Sorry for the delay! I kinda took a break here and there because I just didn't feel like writing. I also wanted to get into the next chapter so this way I didn't have to keep you guys waiting more when it came time to typing it out. Again, I apologize and thank you for favoriting, following, and/or reviewing. So please tell me what you think at the end. I would like to know what your thoughts are. Even small ideas would be awesome to know. I do promise that there will be fluff and stuff with Laxus and Emi later on. I'm just slowly building to it and trying to not rush it.
Chapter 7 Breath by Breaking Benjamin
A burning sensation consumed her lungs as her eyes snapped opened to show wide grass green eyes. If she didn't know better she could have swore her heart was in her ears with how fast it was beating. She felt like she had been stuck in an endless run and just now was able to relax.
Something told her that she was safe and sound. She didn't have to feel the panic bubbling up in her but something told her that she wasn't safe. She felt like she was violated all over again as if what happened two years ago had just happened yesterday. The desire to take a shower and scrub her body until her skin was raw consumed her but she stopped herself from hopping out of the bed.
Sitting up quickly that she swore she should have gotten light headed from her gaze danced around the room she was in like a frightened animal. Part of her was convinced she was reliving that nightmare that no one should have to go through.
Taking a shuttering breath she felt a chill race down her arms which brought her back to reality.
What was she doing in this room? How did she even manage to get into the room? That was the better question as she kept glancing around. All she remembered was being out in that melancholy clearing that had her parents' graves. Who found her out there and brought her here?
Taking a soft gasp to help calm her down, even if she knew it barely worked, she glanced at the door across the room. Fairy Tail's emblem was carved into it which told her one thing that she dreaded ever happening since they all came back. Makarov was going to find out the truth that she should have said instead of lying to his face.
But, the question she had was why bring her here when her house wasn't that far from the grave sites?
Reaching up to grasp at a lock of auburn hair, Emi glanced around like someone that had lost something when she noticed a pressure on her head and soft music playing in her ears. She wouldn't call the genre soft because of the electric guitars and drums that could drown out the vocals if they were given the chance. Why hadn't she noticed it sooner unless she had more energy taken out of her than she realized.
Looking up at the crème ceiling she tried to place the classic rock song that was playing. It wasn't the first time that she's heard it thanks to Laxus and his insane workout routine in the morning. But who was the woman singing?
"I love Rock and Roll." Emi whispered to herself as it dawned on her.
If she was listening to his music then it meant one thing that she wanted to happen when she was younger. Glancing down at her lap she couldn't help but let the soft smile cross her face at the object in her lap. Laxus was normally territorial over his sound pod to the point it was constantly on him. She even lost count of how many times she's had to poke him with something just to get his attention for breakfast or wake him up. Even then it was still on him when he went to get a shower because he reeked of sweat and who knows what else depending on what his day consisted of. So to know that he let her use it even unwillingly was something she didn't expect from him.
Shifting her foot to crack her ankle she caught sight of three totems that normally hovered around Bixlow. For pieces of wood with souls in them they looked relaxed at the foot of the infirmary bed. It was a little creepy to her but couldn't see anything past that.
Bixlow wasn't that bad of a guy but he was too much of a pervert at times when it called for seriousness. She wasn't sure if it was his way of trying to lighten the mood or what not.
"Wh―wait a minute. There's suppose to be four." If one was missing then where could it be? Unless this was one way for Makarov and the guild to keep an eye on her.
Sighing to herself she laid back down into the pillow so she could look at the ceiling. The new song that was playing wasn't something she was familiar being in his playlist. It was a bit lovey dovey for her to picture Laxus listening to but it was possible. Though the thought of him and Mira being together sent a chill up her spine as she shook her head to rid herself of it. That was the last thing she needed to think about right now. Though, picturing two people being intimate always bothered her.
"Every breath you take." She muttered to herself as it dawned on her. Of course it should have hit her sooner but it was a slower classic rock song that she wasn't expecting him to have.
Throwing the sheet off her, she didn't care if she covered the three souls. She needed to move even if she knew what was going to happen. Every time she blacked out because of the suppression of her magic she felt like she was ran over or had injuries that obviously she couldn't explain.
