Erza's POV
Freedom, such a unique meaning for a small word, yet it can express heavenly peace. I've always wondered what it is like to experience it. It was so long ago that I could barely remember it. Sadly that dream seems far away right now.
The Tower Of Heaven, the place I'm being held prisoner and slave of. A few years ago a cult abducted people to take to the tower and work them as slaves to build it. They burned down several villages homes. Killed, tortured, and abducted many people. They didn't care what kind of people it was as long as they can work. I was one of many. I was abducted from Rosemary Village as I watched it go down in flames, but I was glad to save one girl from being taken instead they took me. I had no family prior to this as I lived in an orphanage. I didn't enjoy living there, but I'd gladly accept that place instead of this.
The Tower of Heaven is a place specifically designed to hold and cast a certain type of magic. The R System or the Revive System is black forbidden magic. It is forbidden due to it's horrendous way of casting it. It required great magic power and many human sacrifices. The tower is still under construction as I and many others are forced to build it. Life here is a walkthrough hell itself without the flames. Outside of the tower was just water. We were in the middle of nowhere and the only way out is through a boat. The tower looked like a black gray spiral with clock gears coming out of it reaching the sky. At the top, was a giant encased green circle which had massive crystals coming out of it. It practically looked like snakes rising from the ground reaching the high skies with clock-like markings embedded on them. The internal workings of the tower was however, dreadful. The bareness of the rocky floor which was uneven thanks to island just made it worse. The gray dark walls were bare without recognition as if they were new, but they weren't, anyone could tell it was a cover up by simply going closer to it.
The one thing I wish I would forget were the people held there. The fear and desperation in their eyes could break the strongest of men down to their trembling knees. We were treated like animals and pets for them to toy around. Sadly, they easily could. We were powerless and helpless. Most of the people were normal with no prior knowledge to knowing magic. Those who did had restrictions placed on them for safe bets they would not escape. The men wore dark green pants reached their ankles or knees with a plain white sleeveless shirt. No shoes just walking in our bare feet. Whilst the women had a light blue sleeveless dress on that reached a bit above the knee. Same as the men, they didn't have shoes. Everyone had on magic cuffs. They were gray hexagon cuffs with a slightly big pink circle attached to it. The cuffs made it easier for the guards to drag people around with them to wherever they went.
We all lived in massive cells that was basically a cave minus the bars holding us within it. Even though our lives were burning away from our souls, we managed to make friends make those tough times a bit better. I would know as I've made a few myself. Sho, my younger adopted brother, has a darker shade of blond hair and a tanned skin. He has big black eyes and his hair is also a bit pointed upward. Nonetheless, he is a kind-hearted and caring person. There's Milliana a young girl with short brown hair that it to her ears. She had an olive skin with small black eyes. She had a cat obsession and would smother the dear creatures to death. Then is Wall-e. He had spiky black with pale white skin as mine and black eyes. He had a big round nose and an oval face. He was scared like the rest of us, but that didn't stop him from caring for us. There is also Simon. Black hair that reached his ears, yet didn't reach his forehead. Like Sho, he had tanned skin and black eyes. Round face with determined eyes always on his face whenever we saw him. He looked tough and mature, but underneath it all was a caring and loving man.
There were two other people who were extremely close to me. One of them was Grandpa Rob. He was an old man with his white hair reaching his back with a band holding up his hair at the front. On his back was an insignia of a magical guild was affiliated with before he got captured. He had dark skin and his entire body was covered with wrinkles showing his growing old age. His voice was rough, but caring. His dark black eyes held love and warmth while his mouth was small with a mustache surrounding it. He told me stories about the guild he was in. Fairy Tail the number one and strongest guild. They were a family that required no blood relation just simple bonding and trust. He told me if I ever found freedom from this place that I should visit the guild with and maybe learn magic. He always said magic was apart of one's body and that when a person feels extreme emotions surging through them with power so deadly is when magic is born. Magic is from love and that is where it all starts just from one word, love. The other person was Jellal. He had blue messy hair that looked like the ocean. He shared his pale white skin like mine with medium black eyes. Along his right eye, was a red tattoo that shimmered down to his nose. His round face and contagious smile could brighten up anyone's day. He was also so brave and courageous from the start and always spoke out in wanting to protect his friends. I always admired him for that and I still do.
