Chapter 8: letters
Around a week passed away and both me and my parents got used to me hanging a lot around the guild. They didn't speak with me much, only with business or asking how my friends are doing. They were still mad at me, of course, but there wasn't much they could do about it anyway. I didn't do anything wrong they could prove.
My mother was silent around me more than father though. She took everything in a different form than my father and this form was silence or ignorance. Meanwhile, father was trying to act like normal, though kept an eye on me. Therefore I had to be even more careful.
"Our mail man working in the town next to this one broke his leg," dad said firmly during our early breakfast.
"So he can't deliver the mail around anymore, can he?" I asked.
"Barely," my father shook his head. "At first he tried his best to, but he was working entire days without being able to finish a day job."
"That's sad..."
"Indeed. That's why I ask you to replace him for some time. Every second day you'd be working here, and every other one there."
My food almost stuck in my throat. Yes, I was quite good running around Magnolia and delivering the mail people got, but I had never done this outside of it. Obviously, I had visited that town a couple of times when I was bringing the part of letters to the mail posts from where they're taken and brought all over the place, but I haven't done this for quite a long time. I only knew a few streets there and still wasn't sure. I had no idea how long I'd be walking around with that two-day work. And worse - I didn't want to go to that place.
"B-but I barely know the town," I whispered. Not wanting to mention other reasons.
"I know. That's why I asked the employee to work even with the broken leg. But he can't anymore and you're the only hope," father put his palm on my hand and looked deeply in my eyes. His gaze was cold and almost ordering. It was clearly telling me I didn't have a choice. But maybe I could figure something out. I knew I will.
"Okay. I'll try my best," I whispered and finished my breakfast. "So I'm starting this from today?" I asked and father nod. I sighed heavily. I should have expected.
I left my home pretty soon and went straight to the guild. I wanted to inform others I won't be able to come and train a bit more. Mirajane and Lisana were already there with a few others who were looking at the job requests.
"Hello, Neda-chan. You're early today," the members saw me. Lisana went out of the kitchen when she heard I was there.
"I came just for a minute to inform I won't be able to join you today," I said.
"What's wrong? Has something happened?" Lisana asked.
"No... Well the mail deliver in the town next to this broke his leg, so I have to replace him for some time. I guess, I'll have twice more work from now on," I said and looked downwards. I wished I wouldn't have to. I loved spending time in the guild and was there every day. I didn't want to worry anyone I wasn't there anymore, so I came to shortly tell the current situation and leave.
"Oh, I understand... Good lock then," she said. "I'll tell the others when they come," Lisana nod and I left to the kitchen. The really hard day was about to begin for me.
It was around half an hour trip to walk there and the weather was at least nice enough. Though it was a really lovely trip, I couldn't handle but keep stressing. When I took the whole bunch of letters for almost a week, I went even paler.
I had a really hard time finding the right houses at first. But latter I started to ask people for the directions and surprisingly they all seemed very friendly and helpful. Or I shouldn't be surprised, everyone were friendly towards me, because I was a young lovely woman walking around their city.
But what I couldn't predict to happen, was that my guild members would come to help me. When I saw the team Natsu going my way I couldn't stop but smile seing them. Did they really come here for me?
"Hey, guys. Why ate you here?" I asked like I didn't know.
"Lisana told us you gotta work here today, so we thought you might need some help," Wendy said.
"You shouldn't have... I can handle it myself. Somehow," I smiled awkwardly.
"It's not a big deal. We have friends here anyway. Besides, Gramps gave us the letter to bring here too, so we had to come for one reason or another," Lucy said.
"Master gave a letter to bring here? For who? And why?" I blinked of confusion.
"It's for Sabertooth," Carla spoke up. "It's an invitation to our 24-hour Endurance Road Race," she explained.
I froze. I knew their guild was the second guild after Fairy Tail. They had two extremely powerful Dragon Slayers in their guild called the Twin Dragons. Rumors said, they even defeated the dragons who taught them magic to gain more power. Only thinking of this makes the sparks go through my body. Besides, there was someone else too. My first love was a mage from Sabertooth. The one who broke my heart into pieces half a year ago. I couldn't face him after he ditched me like I didn't mean anything. Like everything he said meant nothing.
"Don't be scared, Neda! They aren't that bad!" Happy said in a teasing tone flying around.
"Can we go there now? I'm really hungry," Natsu said and put his palm on his groaning stomach. Happy agreed with his idea.
"Aye! I would love to eat a fish or two," he said.
Others didn't argue and I was afraid to say anything. I didn't want to go there. I didn't want another heartbreak. I didn't want to see him, but I couldn't tell them I actually had a boyfriend from that guild. They'd ask me what happened or even throw him through the walls afterwards. No. I didn't want violence. I wanted to move on. Like I already was doing. Though it led me back to my ex.