A small gasp escaped her at the sight before her even if she tried to steel herself. Bandages covered parts of her body as concern rose up. Did she hurt herself when she was going to visit her parents? Did she not recognize the pain?
Movement caught her attention from her peripheral, causing her to snap her head in the direction. The totems that she had covered were now awake and moving underneath the sheet which caused them to look like someone trying to act like a ghost. But, it made her wish that she tried to make her movements softer so she didn't disturb them.
"Don't tell anyone that I'm up and moving. Please." She begged as she could already hear the millions of questions that everyone probably had for her. Why did she try to keep it from them? Did she not trust them with her secrets like everyone else? Did she eventually plan on some kind of revenge against them? Did she eventually plan on telling them or just try to keep it from them?
A sigh escaped her as she felt overwhelmed already by the mental questions she was putting herself through. It made her want to crawl back into that uncomfortable cot and pretend to sleep so she could avoid the inevitable from her second family. Maybe after the coast was clear she could sneak away to get to the farm house. Knowing Laxus he was going to be there which meant questions from him.
There was no way she would get away from having to explain everything was there?
"Tell, tell." The three chanted, causing her groan in what felt like agony to her. Today was going to be the death of her thanks to the three souls.
Bowing her head in defeat, Emi slowly walked to the door. Facing the music sooner sounded better than later. Once it was over she could get some more sleep if it was possible. It all depended on how much excitement there would be during the conversation. She also knew that she had to go through Makarov's wrath which scared her more than getting stuck in a middle of brawl caused by Natsu.
Gently she grabbed the cold brass knob and cracked the door open. An almost quiet scream escaped her as she was greeted by a grimaced that was crossed with anger on Gajeel's face. That wasn't she wanted to fully wake up to because it honestly felt like a nightmare if that was the case.
"G-Gajeel . . . h-what are you doing there? I-I was-wasn't expecting you." She squeaked out only to close the door in his face. Every time she saw him whether it be in the morning or evening his facial expressions made her feel like she did something wrong. It made her wonder if his face was just stuck that way or he could actually give other emotions away on his face.
"Keeping guard. Master said so so this way you wouldn't pull a stupid stunt like Salamander." He answered though it was muffled by the door.
"Stupid stunt? Like what?"
"Like trying to run away before receiving punishment or getting the medicine you deserve." He replied with a slight chuckle to his tone. It sounded like he got enjoyment from the fact that the fire dragon slayer was punished quite a bit by people in the guild.
Looking down at her feet she started to shrug then decided against it. It wasn't like he was going to see it so why bother. Biting her lip she mulled over what she should say even if it wasn't going to change the fact that she wasn't going to get out of being punished by the older man.
"Hey . . . um Gajeel do you know who brought me here by chance?" She questioned as she watched her hands start to fiddle with the ends of her shirt. If it hadn't been for the fact that she was looking down she probably would have missed the nervous impulse. Along with her clothes being different than what she had on before everything happened. "When did you guys get back?"
"Who the hell I know? I just got back with Shrimp a couple hours ago. I was looking forward to relaxing at my place with Lily but instead I'm having to guard you to keep you from running. Even if you did run I doubt you would get far with how exhausted you must be." Gajeel answered as he tried to keep his face in an neutral expression. It was hard considering the time he spent with Levy even if the two love sick puppies had to tag along. Nonetheless he was finally able to see what the solid script mage was capable of. That made the time spent with the trio a little lighter.
A shy smile graced her face before falling back into a frown. It meant Natsu and Wendy should be back also. Then who healed her? Wendy or Porlyusica? "Who dressed―"
"Again who the hell I know. Ask Master in an hour or so." Gajeel growled as his eyes narrowed at the door. The constant questions right off the bat from her were irritating. He almost liked her when she was quiet though this was a nice change of pace.
She opened her mouth to say something but shut it. He wouldn't know where Laxus was. The guild didn't know that he was staying at her place which was for the best to her. Besides know that mage he probably didn't care for her wellbeing one bit. He might have said he's changed but it all depended on his actions. Which when it came to her he still acted as the jerk that needed knock down a peg or two. How Mira was able to put up with him was beyond her though it was none of her business.
