weren't as many members in the guild today as usual. Most of them were all out on a job request, including her friends.
Natsu and Lucy had gone to deal with a beast that was causing a town trouble. The blonde Celestial Wizard needed money again for their rent. Kera had told her that she could pay, but of course the wizard simply ignored her and went off with Natsu. Sometimes she wonders if she does this just to go with the pink haired idiot.
Juvia went out with Gray on a job request to help a man with some water issue. She had no idea since they were out quickly and she didn't really care. She just saw Juvia clinging onto the Ice Wizard as they left the guild.
Then lastly there left Erza. The red head had gone out on a mission with Wendy to help a man with his shop. Of course it was a sweet shop or else the two wouldn't have gone. Those two were always crazy about those sweets and would travel half across the continent to get some.
So here she was, sitting at the bar talking to Mira while also eating her dinner. She didn't do much at all today. The only thing she done was relax and help Mira out a little bit. It wasn't every day when the guild was so quiet. It was nice at some point.
"The others should be coming back soon." Mira spoke as she cleaned a glass while standing in front of the brunette while she ate.
Kera nodded while putting the good in her mouth. "Yup. The peace and quiet will come to an end." She sighed slightly, knowing that the moment either of them would come back the peaceful time will be gone.
"We're back!"
And speak of the devil. Kera turned around and saw Erza walking in with Wendy behind her. The two wore happy smiles on their faces, telling them all already that their mission was a success.
Well… Kera thought. At least she's not as bad as Gray and Natsu. The brunette smiled seeing her sister walk over to her and Mira. The red head sat down on a barstool right next to Kera while Wendy did the same. "Well what were you doing today?" Erza asked with a small smirk.
Kera shrugged. "Not much really, simply relaxed today, helped Mira out. It was very peaceful actually."
Mira nodded. "A lot of members are out today, so there wasn't much today."
"Well I'm sorry for ditching you like that." Erza told her. "Just Wendy asked for help on the job and…"
Kera chuckled as she turned to her sister. "It's fine Erza. I know when there's something about sweets you're dead set on it. And anyway, it was a nice little day off for me. No idiots to worry about." She said with a small grin.
Erza chuckled. "Well then it was a win for everyone."
The brunette turned to Wendy who was sitting beside them. "And did you guys get your reward?" She asked.
Wendy smiled as she held out a big box. "Yup! The manager of the shop was so nice that he gave us this entire box of sweets on the house!"
Kera's eyes went wide. "Oh wow, that's neat. So now the two of you have some sweets." She said with a smile. She knew how much the two of them loved sweets. She was a little different. Sure she enjoyed the sweets too, but she really only loved her hot cocoa. Other than that she eats some here and some there, but she wasn't as obsessed as these two.
Wendy nodded with a smile. "Yup!"
"But save them. Those are some really good sweets. No need to eat them all up. Savor them." Erza told the little girl.
Kera raised an eyebrow. "Never have I in my entire life heard you say that before. Are you sick?" She asked.
Erza chuckled but shook her head. "I'm fine, just those are some really top notch sweets."
"Ah I see." Kera said with a smirk. "Sure… whatever you say. It's not because you want to eat them by yourself."
"What!?" The red head shouted. "No! I… I wouldn't do that!"
Kera smirked as she turned to Wendy. "Keep those sweets close to you Wendy." The little girl laughed slightly but nodded her head.
The door of the guild suddenly opened up and a girl walked inside. Nobody noticed her except for Mira. Leaving the three wizards to talk to themselves she headed over to the lone girl who was looking around a little confused. "Can I help you?" She asked her.
The girl looked up. She had blonde hair that fell down to her shoulders. Her blue eyes looked a little surprised as she saw Mira. "You're… you're Mirajane Strauss, right?" She asked. Mira noticed that the girl wore simple clothes. A shirt that showed her cleavage while also wearing a sleeveless jacket. A skirt fell down to her knees and she wore boots on her feet.
Mira nodded simply. "And you are?"
"Then this must be Fairy Tail right?" The girl asked her eyes going wide.
The white haired wizard looked a little confused. "Uh yes… is there something I can do for you or…" Mira asked but a different voice interrupted her.
"Arya?"
The two females turned around and saw Erza standing there with wide eyes. Kera looked a little confuse as well as Mira and Wendy were.
The girl saw Erza and smiled. "I knew I'd find you here!" She ran forward and pulled the red head in a tight hug. Erza smiled and hugged her back. "It's been so long!"
Erza chuckled. "I know, it's been forever." The two parted and smiled at each other. "What have you been doing? You must tell me everything!"
Arya chuckled. "I think you should introduce me to your friends first, they're giving me weird glances." She whispered the last part to her.
Erza turned around and saw that Mira, Wendy and especially Kera were giving the girl a confused look if not suspicious looks. Oh right, she forgot that they didn't know her. She turned around and smiled while putting a hand on Arya's shoulder. "Guys this is Arya, I met her on one of the missions I went on years ago, the one where I was gone two months. We became best friends back then."
Best friends? Kera wondered still looking at Arya with a questionable look. "How come I… I mean we've never heard of her before?" Kera asked.
"I guess it never came up." Erza said shrugging slightly. "Oh by the way, Arya, this is Kera, Wendy and well… you know Mira already." She said smiling.
Arya smiled before suddenly taking Kera's hand and shaking it. "It's so great to meet you guys! Erza has told me a lot about Fairy Tail when we were young!"
"I'm just surprised you remember me and what happened." Erza said with a small smile.
"Are you kidding!?" Arya said with her eyes wide. "I couldn't forget you! It was only two months but we did everything together!" She said with a big smile on her face. "I even helped you out on your mission!"
Kera turned to Erza and noticed the smile on her face. She had absolutely no idea that Erza had made a friend while she was on that mission. The brunette could remember it perfectly. It was a simple mission actually, the only problem was that it was far away. She herself wanted to go with her to give her company, but since she had no magic yet she wasn't allowed.
But the red head had never spoke of making a friend…
"So what brings you here Arya?" Erza asked giving her a smile.
Arya sighed. "Well… my parents passed away recently so I thought about a new start on life and I thought, why not go see my old friend Erza and the guild Fairy Tail she has been talking a lot about?"
"Do you have any magic?" Wendy asked a little curious.
The blonde shrugged slightly. "I'm not really a wizard. I do have magic, my magic is… well… I don't know what you call it, but I can grow plants and stuff like that. It's not that powerful anyway."
"That's neat! You could help so many people and farmers!" Wendy said with a big smile.
Arya shook her head. "I doubt it, don't even know exactly how to use it correctly." She said while looking at her hands. She felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up she noticed that it was Erza and she was giving her a smile. "Don't worry about it. You'll get the hand of it."
Kera gave Mira a strange look but the white haired mage simply shrugged.
"Do you have a place to stay?" Mira asked the girl.
Arya looked a little unsure. "I don't really have a place yet, but I wanted to go look for an inn."
"Nonsense!" Erza suddenly stated. "You can stay with me. It's not a problem."
The blondes' eyes went wide. "Really!? Oh my god! Thank you Erza! You didn't have to do it, but seriously thank you!" Arya pulled the red head back into a hug.
From the back Kera gave a glare towards the blonde girl. Call it a foolish instinct, or Dragon Instinct, but this girl smelled like trouble. This was the one time she might agree with Crystol who was growling inside her mind as well. She did not like this girl at all.
A chuckle from the side caught her attention. Turning her head she noticed that it was Mira. "Looks like someone's jealous."
"Jealous? I-I'm not jealous!" Kera snapped at her while gritting her teeth. How dare she believe that she was jealous. She was not jealous!
Mira smirked at her. "Sure."
"Ugh whatever…" Kera muttered. She was not jealous. Why the hell would she be jealous? She just thought it was strange that a girl Erza never mentioned suddenly popped up and is all chubby with the red head. It freaked her out more that Erza was acting with it.
Erza smiled at Arya. "Come, I'll show you the room you'll be sleeping in, you'll definitely like it." The two were heading out the guild, but Kera quickly jumped up.
"Hey Erza! Don't forget our training tomorrow morning!" She shouted.
The Requip mage turned around and smirked at Kera. "You're the one who shouldn't forget. Sunrise and not a minute later, got it?" She said.
The brunette grinned. "You got it!"
As the two left the guild Kera's face turned from happy to a sneer. Both Mira and Wendy noticed this and grew a little concerned. "Something on your mind?" Mira asked with a small smirk on her face.
"I hate her." Kera muttered crossing her arms over her chest.
"Oh you're just jealous!" Mira teased her with a smile, but Kera glared at her. "I am NOT jealous! I know something is up with that girl and I'll show you."
"You just met her!"
"She smells off."
"You're just jealous!"
"I am not jealous!"
Kera gave Mira a narrowed look. "I know she's trouble and I'll show you." The brunette walked off, probably heading home for the day after this fiasco.
