Hello! This has been something on my mind for a long time. I definitely wanted to re-work this story and maybe think about what direction I wanted to go in. I got more inspired this month to try and work on things I used to enjoy. Writing this story had definitely been an experience of its own and I had a wild imagination way back in high school/early college years lol But I definitely think I have become a better writer and wanted to see what I could have done differently.
Ember is:
5"5
Green Eyes
Dark Red Hair
Ember is curvaceous like a lot of Fairy Tail women, but is very self-conscious about how she looks.
On a separate-ish note,
I wrote Ember to resemble myself in a lot of aspects, or back when I'd initially written this fanfic. I always had low self-esteem, I was an introvert, I only had a small group of friends, but maybe one or two really close friends that I feel I could tell anything and that I deeply cared about.
Growing up, I didn't really have an outlet for my feelings except for art and writing. But after graduating college and getting my full time job, I'd been gradually getting more anxious and depressed.
But when things with COVID-19 kicked off, I was too deep into my own thoughts, I kept thinking about how my life wasn't turning into what I wanted it to be, I still lived with my parents which (at age 25-26) made me feel so inadequate, like a loser. Because I worked from home (with a healthcare job that really lowered my faith in humanity and tested me mentally), I didn't really go out often unless I had to (obviously because of the pandemic). Eventually, because I spent so much time at home and didn't really have any reason to go out, I kinda spiraled -_-
My anxiety and depression had intensified because of the pandemic, people were treating each other horribly, there were so many terrible things going on a global scale. The media wasn't shy to shove everything and anything negative in our faces. Social media is good in the aspects of spreading awareness and trying to connect with other people, but definitely does take a toll on mental health as well.
I hadn't quite experienced anxiety and depression on a bad scale like this for a long while and I was starting to isolate myself from friends and family. I always had depression since I was a teenager, but...this was something different and it's a little hard to describe.
I definitely feel that my job contributed to my huge decline in mental health. I work for a call center for a health organization (and due to social media policies for this organization, will not disclose the name of) that is very well known in Pennsylvania where I live, and to the state of PA, this health organization has been responsible for a lot of efforts with COVID-19 relief (like trying to treat people, getting people tested, getting people scheduled for the vaccine when it came out, you freaking name it). However, for being considered "essential" we weren't really being paid enough, and the call center with how things are currently being operated- -it's so customer service based and we literally have to kiss the asses and coddle a lot of the patients/callers. Regardless though, I was raised to do a good job and suck it all up. I will actually go out of my way to help you if you are actually nice and decent to me and talk to me like a human being. It's really not that hard to do. Treat others how you would want to be treated. And act like a fucking adult.
I basically am tasked with secretarial duties so to speak, but answer for 3-4 different medical practices. I take messages from patients, schedule appts (whether for the caller, or their whole entire fucking family), put back medication refill requests, etc. BUT I am not associated with the practices (not technically), I just answer FOR them if that makes sense. BUT ANYWAY, I work 8 hours a day 5 days a week (sometimes 8-12 on Saturdays which is bullshit), and I'll try not to get too much into all of the nitty-gritty details, but...I was definitely mentally abused by a lot of the patients, and dare I say other healthcare professionals, that would call and treat the call center agents (who they thought were calling the office) like literal sacks of garbage, and our entire department's call volume tripled than what it was before 2019. A lot of pressure was essentially placed on the call center because of the unknowns of COVID-19, and because of how tricky and mysterious the virus was. Everyone expected US to have answers, when our leadership kept making so many updates to our work process, etc. and everyone was so fucking confused. Needless to say, our duties also grew and our work environment became so much MORE stressful. And the department literally expected so much of us, and we really weren't getting paid enough to deal with the shit we had to go through.