Today was no different from the rest, people miserably working their souls out to finish this damn tower. Dust, sweat, blood practically colored cracked stone floor. The walls were going in and out of the tower looking as though we lived within a cave or mountain. The light wooden stairs connected to a larger platform were all over the place as guards on looked the sight before their vengeful, yet prideful eyes at us. Men pushing along massive crates whilst being stuck to a magic box which resembled an owl held them in place. While others were building or mining around the area. I was tasked with mining today which I was grateful for as the other jobs were too difficult if they were dragged on for longer periods of time. As I picked my pickaxe from the ground to start working, a child was crying from the pain in his as it looked it bled. I wanted to badly go over to them and help, but the guard noticed and swiftly took the child away. There was no point in dwelling this any further than it should, this feeling already has been inside of me for a long, yet it could never leave in which I was glad. As it always gave me hope that none of these heinous acts made me lose sanity of me as a person. I started to work and paid attention to anyone watching in case the guards found something they didn't like and find a 'solution' for it. I just hope I can make it back to my cell in one piece by the end of today.
(Time-skip to the cell)
I was back in the cell with several others and my friends. I wouldn't be able to call this place a cell so long it looked like a cave with exception of the bronze metal bars. I walked over to my friends to ease myself from work today. What they said to me afterwards completely changed my whole demeanor from relaxed to fear in a matter of nanoseconds.
"Erza, come on everything will be fine trust us. Nothing will go wrong and the guards won't find out," Sho spoke to me in an attempt to convince. By this point, I was already shaking a bit in fear and fired back with my own response to back out of this before it was too late. I felt a warm hand on my shoulder and whisked my head to see Jellal offering me a small, but warm smile.
"Erza, don't worry about it. I'm really hopeful they wouldn't catch us now c'mon and help us. Once we leave this place, maybe we can find someone to help us on our path," Jellal explained to me in hopes to drag me more into this. I let out a tired sigh and nodded as a reward my friends were giddy and celebrating their escape as if they knew it would happen with extreme assurance. My brain joined in on the bandwagon, but my gut spoke a different story. If I listened to my gut then maybe I could have avoided the situation, my friends and I would find ourselves in.
Few hours later...
There was now a hole in the wall, but not too far in to see the other side. As we picked up our pickaxes, we heard the guards unlocking the cell and we froze like ice. Turning my head, I saw a bunch of guards with two cult members followed by creatures. The creatures were red with wings stretching out like dragons. No eyes, but sharp teeth ripping out of its mouth. Luckily, they had no legs or else they would have been much worse than they are right now. In a matter of seconds we were surrounded by them. The rest of the prisoners backed away from us to avoid punishment and conflict, with all honesty I wouldn't blame them at all as I knew why.
"Well well, looks like we caught ourselves some attempted escapees. As much as we want to punish all of you, we are limited on a time schedule currently. Let's strike a deal between us, you tell us who came up with the escape plan and we
let the rest of you or we hurt everyone else in this cell if you don't comply with us," one of the masked men spoke. He wore a green overcoat with a karate-like clothing except it was black with a gray belt. Same with his friend except he wore a blue overcoat. They shared the same mask with weird marking on it which I couldn't understand with match gray boots. By this point, Sho and I were trembling while Milliana comforted Wally and both Simon and Jellal were just plain angry. Sho came up with the plan, but hell as I would let him take the punishment for it. With little courage coursing through me, I was about to speak out only to be swiftly cut off with Jellal speaking out for me. Sadly none of the men took the bait, they took me instead. While they did Simon and Jellal tried to get me and protest, but they were electrocuted with the magic. I lifted my face and gave them a smile while reassuring them I'll be fine. If I only knew what happened next...
Few more hours later...
I gained my senses back from the brutal punishment they gave me. I'm just happy for being alive right now as I've heard the stories of people disappearing from punishments. As I opened my eyes slowly, I couldn't see out of my right eye, but that barely scratched the surface of the overwhelming pain coursing through my veins. Once my vision fully adjusted though my right was dark, I saw Jellal carrying me out to a hallway. I assumed he fought the guards and my punishment givers in order to free from the room. The sandy walls and floors along with the odd owl statues made it feel as though we walked through some ancient tomb.
"Jellal, what are we going to do now," I asked in my shaky and hoarse voice.
"Fight. Fight for our freedom. That's the only way out," he replied in a strong and determined voice. As we made our way to the hallway, we were stopped by magic guards. They wore red robes with golden trimmings. No eyes, stone teeth and body, they were practically statues with magic power. We didn't have much of a choice, but to give up, so we did. They took Jellal away and tended my wounds and walked me back to my cell. Silently making my way there, the guards had a cart of pickaxes and shovels for people to start working. We reached my cell and they shoved me down to the ground. My friends and Grandpa Rob came around me to see my wellbeing. I stayed silent until something clicked within me. Jellal's words rang through me and I immediately threw the cart at the guards pushing them out of the cell. I stood up with my head held high and started an uprising.
Hours later...
