From that day onwards, Gray and Natsu had a healthy sense of fear of my wrath, so took extra care to never accidentally squish my cake ever again. That aside, generally I had a very easy going and optimistic personality, as Master Makarov tells me. He was like everybody's grandpa, and I always enjoyed giving him hugs whenever I came back from a job with my sister. Now that we'd spent a little time at the guild, Erza and I were like real members of the family. In some senses, it felt like we'd always been at Fairy Tail, and although I never recovered any of my missing memories, I was fine with that. I'm happy now, and that's all that matters.
Being two years older than both Gray and Natsu, I kind of liked the idea that they were my little brothers. Erza would stop them from fighting each other, telling them off and often using violence to enforce her orders, then I would step in to calm her down and lecture them with less imposing an aura. Those two were like fire and ice, no pun intended. It was actually rather cute to see them bicker so much, it made me feel like they were quickly becoming best friends with one another, even though they would never admit it.
As time passed, more and more new members continued to arrive and I did my best to make friends with all of them. Levy was just so irresistibly cute that I couldn't help but cuddle her like a doll and keep an eye on her, especially when Erza invited her to join us on quests. I guess this is what it felt like for Erza, always worrying about me. I sure did enjoy being the little sister, but it's also nice to have younger kids that I can spoil and look after too. It was a little difficult to get close to the Stauss siblings, but eventually they opened up. Mirajane, the eldest, was the most difficult, keeping herself in seclusion just like Erza had at first, so I made a habit of sneakily leaving her presents and pretty things to try and get her to smile. At first she was just bewildered at finding flowers and such things suddenly appear in front of her whenever she glanced away whilst I watched from behind a pillar, however after a while, she started to slowly smile each time I brought her something. I made quick friends with Lisanna the youngest as we were a little similar in temperament, so soon enough there were a large number of us kids running around underneath the adults' feet and causing a ruckus.
I loved Fairy Tail, it was definitely the place I wanted to stay for the rest of my life, especially if Erza was here too. "What are you looking at dumbass?"
"I'm looking at you, ice-brain, put some clothes on already!"
"Who're you calling ice-brain, pinkie?" Rolling my eyes with a sigh, I shook my head as Natsu and Gray started to fight one another. Erza was out for the moment, so I guess I'll have to break them up this time.
"Calm down you two, it's exhausting having to listen to you argue all the time, can't you just get along like normal…?" They punched one another in the face. Jeez, boys are such idiots. It's like their sole purpose in life was to fight and cause trouble for us women, honestly. The sooner they grow up the better, though I doubt it's going to be any better even after they hit puberty. Completely ignoring me, I folded my arms and glared at the two of them as they continued to argue, contemplating on how I was going to break them up.
"Bonehead!"
"Flame-brain!"
"Pervert!"
"Little dweeb!" Eyebrow twitching in annoyance, I stepped forwards and grabbed the two of them by slinging my arms around their necks and brought them against me for a tight hug.
"You two wouldn't want me to tell Erza that you've been fighting again, would you?" I threatened them with a honey sweet smile, sticking out my tongue and winking at them as Cana sniggered behind her hand, leaning back and enjoying the show as both Gray and Natsu suddenly became void of all colour in their faces, terror radiating from them in ominous waves as I clenched my arms tighter around their necks to practically strangle them. "Big sis hasn't been in a good mood recently, so I'm sure hearing you two are still going at each other won't exactly help. Now, are you going to behave yourselves now?"
"Yes ma'am! We promise ma'am!" Pleased, I gave a giggle and relaxed my grip around them, pulling them into a proper hug where they still failed to escape, complaining and protesting at my continual public displays of affection. "Let us go Zera! Jeez, you're embarrassing us!"
"But you're too darn cute Natsu, Gray, I can't help but want to cuddle you." Letting them go finally I gave a lopsided grin as I planted my hands on their heads and ruffled their already messed up hair. "It's good that you're both lively, but try not to get too carried away alright?" Agreeing reluctantly, Gray and Natsu pouted childishly as I skipped away and jumped on Cana, giving her a hug next. "How long until they start fighting again?"