It was about the lunch time though and I felt hungry too. Maybe nothing would happen if I went there... There were my friends with me after all, so he wouldn't face me. He wouldn't dare. I hoped.
But when I was already in front of a guild hall, my legs froze again. I couldn't go inside, my legs were as heavy as a stone. Because of stress I couldn't read the minds of people from the inside though I detected quite many of them. And I couldn't find his mind either. It's interesting, how he'd react seeing me around anyway.
"Why aren't you going with us?" Lucy stopped in the middle of trapdoor and looked at me.
"Um... I... Maybe I shouldn't go..." I whispered shyly.
"What are you talking about? Everything is going to be fine. You know, they have a wizard using a memory magic which includes memory manipulating and it's a bit similar to you, right? Since memories are a part of the mind, you'll already have someone to to talk to," Lucy put her hands on her hips. She hoped that could work to make me interested to come.
But that wasn't helping at all. Through Lucy or not. I had enough knowledge about all five strongest in the Sabertooth. And the memory mage included. Rufus magic was different from mine. He seemed to have a really good memory, which was helping him to get knowledge of huge amount of spells meant for many forms of ability magic. The only he couldn't learn was a holder magic. But that didn't make him weaker. Rufus was really worth to be in a top five, but this didn't interest me. He didn't interest me. But I had to pretend intrigued. I had to overcome my fears.
"Fine, I'll go then," I said after a deep breath. I pulled my hands into fists and rose my head. If he dares to talk to me after what he did, I'd punch him. In front of everyone. I didn't care how others will react to that, but he'll pay for ditching me.
The place was really wide from the inside. The guildhall was as impressive as Fairy Tail's. The place was made of wood, but really light and comfy. It was nice, generally. But making me sad. He was used to walk here day after day and stayed loyal to the guild while he left me without saying a word. You'd ask me why I didn't come to him then, but the truth is. I couldn't. At first I waited for my lover to come back like he promised, latter I started to understand he won't come and got sad. I felt miserable but what could I do? My magic was different. I couldn't hurt him. I couldn't even if I wanted to. Comparing to him, I was just a weak beginner he will make fun of eventually. Of course, in his own, subtle way I only would understand. I couldn't survive another break up with him. I couldn't handle my heart being crushed even more.
I came the last from the whole Fairies group, so nobody noticed me at first. I hoped nobody will notice me at all. I quickly put my hood on. I felt a lot better like that. But still looked around just in case I saw him. But at the guild hall weren't many people. Most of them were gone on jobs. Lucky me, because that jerk wasn't there either.
Natsu was already in a friendly chat with a muscular tall blond guy which I quickly figured to be a current Sabertooth master, the White Dragon Slayer, Sting Eucliffe. But he was nothing like what I heard from the rumors. He looked nice and talkative. Super energetic and saying everything what was on his mind. He reminded me of Natsu somehow.
Next to the guild master stood a woman with short white hair. She was also a little shy, but Fairy Tail knew her quite well, so she was comfortable enough around everyone
Soon there came a few more guild members greeting Fairy Tail wizards. The sparks started to go through my skin when I figured they noticed me standing there too. It was just a matter of time before...
"Hey, who did you bring here with you?" Sting asked.
Everybody looked at me. I stepped backwards unconsciously.
"It's Neda. Our newest member," Lucy told them and turned to me. "Don't be afraid. You can take your hood off."
I waited a few more seconds but eventually did what I was asked. He wasn't in the guild, so I shouldn't worry much. Also, I doubt any of them whew who I was to one of them. I felt so embarrassed. Everyone were staring at me.
"Oh, that's a girl!" Sting smiled to me and came closer. "Nice to meet you, Neda-san I'm Sting. The master of this guild."
He gave his hand for me to shake but I just stared at it like an idiot. I heard other people whispering which made me feel even worse.
"She's really pretty," the white haired woman said.
"Why does she look like a mail deliver?" a tall woman with dark hair put into a buns asked.
"She looks like she's about to die of fear. Are we that scared?" I think it was another white-haired woman to ask. She stood out quite a lot though. And was really pretty too. I wondered if that idiot actually dumped me for one of them. But screw this. I wasn't jealous. He can go to hell and I won't care less for him. Though I didn't feel anything negative about any of the girls. It probably was my own fault.
"What are you doing? You're terrifying her!" somebody from the group said, but I couldn't concentrate who it was anymore.
"What do you think I'm doing then!?" the master shouted back at the group.
But then I took his hand in mine and shook. He turned at me a little surprised, but soon there was a bright smile on his face.
"See, it wasn't that bad, was it?"
I shook my head a little and he put his hand on my back pushing me inside. "Come, I'll introduce you to everyone. Maybe then you'll feel a little better?" he said and softly pushed me closer to Yukino.