More and more people started to join in the fight against the cult. Despite us being extremely powerless against their magic, we made it up in numbers and physical strength. I had an eye patch over on my right eye and wore a tiny metal piece chest-plate to protect myself. I had a wooden with a metal out layer circle shield. Bandages covered my arms and right leg as as sweat dripped down my forehead. Dirt, sweat, blood colored the floors and people all around us.
I walked over to Simon and Wally and we spoke for a split second before being blasted by an explosion. Explosions were setting of everywhere while people ran away. I tried to encourage them to fight and not run, but in the end my efforts were in vain. I was knocked to the ground by a woman while I tried to get up, I witnessed a blast heading for me. No time left to dodge it, my hands were covered by face as I waited for the pain because Grandpa Rob stepped in front of me and stopped it with his magic. He had magic, but it was running low. Magic was connected to a wizard's body like a second heart within them, so if a mage's body lacks enough magic, they die from Magic Deficiency Syndrome. My eyes widened, shock shaking through my battered and bruised witnessing the heroic actions of the old man lying in front of my sights.
Moments later with some recognition to situation, I spoke to Grandpa Rob mainly praying to back him off from whatever he will continue to commit.
"Grandpa Rob, what are you doing? Your magic is barely in your system, please stop!" my shaky petrified broke the everlasting oddness between us in shackles.
"Erza my child, please live on. This world still needs you. Escape and find freedom within your heart," he paused and looked at me before talking again, "Your smile has helped me through the darkest times in this place. Find someone to love and call family. Let time them and time heal your soul and heart. Live each day as your last and always cherish the days with your loved ones," his broken-hearted voice spoke to me one last time. My weary shocked eyes watched as he took one final blast from the ghoul-like guards and perished into nothing more than dust leaving his cuffs behind. Not one word left my mouth just staring at the dust.
The voices of my friends can be heard, them telling me to return back from my position. In that moment I snapped, something in my body wanted out and I complied with tears and a scream. A magic circle was bellow me whilst swords, shovels, pickaxes, and practically anything that could be used as a weapon floated of the ground. In a swift move of my arm, I aimed the weapons at them and watch it go flying at them. Countless unconscious bodies dropped to the floor, as rose from the ground, I picked my sword and raised it high in the air.
The crowd murmured amongst the lines of 'the girl can use magic' or 'woah she took out the guards'. Grandpa Rob I won't let you down as long as I am alive. With that I gave the crowd one last movement of courage and resumed fighting.
(Time-skip 30 minutes)
I went after to rescue Jellal from his torture chamber, but when I arrived, shock vibrated through my body. He was using magic attacking the guards mercilessly. I begged him to stop, but it only seemed to anger him more. He spouted nonsense saying that there was no such thing as freedom. Most shocking thing was he agreeing with the cults' beliefs. However, he hated the cult members themselves. With the fit of rage, he used his magic to decimate one of the masked men and threw the other one across the room. At this point I glanced around the room, dark purple walls with cryptic yellow writings. Smooth stone floors colored with blood and sweat. Seemingly one purple pillar with lines was in the room as a stand to hold prisoners and torture them. In the middle of the room, a giant crystal with giant shards came out of it, gave the room the only light in it.
Jellal and I went back and forth in an engagement of ruthless words in an attempt to persuade the other to give in to other's word. He has still going on about how freedom is a lie and such then as words crashed against me, one word changed the entire conversation. 'Zeref'. The legendary dark wizard who has killed countless people and created monsters from the Books of Zeref. Creatures that surpass normal monsters of EarthLand. This cult was dedicated to bringing back Zeref from the dead through the R System. Worshippers who believed him to be a god, only to be fooled by lies, or so I believed, but in reality, the man who spoke about freedom and justice with pride befallen to the darkness we dreamt about escaping and destroying from. Whilst I tried to convince with some sense of actually getting out of this hell hole in the first place.
Once I was ready to fire back again with my response, he blasted me out of the room. Landing on the ground harshly, dust and wooden splintered surrounded my body. Looking up, Jellal walks closer to me with a sinister smirk as he stood on one of the constructional platforms.
"My dear sweet Erza, join me and our friends in finishing the construction of the tower. Together we will change the world with our lord Zeref," his voice shouted with craziness written all over it.
"What makes you believe they'll listen to your bizarre idea when they fear this place and that name with their lives?"
"Simple, I'll show them the power of Zeref then they will simply abide by him and follow him. Zeref is truly a remarkable god, wouldn't you say so Erza?"
"Say they do stay, how do you plan on treating them?"
"Ah, don't worry about that. Weak and unhappy workers are sloppy, they hardly get anything done, but strong and happy workers show some progress. Besides that, I believe Zeref would want me to rule with an iron fist by those methods instead of those of the vile cult. With that said, Erza join me and our friends in finishing of this tower and bringing back the lord."
"Never not when we are so close to our freedom. Everyone is waiting for us at the boats Jellal, please come to your damn senses already!"