Wendy walked up to Mira a worried look on her face. "I have a bad feeling about this." She muttered slightly. She didn't like when her friends would fight and she had a feeling that it would go into that direction.
Mira put a hand on the little girls' shoulder. "Don't you worry Wendy. Nothing bad is going to happen."
The little girl still looked a little unsure, but didn't say anything else. The others were convinced that this wouldn't go horribly wrong, but Wendy was more observant than they thought. She saw the signs from the start and knows how this can end up in.
The question is, will it come to it or will there be a happy ending?
The next morning Kera sat on a branch in the forest as she waited for Erza to arrive. It was dawn and it was a surprise that the red head wasn't here yet. Normally she was the first to be here with the brunette coming in a tad late.
Hearing footsteps the brunette smirked. She jumped down from the branch. "Well it looks like you got…" She stopped when she saw who those footsteps belonged to.
Erza was standing there and that was not the problem. No the problem was that Arya was there as well. Kera raised an eyebrow. "What's she doing here?"
Arya raised her hands, clearly wanting to defend herself. "I don't want to cause trouble! I… Erza invited me to come since I'm still new here…"
The red head nodded. "Yes, I can't just simply leave Arya alone. She doesn't even know anyone!"
"She could meet other people." Kera muttered to herself. Erza raised an eyebrow. "What was that?" she asked.
Kera sighed. "I said let's get going! It's dawn, you're the one who usually pushes me to get going."
"Actually..." Erza started. "I've been thinking, since Arya doesn't really know what she can do with her magic, I thought we could train together with her. If you don't mind of course." Erza said with a smile.
The brunette nodded. "Sure, let's go." To say the least Kera was a little bummed out. She wanted to show the red head what she learned recently, but it looks like that will have to wait. On the other hand she wouldn't be exhausted and beat to death at the end of the training session.
So that was one good thing.
That is, that's what she thought until they started the actual training. Now Kera had thought that all three of them would train together, just like she said, but it turned out that together meant all focus was on Arya. Kera understood that the girl needed help with her magic, but seriously? Erza wasn't even speaking a word to Kera. It felt like the brunette was a ghost to her.
They had worked on Arya's magic, trying to make her atone to the nature around her, get a feel for it. Her magic was bound to nature so Erza thought that she should get a feel for the nature.
Not that Kera said would get heard.
"Just close your eyes and listen to the nature around you." Kera told her which Arya simply gave her a confused look. They were sitting on the ground as the brunette was trying to tell her how to help with her magic.
The blonde shook her head. "How is listening to the nature around me will help? It's just… listening."
Kera rolled her eyes. "Just do it, it'll help. Your magic is connected with the earth, the ground, the plants, it's nature. To control it, you need to feel the nature around you."
"I still don't think it'll help." Arya pointed out. "It sounds more stupid than anything."
The brunette took a deep breath, trying not to snap at the blonde in front of her. What didn't help was Erza stepping in.
"I don't see the point in this either. Maybe we should do something else." Erza said glancing at Kera.
Rubbing her forehead, Kera turned to Erza. "Like I said, her magic is nature, she needs to have a feel for it. It's the same what you told me about my air magic!"
"That's different."
"No it's not!"
"Yes it is, now concentrate on the important thing here."
Kera gritted her teeth. She was ready to snap but took a deep breath. "Alright, then what do you suggest?" She asked glancing at the red head.
"I maybe thought meditation so she could get in better touch with her magic." Erza suggested.
Arya smiled hearing this. "That sounds like a great idea!"
Kera frowned. That's the exact same thing I suggested! Come on!
It seems that you finally found a person you despise. Do you want me to take care of her?
Oh shut it Crystol, I don't despise her. I just… don't… entirely like her.
It's jealousy isn't it?
I'm not jealous!
"Kera?"
The brunette turned her head and saw that Erza was trying to catch her attention. Kera rubbed her forehead. "Uh yea… sure we'll do that."
"What should I do?" Arya asked.
Erza helped Arya and guided her though the meditation. They had tried to get a deeper connection to Arya's magic, and the nature around her. Kera tried to help but it was a little difficult when they didn't even listen to you. After a while she simply gave up and watched them go on with their training.
Three hours later they were done with their training and headed back to the guild. Both Erza and Arya were talking to each other while on their way back. Kera on the other hand was in the back being ignored…
At some point when they arrived back at the guild, Kera slipped away seeing if anyone else would acknowledge her.
"Hey Mira." Lucy called turning to the white haired mage. "Who's that girl talking with Erza?" she asked pointing to the blonde at the table. She and Natsu had arrived back from their mission with some success. The pink haired Dragon Slayer didn't destroy that much and they were able to finish on time.
"Oh, that's Arya, she came here yesterday and it seems that she's an old friend of Erza's." Mira explained.
Lucy raised an eyebrow. "An old friend? I've never heard of her." Looking around the guild she noticed another small detail that was off. "Where's Kera?"
"Kera?" Mira thought about it and couldn't remember where the brunette had gone off too. "I don't know, the last thing I remember was her going to training with Erza."
The blonde nodded. "Well… I'll ask her then. There's something I need from her." She had some money she wanted Kera to put away. Since they already paid the rent, she thought it was a good idea to save a little money. She didn't want her to pay for everything after all.
Lucy headed over to the red head and the new girl. She could clearly see that Erza was enjoying her time with this girl, which was strange since she didn't trusted everyone. "Hey Erza." She called.
Erza turned around and saw Lucy. "Oh hey Lucy! Looks like you guys are back from your mission."
"Yea, who's your friend?" Lucy asked glancing at the blonde sitting beside her.
The red head smiled. "This is Arya, Arya this is Lucy, she's a Celestial Wizard."
Arya smiled and waved. "Hi."
Lucy, being polite smiled and waved back. "That's nice, but hey Erza, have you seen Kera?"
The red head frowned. "Actually… I haven't. Arya have you seen her?"
The blonde shook her head. "I'm sorry, she vanished all of a sudden. I couldn't tell you where she is."
Lucy sighed knowing that she wasn't going to get anything out of these two. Which was strange since Erza always knew where the brunette was. She was a little overprotective of her, but now it seemed she didn't even care. "Well… thanks anyway, I'll go look for her."
Right after the Celestial Wizard left she noticed that the two at the table immediately got back to talking, not caring about the brunette. Geez… what's gotten into her?
Walking around the guild, trying to find the brunette she noticed a few more things. Natsu was sitting at a table observing the two wizards with a frown on his face. She would ask him later about that but first she had to find Kera.
It took her a bit, but she did eventually find her. Wendy had seen the brunette actually walking out of the guild, north-west from the guild. The only thing there was in that area was the river.
And there she found the brunette sitting under a tree while throwing rocks into the river. Smiling slightly she sat down next to her. "Hey, what's up?"
Kera looked a little shocked. "How did you find me?"
"Wendy saw you leave."
"Ah…"
Lucy noticed the distant look in the brunette's eyes. "You okay?"
Kera nodded slightly. "Yea, I'm fine." She said before throwing another rock into the river.
The blonde smirked slightly. "Really? Because the rocks think so otherwise. Why else would you throw innocent rocks into the river?"
The Dragon Slayer snorted hearing this. She glanced at Lucy and shook her head. "You're unbelievable sometimes, you know that right?"
Smiling Lucy put a hand on Kera's leg. "You know you can talk to me as well. We're friends… and roommates!"
Kera smiled hanging her head slightly. "I know… it's just… nah it sounds stupid." She said shaking her head.
"Kera…"
Sighing the brunette raised her head. "Fine… I feel… I feel lonely… like I was… abandoned…"
Lucy's eyes went wide. "What? But why? I thought you weren't feeling like that with us. We're your friends! I mean, if I did something wrong you can tell me! You can talk to me!"
"It's not you Lucy…" Kera said throwing another rock into the river.
Slowly realization hit her. "It's that new girl isn't it…"
Kera raised her head and sighed. "I see you've met her."
"Well… shortly, I mean I asked Erza where you were." Lucy told her honestly. Was this the problem? That new girl?
The brunette laughed slightly. "Erza wouldn't know. It seems ever since that girl came she forgot about everyone. I mean… I can understand that she wanted to talk to her and get to know each other, but it seems that I'm a complete ghost to her. At training she completely ignored me and when I suggested something Arya outright said it was stupid and Erza agreed with her. Few minutes later she suggests the same thing!"
Lucy sighed. She understood now why Kera was like this, but it doesn't have to be like this all the time. "Give it time Kera. She's just excited to meet her old friend again. Arya will leave eventually and everything is going to go back to normal."
"I hope so." Kera muttered. She really didn't like this or Arya. She seemed suspicious anyway.
The blonde wizard smirked and shoved the brunette slightly. "Come on, smile. I've got money to save." She said with a smirk.
Kera's eyes went wide. "Oh? Well that's rare! We need to take a picture!"