I had to suffer an giant amount on stress while talking to each of the Sabertooth member who was still in the guild. Though they were really nice to me, I didn't know what got into me. Probably because he was their friend and none of them ever knew I was hanging out with a Saber. It was a secret relationship like now I'm a secret wizard, both times hidden from my parents. It was strange to meet the family of his, which didn't even have a clue how close to Sabers I was. Or maybe it was rumors. I was frightened of everyone of the guild. So much power they had. Even being the second they were really strong. Just Fairy Tail was impossible to get rid of. Otherwise Sabertooth would remain as the first for hell knows how long.
"Why does your member look like an male deliver?" Minerva asked again. She was analyzing me very closely. I have heard some things about her too. She was a dark wizard before she was defeated a few times by Erza. Then she was convinced that being evil wasn't making her strong. As I searched from her minds, she really wasn't anymore and for being evil she had her own reasons she overcome. Besides, it's been quite a long time since she turned good again.
"It's because she really is our mail girl. She's just helping out your town's deliver. Besides, she brought you this," Lucy said and gave a letter Master gave. I blushed a little but was let confused. Why Lucy said it was me who brought the letter? She didn't want to make me sad because it should have been my job to do this. And she was right. I should have be the one delivering it anyway.
"What is it?" Sting asked and opened the letter. He red what was written and smiled.
"I surely will come. Guys, Fairy Tail is organizing the 24-hour Race and are inviting us as a viewers! We're definitely coming there to watch this event, aren't we?" Sting seemed really excited.
"I don't see the reason, why not," Lector agreed with the master. Sting was clearly his idol, agreeing with everything he had thought of. He looked a little cute though, but his minds weren't much of an interest to me.
Others agreed with Sting too or shook their shoulders. I sighed not knowing what to do. This meant I'll have to face these people again. And most likely him again. Unless he'll be smart enough to avoid me. But maybe this was what I had to deal with. Maybe it'll be meant to meet him again. He really should settle things up though I don't know what I'd do if I met him.
"OK, let's eat. I'm starving!" Natsu yelled cutting the subject.
"When you mention it... I'm hungry too," Sting said and wrapped his arm around Natsu's shoulder and both went to grab something to eat.
All of us went after these two. Everyone from our guild seemed to be really close and friendly to each other. And for the first time in a while I felt I wasn't noticeable and nobody cared for me. But even though I was alone left with my own business, I somehow felt lonely. It was nice to always have Lucy or Wendy talking to me, or being close to any of the members. But now they all seemed distracted by another guild members forgetting about me. Well, I shouldn't complain with it. After all, I lived like this for really long time.
I grabbed enough food for my lunch and sat in an empty seat further away from everyone. But there didn't go long lime when someone sat in front of me. I rose my head from the meal to freeze again. Rogue and Frosch ate their food like it was nothing special. I blinked a few times and quickly red his mind. He sat there because he noticed I was left alone. He didn't want me to feel like this. How sweet of him, but I still asked.
"Why aren't you with everyone else?"
Rogue looked at me and sparks went through my body. Something felt really strange about him. And creepy. His red eye was a bit scary. Maybe it was good that the other one was covered.
"The same I can ask you. You are a member of Fairy Tail, aren't you?" he asked me.
"I am, but they're too excited to meet your guild members. I don't want to interrupt their joy," I said.
"Well, then we will keep you a company, if you don't mind," Rogue smiled a little. Though his eyes were giving me creeps, he seemed quite nice. Strange, cold, but handsome and friendly. His smile made me feel a bit more comfortable.
"Fro thinks so too!" the exceed agreed catching my attention. It was a green exceed wearing a lovely pink frog costume. That one sentence and a smile and everything around me melted. This exceed was too adorable for words.
"Thank you, but you shouldn't have bothered yourself with me," I said.
"It's not a big deal," Rogue said pretty quietly. I noticed he wasn't the loud talker person. "I don't have anything to tell them either."
"Fro missed Happy though," Frosch responded. "But Fro doesn't want to leave Rogue alone."
"Then you're really great and loyal friend," I smiled to the exceed dressed like a frog. "Wait a moment, I think I still have a few cookies left," I quickly grabbed my little purse where I kept a few personal things and opened it. I always have some cookies with me in case I get a bit hungry. I found a box in which I kept those sweets and gave one to Frosch. He gently took it from my hand and tasted it.
"Delicious!" he smiled. I smiled back. It was really lovely to see how happy Frosch become. Though he wasn't much of a brain everyone could admit he was the cutest exceed ever. That kitten made me become a little jealous of Rogue. He had such an lovely friend.
Rogue looked at his exceed surprised at first, but then he smiled to him. I noticed he also wanted to try my homemade snack, so I put the whole box on the table and opened it.