"Seems like your answer is still the same. Since you won't join, I'll simply make you leave," he spoke very darkly for anyone's liking. Then in a matter of seconds my body was wrapped in a weird mist with red markings choking me of my oxygen and lifting me off the ground closer to Jellal. "I won't kill you considering you took out those fealty cult members for. However, I'll make you leave and you can't do anything about it," he paused for a moment. By this point my whole body was next to him while still in a choke hold. He pulled me closer to him as in a whisper, "Your not powerful enough to take me on Erza, dare to challenge me then maybe I'll make one of our friends suffer. Maybe I'll start with Sho," he whispered with pure evil intents in his voice. My eyes widened for a moment before my whole body was pushed back. "Set foot on this island and you will have to deal with grief and pain far worse than death itself. So don't go planning on telling the Council or else.." he spoke to me one last time before my world became dark.
(Time-skip a few hours later with a dark sky)
The sound of waves crashing upon the shore approach my ears whilst my eyes locate the wet sandy floor that my body seemed to be laying on. My body lifted up and took note of my surroundings. The night sky seemed so bright, yet deadly silent unless you count the waves. Memories appear in my brain of what transpired hours ago. Tears flowed down my face in thunderous speeds. I truly left them behind while I escaped with my freedom ahead of me. The world seemed so cruel granting me of my wish, but with a price that I must live with my life. I promised Grandpa Rob I would live and I plan on keeping it until I truly fall asleep forever.
The world seemed so quiet until screams of the broken and pained rippled the sounds marking whoever let out to be lost and forgotten. Even though they were my screams, they truly weren't anything compared to the others who weren't lucky. With that, sleep dawned on me and I let it wash over me thinking just for the time I am asleep that I let peace succumb me.
The sun shined bright in the empty blue sky. I realized I fell asleep on the shore, instantly I lifted myself of the sand and started walking over to the forest up ahead. Approaching the upcoming forest, I couldn't help but smile at everything around me. Despite all the circumstances and guiltiness, I'm not going to spend my time moping when I can waste it getting stronger. So many different shades of green captured my vision, the softness of the grass, the breeze of the air, the smell of life, and one particular feel of freedom. Walking further, I found a river and sat down beside it. It was truly then did I realize what my body looked like through the reflection. I cupped my hands together picking up the water and drinking it. So refreshing and clear, it really has been a while since I've tasted something like that.
After a few minutes of sitting by the river, I heard a sound that frightened me to no end. Maybe it was an animal or the wind brushing past the forest, but my gut knew it was a person. Quickly, I sat behind some bushes to avoid the person or animal from noticing me. Thoughts raced through my brain, so many what ifs and maybes. Whilst in my trouble thoughts I failed to register that the very thing I was desperately trying to avoid was behind me. Once I felt a tap on my shoulder, I was brought back to reality. The stranger in front of me seemed to be a little girl no older than ten maybe. She had blond hair and beautiful dark chocolate eyes that reflected the sun and my eyes. Compared to my scarlet red short hair, her blond short hair practically rivaled mines. She wore a black and blue scaled scarf with a black t-shirt and black leggings. Her boots were made up to her knees, but slightly below it. Her pale skin and tiny pink lips looked so entrancing that it could rival any other being with this girl's beauty. Her body features and skin were the same as mine except hers looked more normal compared to my frail bones. She seemed to be carrying a worried expression look along with a fishing rod.
"Hey you okay there? You seem really scared and bruised, why exactly are you that? How about you come with me back to my little camp I set up for a short while. I promise I won't hurt you and to make matters easy I'm alone as well," she spoke in a caring and soft voice. She seemed to genuinely care about my wellbeing, something that hasn't happened to me except a few people. As I thought about that, tears flowed down my face unbeknownst to myself. "I'm so sorry I didn't mean to make you cry. I...uh...please forgive me and feel free to insure any punishments on me," the girl in front me spoke with utter guilt for my tears while bowing.
"It's not your fault. I just remembered something that made me cry. I'm not giving you any punishments. It is not my personality to do so and if is it okay for me to return with you? I don't know who you are and what your intentions are with me. My name is Erza Scarlet and if you give me your name then maybe I'll go with you."
"My apologies still, my name is Lucy Heartfilia. I just wanna protect ya' considering' yer' health. I promise I won't hurt you. To be honest I want you to my friend. You'd be the first," Lucy spoke to me. You could literally hear the happiness and kindness in her voice. She also avoided asking me what truly happened which is also very considerate. She is willing to trust a complete stranger and help them, this girl is definitely something else entirely. This makes me wonder if she is alone then why and how. I think it'd be best in both of interests to avoid asking the other.