"Oh shut it!"
Both Kera and Lucy started to laugh. The two enjoyed the rest of the day together, forgetting about Arya and the sad parts of the day.
Two days passed and Arya still stayed at the guild. She was spending even more time with Erza and you barely saw them apart. With that the members of the guild saw less of Kera. They knew how the brunette felt about the blonde and truthfully… didn't see why she was acting like that. So far Arya hasn't done anything.
Though Natsu seemed a bit suspicious about her as well. He hasn't spoken to the blonde since she got here.
Lucy glanced around the guild and couldn't find the brunette yet. She was probably still getting ready, or was still training with Erza.
The doors slammed open and in walked a slightly furious Dragon Queen. Kera looked a bit pissed off as she looked around the guild. She looked around but seemed not to find the person she was looking for. "Where is she?" She asked.
"Where's who?" Mira asked walking up to them.
"Erza." Kera simply stated.
"I thought she was with you." Mira said. "Aren't you guys supposed to be training right now?"
Kera was about to answer her when laughing was heard. The brunette turned around and frowned when she saw both Erza and Arya. Kera grit her teeth. "And where were you?" She asked.
Erza stopped as she looked at Kera. Suddenly realization hit her and she slammed her hand against her head. "Oh darn it, I forgot, we had training."
"I was waiting! For an hour!" Kera told her throwing her hands in the air.
Arya stepped in and raised her hands slightly. "I'm sorry Kera, this is my fault. I asked Erza if we couldn't go out into town and shop a little."
Of course… Kera thought. She sighed shaking her head. "You could have at least let me know! I was waiting there like an idiot."
"I'm sorry, I really am." Erza told her. "I'll make it up to you, I promise!"
"Oh! How about going on a mission together?" Arya suggested. "I mean, you've been helping me with my magic, I think I'm ready for it."
Erza nodded as she heard Arya's suggestions. "That's a great idea!"
Kera had to hold in a groan as she heard this. Erza was acting completely unlike herself. She wasn't selfish, but she knew that the red head always wanted to make sure she was alright, she never forgot anything!
Erza turned towards Kera and smiled. "Well? Come on, let's go on a mission together. Let me make it up to you."
Kera sighed. "Fine… but don't you dare ditch me again." She warned her. Erza pulled her into a hug and smiled. "Don't worry, I won't. I'm sorry I forgot training, I really am."
"It's alright…" Kera said with a small smile. While hugging the red head Kera noticed something strange.
Arya was glaring at her.
Why was she… glaring at her? Kera frowned slightly seeing this, but it vanished when she and Erza parted. The red head was smiling at her. "I promise I'm going to make it up to you."
Kera didn't say anything as Erza turned around joined Arya walking to the bar. Lucy walked up to her putting a hand on her shoulder. "You alright?" She asked.
Several things were running through the brunette's head. First of all, the entire situation with Erza, then there was Arya, why was she here? And now that girl shot her a glare. A furious, 'I hate you' glare. She didn't like it at all that she was close with Erza.
Was she…
Was she really planning on replacing her?
"Kera?"
She turned around snapping out of her thoughts. "Uh yea, I'm fine." She said quickly. She couldn't think of that at the moment. She was not going to let her win. That is… if she wasn't imagining things.
She just hoped the mission tomorrow would be somewhat a good time.
Deep in the woods outside a small town, three girls were walking together looking for their prey. Erza and Arya were walking ahead with Kera in the back. The three had left early so they could get going. It was supposed to be a simple mission. Rumors ran around the town that there is a rare race of beasts that have a special tasting meat. A restaurant has asked them to collect one of those beasts so they can try and cook it.
The problem was finding one. From what they know these beasts aren't easy to find. They are big enough to hunt even bears, but they don't attack unless provoked.
"So how are we going to do this?" Arya asked as she looked around the forest.
"Well these beasts are hard to find, so I believe that the quickest way to find one is to split up. That is if it's fine with you Arya." Erza asked as she glanced at the blonde.
The blonde smiled and nodded. "Oh sure, it's fine with me. But… if this thing can fight a bear, fighting it alone would be a bit foolish wouldn't it? How do we contact each other when we find one?"
"Easy." Kera stated. "We use one of these." She said handing Arya a card. "I asked Cana if she could give us some so we can communicate if needed."
Erza smiled. "I didn't even think of this, good work Kera."
Arya frowned for a second but it quickly vanished. She took the card Kera handed her and nodded. "Alright, we'll contact each other when we find it."
Erza smiled. "Then good luck."
Kera smirked at the red head. "Thousand jewels say I find one first."
The red head laughed as she heard this. It wasn't unusual that the two made bets during their missions. They always added one fun detail into the bunch. "Make it two and you're on."
Kera grinned and nodded. Arya might not like her, but there was no chance she was going to get rid of her this easily.
Kera walked around the forest trying to see if she could smell the beast that was trying to hide. She had no idea what it would smell like but if she could find anything unusual there might be a chance.
She had two thousand Jewels running on this and there was no way she was going to lose.
The brunette pushed some bushes aside looking around. There was no sign of the beast anywhere.
Sighing she stood up straight and kept on walking. Lately her old friend doubt started to fill her mind again. Ever since Arya came and her hanging out with Erza she felt a bit… she wouldn't say neglected, but she did feel a bit lonely. Seeing Erza smile and laugh with Arya made her doubt herself again.
Wasn't she a good friend?
Wasn't she a good sister?
Did she do something wrong?
Didn't Erza care for her anymore?
She was worried that Erza would leave her. She was scared to be alone again. She didn't want that, she felt all that when she was little and now she finally found people she cared for, a family.
Kera, stop this. This is not a way to think. You are not the same little girl you once were. Like you said, you have friends. And if that girl becomes any trouble, I will take care of her personally for you.
She shook her head while also slapping herself against the cheek. "Stop this." She muttered to herself. Crystol was right. She wasn't that scared little girl anymore. She had friends. She was not alone this time.
Rustling caught her attention and she quickly turned around, her hands bursting into flames. She watched the bushes move until a person stepped out.
It was Arya.
Kera lowered her hands, the flames going out. "Oh, it's you." She muttered.
Arya snorted, as she crossed her arms. "Yea it's me."
The brunette frowned. "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be looking for the beast?"
The blonde smirked slightly. "Cut the crap, I know you don't like me and well… I don't like you."
She kept on glaring at the blonde, waiting for something else to hear. "That's not really news to me."
Arya chuckled as she crossed her arms. "You're just jealous because Erza is spending more time with me than you." Kera shot her a glare, telling her to shut up. Arya on the other hand ignored that look and simply went on. "You are jealous, because I'm her real friend."
"Real friend?" Kera snorted. "That's a load of bull and you know it! You just met her for two months. Two freaking months. I have known her for over ten years! She's my sister. How the hell are you her real friend?"
"Then why are you so jealous?" Arya asked raising an eyebrow. "If you knew she wouldn't leave you, then you wouldn't have to worry about anything."
Kera gritted her teeth as she heard this. For some stupid reason this girl was getting to her. "You can tell her anything you want, you think she'll believe you? Erza and I have told each other our darkest secrets and we know everything about each other. So why would she believe you instead of me?"
Arya smirked at her. "We'll just have to find out then, won't we?"
The brunette growled. "You really don't want to mess with me blondie."
"And you don't want to mess with me." Arya told her, her eyes narrowing down.
Kera was about to snap back, but the ground around them started to shake. Looking around, the brunette noticed that the trees were moving and the branches were closing in on her. Her eyes went wide as she turned to Arya. "You never needed help with your god damn magic!" She sneered.
"Glad you noticed." Arya told her with a smirk plastered on her face.
"You god damn bit…" She stopped when several branches crashed down on her. She jumped out of the way, dodging another set of branches. The trees and bushes and… the god damn forest was trying to kill her! Arya's god damn stupid magic could easily kill her because she was trapped in this god forsaken forest! She had absolute control here!
Her hand burst into flames as she slashed through a set of branches that was coming her way. Turning around she raised her hands, a set of sharp stones cutting another wave of vines and branches.
There were only two ways she could get out of this. Either she burnt down the entire forest, Natsu would be so proud of her, but it was not a choice she was going to take. Ducking another set of vines and branches she quickly turned around blasting a burst of fire straight towards Arya.
The blonde smirked as vines grew from the ground shielding Arya from the attack. Kera gritted her teeth seeing this. She was about to attack her again when vines out of nowhere snared around her right arm pulling her away and back.
"Gah!" Kera screamed as the vines tightened around her arm causing pressure on her bone to unimaginable pain. The brunette closed her eyes, letting the pain pass. She was about to cut the vines with her other free arm, but another set of vines and branches snared around her arm stopping Kera from using it.
The plants lifted her up into the air and even more vines latched onto her body. Kera tried getting out somehow, to use her magic, but nothing would work. She let out a roar as the vines tightened even more around her.