"I don't even need to look at my cards for something like that. They'll be arguing in the next five minutes, you just watch." She giggled with me as I sat myself down on the bench and swung my legs leisurely. I hadn't grown much since I'd come here, not like Erza had. She was now several inches taller than me, leaving me far behind. Master Makarov told me that it was okay to be slow growing up, that being a child isn't a bad thing and I should enjoy my youth whilst I still had it, but I couldn't help but wish I was a little taller. If I could stand as tall as my sister, and stand by her side, I think I would be even more confident in myself and not need to depend on her so much. I wasn't a very good wizard at the moment, I was still learning and developing my skills, so Erza usually ended up protecting me. One day, I'll be the one protecting my big sister. It's a promise I had made to myself.
"Hey Cana, do you want to go on a job with me soon? Just me and you."
"Huh? What about Erza?" I blushed slightly as I tucked a lock of my red hair behind my ear.
"I want to try getting stronger, so I don't have to be so reliant and dependant on my big sis. It must be a huge inconvenience to her. After all, she always ends up saving me whenever we're out on a quest as I mess up a lot which makes things difficult for her." Turning to face Cana, I reached out to hold her hand desperately. "Please go on a job with me, Cana! I promise I'll do my very best, and it doesn't have to be difficult, I'll even let you have two thirds of the reward!"
"Calm down Zera, you don't have to do all that." Cana smiled at me sweetly. "Of course I'll go on a job with you, you don't even have to ask. It'll be fun, we can be our very own team." My eyes sparkled, squealing with glee as I flung my arms around her neck out of sheer excitement.
"You're the best Cana!" We smiled at one another as I nuzzled into her cheek, both of us completely unaware of anything around us until suddenly, there was a loud bang from the direction of the master's office. I squeaked, clinging onto Cana a little more tightly however when Laxus came storming out, I slackened my grip once more. Laxus? Why does he look so mad? There were crackles of electricity coming off him as he stormed past, looking as if he was angry with the entire world. I've never seen him look like that.
"What's his problem?" Cana questioned with a frown, folding her arms as I slowly let her go. "Guess he must have had another argument with the old man. Sure I get being the master's grandson can't be easy, but still. There's no need to get so worked up like that." She shot a dry look after Laxus's back as everyone naturally drew away from him, choosing not to get in his way. A strong bolt of lightning darted from his body and literally pierced through one of the pillars, leaving a deep scorch mark as Laxus left the guildhall with all that pent up anger coiling inside him. "Zera? Where are you going?" I hadn't even realised I had stood up and moved to follow, blinking myself awake from my trance.
"I…I'm going to follow him and make sure he's alright." I decided, looking back as Cana's eyes few wide with alarm.
"That's dangerous! Laxus is very unpredictable when he's in this kind of mood, he might not be able to control his actions. You might get hurt, Zera." Cana warned me adamantly but I just answered with a smile, touching a hand to my heart.
"Laxus is a member of Fairy Tail, he wouldn't ever intentionally hurt a fellow guild mate, so it's okay. I don't mind if I get a little frazzled by his electricity, because right now, I think all he needs is a friend." With a whirl of movement I dashed after Laxus in order to keep track of him, flinging up my hand to wave goodbye to Cana. "I'll be back soon! Don't worry!" Knowing that even with my reassurance, Cana was still concerned, I quickly left the guild in order to avoid getting stopped. I was worried about Laxus, he looked so angry and frustrated, but also incredibly sad. I didn't want any of my friends or my guild mates to ever wear such an expression, so I chased after him.
I'd lost sight of him, so I stopped for a moment to look around, breathing heavily as I scanned my surroundings. Magnolia Town was a really big place, however when I saw several people whispering behind their hands and looking slightly alarmed, I figured that Laxus must have frightened them a little. Sure enough, I could also see evidence of lightning scorches on various walls. He needs to calm down and fast, otherwise he might just explode. Setting off at a run once more, I continued to follow after Laxus until finally I caught up with him in the park. "Laxus!"
His hands were shoved deep into his pockets, shoulders slumped over and still crackling with electricity as I came to a halt a few paces away from him, panting for breath. He stopped, tensing even further in annoyance before turning slightly to angle himself towards me with a dark glower. "Go away pest, leave me alone." Unfazed, I adamantly shook my head and began to step closer to him, taking it slow and steady. "I said leave me alone!" I ignored him, getting a little closer. "Back off!" Laxus sliced out his hand which caused a stray bolt of lightning to spark outwards and strike the ground by my feet, causing me to flinch and instinctively close my eyes against the threat. "It's dangerous to be near me right now, so don't come any closer, pest."