I nodded at her questions simply. She literally jumped for joy and hugged me tightly, but also carefully to make sure I'm not hurt. I couldn't help but smile at her crazy antics, but maybe she could help me with my quest to find Fairy Tail and become stronger. Ever since I gained my magic, I was able to start sensing others with it too and judging from it, she has it too and a strong but small amount. Stronger than mine, but certainly not powerful.
She grabbed my hand and whisked me away in a direction I assumed to be her camp. The whole time neither of us spoke, but both us had stupid smiles on our faces which seemed so ridiculous. By the time we got there, I was worn out from walking. I guessed my wounds and fatigue finally caught up with me from before. She sat me down gently on the soft grass and walked over to the bag and grabbed some bandages. She walked over to me and started tending my wounds. As she started opening my bandages, I hissed in pain which led to her frown. After a few minutes, she finished with the bandages and handed me some of her clothing.
Thanking her quickly, I moved a bit deeper into the forest and changed into a tiny red dress that went to my knees and black boots that went to my ankles. I walked back to camp to see her reading a book. I haven't read a book in ages let alone write maybe she can help with that.
"Hey..uh Lucy, I was wondering if you could um teach me how to read or write. Like what I mean is teach some new things about it. I'm only asking because I haven't done it in a while," I asked her in a somewhat of a pleading voice. I have no idea why I trust her, I mean she is a complete stranger yet, I feel safe and calm with her. Maybe I could travel with her and bring her to Fairy Tail with me. She seems to be alone and somewhere in those eyes I see sadness. I still haven't recovered from my escape and I just have the feeling of letting her know my thoughts oddly. Probably because she won't judge just listen and support me. Hopefully I can learn some stuff about her. She looks up from her book with a big bright smile and ushered me to come over to her. She took some paper and pencils out and handed it to me.
"So, whatcha' want to write about?"
"Oh nothing for now, maybe for later. I was wondering if we could get into town and stuff. I haven't seen one in a while and frankly I want to see some other stuff," I tell her and she pulls out a map from the bag.
"Looks like the nearest town isn't as far away from here, but still a ways work. If we leave now we can make it there in a week to watch the town's sacred festival," Lucy explained. I nodded in agreement to her response. "However, we will leave tomorrow, don't worry we will have time still. Considering your state of health, it would be best to take a breather today so your muscles can relax as well as your mental status. Frankly like I said before, I don't know what happened to you, but all I know is that whatever did happen it caused your current state, so it will be best for me to look out for you and your wellbeing. Not that I am calling you weak or anything just precautions. I hope you don't mind," she spoke in a stern but gently voice. To say shocked was a mere word was nothing that could be described to what she just said. Honestly this kid is something else entirely and I like. She may look younger than, but certainly as hell acts more mature than me.
I can't help but think about what happened at the tower at that moment. Probably because she just spoke like Grandpa Rob, caring and protective like all those years he had done to me. Unconsciously tears pooled from my eyes while I was lost in thought. I snapped out of my trance state when I felt a pair of warm protective arms around me.
"I may not know what happened to you, but right now it is over. I feel a sense of guilt coming from you and the only reason I know this is because I know this situation all too well despite our different circumstances. I'm not asking you to forget what happened, but just relax knowing it is all over. One thing I learned is goodbyes can be put in many different terms for different people, but you can't let you get that down. No matter who said goodbye to you, you must look onward in life and continue to live life like no tomorrow," she spoke in hushed caring voice. In that moment I knew, I refused to leave to go anywhere without Lucy. Maybe she was a special person Grandpa Rob was talking about. She was everything I wanted in life no matter who they were. You could call me crazy, but I wouldn't care because right after all these years of suffering, I could finally relax in the arms and love of someone.
I wailed even more in her arms clutching her shirt more and in response she hugged me tighter, not fear but in reassurance. I just needed to let out in words or whatever form to her. If I don't, I fear I truly will never stop crying or the pain. Slightly calming down a bit, I told I wanted to talk to her about my life and how I ended up like this. She pulled me out of her arms and let me. She sat in front of me and nodded letting me know to continue. That I did, I explained from every inch and spec of my life to her. Her expression mostly consisted several things, but the major ones I could pick out was anger, sympathy, resentment, and kindness. She just listened to me without speaking out once even when I paused. She could be my little sister or something much more, but I could care less only to the fact is that I want her with me comforting and protecting me and maybe in return I could do the same for her.