Arya chuckled seeing the brunette helpless in the air. "It's funny. You're supposed to be this powerful wizard, yet here you are… defeated by plants."
Kera gritted her teeth. "Argh… you little… when I get… out of here… I'll… gah!" she screamed feeling the vines tighten around her.
The blonde laughed. "Just try and get out, those vines have you tightly wrapped up. They'll squeeze every little ounce of life out of you. Enjoy the pain."
"You bitch!" Kera shouted at her as she struggled. Arya simply ignored her and started walking away, the forest swallowing her in.
The Dragon Slayer gritted her teeth as she felt the vines tighten even more. Breathing was starting to get difficult for her and if she had to guess she didn't have much time left. It was literally squeezing the life out of her. Crystol… n-need… help.
Of course, hang on!
Kera closed her eyes as she waited for Crystol. Not even a second later she could feel a power inside of her grow. A bright light expanded out of her body and lashed out. The trees and plants retreated immediately and the vines ensnaring Kera let loose.
The brunette hit the hard ground with a thud, her entire body aching in pain. She groaned taking a deep breath. She tried to move, but her body was burning like fire.
Kera! Can you hear me? Are you alright?
She blinked trying to clear her vision. Black spots were dancing around her vision trying to pull her into unconsciousness.
Don't black out! Hang in there!
"Ugh… the pain…" She muttered. Kera tried getting back up on her feet, but as she pushed herself up with her arms, pain shot through her right arm. She cried out in pain before hitting the ground again.
Holding her right arm she cursed. That stupid vine had broken her arm. She was going to get payback on Arya. That, she swore on her own grave.
She tried getting back on her feet but hit her right arm again causing her to hiss in pain.
Are you alright Kera?
"Yea… I'm peachy…" She muttered trying to hold in the pain. Great now she got a freaking broken arm and Arya trying to kill her. This couldn't get worse… could it?
All of a sudden a sound caught her attention. Confused she looked around the area to find what that noise was. It took her a minute before she even realize that it was the card she had got from Cana.
She grabbed it and noticed that Erza was signaling them that she found the beast.
Great…
Erza slashed at the beast in front of her causing it to rear back. The beast that they had found looked a lot like a tiger, just a lot more shy, that is if it wasn't provoked. It can be ferocious as it was proving to the red head at the moment.
From behind the brown beast, Arya appeared calling up a few vines to hold the beast down by its legs. The beast roared as it tried to get out of the vines, but Erza quickly appeared and slammed her sword into its back causing the animal to let out a pained roar.
The red head pushed the sword deeper into the beast's back until it finally stopped struggling.
Sighing the Requip Mage stood up straight. "Well, that was easier than I thought. You tying it down helped a lot." Erza said glancing at Arya.
The blonde smiled slightly. "You're just saying that. You could have taken care of this beast all by yourself. You didn't need my help at all."
"Don't underestimate yourself Arya." Erza said giving her a serious look. "You're doing great. Your magic has great potential. If you keep on training you'll become a great wizard in no time!"
"But still… you didn't need my help at all." Arya pursed her lips while looking at the ground.
Erza rolled her eyes while smiling at her, though she was wondering where Kera was. She had sent the call out and Arya had arrived with incredible speed. Kera, who had an easier understanding of these parts and could track them should have found them in mere minutes. So where was she?
"You okay Erza?" Arya asked cocking her head slightly.
Snapping out of her thoughts she smiled. "I'm fine, just wondering where Kera is. I hope she didn't get herself into any trouble."
"She'll be fine." Arya said waving her hand. "You did tell me she was a powerful wizard."
"Come on, let's cut this thing down and go look for Kera." Erza said walking towards the beast while summoning one of her swords.
Thirty minutes later the two were walking through the forest with bags of meat in them. After cutting down the beast they were trying to find Kera. They still hadn't found her yet and it was slowly worrying Erza.
Rustling caught her attention and the red head quickly turned around summoning a sword, ready to take down whatever was going to come out. Arya took a step back, making sure she wasn't in the line of fire.
The bushes moved aside and out came a stumbling brunette.
Erza's eyes went wide. "Kera!" She shouted. The sword in her hand vanished and she caught the brunette before she hit the ground. "Oh my god, what happened to you!?" Erza asked as she noticed the state the brunette was in. She looked completely beaten up and bruises littered her body.
Arya saw her and frowned for a second. She had thought she had taken care of her, but it seemed that she was causing a lot more trouble. Her frown quickly turned into that of a worried one. "It looks like she found one of those beasts too. Unfortunately it looks like it got the best of her."
The red head looked even more worried. Kera lifted her head and her eyes met Arya's. Immediately she snarled. "You little…" She started her eyes flashing gold for a second. She was about to lunge at her, but Erza quickly caught her. "Whoa Kera what's going on?"
Kera gritted her teeth as she glared at Arya. "She tried to kill me!"
"What!?" Erza asked her eyes going wide.
Arya looked shocked as well. "Me? I wasn't even anywhere near you."
"Cut the crap!" Kera snapped at her. "You tried to kill me and you know it!" She hissed slightly holding her right arm close to her chest. Her entire body was still aching but she was so pissed off at the moment that the pain was being covered by her adrenaline.
Erza stepped in front of Kera. "Calm down Kera. What are you trying to say?"
"I know this sounds crazy Erza, but Arya was trying to kill me!" Kera told her. "She has full control of her magic and tried to use it to kill me. She turned every tree and plant around me to life and used them to strangle me to death."
Arya snorted. "That's ridiculous! I can barely summon roots out of the ground. How am I supposed to bring trees to life?"
Erza looked a little skeptical. "Arya's right Kera, she can barely control the plants around her."
Kera looked a little shocked. Erza didn't… believe her? But… her eyes went over to Arya and saw her smirking at her.
Erza and I have told each other our darkest secrets and we know everything about each other. So why would she believe you instead of me?
We'll just have to find out then, won't we?
"You have to believe me!" Kera said glancing at Erza. "Arya tried to kill me! She wants to get rid of me."
Erza sighed shaking her head. "Come on Kera, that's completely ridiculous. Why would Arya do that?"
"She said something about being your real friend and wanting to get rid of me." Kera tried to convince her, but it seemed Erza wasn't listening to what she was saying.
The red head frowned as the Dragon Slayer kept on going. Kera was completely insistent that Arya was trying to kill her, but that was ridiculous. She raised her hand to stop her from talking and gave her a serious look. "Kera, if you're jealous just say it."
The brunette froze as she heard this. "What?"
Erza sighed. "I know you don't like Arya, but coming up with an excuse that she's trying to kill you is ridiculous. Next time, if you decide to take on a dangerous beast by yourself, even though I explicitly told you not to, don't come up with such lies."
Kera simply sat there on the ground with her mouth wide open. Erza really didn't believe her… she… she was siding with Arya.
"I'm not lying!" She suddenly shouted at the red head pushing her back. "Why the hell would I lie!?"
"Because you're obviously jealous of Arya." Erza stated with a frown.
"I'm not jealous!" Kera snapped at her. "I'm telling you the truth Erza! She's the one who hates me!"
Erza shook her head. "Stop accusing Arya. This is getting ridiculous. I'm slowly getting sick of your act Kera. Don't you think I've noticed? Since the day she came here you've been giving Arya glares and other looks. It's clear you don't like her. I was really sorry for missing our training together, but seeing this now… I think we need some time apart until you learn how to act around people." With that said and done, the red head turned around and grabbed the bag of meat before walking away. Arya simply gave Kera an evil smirk before following Erza out.
Kera sat on the ground, her heart destroyed. She couldn't believe what happened. Erza actually believed Arya above her? Her own sister? Tears fell down her face and fell onto the ground.
"Erza…"
Back at the guild later that evening, Lucy noticed that everyone was back from their missions even Erza and Arya, but there was no sign of Kera anywhere. She was getting worried. After the two had gotten back she thought that the brunette had to go do something, but it's been a few hours and still no sign of her.
"You're worried too aren't you?"
Lucy turned around and saw Mira giving her a sad smile. It seemed the white haired Wizard knew that something was up as well. Sighing the blonde Celestial Wizard nodded. "Yea… normally Kera would come back to the guild after a mission, but it's been hours. Both Erza and Arya are here, but… no Kera."
Mira sighed. "I know what you mean. I've notice that Kera has been down lately. Something must be up."
Hearing this only made Lucy worry more. She quickly decided that she had to find Kera. Something was obviously up. "I'm going to check up on her. Maybe she's at home."
"Good luck." Mira told her.
Lucy grabbed her bag and exited the guild while heading back home. She tightened her grip on her bag as she kept on worrying. She had talked to Natsu about this as well. The pink haired Dragon Slayer actually agreed with Kera. He also thought that the new girl was way too suspicious.
But what could have happened? Kera was always at the guild.