I didn't mind that Laxus called me a pest, to me it made sense. I knew that I was overly affectionate and had no sense of personal space, that I was small and troublesome to others, but right now all I wanted was for Laxus to be okay. He looks so…hurt. I couldn't stand it, I just couldn't. "No." Stubbornly I clenched my fists and continued my advance. "I refuse, I'm not going anywhere."
"I said leave!" Whirling around to face me fully, Laxus made to swing his fist once more just as a means to relent his anger, so with a final burst of movement I powered myself against his middle with all my might. It was a little more than was necessary, so when I collided with Laxus's torso he toppled backwards onto his heels before suddenly collapsing with his back hitting the trunk of a tree as my arms wound tightly around his waist. "Idiot!"
"I don't care!" Protesting with all my might, I continued to hug Laxus even as he pressed a hand against my head to try and push me away. "I'm not leaving Laxus, not when you're like this!" I could feel tears beginning to rise, overflowing and gathering at my winsome orbs as I lifted my head to look up at him. "You're angry and sad, so I'm not going anywhere until I see you smile!" Emphasising my point I knelt up on his lap and grasped at his shirt, gripping it tightly so that my face angled down towards his as he stared at me in shock. "We're from the same guild, and that means I care about your feelings, so since you're upset, I'm going to stay here until you feel better, otherwise that just makes me a lousy friend."
"You…you…" Gritting his teeth, Laxus pointedly turned his face away from me as it turned slightly pinkish. "You're a moron, pest." The crackling of his energy of his lightning slowly dispersed, making the atmosphere around us feel far less static and tense so I exhaled with relief, relaxing as I finally gave him a big grin.
"Yeah, I am pretty stupid, but that's just who I am." Letting go of his shirt, I let my hands rest in my lap as I continued to perch on him, tilting my head slightly. "I've never seen you so mad like that. Did you get into an argument with Master Makarov?" His expression darkened, eyes narrowing and he shot me a glare so I quickly reeled back and lifted my hands. "Sorry! Sorry! I won't ask again, my bad." Bashfully rubbing the back of my head, I observed Laxus for a moment. His glare was now gone, but now he was just staring into the distance with a hardness to his features and a deep reverie which seemed to take him miles away from this place.
Without even thinking I leaned forwards and pulled his head towards me, ignoring his momentary protest and confusion to embrace him securely. I didn't know what else to do, but Laxus was clearly hurting, and because he was hurting, I too felt distressed. I wanted to make it all go away and make him feel better, but I don't know how to do that. This was the best I could do for the moment, I just hope it was enough. Laxus seemed stunned into silence, spluttering for a few moments before reluctantly just accepting my offering of affection. He folded his arms between us and I could almost sense him pursing his lip, so I smiled. "Feeling better yet?"
"Hardly. Can you get off me now?" I giggled slightly as I pulled back, finding his standoffish nature amusing but I complied. Sliding off his lap, I sat down next to Laxus and hugged my knees to my chest, leaning my back against the tree as the two of us sat side by side and looked up into the azure sky. "Normally people don't bother coming near me when I get mad. You're dumb to try and get close like that. Just one of my lightning bolts could fry your little brain."
"That's okay, I don't mind a few burns or a little electricity." I answered as I continued to watch the skies, smiling as I observed a flock of birds as they flew overhead. "I was just worried about you, that's all. I don't like to see my friends upset."
"We're not friends, pest."
"Sure we are, we're both in Fairy Tail, right? Besides, I think you're interesting." Turning my head, I grinned up at him. "You pretend to be all stoic and distant, but really you're a warm hearted person who cares a lot about people. I'm glad we're friends." Snorting in distaste, Laxus pointedly looked away once more so that I couldn't see his expression. Since he wasn't telling me to buzz off anymore, I assumed that he had properly calmed down, though he was still a little tense. His arms were folded and his shoulders looked stiff as he leaned back against the tree, eyes closed as he thought to himself. "Hey Laxus…I may just be a pest to you, but you can talk to me if you like. If there's one thing I'm good at, it's listening."