By the time I was done, I no longer had any more tears to shed and looked up to meet her face again. She gave me a warm smile once again. Man her smiles are intoxicating and addictive, they could light up the whole world without it going blind once. She told me that she'll talk about herself considering I told her about myself and how we I trust her. She also told me she also trusts me despite us being complete strangers and that she has only done this thing once before with some special. She spoke her life story and I was entranced my every single detail. She was raised by a dragon after being abandoned by her parents. The dragon took her in and raised her as her own daughter teaching her many things from magic to life. Then came the part about her dragon's disappearance and why she is traveling alone. Although I don't tell her I want to travel with her to find her dragon, I ask to travel with her to the town to which is complied easily considering she wasn't going to leave for a while.
We talked and ate the whole day and slowly felt myself feeling happy and at peace. We got to know each other a bit more and she shared many stories about her travels while spoke more about the tower. At first she was angry at the things they did, but soon she hid it although I could it infuriated her. The daylight fell from the sky and the stars rose up high.
Sleep started capturing me only soon to be hit by the realization I'd have to sleep on the grass in the cold considering the temperature dropped. As soon as I told Lucy that I'd be sleeping on the grass while she slept in her tent, she immediately frowned and refused. We continued to bicker back and forth with the little energy I had left, but in the end she had won and made a little dance while I entered the tent. It was comfortable to be sleeping in the sleeping bag and tent, it brought a feeling of joy and warmth rather than the cold and sadness I'm used to sleeping in. Once I closed my eyes sleep befall me forgetting that Lucy was still awake.
Lucy's POV
This girl is such a handful when it comes to the smallest of gestures. Like I'd let her sleep on the grass what makes her think it is completely normal. Arguing with myself about this won't really get me anywhere considering I won our little argument. I'm just gonna sleep on the tree branch again since I've been doing it for a while and it is comfortable. I peek inside the tent to make sure she asleep and glad she is considering she needed it more than I. What she told me about her life really pissed me off to a fuming degree. How can people be so cold and heartless while taking pleasure in others' suffering is something I'll never understand. I really wanted to storm the place even if I had to take a boat...yeah no.
Last month I learned that the idea of getting on some sort of transportation made me extremely motion sick. Either way, with or without a boat I couldn't have gone to the island. I promised Erza not to only go there, but to also not to tell anyone else and I don't plan on breaking it anytime soon. I headed up on the tree branch and fell asleep clutching my scarf tightly underneath the heavenly stars.
I don't know how I woke up, but I did. It was still night out, but I heard some sobbing and immediately knew it was her. She must be awake or having some sort of nightmare. I jumped down and went inside the tent to see sobbing in her sleep with the visible light of the sky making it the only light. I went beside her and held her in my arms and she her crying stopped. I wiped her tears, smiling I fell asleep.
Erza's POV
I woke up to warm arms around me. Turning around to see Lucy practically hugging me while her head was on my chest. A slight blush arose on my cheeks, removing herself from me, I got myself up and started packing everything up. I ate some fish and left out some for her from last night. As soon as she wakes up, we will start our journey to the town. I think it was called Crystal. It wasn't long until she woke up and got ready. She thanked me for packing and the food packed the sleeping bag and tent. We decided to split the amount of stuff to carry making it easier for both us to move efficiently.
Out of nowhere, there was a loud sound in the forest, frightening of all of the birds. Lucy put herself in front of me with a serious look on her face while I had tears streaming down my face from the fear.
"Hey don't cry alright, I really hate people crying and especially you. I'll protect you I promise so for now just calm down," she reassured me and I nodded. Just then a giant beast came out of the forest, it looked like a Forest Vulcan. He looked absolutely hideous. He had purple all over his chest(abs), face,feet, and hands. Green stretching out from his pointy head to over his waist while his bottom and tail has a darker shade of green. "Listen up ya fat ape, I suggest you beat it or else you'll regret coming close to us!"
"Your one to talk to blondie. Looks like your red-headed is about to drench an ocean, maybe I'll pound on her just make you suffer," those words knocked the air out of my lungs. He wants to hurt me just to provoke Lucy. What's wrong with him.
"Last time banana brains, leave now or I'll pound myself with just my fists," Lucy spoke with utter venom and anger in her voice. She clenched her fists and her eyes were filled with anger.
"Then it'll be my pleasure to fight-WAIT I SMELL EGGS! I'll leave ya punks alone I just found my lunch," with that he left. Tears of relief came out of me and I stopped crying only then did I look at Lucy did I notice something. She looked like she's seen a ghost, completely white while her limbs look like they're about to give out.
"Your telling me that ape just provoked me into a fight then ends up leaving for food!," she yelled out. I just looked at her with a confused look urging her to explain. "Sorry, I just get riled up for fights, so I tend to get angry and excited in one,"she paused then grabbed up stuff, handing me my portion and taking her own."Well let's head to Crystal Town, you must be dying to see some civilization for some time. Just stay close to me alright, I'll keep you safe I promise," she told with a toothy grin on her face. She held out her hand and I nodded taking it, and with that she whisked me away again, off on a new journey together. She promised she would protect me, and I want to return the favor soon.