She heard footsteps on the other side of the door, causing her to hold her breath. Did someone come to release her from the makeshift prison? Pressing her ear against the cool wood she tried to listen in to the conversation but it was muffled.
"Alright Accident Prone come on out. Master is ready to see you." Gajeel's voice called out from the other side of the door. It spooked her, causing her to jump back as she heard the familiar click of the knob turning.
"Master, Master." The three totems chanted. She quickly turned a glare to the wood filled with souls to silence them. It didn't seem to faze them but she couldn't tell what their reactions were since she wasn't familiar with Bixlow's magic.
Her gaze turned from a glare into something blank as she turned her attention to the dragon slayer. He honestly reminded her of a bodyguard or bouncer with how he had his arms crossed and a menacing look on his face. The sight made her want to run back into bed and try to hang on for dear life as he tried to drag her out of the infirmary. It even sounded like a good plan too. She didn't want to face the man she considered her grandfather when from the beginning she lied to him. The feeling of being physically sick started to consume her as she turned on her heel.
As quick as she could she tried to get back to the bed to hideaway for a while longer. She didn't want to face the music but apparently Gajeel must have seen her thinking about running. Instead of getting closer to the bed she was getting further away with her heels scraping against the wood. She felt the material that made up the shirt bunch up around her neck which told her he must have grabbed the shirt when she turned around.
"Let go of me Gajeel. I don't want to see Master and get my bum handed to me. Please let me go." Emi whined as she reached back to attempt to pry his hand off.
"No can do. You have a lot of explaining to do." He grumbled as he trudged to the hall. Like he wanted to be the one babysitting until she woke up. He understood Makarov trusted him but it was annoying keeping watch over someone that overloaded themselves with magical energy. It wasn't part of the agreement he made with the older man when it came to joining the guild. At least that's what he thought but look how often Salamander had to be babysat by Erza and the others.
"Come on. Pretty please for some iron?"
"Nope."
A loud whine escaped her as she crossed her arms in defeat. IF she was able to do takeover magic like the Strauss siblings then she could have a fighting chance of escaping him. All she wanted was a few days of peace and quiet so she could get her life back in order from this annual thing. Even sleeping in to get her mind right was sounding like a good idea as long as it was in her own bed. Being along would just complete it all.
Though having Laxus at the house could make it hard for that to happen. She could try to kick him out for at least a day and force him to stay at Bixlow's or Mira's. It wouldn't hurt him to be sleeping on someone else's couch for a few days. She knew he was capable of surviving without her since he was older and all that fancy jazz.
"Emilia." A voice growled at her, causing her to stop her inner musings. Shakily she peered over her shoulder to see the elderly guild master glaring down at her. His arms were crossed which meant one thing to her. He was pissed and it was directed at her this time instead of Team Natsu.
"M-M-Master Mak-Makarov." She squeaked out as she stared into the usually joyful eyes that were not hard with anger. She could feel her heart drop to her stomach at the sight but it was a done deal. She made the mess and dug the grave that she was laying in. Now it was up to Makarov on her punishment.
The older man watched her turn around quickly and bow her head as if she was some kind of animal yielding to it's superior. It was obvious she wanted to repent for lying but it wasn't going to be enough to earn his trust back. She lied about something that should have been out in the open from the beginning so things wouldn't get complicated like they were now. He understood that the wounds the incident caused because everyone had similar wounds.
"I'm so so so so so-sorry." Emi choked out as she felt the familiar burning sensation of oncoming tears. Her throat also felt like it was dry and on fire which was another indication that she was wanting to break down. But why was she already on the verge of breaking down? She had yet to explain everything to him and relive it.
Could it be because she hadn't fully recovered from the pent up magic energy that was released full force? She had to be still be tired or else she wouldn't be like this. Or it could be she let down the only man she saw as a grandfather figure? She knew that he wanted everyone to be healthy and happy which she was neither. She was extremely miserable and sick mentally because of the trauma she experienced in the past.
A soft sigh escaped him as he watched her for any indication that she was going to bolt. But from the look she was giving him and the way she was slouched on the floor told him that she was truly feeling weak emotionally. The lies and everything else that she's done wasn't meant to be. That didn't change the fact that it happened as much as he wished. The fact that she never came to him to explain what happened when they got back hurt since she was part of his crazy family that made up Fairy Tail.