It didn't take her long to get back to her apartment at all. It might be because she almost ran all the way back home or maybe because it was starting to rain. Grabbing her key she opened the door to her apartment and stepped inside. "Kera?" She called out.
Looking around the apartment she noticed that it was empty. It didn't even look like anyone was in here. Sighing Lucy decided to check every room. Nope… no sign of the brunette at all. If she wasn't at the apartment then where was she? There weren't many places she'd go.
An idea struck her. There was one more place she'd actually be.
"Of course…" Lucy muttered before quickly heading out of her apartment.
Ignoring the pouring rain she ran through the town heading for one direction. There would be only one spot where Kera would be. People were giving her strange glances as she ran down the road. She wasn't wearing a jacket or had an umbrella so people were wondering what she was doing.
Lucy passed several buildings and rounded a corner only to stop in her tracks. There, by the river, under a tree, Kera sat alone, letting the rain pour down on her. It seemed she was there a while because she looked terrible.
Sighing Lucy walked over to the brunette and sat down next to her. She knew something was wrong with her, but didn't know exactly how to confront her. Lucy glanced at the river and smiled. "You know… it seems that I always find you here."
No reply.
Lucy raised her head to look at the sky. The rain was pouring down and the two girls were completely soaked, but it was obvious that there was something wrong with Kera and Lucy wasn't leaving until she cheered her up.
"So… I have the money for the rent this month. I think if I keep this going I can pay you back all the money I…"
"She hates me…"
Lucy glanced at Kera confused. "Excuse me?"
Kera turned her head and Lucy immediately noticed her bloodshot eyes. "Erza… she hates me…"
"Wait what?" Lucy asked as she turned to the brunette completely. Unfortunately that's when she saw Kera's true state and that's when her eyes went wide. "Oh my god Kera, what happened to you!?"
Kera slumped against Lucy, her tears falling yet again. Lucy caught her and noticed the several bruises that littered her body. What happened? "She hates me…" Kera cried into Lucy's chest.
"Kera you're not…"
"She hates me."
"You're injured! We need to get you to Mira and…"
"I screwed up…"
Lucy was at a complete loss as to what was going on, but one thing was clear to her. Kera needed serious medical attention. "I need to get you to Mira." Was the only thing Lucy said as she tried to pick the brunette up. It was getting really dark now and they had to get out of this pouring rain.
The blonde looked down at the crying Dragon Slayer with worry on her face. Kera never acted like this before, it was worrisome.
"My god, what happened!?" Mira asked as she saw both Lucy and Kera in their wet clothes. It was late at night and everyone mostly had gone home, but Mira was still there to clean things up, besides that a certain pink haired Dragon Slayer stayed behind.
Lucy gave Mira a pleading look. "Kera's injured. She needs medical help now."
The white haired mage simply nodded and ushered the two into the back. Natsu, worried as well followed the girls to the medical room. "What happened?" He asked glancing at Lucy.
The blonde set Kera on one of the beds before turning to Natsu. "I found her like this. Nobody has seen her all day."
Natsu stood up. "Not even Erza?" He asked confused.
"She hates me…" Kera muttered while Mira started to pull her shirt off. The white haired wizard noticed that she was wet and cold to the touch. "Natsu." She called.
The Dragon Slayer quickly went to Kera's side and used his fire to dry and warm her up. Lucy shook her head. "She keeps on repeating that ever since I found her. That and she screwed up."
Mira roamed over Kera's body and noticed the bruises and a few scratches. She grabbed the Dragon Slayer's right arm, but Kera immediately hissed out in pain, reeling back. Mira shook her head seeing Kera in pain. What exactly happened to her?
Putting a hand on her shoulder, Mira gave the brunette a soft smile. "Kera, you have to tell us what happened."
"You wouldn't believe me…" Kera muttered lowering her head. "If she doesn't believe me…"
Natsu put both of his hands on her shoulder shaking her slightly. "Stop that!" He shouted at her. "Just tell us what happened! We'll decide if we believe you or not."
Kera shook her head. "I…" She stopped herself and glanced up at her friends. They were all giving her a worried look. They… would they believe her? The pink haired Dragon Slayer gave her a sweet smile. "We're here for you Kera."
Lowering her head Kera started to explain. "Arya… tried to kill me."
"What!?" All three of them shouted.
Mira started treating her wounds as she went on. "We… we split up and Arya found me. She told me that… that she was Erza's real friend and that I was just jealous of her. She also doesn't need my magic… she has full control and tried to kill me, wanting to get rid of me."
"Didn't you tell Erza?" Mira asked as she treated some of her wounds.
Kera nodded. "I did… b-but… she didn't… she didn't believe me." The brunette shook her head. "She… she hates me… she…" Kera sobbed. "She doesn't want to see me at all."
They all stood there with their mouths wide open. Natsu, the first to snap out, immediately raged with fire. "What the hell!? It's obvious you look beaten up, why the hell doesn't she believe you!?"
"She says that I probably dealt with the beast on my own and am an idiot for it." Kera muttered, but hissed when Mira tried to treat her arm.
Apologizing, Mira simply shook her head. "Erza always believes you. This is crazy…"
"Wait." Kera turned her head. "Are you guys saying you believe me?" She asked.
Lucy smiled at her. "Of course we do! Why wouldn't we?"
Mira nodded. "And seeing your injuries it's obvious that a beast didn't attack you. You barely have any scratches. It looks like you've been strangled and squeezed to death."
"That's what Arya tried to do." Kera muttered.
Sighing, Mira added a few more touches to her arm. "I can't treat all of your injuries and you'll have to wait till tomorrow for the rest so Porlyusica can help you."
Kera sighed, but nodded. "I'm just grateful you believe me. I thought I was alone on this."
Natsu smashed his fists together. "Don't you worry Kera, I'm going to tell Erza a piece of my mind tomorrow."
Kera smiled slightly hearing this. "You guys… owch!" She yelled suddenly. She turned around and glared at Mira. "A little easier on my arm! It's broken."
"You'll have to deal with this sling at the moment, but tomorrow Porlyusica can treat your arm better." Mira put back the emergency medicine. "But for tonight you're going to sleep here."
"I don't want to be a burden here…" Kera muttered slightly.
"Nonsense!" Mira told her with a smile. "You're not a burden at all. I'd like it anyway that you stay here. There aren't as much foolish things you can do here."
Lucy glanced at Kera. "I can stay with her here tonight. It's not a hassle."
Immediately Kera shook her head. "It's fine Lucy. You go home and sleep in your bed. I'll be fine here by myself."
The Celestial Wizard smirked as she tossed the brunette a smirk. "It's not a problem Kera. I'd rather be here and make sure you're fine than worry at home. You're obviously in a tough spot right now and I want to be here for you."
Kera smiled slightly. "Thank you Lucy."
"I'll make two beds for the two of you. And promise me you won't do anything stupid." Mira said glancing at the two girls.
Lucy chuckled. "We won't."
"Hey! What about me? I want to stay here as well!" Natsu argued, feeling a bit offended that he was getting left out.
Mira started pushing him out of the room. "You mister are going home. I have taken care of Kera to the best of my ability and Lucy will take care of her during the night. Tomorrow you can come back early to check up on them, but for now you go home."
Natsu kept on arguing with Mira as the woman pushed him out of the infirmary room. Lucy smiled as she glanced at Kera who was still looking a little down. "Come on, why don't we go to bed. I think you could use some sleep."
"If I can sleep." Kera muttered as she sat on the bed.
Lucy put a hand on Kera's shoulder. "Don't worry. Sleep now and we'll settle things tomorrow."
Kera sighed and lied down on her bed, her right arm close to her chest. Looking at the ceiling she wondered if this could be fixed at all. It was clear that Arya had Erza wrapped around her finger. If the red head didn't believe her what else could convince her?
Watching Lucy get into her own bed and Mira giving them a few blankets she knew one thing was for sure, she had friends here in this guild and they would always be there for her. She wasn't alone anymore.
Though having Erza hate her and saying those harsh words were still hurtful for her. It still tore at her heart that it happened.
Things will get better tomorrow Kera. Just rest, you need it.
Crystol was right. There was no point in endlessly worrying herself over this. She needed rest. So pulling the blanket with her left arm she turned to her side as best as she could and tried to fall asleep.
It took her a bit, but after a while the brunette fell into a deep slumber.
Porlyusica glanced at Kera shaking her head. "You do not learn do you child?" the old woman had arrived at the guild after being asked by Mira if she could check up on Kera. At first she was hesitant, but when Mira mentioned the brunette's name she changed her mind and came. Mira was still confused as to why she came after she mentioned Kera's name.
The brunette simply sat on the bed as Porlyusica treated her. She had applied salves and bandages to her bruises and wounds. Now she was treating her arm which made the old woman question what happened.