I realized, much like MANY others in this country, that we're working ourselves to death, and for fucking what? I'm 26 years old, and I've got a crap ton of student loans, almost didn't get to graduate with my bachelor's degree that hasn't really helped me nail a GOOD paying job like these boomers preached to us millennials about. My depression and anxiety were becoming overwhelming to the point that I didn't care if I lived or died the next day, I hated my job and life that much. I mean, I was definitely grateful to even have a job during the pandemic, and from home at that. But I could only see nothing but doom and gloom, and I hated what my life honestly became and felt like I was just along for the shitty ride. I didn't feel like I had any self-worth. I was mentally abused for 8 hours a day by strangers on the phone, dealt with adults WAY older than me that acted like childish fucktards, for 5 days a week, and making $13 something an hour before my health organization decided to "so graciously" raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour within 2021 (still not a livable wage by the way), when I know the health organization I work for can definitely afford to pay their employees so much more since they're able to afford a spot on a Super Bowl Ad for example.
When I say that my faith in humanity was at an all time low, I'm not exaggerating. And of course, I'm also grateful to my parents, they've always been there for me and they've literally been my advocates in regards to my autism. But I also felt like I relied on them too much, that I was very dependent on them, and I also felt guilty for depending on them, but it's not like I really had the choice. I wasn't making enough money, even working full-time, to afford to live on my own. (And my parents argued quite a lot, so they were also driving me crazy enough as it was)
YEAH I was going coo-coo for cocoa puffs before I knew it. BUUUUUUT, 2020 was the year of trying make progression and heal. It was the year of contemplation, of realizing my self-worth, of realizing how fucking terrible our government is, how women are so...mistreated. (And if you're the guy that argues "not all men" you better get the fuck out now, because I will shut that shit down).
But hey, not only are women mistreated, but so are the good men in this world, people of other races and genders and sexual orientations, people with disabilities (mental or physical), people of low economic/social status, you get the picture. Okay, but going back to what I was saying, our government is pretty fucking terrible and have basically told us time and time again throughout history that they do not give a shit about the citizens in this country, the immigrants that are forced to moving here and are also hugely mistreated, the elderly people, etc. They've also told us that the ones who reap any and all benefits in the country, are those of the richer class. That can buy their way out of trouble and escape criminal charges, because that's okay too, why not? The people in our legal system that are so corrupt with the power they have, and think they can do whatever the fuck they want instead of protecting American citizens. The men that have the audacity to think that women are still lesser and have no worth other than to be used as a sex toy/servant/mother-bearer.
2020 is both a good and a bad year, but...I try to see it as a positive, mainly in the aspect that I became more aware of the problems going on in this country, that I was learning more about myself and trying to get help for my depression and anxiety. I'm still a little crazy, but I'm starting to embrace it and trying to learn how to cope and understand my line of thinking and perhaps improve upon it as well. I'm trying to save up money and stop impulse buying so that I can try to plan a better future for myself. I don't really care about dating anyone right now because I want to focus on myself, and who the hell says that's a bad thing? Call me selfish for wanting to better my mental health and see that I'm worth more, maybe try to go for the career I want in the future once I'm financially stable (a girl can dream).
I'm trying to heal and move on.
I mean, I have my hiccups, I have really bad days still-I'm moody a lot of the time, I'm still trying to adjust my meds, there are still days that I think about just saying "fuck it" and quitting my job without having a back up plan like a dumbass, there are days that I don't want to get out of bed, there are days that I think about what my family would feel or how they'd react if I weren't alive anymore. I have an overactive mind that just will not shut the fuck up and chill for five minutes. But thinking about my family, my best friend, and my dogs, are probably the only reason I haven't come up with an actual suicide plan or executed one. I'm trying to find things to live for. I'm trying to get back into writing and art. I hadn't really done art since a little before the pandemic started. I realized how much I missed having some art projects.