She couldn't even look him in the eye as she tried a few times while he stared down at her. All she could do was look at the floor in hope that a hole would suddenly appear and swallow her whole. She could already hear the words of being expelled from the guild and hate ringing through her mind. It would be Laxus and the battle for Fairy Tail all over again minus all that occurred during it. Instead it was something stupid and because she couldn't trust or be truthful to the man that sat before her.
"Tell me everything that went on Emilia. If you must take all the time you need. I'm all ears."
She couldn't help but jump at the sudden noise. There was no anger in his voice like she thought there would be. There should be anger because if she was in his shoes she would be furious over the deceit. She would have overreacted too because that would be something she would do.
"I'm so sorry Master Makarov." Emi whimpered as she tugged the headphones off her ears. She could still hear the slightly energizing sound of Carry on Wayward Son which soothed her to a degree.
Automatically Makarov's gaze fell to the objects that were in her hands. He recognized it from a mile away and knew how Laxus felt about other people messing with it. So for him to actually allow her to borrow it essentially surprised him. Back when the two were growing up she would pester him so she could listen to his music. He remembered how his grandson would do anything to keep it out of her grasp which could be comical depending on how he did it. Most of the time he would stand up or shock her slightly with his lightning.
For the fact that he actually didn't do just that like in the past surprised him. Maybe the boy had changed since his expulsion.
"I-I really should have told you from the start. I really shouldn't have lied to you." She started as she wiped at the tears that threatened to spill over. Looking up at him her green eyes stood out against the red that came from crying for so long. "But, can you answer something for me first? H-How did you find out about it?"
"Macao and Wakaba gave me their side the second day we got back from Tenrou Island." He replied as he reached out to ruffle her hair. It didn't surprise him she flinched at the oncoming touch but he still did it anyway.
From the horror they and others had when they found them after not showing up the next day didn't surprise him. People were sick and twisted at times which made him wonder why more dark guilds hadn't popped up. However, the fact that someone had done what they did to her in the presence of her father's corpse was disgusting. Even the thought of doing what they did was still disgusting in its own self.
"What exactly did they tell you?"
Maybe he should have listened to the rational side of himself and waited to say something about the two. It was obvious slightly that she was trying to skate around on telling him the full story. Which part of him didn't blame her for. If he was in her shoes that would be something he would have done.
A shake of his head told her he wasn't going to divulge on that. She figured that would be his type of answer especially when his own questions had yet to be answered. But, could she relive the horror again as she told him the untold story that made her who she was today?
The phantom touch on her neck at the thought sent chills of dread up her spine. There was no way she could do this with how painful it still was.
"Master―"
"Tell us everything Emilia. Your second family wants to know so this way we can help you heal like you have for Natsu, Wendy, and Gajeel. You helped ease their longing for their absent dragons. Even for a little while you've made them feel whole with those memories they've made with them." Erza's voice started her causing the young woman to whip her head back to stare at Team Natsu and the rest of the guild. It didn't seem real that they were there when she thought it was suppose to be between Makarov and herself.
Emi quickly jerked her stare away from them and let it focus on her lap. Personally she wanted it to be just the two of them discussing it because the more people listening meant more pressure. It also meant they could feel differently about it than Makarov. For all she knew they might blame her for not putting up a fight when it was going on.
Grabbing a fistful of the plain, baggy shirt she started to shake her head. If it was denial or stubbornness of not wanting to talk about the situation she wasn't for sure. She just knew that there was no way she could do that in front of a large group of people.
"Emi, please. We know it's hard even if we haven't been in your shoes. But, we all have been through our own situations where we felt like we had no one." Levy pleaded as she took a couple steps toward the troubled young woman. She would have taken more if it wasn't for Gajeel grabbing hold of her shoulder to stop her. "But, we all want you back to being your true self. Even if it means we all have to get a slice of your favorite type of cheesecake and eat it with you. Then we all can get cheesecake wasted for all I care. Just become that girl you used to be. Even if it was a slightly damaged version of her is better than her being gone forever."