She grabbed Kera's arm, ignoring the hiss Kera gave her and checked it. She slightly pushed against it causing more groans from the brunette. Shaking her head Porlyusica let her arm go. "Your arm isn't broken… it's shattered. What did you do?"
Kera sighed. "A vine squeezed my arm so tight that it broke."
Porlyusica sighed shaking her head yet again. "That explains why your bone is shattered."
Lucy and Mira glanced at Porlyusica a bit confused. "What's the difference between a broken and shattered bone?" The blonde Celestial Wizard asked.
The old woman turned to them. "The bone isn't just broken in one place, it's broken in several places, that's why shattered. It would be easier if it was just broken in one place, but several can take a while for it to heal."
"Well Wendy could help her." Mira suggested.
Porlyusica turned around grabbing a few stuff. "Of course, the little girl can help her a lot, but she still needs her rest. Even with healing magic it will need time. That means no missions for a while." Turning around she glared at Kera. "Understood?"
"Yea… whatever…" She muttered.
To say that the old woman was shocked was an understatement. Normally the brunette would argue with her. That's what she always did with her. Porlyusica carefully wrapped Kera's arm as tightly as she could. After that she told the brunette to wear the sling for a few days. Without any argument the brunette took it and put it on. Her right arm was now resting in the sling as she sat on the bed.
Raising an eyebrow, Porlyusica leaned in. "What's gotten into you, child? It's like you are seven all over again."
Kera didn't answer her and simply looked at the ground. Mira noticing this turned to Lucy. "No change last night?"
Lucy shook her head. "Not really, she didn't want to talk or anything. Just went to bed and when we woke up she still didn't talk. I don't know exactly what Erza told her, but it hit her hard."
Mira sighed glancing at Kera. "It's not a big surprise. Kera does look at her as her older sister and her family."
Ruckus outside in the guild caught all of their attention. Porlyusica sighed knowing that someone was fighting already, though she was not taking care of anyone else. She was just here to make sure the brunette was alright.
Mira groaned knowing what this might be about. "Oh boy, I hope he doesn't destroy anything."
Natsu gritted his teeth as he stood in the guild. His anger was through the roof and it only grew higher as the seconds passed. All his anger was directed at one person and that person was standing right in front of him.
Erza glared at him as she held her cheek leaning against one of the posts. "What the hell Natsu? Why did you hit me!?"
"Really!?" He shouted at her. "You really don't know!?" He couldn't hold his anger in anymore.
It was perfectly normal for them to fight and brawl, but this was different and everyone in the guild noticed it. This wasn't your usual 'I want to beat you' fight. No, Natsu was really angry about something and Erza was part of it.
The red head narrowed her eyes at him. Arya was standing behind her. She couldn't believe what was happening. One second she entered the guild and the next Natsu decided to strike her and beat her. What has gotten into him? "Natsu explain yourself, now!" She said standing up straight.
The Dragon Slayer sneered, his eyes glaring daggers at her. "I thought you would be the last person to do something like this, but it seems I was wrong."
"What are you talking about?" Erza asked narrowing her eyes.
"What am I talking about? Are you fucking kidding me?" Natsu shouted. "You hurt Kera and you know it!"
Erza's eyes went wide as she heard this. "That's what this is all about?" She asked.
Natsu took a step forward glaring right into Erza's eyes. "Are you telling me you don't give a crap? Kera would do anything for you and you crushed her heart!"
The red head frowned. "You don't even know what happened! She blames Arya for something she didn't even do!"
"She tried to kill Kera!" Natsu snapped at her while pointing at the blonde behind them.
Erza scoffed. "She's lying Natsu. First of all, Arya doesn't even have the magic power to do that and second of all, she probably just ignored my rules and went off to fight that beast all by herself."
"Kera wouldn't do that!" Natsu shouted at her.
"Well that's not proof! You wouldn't do stuff but still go and break the rules! From the day Arya has gotten here she has been jealous of Arya and hated her for no reason!" Erza told him. She was really annoyed about this entire situation.
"Well from the day she has gotten here you haven't been acting like yourself! You ignore your friends, you don't even talk to us, just because of her!" Natsu yelled while pointing Arya.
The blonde, feeling a bit uncomfortable took a step back.
Erza gritted her teeth. "But that's still no way of accusing her for trying to kill Kera! That doesn't make even sense!"
"Actually it makes perfect sense."
Everyone turned around saw Porlyusica standing there with the rest of the group. Mira and Lucy were standing beside the woman while a specific brunette was standing behind them her head lowered to the ground.
Both Natsu and Erza gave the old woman a confused look. Porlyusica sighed. "You all are so dense. Her injuries could not have been from a beast. There are no scratches from claws or even a bite mark." She gave a short glance to Kera. "It's like someone tried to strangle her and beat her. She has bruises and only small cuts. Like if vines snared around her and tried to squeeze her to death."
"Vines…?" Erza muttered. The only person who even gets close to that is Droy and… "Arya…" She muttered her eyes going wide. Turning around she turned to the blonde who looked shocked. "W-What?" She asked confused.
"Arya…" Erza said still unsure of what was going on. "Is she telling the truth?"
The blonde quickly scoffed slightly. "Why would I do that? I didn't even touch her, we just talked. I don't have full control of my powers yet."
"So you did meet her in the forest." Erza said narrowing her eyes.
Arya looked a bit shocked. "W-What? No! I didn't, I didn't even see her in the forest. If I didn't see her then I couldn't have even attacked her."
"So you're saying you would have attacked her if you met her." Mira asked raising an eyebrow at her.
"No!" Arya shot back. "I wouldn't! Just because she's jealous I wouldn't use my magic on her! And she's fine! So why argue about it?"
"Fine?" Natsu asked stepping towards her. "You think she's fine!? She's battered and bruised, almost lost her life and you made her worst dream come to life and you think she's fine!? She believes that no one is there for her anymore! She thinks she's nothing again!" He shouted at her.
Arya growled before pushing him back. "What do I care if she's pathetic!? It would have been a lot easier if she just died like she was supposed to!" She stopped quickly closing her mouth, realizing what she had just said.
Erza's eyes went wide. She turned her gaze straight towards Arya. "You… you really did attack her?"
The blonde scoffed. "You really believe them Erza? They're just lying! They all don't like me."
"Erza." Natsu called catching her attention. "Are you really going to side with her rather than your family? The people that have been by your side all your life and would do anything for you?"
The red head glanced between Arya and her family. There was just one obvious choice. "Arya…" She started.
The others looked shocked. Did she really just say the blondes' name? Natsu was about to snap at her but Lucy pulled him back before he could do anything stupid. Arya on the other hand simply smirked. "I knew you'd believe me. They all hate me and don't know what happened. You obviously know…"
"Get out."
The blonde wizard looked shocked for a moment. "Huh?"
Erza turned around glaring at her. "I said get out."
"W-Wait! Y-You seriously believe them!? They just hate me and would do anything to get rid of me!" Arya tried to argue. "We're best friends Erza!"
The red head shook her head while glaring daggers at her. "No, you hurt my best friend. I was wrong, I should have seen it from the beginning. I was a fool to believe you."
"Erza!" Arya tried again but she wasn't letting go. "That's enough!" She shouted at her causing the blonde to shrink back. "You made me ignore my friends, you hurt them and you have the audacity to act innocent?"
Arya looked completely shocked. This couldn't be happening. "B-But…" She started, but Erza quickly cut her off. "Get out now before I throw you out myself!" She shouted at her.
The blonde narrowed her eyes. "I thought we had something Erza. We done everything together!"
"That was only two months." Erza told her. "Yes we did have fun and became friends but that does not mean you can waltz in here and try to kill my sister!"
Arya took a step forward. "You have got to be kidding me! You're choosing that little pest!? She's nothing!"
Erza gritted her teeth. "She has done a lot more than you did! I can't believe I ever doubted her. This was the last time you clouded my mind."
"That's bullshit! I had enough of this! I…" She screeched as a powerful blast of fire hit her square in the chest and sent her flying through the guild and out the door. Everyone turned around and saw Natsu standing there with his arm stretched out. "Sorry, but I had enough."
Erza smiled slightly seeing this. "Thank you Natsu."
He grinned at her. "Not a problem."
The Requip Mage turned around glancing at Kera who was still in the back. The two locked glances and Erza was about to head towards her, but the brunette simply turned around and left, going back into the infirmary.
Erza knew she was in the wrong this time. The problem was, she didn't know how to fix this. She had let Arya come between them and it caused a lot of damage. Damage that she wasn't sure that could be resolved.
Mira came to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "Make sure she knows that you love her. She took this really really hard."
She nodded her head slightly. "Thanks Mira."
"Of course, but you need to give it your all this time. This won't be easy." Mira told her which Erza took to the heart. She knew this wouldn't be easy. She did yell at her even though she was telling her the truth and said some harsh things. She was practically the only person Kera actually trusted and believed in and here she was letting her down. She should have believed her, she had no idea why she didn't… it was just… all confusing…
Glancing at the infirmary room she took a deep breath.