(Time-skip Two Weeks)
It's been two weeks since we've arrived into town, and it's been one of the most peaceful moments of my life. I learned why it is called Crystal Town because the city produces and is made up of crystals. The lights of the crystals are so beautiful, you could get lost in them. We got to the village last week and as promised, Lucy never let me leave her sights unless for some other things. She has been very protective and caring, making sure I was fed, clothed, bathed, slept. Every night, I'd cry from the memories, while Lucy just comforted me and with that I always fell asleep with no nightmares, just peace.
The festival was amazing, so many people showed up and celebrated it. The city was much more lit then. They celebrated a certain type of crystal that would glow brighter and more colorful on this day. When Lucy took my hand and showed me to it, it was majestic and eye-opening as she said it would be.
During the past two weeks, we got to know each other more, and I felt more protected. I had a desire to get stronger and protect the I love with all my might, but mostly Lucy, so I could care for her when she can't do it for herself. So every single day we spent, I challenged her to a fist fight and she'd win every time. She never went easy on me, but still held back, and for that I respect her. She knows I want to get stronger and more confident, and she's doing whatever she can to help me achieve it. She even bought us two swords, considering I've grown to love fighting with weapons. Even though she said she was terrible at sword fighting, she'd win claiming it was from some old experience. She taught me everything she knew about it and told me to figure the rest out considering it involved my magic and my method of fighting.
Around this time, I started to tell her about Fairy Tail, speaking about their adventures and how they are a family. She always had stars in her eyes when I talked about it. Even though it was from Grandpa Rob's perspective, she didn't care, and always enjoyed it, always commenting on it and praising Grandpa Rob. A few days ago I told I was going to join Fairy Tail and I wanted her to join with me. At first I thought she would have a happy expression, but no, it was entirely calculating.
For the past few days, she has been keeping a bit of distance, but not entirely. She told me she would consider the offer for a few days. Which leads us to today where she gives me her answer.
Its night out, and the stars are blanketing the dark sky. We are standing outside the hotel we have been staying in for a while. We have our stuff out of there as we decided today was our last day here. I don't know what I'll if she rejects. I'd follow her until she finds what she is looking for, then we can go back and join Fairy Tail together.
Her back was to me then she turns around with soft, but sad expression. "Erza, I'm sorry, but I can't join Fairy Tail yet. I still have my own quest to complete and you have yours. I think it's best we split ways from here. You could join Fairy Tail and you could welcome me when I join. I just can't hold you back from completing your goal for me. I know you want to come with me despite my remarks, but this time around your stubbornness isn't going to let you win this argument."
"Your darn right that I refuse to leave you. We've grown attached to each other, I just can't let you leave like that. I'm willing to wait to join Fairy Tail so long as I get to be with you," at this point tears pooled out of my eyes and my legs gave out. I fell to the floor and cried like no tomorrow. For some reason, this hurt more than leaving the Tower of Heaven. Lucy just hugged and soothed me.
"Erza please, no more crying. Don't think of this a goodbye, but just a see you soon. I know you want to come with me, but follow your own dream. I know it is hard leaving, but I promise we will meet in the future and you know I keep my promises. I know you will have doubts and nightmares, so just imagine me beside you guiding you through it alright. If you look up at the night sky every night then you will know I'm watching you, and I'll know your watching me. Your strong woman Erza, never forget that. You've gotten scarier and more confident over these past two weeks, never forget that either. Make a lot of friends, maybe fall in love, but they better be good. Please don't let the loneliness win, it'll destroy you," whispering to me the little girl hugging me. She was right in many ways that I'd hate to admit it. She also knows she is going to be alone again, yet she is happy for me to find the loving family and freedom I've always wanted. She truly is incredible and amazing. I calm down and finally speak.
"Your right Lucy, but it's going to be hard. I'll try to imagine you whenever I feel down or out of place. I'll try to make friends and not let the darkness consume me, and I will wait for the day you return to me."
"Well of course ya dummy, but thank you. It'll be a long while until we meet again, so if either one of us wants to get in contact with the other then we can look up at the sky and wish at the shooting star to make our wish come true. We can also ask around as well, just remember my last name though."
"Of course, thank you for everything Lucy, I'll never forget it. When we meet again, I want to challenge you to a duel to see who will win. You have won now, but prepare to taste defeat Heartfilia," I tell her with a smirk on my face. She promised me, and I know she'll keep it. She is also right, this isn't a goodbye, this a see you soon.