Jerking her gaze over to the blunette she couldn't help the smirk that forced it's way onto her face nor the laugh that spilled from her lips. It was ridiculous to think that someone could get wasted from eating too much cheesecake. Though, it seemed possible with strawberry shortcake since Erza was always devouring a slice or two when she wasn't on a mission. But the outrageous term cheered her up slightly.
Deep down though she knew she shouldn't be stalling because it was inevitable. Glancing around the room so she could see who was all gathered there. There was a part of the auburn haired woman that hoped that the familiar styled blond hair was going to be there. Seeing it daily made her so used to having him around for anything that she felt like she was using him as a crutch to get through the day. But, she also honestly expected him to be there despite being expelled from the guild because Mira was there.
Instead of seeing that familiar lightning bolt scar on an angled face like she hoped she found nothing of the lightning mage.
"Where's Laxus at? I need to give him something before I forget to give it back."
"It's best if you both don't see each other for a while. Considering he saw your memories first hand he's pissed off. It must have been his first time feeling your type of magic like that." Makarov answered with a short glance at the oldest take over mage. He watched as hurt and anger quickly cross her face at the mentioning of Laxus before letting it fall back into the usual smile she had.
As her gaze fell to her hands she nodded slowly. She never planned on allowing anyone to see her memories of that day nor the pain she had to endured. If she could she preferred to keeping it all to herself so no one had to experience it from her perspective. That had to be the worst because they could try to fight it but there was no way they could alter anything.
"Then if that's the case where will I be staying? I have to take care of the farm and deliver produce." Emi questioned as she felt her stomach start to twist at the thought of exposing her and Laxus' secret. It felt like they were messing around with how they kept it from people but it was for the best so this way no one would know her second job. She knew that it would eventually come out into the open but she didn't expect it to be like this. "I-I mean Laxus is staying at my place since he has no where else to go."
Questions automatically filled the air as they also raced through the older man's mind which she knew could happen. That kind of admittance wasn't what anyone expected to come from her. He suspected something was going on considering every now and then he would catch a faint whiff of Laxus' cologne on her. He thought nothing of it since others wore it too around Magnolia so she could have accidently brushed against someone. But that topic was for another time.
"She can stay with one of us at Fairy Hills. Or even set up a bed in one of the spare rooms here if it wasn't too much of a hassle." Someone suggested. She couldn't tell who it was but they had a point.
"We'll decide it once we all hear her out on what happened." Makarov stated calmly as he grabbed his mug and took a long drink from it. He needed it since something told him that there were bound to be more bombshells in time.
She wanted to gnaw on her lip until it was raw and bloody at the pressure that was being put on her now. It was a stupid thing for her to think that it would help her anxious side calm down instead it was getting her more riled up. All she wanted to do was skip over this situation and try to live a normal life again. She just wanted to put everything in the past and attempt to move on like she had been trying to do for two years.
"Now enough stalling Emilia Yamamoto." She winced at the unusual commanding tone that was in the older man's voice. It was rare for her to hear it even to have it directed at her.
She took a couple deep breathes to calm her racing nerves. The fact that she was scared to share part of her past that her second family missed surprised her somewhat. Was it because she was afraid of how they all would react afterwards? Or was it because she was so use to it being a secret?
Sheepishly her grass green eyes looked up and into the black eyes of the man she considered her grandfather figure. She could already see understanding reflect back at her. But, she could also see the pain she inflicted on him by not telling him as soon as they got back. No amount of apology could change that and she should have known that by now.
"Papa's not on any type of business type or farm thing or whatever I told you when I saw you guys again. I really wish he was but he isn't. Two years ago he passed away― actually more like murdered an it's all my fault. If I had been there then maybe just maybe he would still be here." Emi began shakily as she felt like she was floating in water. For some reason every time she relived the memories voluntarily or involuntarily she always got that sensation. She could also feel the all too familiar sense of fear snake its way around her in an attempt to shut her down.
Various people started to whisper around the room only to be stopped with a stern look thrown their way by Makarov. They all knew they were family which meat support each other through difficult times regardless of what they were.
"How so?" Gray's voice surprised the young farmer. She honestly expected Natsu or Erza to say something about the situation she once was in. "How was he murdered? You sure it wasn't a medical condition?"