It was now or never.
Kera heard the door close as someone stepped in. She knew exactly who it was and she didn't want to talk… at all. She was sitting on the bed as the person stepped closer. She felt a shift on the bed but still she didn't look.
Erza sat on the bed beside Kera looking extremely guilty. She wasn't even sure how she was going to start this. "Listen Kera… I… I know I did bad… really bad in fact, but you have to understand that I'm really sorry. I didn't mean for this to happen."
She didn't get an answer and sighed. Truthfully she didn't expect anything else. She deserved the cold shoulder the brunette was giving her. But she didn't want this to stay. She had to find some way to fix this.
Erza stood up and decided to sit down on a chair right in front of her sister. "I know I did horribly wrong. I understand that you hate me, but I want to fix this. I love you Kera."
Kera raised her head glancing at the red head in front of her. Erza was giving her a soft smile, though it changed when the brunette stood up. Erza had expected yelling, shouting, maybe even curses or even a slap…
…but never this.
Kera walked out without saying a word.
Erza sighed as she put her head in her hands. How was she going to do this?
"I can see it didn't go well." The red head turned around and saw Mira standing by the doorway. The white haired girl gave her an apologetic smile. Erza groaned as she grabbed her head. "I don't know what to do anymore Mira. I screwed up big time… she doesn't even want to talk to me."
"Well that could be because you told her to never talk to you again." Mira stated. Seeing Erza sitting on the chair grabbing her head while not knowing what to do tore on Mira's heart. She hated seeing the two sisters fight. She would hate it when she ever fought with her siblings.
Sighing Mira sat down on the bed. "Erza… you have to understand that this really struck Kera hard. When you came back… nobody has seen Kera for hours. Lucy found her that night by the river under a tree in the pouring rain. She was injured physically and emotionally. She didn't say anything except that you hated her."
"I didn't mean it, I…" Erza started but Mira shook her head. "But Kera believed it. Erza, you took care of Kera when she came to the guild, the two of you grew up together and you helped her. You two are sisters and you are her older sister, the one person she looks up to."
Erza rubbed her face. "And I practically told her that I hate her…" she muttered. This just proved what a horrible person she was. God damn it, why did Arya even have to appear out of nowhere? Couldn't she just have stayed gone?
Mira smiled at her. "You'll figure this out Erza, the two of you always belong together. I believe that you can fix this."
"Thanks Mira…" Erza muttered. The woman simply nodded and walked out of the room leaving Erza alone. The red head sighed as she looked at the wall.
How was she going to do this?
Lucy sighed as she glanced at the person walking through her apartment doing… something. Kera has been acting weird ever since the incident with Arya. She hasn't talked to anyone really and her sleeping and eating habits were well… almost nonexistent. Lucy knew she was hiding it. Kera didn't look like it, but she was thrashing around in her bed when she tried to sleep, keeping on murmuring things as well.
The blonde Celestial Wizard sighed. "Kera you need to rest, your arm is still injured and you look tired."
"I'm fine." The brunette muttered as she grabbed a bag.
Lucy shook her head. "You're not fine Kera. Just stop and rest for a moment."
Ignoring her, Kera started to walk towards the door, but Lucy stopped her. "Whoa, where are you going?"
"I'm going on a job." Kera told her simply trying to get passed her.
Lucy's eyes went wide. "What!? No! You can't go! Didn't you listen to Porlyusica? She said no work for at least a few weeks! Your arms needs to rest."
"I'm fine." She simply said again before pushing Lucy aside and opening the door, yet when she opened the door Erza stood there, ready to knock. Erza's eyes went wide seeing her. "Kera…"
She shouted a wait as Kera slammed the door in front of her. Turning around the brunette tried to find another way out, but noticed there wasn't one.
Lucy opened the door for Erza, knowing that she wanted to come inside. The red head quickly stepped inside. "Kera wait, I can explain."
"I don't want to talk to you." She said passing her wanting to head for the door. She was actually almost out when a hand grabbed her shoulder and pulled her back. Turning around she glared at the red head.
Erza sighed. "I know, but I'm not leaving until we talk. Just please."
Kera kept on glaring at her. "You already said enough, everything is perfectly clear. Why don't you go to your best friend and talk about it." She sneered at her. It was clear that Kera was mad, but Lucy could also notice a hint of sadness in it.
Then it came to her that maybe she shouldn't be here. These two needed to talk alone. Looking at the door Lucy smiled slightly. "Maybe I should go…"
"She's not my best friend Kera. It's clear that I was wrong and I shouldn't have said what I did and I'm sorry!" Erza told her trying to explain her side. "I'm not trying to defend myself, I definitely deserve every curse, every slap, everything you give to me. But I'm really sorry!"
"Then why did you ignore me!? It seemed the moment she came you pushed me aside! Like you were replacing me!" Kera shouted at her.
"I wasn't replacing you! I just… I don't know what happened! I hadn't seen her in forever and I wanted to catch up, but there was no intention of replacing you! I would never replace you! You're my little sister." She gave Kera a soft glance hoping that it would help, but it was clear that Kera was still upset about this.
Kera gritted her teeth. "You had no idea what happened? I'll tell you what happened! Not sure if you noticed, but you ignoring me, pushing me aside, no… you believing Arya over me, thinking I was the one lying after almost being killed, ripped my heart in half! You have no idea how it hurt! It was worse than actually almost getting killed by her!"
"I-I know…" Erza started. "That's what I regret the most. I… I should have believed you. I… I don't know why I done it but…"
"But you still did it!" Kera yelled at her. "I was badly injured, clearly no sign of a beast attack and you think I went to fight on my own!? In all our missions together I would always follow your god damn orders! I wouldn't just fight a god damn beast by myself!"
Both Lucy and Erza sensed that Kera was finally letting out all of her emotions. The anger, the sadness, the hurt… she was bottling it all up, telling everyone she was fine… but in truth she was just one stone away of shattering like a piece of glass.
And here was the stone…
"I THOUGHT YOU DIDN'T CARE ABOUT ME ANYMORE! I thought you'd pushed me aside just like Ottoma and Crystol told me would happen!" Kerashouted tears starting to fall out of her eyes. "I felt dead inside!"
Erza didn't know exactly what to say. She… she completely forgot about that. Some people would see Kera as a strong person, maybe even one of the strongest wizards in the world, but what they don't know is that it took a lot to get there. She needed her friends to stay strong. She had emotional scars and still sometimes has doubts that she isn't enough. Her childhood still left behind scars that were difficult to overcome. She still had nightmares…
"Do you even know how much pain that was!? To have someone close to you, that you care about, see as family, even your own sister turn their back on you!? It felt like my heart literally was torn in half. The only person I actually trust with my life has turned her back on me! There's not even an ounce of physical pain that could match that! How could you!?"
Lucy was about to help but noticed Erza shaking her head. It seemed that she had something already planned. The red head simply glanced at Kera. "Kera, I…"
"You what?" Kera interrupted her again shouting, her eyes teary. "You didn't think this would happen? You completely forgot about me? I thought you were replacing me Erza! I thought I had lost the only thing I could even come close to family! I thought you…" She stopped when the last thing she thought would happen… well happened.
Erza had pulled her in a tight hug shocking the brunette first, but that moment hit her hard. It all just came crashing down for her. The moment Erza had hugged her Kera broke down. She let her tears fall down freely down her face. There was no stopping at that point.
Kera buried her head into Erza's shoulder finally giving in to her emotions. There was just too much… so much sadness, grief, anger… she couldn't hold it in any longer. Erza held her close to her. Kera's legs gave in and the two landed on the ground.
"Let it all out." Erza told her in a soft tone. "Just let it all out."
Kera kept on crying as she finally put her good arm around the red head. "I-I… I t-thought… y-you left… me." She was clinging to the red head as if she were about to leave her again. "I d-don't know… how to…"
"Sh, it's okay." Erza comforted her holding her close. Kera shook her head, the tears kept on coming. There was no stopping them. "I-I'm s-sorry…" The brunette sobbed.
Erza immediately shook her head. "No! No, no, no. I'm sorry! I'm so so so sorry…" Erza put her head on Kera's shoulder. "I should never have done this! This is all my fault. You're not in the wrong here, I am."
Closing her eyes the red head kept a tight hold on Kera. "I let her get into my head and it hurt you in the end. There aren't enough words to tell you how sorry I am. I've hurt you and there's no excuse for it. You're my little sister and there's nothing in the world that can replace you. I wouldn't want anyone else."
"You're… you're just… saying that…" Kera sniffed, the tears still falling down her face. Erza pushed them apart slightly so she could look the brunette in the eyes. "I am not just saying that. I mean it Kera. I care for you more than you think. You're my little sister and I don't care if you're not by blood. I will take care of you no matter what. I will stand by your side no matter what. I'll fight Demons and Dragons… heck I'd even fight Zeref myself if it meant to keep you as my little sister!"