Anyway, if you get where I'm coming from, I just want you to know that life is never easy, but that you CAN do this. It's fucking hard, and there are times where quitting seems to be the only option, but you have to try and fight that negativity. You have to seek help, even though it's very difficult to trust other people these days, including the health profession, just because of how much we've been let down in the past with how mental health was regarded. But if you don't try, it's never going to get better and things will never change. You'll still be stuck in that black hole, that dark void.
I had to suck it up and face these facts as well, I needed to seek help and I'm honestly glad that I did. With my experiences in life, and I definitely feel like I was taken advantage of because of my disability, it was so fucking hard to trust people, but yet...I always wore my heart on my sleeve because deep down, I wanted feel a deep connection to someone, I wanted to feel loved and to feel like I could love myself. I was always focused on making others feel happy and never cared about myself. I want to be happy and stop feeling so down. And then I would always get let down by other people time and time again. Healthcare in PA was kinda a joke in my opinion, still behind compared to other states. Yeaaaah, I really hate healthcare in the country.
But regardless, I'm done pretending like everything is okay, and that it's all in my head. Maybe some of it is in my head. Acknowledging it and at least trying to improve on my anxiety and depression, it does take a lot of strength.
But there is always hope. And I'm sensing that 2022 will be a year of change. I can't wait to see how things go in the country this year, I can't wait for change to come. I can't wait for justice to get served (I hope it will).
That's all that I've gotta say at the moment though, about where I've been (as an author on this site anyway). I just hope people understand that life can be a little crazy, but what you decide to do with your life...it is essentially up to you. And I'm choosing to try and improve myself and hopefully change my negative line of thinking, I'm hoping to heal.
And if you ever want to talk to me about anything, while I'm not an actual licensed therapist, I will listen. But anyways, I hope you guys enjoy the re-write of this.
Growing up, I'd always been protected by my big sister. I always clammed up and shut down mentally when it came to any kind of confrontation. But Erza had always been stronger than I was, both physically and mentally, so where I lacked in those qualities, Erza more than made up for it. While I always admired her strength, part of me couldn't help but be envious of my older sister for having the courage I never did. I wished that I could help protect people like Erza could. I hated feeling as if I was a burden, as if I were weak, even if my sister tried to reassure me otherwise.
My childhood had its ups and downs. I went through some pretty traumatic things (an understatement of its own), lost a lot of loved ones, was kidnapped and taken hostage to be a slave laborer, but even during the darkest of times...I always had Erza at my side. It wasn't until a few years in that living nightmare, that we'd finally managed to escape the Tower of Heaven. Erza and I fled all across the land until reaching Magnolia, where we became members of the Fairy Tail guild. Those first several years of adjusting to our new lives was both difficult and trying on our mental health, but for the first time in a long time, we felt like we belonged somewhere, like we had a family again.
It wasn't until living with the Fairy Tail guild for a couple of years, that Erza and I, slowly but surely, had come out of our shells. It was hard to break certain habits that I'd developed while living in the Tower of Heaven such as profusely apologizing, trying to help others, and neglecting my own needs. The strong need and desire to help others in and outside of the guild, to help my sister for a change, it became overwhelming to the point that I eventually started my own quest for power. For once, I wanted to be the one protecting others and to feel useful. I hated feeling absolutely powerless, and I wanted to break that cycle once and for all.
What I thought was necessary at the time, but realize now was likely an impulsive decision that I hadn't thought out completely...well, I ran away. It was early in the morning and I'd packed a small bag of food and a single photo of my sister and I, before leaving for the nearest train station. I did leave Erza a note to hopefully make her understand why I was doing this in the first place. After stepping out of the guild, it took everything within me not to look back.
Just like before, life on the road was definitely trying and exhausting, but I learned to make do with the survival experience that I did have. My youth and naivety had resulted in experiencing more difficult life lessons that any girl my age shouldn't have to experience, but I quickly grew up and learned to adapt. Whether for the better or worse. On my journey, I became an apprentice to an old wizard with questionable ethics, but finally, I was gaining the power and strength that I desired. Over the next several years, my training was going smoothly enough that I sent a letter for Magnolia to try and take on the S-Class Mage Promotion Trials. It was done in secret, per my request, but Master Makarov, and Gildarts himself, had agreed to my terms and we'd met on Tenrou Island later on.