She quickly swallowed even if her throat felt it was dry. Turning her attention to the ice mage she tried to meet his gaze with no luck. She felt a small, sad smile crack her mask as if it would lighten the words she was about to speak. "Because we argued over you guys. I ran away because I didn't want to hear it and came back. I . . . I found him in a stall in the barn. The straw that was around him was covered in blood."
She noticed a few eyebrows raise along with some looking around as if they were trying to digest the words. It made her want to honestly laugh at the cluelessness of some but she didn't. Some of the members like Macao and Wakaba knew why her and her father argued. It wasn't something either of them shied away from.
"Because of us?" Erza's voice was heavy with curiosity from what Emi could tell.
"He wanted to give up. He figured you guys that went to Tenrou Island were dead or you would have came back sooner. I knew you guys were still alive." Emi answered as she watched her vision cloud up with tears. Quickly she wiped at her eyes in an attempt to keep her tears at bay for a while longer. "You guys are way too stubborn to let something get you like that."
A few faces like Freed's and Elfman's paled at the slight mention of the dark dragon. It definitely wasn't something anyone that was on the island wanted to experience again in their lifetime. If they could they would do anything to block the creature from their memories.
Then there were a few people like Natsu who thought of the dark dragon as a challenge they needed to conquer. Which was minuscule compared to the ones who relived it if they accidently dreamt about it.
"What happened besides you finding him already deceased in the stall?" Erza questioned as she felt her body subconsciously tense. Her brown eyes narrowed as if she already knew she wouldn't like the answer. Normally her gut was right about what to expect.
Taking a shaky breath to help prepare herself for speaking those words she glanced around the room. She saw Macao and Wakaba look away with grimaces because they already knew what was coming. Even Laki and the others looked like they were in extreme pain because they also had a hint of what was coming next. "Um . . . can I do something first before I continue? Ha-Happy can you come over here please? I need something soft to hug when I do this. If not Porlyusica might have to go back to making potions for me again. Besides, I had Kumo with me when I had to go over this with the Rune Knights."
"Kumo?" Makarov questioned as confusion laced in voice.
Looking back at him she let a smile leak out before it fell back into an emotionless line. "Yeah, he was a sheep I raised from a lamb. Kinda think of an emotional support animal because he was like that back then."
Having something that was familiar was comforting so it helped her relive it all to the authorities. At least that's what one of the knights told her when they were starting to get statements and do the investigation. The four legged animal just happened to be the perfect size to be in the house because she would have chosen a different animal if it came down to it.
Happy stood there by Natsu's side as he blinked for a short while. Why him? There was Lily and Carla so why was he being singled out.
"Well get going Tom cat. She needs you." Carla said with it coming off as slightly harsh if someone didn't know the female Exceed. It was one way of showing she cared for the other Exceed but it was obviously enough to break him out of the stupor he was in.
Quickly as if he was chasing after a fish that was trying to flop away he went over and hopped into the auburn haired woman's lap. Almost immediately he felt her arms wrap around him but it wasn't too tight to be uncomfortable. It reminded him of when Natsu would feel abandoned and scared long ago so he would hug the feline for some sort of comfort.
"Better." She whispered as she laid her face into the soft fur.
"Now after that what happened?" Erza repeated.
"It wasn't a natural cause obviously. I-I just don't know what happened between the time I left and came back. I just know during that time frame two men came to the house. When I did get back I saw no indication that they were there so who knows if they wanted to rob the place or just wanted to murder someone. One of them found me in the barn either by coincidence or from my sobbing. Either way I don't know to this day," she started as her gaze darted down to the blue fur. Gently she squeezed the feline for some strength. "Long story short because I really don't want to draw it out or go into graphic detail the man that found me raped me in front of Papa's corpse. Ever since I haven't really used my magic because I'm scared that it'll somehow dwell up the past."
"Where are these guys? They need to pay for this." Natsu's growl echoed out in the suddenly quiet guild hall as everyone was trying to process the information. From the tone and malice that he had in his voice told her that it was going to be all out war much like with Phantom Lord if he had his way.
"Emi where are they? We need to know. They need to pay for doing that to your father and you." Gray's tone was almost equal with Natsu's which shook the woman. The only difference was she could hear the pain and remorse echoing in his voice.