Kera laughed slightly hearing this, but still chocked slightly on her sobs. Erza smiled slightly while wiping a few tears from her face. "I'm really, really, really sorry for what I did Kera. I didn't mean it… at all." She gave her a warm smile. "I love you too much to lose you."
"You're really… not saying that?" Kera asked.
Erza smiled at her. "I'd give up strawberry cheesecake for life if it meant to keep you as my sister."
Kera finally had a smile on her tear stained face. She lowered her head slightly while wiping a few tears away. "I'm really sorry for this…"
Erza sighed shaking her head. "You don't need to apologize for anything, Kera. You didn't do anything wrong. I'm the one who should be apologizing to you nonstop. Just please don't blame yourself this time Kera."
The brunette glanced at Erza before lowering her head yet again. "I'm sorry I yelled… and ignored you…"
"Kera…" Erza sighed. She didn't want the brunette to feel that this was her fault. For the first time the entire fault lay on her head and not Kera's. "Your reaction was justified. I deserve every yell, shout, spat, curse or even slap you'd give me. Just please stop apologizing. You're not at fault."
"I just…" Kera started put Erza quickly stopped her by pulling her into a hug. "Let me make it up to you. Just please stop saying sorry and let me do the apologizing. Don't always apologize for everything, okay?"
"I'll try…" Kera muttered slightly, but a small smile was plastered on her face.
Erza put her head on Kera's shoulder. "I'm sorry Kera… I really am. You deserve better."
Kera didn't say anything and simply enjoyed the embrace. She really missed this. What Erza done had hurt a lot, but… deep down… she knew that she didn't mean it. Even if she wanted to, she couldn't hate her.
Lucy smiled slightly seeing the two sisters. She was amazed how the two could go through so much trouble, but yet forgive each other or clear things out at the end of the day. Sometimes it took a few days but at some point the two were fine again.
She wanted to leave the two since it was a private moment and she should have gone earlier, but she wanted to make sure that neither one of them killed the other. Now she wanted to leave the two alone so they could talk. She was about to turn around and head for the door but a hand shot up and grabbed her arm.
Looking down she saw it was Erza. At first the blonde was confused but was quickly pulled into the hug the two were having. Lucy felt a bit weird and uncomfortable. Erza chuckled slightly. "You helped Kera Lucy and I want to thank you for it. You're a true and dear friend. Thank you."
Lucy blushed slightly. "Oh… it was nothing."
"It's weird."
"I agree."
"It's super weird."
"It's… terrifying."
"Unnatural."
"Law defying."
"What are you guys talking about!?"
Both Gray and Natsu turned around glancing at Lucy who was giving them a frown. They were talking about something… strange and she wanted to find out what it was.
Gray simply pointed at the bar. Lucy followed his gaze and sighed, immediately knowing why they were talking so strange. The reason?
Erza and Kera
More precisely how the red head was acting.
Kera was sitting at the bar, her arm still resting in a sling, but that wasn't the problem. The weird thing was that Erza was taking care of her non-stop. She was getting things for the brunette, cleaning stuff for her… literally doing everything for her.
No wonder it terrified the guys.
But Lucy knew why this was happening. It's been a few days since the two reconciled and ever since that day Erza was making everything for Kera. She made sure that she was taken care of and was giving her all of her attention.
"Why is she getting such treatment from her? Erza really doesn't do that." Gray commented still shuddering at the sight in front of him. It was rare seeing Erza do so much for one person, even Kera and she almost done everything for her!
Lucy rubbed her forehead. "Kera took a hit, okay? So stop whining."
"Oh just because she got her soul and heart crushed means she get's extra attention!?" Natsu yelled. "Erza does that to us every day! What the hell!? That's so unfair!"
Gray frowned at him. "Kera was actually hurt and you're complaining?"
"It's unfair!"
"She's her sister!"
"She's part of our family as well!"
"Oh so you want to get your heart and soul crushed?"
"No!"
"Then why are you complaining!?"
"She's getting everything! That's completely unfair!"
"Just shut up you flaming idiot!"
"What did you call me!?"
"You heard me flame brain!"
"Oh you're on ice breath."
"Bring it!"
Lucy sighed as she saw Natsu throw the first punch. The two were fighting yet again and this time Erza wasn't even going to intervene. She was way too occupied with Kera. She stood up from the table, deciding it was going to be better that she left before it got too messy.
She headed to the bar where the others were and sat on a chair beside Kera. She smiled at the brunette. "Hey, how's it going?"
Kera rolled her eyes. "What do you think? My arms still broken and Erza is behind my back every step of the way."
"So bad?"
"This can't get better!" Kera said with a huge grin on her face. Lucy looked at her a bit confused. She was having a blast? How? Why?
Kera noticed the confused look the blonde was giving her and smiled. "Erza is literally doing everything for me! I ask for anything and she gets it! Do you know how rare this situation is?" She asked.
Lucy raised an eyebrow while a smirk was plastered on her face. "You're really going to take advantage of this, are you?"
The brunette sighed. "A lot of people would. But…" She stopped for a moment.
The Celestial Wizard smiled. "But you can't."
Kera shook her head. "I love Erza too much. I… some people would actually put her through hell after what she did, but I can't. I know that she's sorry for what she did and I know she feels guilty. I mean… I'm still a bit hurt by what she said but I can't deal the same damage to her. It's not fair."
Lucy nodded. "I understand. Also it's the right thing to do."
"Here you go." Both girls turned around and saw Erza with two cups in her hands and a smile on her face. She placed one of the cups on the bar for Kera. "I bought some hot cocoa for you. I know you like it from that one café down by the river."
Kera blinked. "Wait… you walked all the way to the river to get me cocoa? Also they're hot cocoa is expensive!"
"I know, but you deserve it. Come on, drink it." Erza smiled.
"Erza…" Kera smiled slightly. She couldn't believe that Erza walked all the way to the river and still knew the cocoa she loved was by the café and she bought that expensive little thing! "Thank you." The brunette told her.
Erza put her arm around her shoulder. "It's not a problem. Also, you have an appointment with Porlyusica later, but after that I want to take you out to dinner at Eight Island."
"Wait really!? But… you don't have to do that! I mean…" Erza stopped Kera by pulling her into a hug. "It's fine Kera. Let me do this, okay?"
Kera smiled before nodding. "Okay."
The two smiled and hugged it out. "Though…" Kera started parting from the red head. "On one condition." She said.
Erza looked a little confused. "Uh… sure, what is it?"
"The gang comes."
Lucy's eyes went wide. "Wait what?"
Erza smiled knowing what she was doing. Nodding her head she agreed to her command. "Not a problem."
"W-Wait." Lucy stopped the two of them. "You really don't have to do this. I mean… you two go ahead and…" She stopped when Kera slightly pushed her.
Laughing, the brunette glanced at Lucy. "I mean it! You guys should come along! You, Wendy, Gray, Natsu and Juvia! It'll be a blast!"
Lucy was about to deny the offer, but Erza helped her sister out. "It's fine Lucy, you guys should come. We haven't done anything together in a while. Like Kera said, it'll be fun."
"Alright." Lucy finally gave in. "But only because you guys insist." Glancing to the back of the guild she sighed slightly. "Though… you'd have to break those two up, they're fighting again." She said pointing to the two boys that were punching each other.
"Not a problem." Erza stated walking over to them.
Kera simply smiled as she grabbed the cup of hot cocoa from the bar while watching her sister deal with the two boys. Lucy chuckled softly. "You really didn't have to do that."
"Of course I did." Kera told her, taking a quick sip of her hot cocoa. "You helped me and I want to show you how much I appreciate it. Also, we haven't done anything together in a while. And it's a way to show how much I love you guys." She said with a huge grin on her face.
Lucy smiled. "Alright, but… we can't go if she kills both Natsu and Gray."
Kera turned around and almost fell of the chair. The red head was literally punching the two boys to death. Natsu and Gray weren't even fighting back! They just lay on the ground with their hands over their heads as Erza dealt with them.
The blonde gave Kera a look causing her to snort. "I'm not interfering, I'm injured enough."
Lucy sighed. "Well… then it's been nice knowing them."
"Yup." Kera said with a chuckle.
You truly believe in your friends. Crystol's voice rang out inside of her head. Personally I would have torn her apart, both of them. She hurt you. Kera smiled slightly. I know, but she didn't mean it. People make mistakes... that's what makes us Human.
Very well... I trust you...
Thanks... for being there for me. Kera told Crystol.
It's my job.
Kera chuckled hearing this. She didn't see it as a job. Crystol might not see it but the brunette really cared for Crystol since she was always there for her. Well... she couldn't really go anywhere, being inside of her and all... but she still loved that she'd help her and protect her. It wasn't really her responsibility, but she was still thankful.