I was elated that I'd earned my title as an S-Class mage, and took on more S-Class missions as a form of strength training, and in my travels encountered another mage that saw my potential and took me under his wing. At this point, it almost...five or six years since I'd left Fairy Tail, and while I missed my nakama more than anything in the world, I was determined that the end results would be worth it. I was ready to do the protecting for a change, even if...my absence was seen as a form of betrayal to Erza and the other Fairy Tail guild members. I'd been blinded in my path to gain the strength and courage my sister effortlessly displayed that I'd forgotten that Nakama and the meaning behind the word, was just as important.
After completing my recent mission for Makarov, doing surveillance on Ivan Dreyar, I now had the excuse I needed to return home, and back to Magnolia. As I walked throughout the city, dozens of memories flood back to me all at once. I glanced over at a river, slowing my walking as memories from the past come to mind.
That river was where Natsu and Gray always fought at...before Erza would interrupt at least.
I cracked a small smile and glanced at a familiar old cottage near the outskirts of town.
Gildarts, I wonder if he's returned yet from his last mission...I haven't seen him since I was on Tenrou Island.
FLASH!
I can't help but grin as I received the news from Master Makarov.
"You mean it? I'm S-Class now?!" I asked excitedly.
"You completed everything, so yeah! You're now an S-Class wizard, kiddo." Makarov gave me a thumbs up, before smiling warmly at me, "I've gotta say that I'm really impressed with how far you've come, Ember."
Gildarts laughed as he clapped a hand on my shoulder. Even during the S-Class trials, I'd managed to keep quiet about the fact that I'd run away from home.
"Ha! I can't wait to tell that brat about this when I return to Magnolia." He smirked.
"W- -who? Natsu?" I tensed up.
"Well yeah." He said as if it were obvious, "I'm sure he'd be proud of you, though he'll never admit it." Gildarts chuckled.
"About that Gildarts..." Makarov interrupted.
"What...? Am I missing something?" Gildarts' smile faltered.
"It's a little...complicated, but Ember left the guild in a journey to become stronger. She wanted this trip to Tenrou Island to remain a secret." Makarov said.
I looked down at my feet guiltily, afraid of his reaction.
"She what?" Gildarts' eyes widen drastically. "So no one even knows about her being here or- -?"
Makarov's expression says everything the man needs to know. Gildarts turned over to look at me with an expression that was very difficult to read. I could feel my heart pounding with anxiety, and felt like that small girl all over again regardless of everything I'd gone through the past several years.
"How long has she been gone from Magnolia for?" Gildarts asked the master.
The old wizard sighs, and reluctantly answers his question.
"About five years if I'm recalling correctly. Ember's kept in touch with me through letters. Letting me know how she was doing, how her training was progressing. I've kept tabs on her, but...Erza and the others don't know about me being in contact with her, per Ember's request. She didn't want to worry them or risk them coming after her."
Gildarts is clearly shocked to hear such an answer from Makarov, but his gaze never leaves mine. I was actually afraid of his reaction, considering I'd looked up to him when I was younger, and even saw him as a father figure of sorts.
"Kid...look at me."
I struggle to find my voice, and barely manage to speak up.
"G- -Gildarts...I'm- -"
"You don't need to apologize to me for anything. But I do want to know why you'd leave Magnolia like that. You have friends that cared for you, you had a sister that loved you more than life itself. What if you'd gotten hurt or killed- -?"
At this, I grew a bit...angry and a bit defensive to say in the least, considering I'd gotten the same exact lecture from Makarov when we'd first gotten in contact again. I never snapped at anyone before, but it was like word-vomit. I couldn't stop once my mouth opened.