She was use to hearing anger in someone's voice like Wakaba's after everything. She was well too familiar with that negative emotion because she felt it plenty as she went through her own process of trying to accept everything that happened. But, hearing and seeing it reflect on her second family faces was unfamiliar to her.
Looking into all of their faces she felt the all too familiar burn of tears prickle in her eyes. Instead of usually fighting the urge she let them fall because she knew she was safe from judgement. She wasn't alone in this painful situation like she thought she was. This wasn't going to stay in the past like she wanted it to be but she had her second family to help her get through it.
"Macao found us a couple days later or so. I honestly lost track of time because all I wanted to do after everything was die. I was so so disgusted with myself that it wasn't funny. I couldn't look at myself in the mirror for months because I could almost picture the handprints from that man on my body." She stated calmly when on the inside she felt her heart racing. Deep down she knew what was coming next because it felt overused. "But, the Rune Knights informed us after the investigation started they caught one. Unfortunately the one they had caught wasn't the one that done the deed. He's still out there walking free while I'm a caged bird."
"He'll pay for it eventually. If karma doesn't catch up to him then he'll be found one way or another." Gray threatened as the familiar cool pressure in the air enveloped around him. He wanted to use his magic to freeze that man to death but it would be too easy of a death for him.
Looking down she felt that sad smile cross her face. Slowly she looked over to her guild master to see the same intensity in his eyes. That man hurt one of his children and he deserved to be punished. He deserved to be put away but if the guild got their hands on him then prison was going to look like a cakewalk. They would make sure he would never hurt another person in his lifetime.
"Thank you guys." Emi whispered.
Subconsciously Makarov gripped his staff tighter at the news. It pissed him off when Macao and Wakaba told him their side of the story but to hear it from her lips just made it worse. This was one of his children that someone purposely hurt. Just like when Phantom Lord came after Lucy he was willing to start a war just to get revenge and make sure no one else will have to suffer by that man. "Thank you for finally telling me child."
Peeking up at him from her blond eyelashes she felt her face heat up at the thought. It was probably stupid to bring it up now after the information overload she gave them. Ducking her head in shame she resisted the urge to clamp her eyes shut. "There are some other things I need to tell you Master."
"Go on child."
Softly she tried to distract herself so she wouldn't chicken out of it. It was too late obviously but knowing her she would try to find a way to dance around it. As her fingers ran through Happy's fur she hear a sigh escape him which caused a smile to grace her face. She might even regret saying it, but it also meant that Laxus wouldn't have any hold on her in the future. That was the only positive aspect she saw at the moment.
But after she made the announcement what would happen between him and her? Obviously, things wouldn't be the same. He probably move out as soon as she tell him and live with someone who most likely be Mira. It would be the last time she saw him so to end it on possible negative terms bothered her. If they did happen to see each other somewhere in Magnolia, he would just ignore her and go on his life.
Why did that bother her though? He acted like she was the most annoying person on the planet when they were growing up. He barely had a temper when it came to Natsu pestering him but as soon as she was it seemed to be a different story. Was it because she was doing it daily unlike the dragon slayer who did it occasionally?
This was a risk she was willing to take, however.
"Well―"
"I had to take up a second job while you guys were gone. A stripper to be more exact." She blurted out, cutting the old man off. Immediately she clamped her eyes shut so she couldn't see anyone's reaction to this. All she had to do was wait for the negativity from everyone.
Instead of the quick reactions that was a typical thing from her second family she was greeted by silence. Slowly she cracked open an eye and peeked out from behind locks of auburn hair so she could gauge their faces. Most had the look of confusion or neutral looks that to her meant shock if she read into it.
"Maybe you can get some tips from Frosty over here?" Natsu laughed as he was the first to break the ice.
"What was that Flame brain?" Gray growled as he grabbed hold of the scarf around Natsu's neck.
"Enough! Right now isn't the time for any bickering!" Erza shouted as she grabbed the two by the collars of their shirts. Today she was faster in losing her patience with the two Emi noted. Maybe it was because of everything she's caused to get the reequip mage more tense than normal.