"You can take it too," I said trying to be careful.
"Wha- no. I'm full," he blinked a few times and shook his head. Did I embarrass him? He was trying to hold his blush. I definitely caught him when he didn't want to.
"Fro wants one more," exceed said and stepped closer the box to take one more. "Rogue should try one too."
Rogue looked away for a couple of seconds trying to keep himself from taking the cookie, but soon he couldn't handle anymore and tasted it. He got surprised of how tasty it was and I couldn't handle, but blush from embarrassment.
"It's really delicious. And seems homemade. Did you make them?" he asked.
I nod a little.
"This is amazing. Thanks," he was smiling shyly. Even though he was a jerk, the people around him were quite awesome. Not even knowing me they were friendly. I wonder what they'd say if they knew... But it doesn't matter. It's over anyway. I'm over with him.
I don't know how, but I liked talking to Rogue and Froach. Rogue was friendly though mysteri0us and a bit terrifying. I guess talking to him made me feel more comfortable being in their guild, because he showed that I shouldn't fall for the rumors or get all scared of some kind of idiot who wasn't even there. They're all as friendly as Fairy Tail members when you get to know them. Maybe I'll visit them another time when I come (and when I catch he isn't there). Besides, I was working every second day out there and after a long working hours I was really hungry. Minerva's cooking was as amazing Mira's, I think I'd love to taste something again soon.
Others noticed I had a small chat with Rogue and Frosch. When we left Lucy split out seeing me having a good time with a Shadow Dragon Slayer. She seemed happy that I managed to go over myself and talk to someone from Sabertooth even though she hoped it to be Rufus. He was on a job a few days now.
"It was Rogue who sat in front of me. It was really kind of him to do so. He doesn't seem so scary to me anymore. Maybe I just had to see that they weren't that bad..." I said to Lucy while walking to one of the houses.
Others were delivering some of the letters too. They split up in groups, so we could finish it faster. I stayed With Lucy while Wendy went with Carla and Erza, Natsu with Happy and Gray and for the last team I was worried the most. I hoped they wouldn't burn or freeze any of the letters.
"Told you so. It's sad Yukino went out on a job afterwards. She's great too. You'll be really good friends once you get to know her," Lucy told me. "Minerva is awesome too. But different from Yukino. I myself never become close with her, but she's friendly."
"You all seem to be close to members of Sabertooth," I said.
"You can say so. We all lived through a lot. And their guild was very helpful when needed," Lucy said. I nod. "Anyway, what were you and Rogue talking about? He caught your eye, didn't he?" the woman dug my arm with her elbow.
"Nothing special... Wait, what are talking about by 'caught my eye'?" I tried to be angry, but couldn't stop smiling. Maybe he really did, but not in that way. I was just happy to have a friend. A friend who makes me feel more comfortable about that jerk's guild. From the first view Rogue seemed cold and arrogant, but actually nice and caring. Otherwise he wouldn't have Froach around him. That kitten could melt even the darkest hearts.
"Well, it's clear you caught his eye, plus you two had a nice meal together. Almost like a date," Lucy winked. I punched her shoulder.
"You were the ones forgetting me around and leaving me alone," I tried to blame her, but the fact was, I chose not to interrupt them myself.
"Sorry for that. But... Just be careful around Rogue, alright?" she asked suddenly becoming serious. My body went cold of what I saw from Lucy's mind. I saw it. How the woman looking like Lucy stood in front not letting the shadow touch her and fell. Lucy saw how that woman died. It was so painful even for me to see everything through her memory. And on top of it I saw a tall man with red eye while another one was covered with black hair. He had a tattoo on his face and huge scar which couldn't be fully covered. I gasped. Was that the same Rogue?
"Natsu told me it was all over now, but I'm still a bit worried. You can change the future all you want, but if it's fate, then it'll catch you anyway," Lucy said and looked downwards. This has been stuck in her heart too deeply.
"Don't worry, I won't interfere into his life. I already tasted what means to be ditched by a Saber," I said sadly.
"WHAT?" Lucy's jaw fell open. "You mean you know someone from Sabertooth already? And ditched? Why didn't you tell us?"
"It's nothing to tell. He's a selfish jerk, an ignorant, self-confident, arrogant, stubborn freak who lied to me," I said filling with anger. But even so... Even so I still missed him and the little part of me was actually willing to see him there.
"Wow..." Lucy whispered surprised how suddenly I become angry. "I'm sorry for what he made you go through," she said understanding I didn't want to go through those memories again.
"It's over for a long time anyway. And he wasn't in the guild either. So don't worry, I'm fine," I forced a smile.
You probably already know who actually Neda's lover is, but that'll be confirmed in the next chapter. But what a story without some romance, hm? I hope you'll like what I have planed.
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