"I wanted to stop feeling helpless." I glared at him.
At this, Makarov and Gildarts seem more than surprised.
"You have no idea what it was like." My voice shook. "I...I was always the kid sister, I was...always seen as weak and in need of protection. I've been picked on so many times, taken advantage of because...despite everything I've gone through, I always tried to see the best in other people. I love Erza more than words could ever express because she was the only one that was ever there for me, but I was done feeling helpless. I- -I want to protect her for once, because...she's always done so much for me. A- -and...I don't expect you to understand but..."
Gildarts' eyes widen a bit, and I can tell that he seems utterly heartbroken that I even said such a thing, but it was clear that he understood where I was coming from. Much to my own surprise, he places a hand on my back before pulling me closer towards him. I'm trembling in his arms, but don't move away or resist him.
"I'm...I'm sorry that you ever felt that way, kid. If I'd known how much you were struggling...I would've tried to stay around longer...help train you with magic myself." He mumbled softly. "I say this because I care about you, and I need you to hear this."
His hold on me tightens just a bit, before he continues.
"You were never weak and you've always had such a big heart. In fact, I'd say that you were part of the glue that kept Erza and the others together. They love you so much. I know for a fact that they've never looked at you as a burden or someone lesser than them. Hell, you've got so much of Erza's tenacity and spirit. The fact that you've committed so much to becoming an S-Class wizard just to help other people...it really speaks volumes of your strength already. You've always had the potential to go beyond. So I don't want you to ever say something so ridiculous again, Ember."
I blink away tears and my arms slowly move to wrap around his waist and return his embrace. It was something I'd wanted to hear for...years. To just hear that I was enough.
"Please...consider returning back to Magnolia. You'll always be our nakama, and we all love you. Physical and magical strength doesn't matter in Fairy Tail regardless of what others say. Family matters most, kid. Remember that."
After pulling back, I wipe away my tears with the back of my hand.
"I love you guys too. That's why I did this...but...I'll come back. I promise that I will. I just...there's so much I feel like I have to learn." I sniffled.
"Just don't keep them waiting for too long. Don't be like me, alright?" Gildarts smirked. "Do as I say and not as I do."
I can't help but tearfully chuckle before playfully punching his arm.
FLASH!
I came to a stop and paused before the Fairy Tail guild as guilt gnaws through me.
So here I am...back home in Magnolia. After...seven years now? I'm sure everyone will be SUPER excited to see me after basically abandoning them.
Maybe I was overthinking again, but I knew that I wasn't wrong to assume how...betrayed everyone must have felt when I'd left the guild to train. At the time, I felt so compelled to leave for Fairy Tail because of how much they've all done for me and Erza.
It's okay. You're just here to deliver your report to Makarov, and then you can go relax in the nearest bar for a bit... It'll be fine.
I kept wishing more than anything that Mystigan would stop by the guild right now to use his sleeping spell, but I knew that I wouldn't be that lucky. As I approach the doors to the guild, I can feel my heart starting to pound rapidly in my chest. Likely out of fear of everyone's reaction to seeing me after so long.
Snap out of it. You're already in Magnolia, you can't turn back now. Just try to take a deep breath and go inside the guild. You'll be in and out. Don't make this into a big deal.
My hands shook as they hovered over the giant door handle to the guild.
FOR FUCK'S SAKE GET OVER YOUR DAMN FEARS AND OPEN THE DOOR! YOU'RE A FAIRY TAIL WIZARD FOR CRYING OUT LOUD SO ACT LIKE IT!
Everyone was chatting away and having the time of their lives, the guild set up exactly how I remembered it. When other guild members saw who walked in, however, the majority of folks were shocked to the core. I stiffened up as the whole room just fell completely silent and it was the most silent I'd ever heard my fellow guild members. I tried to maintain a confident façade and step inside, quickly scanning the room for any signs of Master Makarov. A woman with white hair donning a beautiful red dress runs over to me happily, and it definitely took a couple of seconds before I recognized her.