"Why do you think we would be upset or ridicule you for doing something that meant supporting yourself?" Levy questioned as she shrugged off Gajeel's hand. Her face was tinted with a blush Emi noticed as the solid script mage walked over and knelt down with a soft smile. "You did what you felt was right, right?"
Emi nodded as her hands fell off the blue Exceed and tugged at her shirt. Wiping away the tears she couldn't help but continue to nod as if she couldn't stop. "Income was tight because of most of you guys being gone. So, I had to do something. I mean farmer markets were too crowded and the stalls there had established their clientele long before me. So, I applied there. But when you guys came back Laxus found e working there along with Freed and Bixlow."
A few people glanced back at the two who tried to act like they weren't actually keeping a secret from the rest of them.
"But I'm really surprised that Bixlow didn't squeal with how he talks sometimes. Freed I expect to be tight lipped over stuff like that."
"Hey! I can keep my mouth shut like Freed does Emi." The Seith mage argued even if the looks he got from his guildmates said otherwise. He looked around as his souls floated next to him. "It's true."
"True, true." They chanted which earned a giggle from the young woman.
"So why let him stay with you? We all know that Laxus can be a pushover and a jerk. I could go on but we all get the picture with him." Cana asked from behind her hand as she wiped her mouth clean of booze.
Lightly Emi touched the tip of Happy's ear causing it to twitch. Why did she automatically agree? Was it because she was ashamed of that type of lifestyle she had to live? Or was it because she allowed Laxus to have power over her for unknown reasons? She knew she couldn't answer her own questions so it would be hard to answer Cana's.
"He threatened to tell everyone about that secret. I couldn't risk it." She slightly muttered to herself as she peeked into their faces. She still expected to see disgust to show it's ugly head by now instead of receiving understanding. "I didn't know how any of you would have reacted, so it was my gut instinct kicking in possibly."
"Child, we are family so we support each other. Whether the life change be marriage, childbirth, career change, or loss. Nothing will ever cause a division in this crazy family of ours." Makarov spoke up as he hopped down from the counter. He walked over to the farmer and patted her head much like he would to a young child. "We are here for you through thick and thin."
Slowly she felt herself nod as if she was on autopilot. Part of her thought she was overreacting about not telling them sooner. But that negative aspect of telling them overwhelmed her. For all she knew they would have reacted like she thought they would have.
"I seriously thought about giving up. So many nights I laid awake thinking I should sell everything and leave Magnolia. I could live with my cousin up in Peony village or my aunt and uncle in Crocus." She babbled as she felt the built-up stress almost melt away instantly. Never did she fully understand the type of stress her father was under until she took full responsibility of the farm.
"Well spit fire you won't have to now," Gajeel started with his usual smirk in place. Even his unique laugh told her everything was going to be all right. "Now you have your friends back to help support you."
Looking into the pierced face she saw that same determination he usually got when it came to one upping Natsu. So, it had to be his way of saying she could rely on him when she did need a helping hand doing something.
"Before we get too ahead of ourselves, we need to figure out Emilia's living conditions for the next few days. Knowing that stubborn grandson of mine he's possibly going to be going through a temper tantrum for a while." Makarov slightly interrupted as he looked at the group.
"She can stay at Fairy Hills with one of us like we said earlier." Levy chimed in.
"Or if she doesn't mine. We don't know each other well but she could stay with me." Lucy added. "It would be nice to have a female there instead of the usual intruders that I call friends."
"We don't intrude at all!" Happy squeaked out. "It's like stealing fish from someone."
"You barge into my place you dumb cat!" The celestial mage argued as she glared down at the feline. Even then she couldn't help but deadpan as a few laughed at the cluelessness of Happy.
"I think possibly staying with Lucy would be nice. It wouldn't hurt to get to know her a little more instead of being basic acquaintances." Emi stated with a small shrug. That was the truth. She barely knew anything about the celestial wizard that consisted of Team Natsu. So, it should be a perfect chance for her.
"Then let's make it into a slumber party!" Cana blurted out with a hiccup at the end. Lucy could tell from the glint in the tarot card reader's eye that she wasn't as drunk as she let on. She was planning something that could end badly since she was involved.
Quickly the optimistic mood Lucy had dwindled because those types of things started to fill her mind. Her apartment might never be the same again.