"Don't be dumb, I don't need to talk about anything." Knowing that he'd respond this way, I gave a small shrug and told him to take his time. For a while we both just sat there on the grass in the park, taking in the warmth of the sunlight as it slowly moved towards the horizon. "Hey." Lifting my head, I looked at Laxus once more. "You learn magic yet?" Happy that he'd struck up a conversation, I nodded my head enthusiastically.
"Yeah! It turns out I have the same magic as big sis, Spatial Magic, but instead of swords and armour and stuff, I'm actually really good with bows and arrows! So whilst Erza uses the requip magic, The Knight, I use the requip magic for The Archer. Pretty cool huh? I'm training really hard, and I can almost hit a stationary target dead centre each time, though I don't have any proper magic bows yet, since my magic capacity is still too low, but I'm going to get better!" I gushed with excitement as I waved my hands to emphasise my words with grand motions. "And I'm also studying Enchantment Magic, because it sounds really awesome and I want to be able to support big sis whenever we're on a quest, but one day, I'll be strong enough that I can surpass her and I won't just be Erza's little sister." Laxus blinked at me, a little surprised.
"Surpass her, huh? Well then pest, you got a lot of work cut out for you." Instantly I slumped, groaning despondently.
"I know, my big sis is just way too awesome. She's already well respected in the guild, but I'm just a goofball." Sucking in a breath, I lifted my hands and gripped them into confident fists. "But I'm determined! One day, I'll have the strength to be able to stand in front of my big sis and protect her, and she'll be able to depend on me instead of me always depending on her. When that day comes, big sis will be looking directly at my Fairy Tail crest and then I'll show her that I'm not just a goofy kid." Leaning forwards slightly I directed my thumb to my back, where my Fairy Tail insignia was imprinted. It was directly at the centre, standing boldly in a bright red colour that matched mine and Erza's hair. "Maybe I'll be even stronger than you too, Laxus. Wouldn't that be a funny day?"
"Don't count on it, you're way behind me as a wizard." Unfazed, I continued to smile.
"I know, that's why I'll work hard. Someday, I'll definitely be recognised as a dependable person. I'd like that a lot." A warm breeze drifted past, brushing against my cheeks and through my hair so I tucked the loose strands behind my ear, glancing up at Laxus once more. "You know, I heard from Cana just now that you're actually Master Makarov's grandson. I didn't even realise you two were related. To me, you've always been just Laxus." I mused, thinking just how ignorant I could be sometimes. Beside me Laxus jolted, staring at me though I didn't even notice. "Hey Laxus, what are those ear thingies?" Frowning for a moment after recovering from his previous shock, Laxus realised I was talking about his headphones.
"They play music with magic." Extending a hand, I beckoned for him to let me have a try since I was curious. I'd never seen anything like them before, and they looked pretty cool. Laxus was just a person who naturally looked rather imposing and these spiked headphones complimented his image. He looked at me incredulously, arching his scarred eyebrow before slowly conceding. He took them off and exhaled before then placing them upon my own head and covered my ears with the rounded speakers.
When music started to play, my eyes widened. "This is amazing! Music is literally playing in my ears!" Beaming brightly, I turned to Laxus as I gripped my hands over the headphones, unable to hold back the laughter. "So you like this kind of music? It's good, what is it?"
"Classical rock and roll." Sounding bored and disinterested, Laxus leaned himself back against the tree once more and only now did he finally look fully relaxed. One arm rested over his stomach whilst the other hung limp at his side, shoulders loose as he closed his eyes to enjoy a little peace and quiet. Covering my mouth with my hand to giggle quietly, I hugged my knees once more to listen to the music. It was such a nice day out, I couldn't help but feel calmed by the warm sunlight and even as it began to cool down, my eyes began to droop and I felt a sense of tiredness wash over me.
I yawned and stretched, squirming for a moment to get more comfortable before resting myself back against the tree, though as I fell asleep I tipped closer towards Laxus until I was resting against his arm. It was a very comfortable position, so I sleepily moved closer with a tired mumble, letting my head lean back against him as soft toned music lulled me to sleep. I hadn't felt so relaxed in all my life, and it was unusual for me to fall asleep without Erza nearby. Perhaps deep down, I really did trust Laxus. I knew he'd never hurt me, he was too good for that.