"I'll gladly accept it Scarlet. Well now it's time to get going. Magnolia is one train ride away, though it'll take all night to get there. You'll be there by morning, so make sure to use the money to buy your essentials," she smiled at me. "You know I have a bad habit of remembering people and their names, so you are allowed to smack me for that. I doubt I'll forget you though. Your hair is certainly unique and definitely hard to forget it," with that she starts to walk away from me. "I'll remember you Erza Scarlet because of your kindness and hair. Make sure to stay out of fights with powerful idiots. See you soon."
"See you soon Lucy Heartfilia," I whispered, knowing she heard me. With that I walked to the train station, heading towards Magnolia. Luckily I got there when I did, I just bought the last ticket to it. I headed towards the platform after purchasing my ticket, and not so soon the train arrived. I boarded the train and took a seat. It started to move and I stared out the window letting my thoughts run. This is my new chapter in life, and I plan to enjoy every second of it. For some odd reason, I could imagine Lucy complaining and turning green by being on the train. She gets motion sickness easily. I would've put her on my lap and played with her soft blond hair which seemed to always make the motion sickness somewhat bearable. Though I would have had a hard time convincing her to board it, maybe I would've dragged her and pushed her in it.
I chuckled a little at the thought. I checked my stuff to make sure it was beside me instead of anywhere else. I had the two swords that Lucy bought and I plan to use it and keep it from breaking. Good thing they're big, I could use them in battle. Soon though my body was washed with drowsiness. I imagined Lucy hugging me and with that I fell asleep.
(Time-skip to off the train and near the Fairy Tail Guild in Magnolia)
Fairy Tail. Two words that could change any world. I let a breath of air and pushed the guild doors. I walk inside with tables and chairs beside the pathway to the bar. As I walked in, everyone was whispering and staring at me. I ignored them and walked closer to the bar. All of a sudden a tiny man came out of nowhere. He had a goofy Christmas hat, an orange jacket and white t-shirt with the guild mark, and orange elf shoes. He had white hair and a mustache and pale skin.
"I'm Makorov Dreyar. What's your name child?," the old man asked me. He had warm eyes and smile. Something tells me he is more than he lets on.
"Erza Scarlet, I wish to join this guild. Where's the guild master?"
"Why your looking at him," like that my eyes went wide. He took me upstairs to his office to ask me some questions and to give me the guild mark. I told him about the tower in vague details and about Grandpa Rob. When I mentioned him, the master became very quiet and sad. He must have missed his friend considering he died in the tower protecting me. I also mentioned about Lucy, but as the tower, I kept it vague.
Like that the questions ended and I got my guild mark, it was a dark shade of blue that was on my left arm, just beneath my shoulder. As I walked downstairs, the master announced a party for me, and everyone cheered. They were loud and the drinks and alcohol were there. As I sat down near a table, somewhere in the crowd I saw Lucy, giving me her famous smile and thumbs up. I smile brightly at her, secretly thanking her again for everything.
(Time-skip eight years)
Eight years have passed since I've joined Fairy Tail. I have changed and come a long way from the girl I was then. Confidence, strength, and pride ran through my veins to the woman I've grown to become. My hair was down and I wore armor that surrounded my arms and made its way down to my waist. Blue skirt, black boots, and my appearance presented me. I've gotten more curves and other features that make men drop to their knees. My magic also has improved vastly.
I use a special type of magic called the Knight. It allows me to switch armors and weapons in very swift speeds thanks to my training, earning me the name Titania, queen of the fairies. The different kinds of armors I wear enhance my ability further in different areas, and the same can be said about my weapons. I've become an S-class Mage which means I'm clarified to be taking more dangerous missions because of my rank. My nickname is feared through the Kingdom of Fiore. Even though I've become the youngest person in the guild to receive the rank, I still have to prove myself to someone else. Lucy Heartfilia, it's only recently that I've started looking for her.
Amongst my many missions I've taken to find more information about her, I learned more about her, and how her last name belongs to one of the richest people in the kingdom. I know for a fact that she didn't know about this because they said that she was adopted by the couple when she was ten. Last year she apparently ran away from the mansion and no one has seen her since. This got me more skeptical, but made me more determined to find her. Little did I know that fate already answered my wish. Over the years, I've always imagined Lucy beside me and that still hasn't changed today. As look up at the night sky, I see the moon shedding some of its light to the dark world.
"Hey Erza, you know you better find me soon or else I'm winning this as well. You know how good I am at finding things, so don't expect me to go easy on you," the little Lucy spoke to me. She stood beside me with her bright smile, and I smiled back right at her.
"Your right, I don't plan on letting you win, so prepare to taste the defeat I promised you long ago. Wait for me, I'm coming," I smirked devilishly at the girl. She vanished with her own smirk leaving me alone. I directed back my sights on the sky and smiled brightly at it. Wait for me Lucy Heartfilia, I will welcome you to Fairy Tail and make sure your not alone anymore.