HOLY SHIT IS THAT MIRAJANE?! SHE LOOKS...nice...did all of Hell freeze over or- -?
"OH EMBER! YOU'VE RETURNED!" Mira cried happily.
Mirajane proceeds to give me a huge bear hug as if we'd been the best of friends back when we were children, when I definitely don't recall this being the case. I was unable to breathe for almost three seconds before I started tapping on her shoulder
"M—Mira! Choking! Not breathing!" I breathed out.
"Oh! Sorry about that!" Mira released me with a giggle.
I find my face flushing when I unzip my coat to fix my tank top. By the time I glanced up, I could see just how elated the other guild members seemed to see me. The entire guild hall erupts with cheers and shouting much to my surprise. I hadn't expected such a...warm welcome, but I definitely wasn't opposed to it. People start getting up from their seats and run over to greet me. There were many faces that I recognized, and some that were new. I hadn't been used to...this kind of affection, after so much travelling, and it almost felt foreign. Trying to be polite, I bow to everyone and formally greet them, before I turned over to Mirajane.
"Hey uh…Mira…you know where I can find the master?" I asked.
"Can't you see him later? We've all missed you!" Mira nearly whined.
"I promise I'll catch up with you guys in a little bit, but I do need to see Makarov first." I firmly told her.
"The master is upstairs in his office." She pouted after giving in.
Mavis, seeing Mirajane look so adorable and sweet is definitely...different. Something that'll take a while to get used to for sure.
I ignored the looks of disappointment from the other members of the guild as I made my way to the second floor. Walking by, I spot Laxus leaning against the wall casually. His eyes widen in surprise once he recognizes who I am after a minute or so.
Yeaaaaah, he still seems like the punky douche I remember...
The lightning dragon slayer steps forward just as I try to walk past him, and blocks my path purposefully.
"Well well…look who decided to show her face." Laxus smirked.
I merely raised an eyebrow, trying not to let his attitude or words affect me anymore. I could tell, much like when we were children, he wanted to get me worked up and angry, and for what?
Some things never change, do they?
"Y'mind moving, Spark Plug?" I rolled my eyes.
I managed to withhold a smirk as his left eye starts to twitch in annoyance. Laxus didn't get the reaction he'd wanted or expected from me.
"I'd watch your little attitude there, princess." He leans down until our faces are inches apart. "One day, I'm gonna be the guild master. Your guild master. And believe me, when that day comes...I won't be as lenient and soft as the old man."
...princess?
At this, I can't help but snort before bursting out laughing. Laxus appears absolutely livid, while everyone downstairs is in shock that I dared to defy or anger him.
"When you get that stick out of your ass, learn to be friggin' humble and kind, and act like an actual leader instead of a total tool, only then will I acknowledge you as the future guild master." I smirked. "But until then...I've got shit to do and people to see, like the current guild master."
I walk around Laxus and start heading to Makarov's office, before a hand is pulling me back roughly by the back of my coat. I lift up my arms, slipping out of the coat quickly before whirling around to kick back at Laxus' chest as hard as I could.
"YOU LITTLE BRAT!" He roared angrily.
I picked up my coat from the floor and brush off any dirt or dust. As Laxus goes to hit me with lightning, I grabbed his fist. Everyone downstairs watches with anticipation and fear as I force the dragon slayer down to his knees.
"Try and grab me again like that, and I'll snap off your damn arm." I growled lowly. "I don't want to fight you considering it's my first day back in Magnolia for years, but I'll gladly indulge you if you want a missing limb that badly."
Laxus' eyes widen with shock, not expecting me to have such strength, but glares at me before reluctantly giving a small nod. The moment I release his hand, he hisses quietly, scoffing and putting up that tough guy act again before storming away as if I were a waste of his precious time. I'm afraid to look at the other guild members and finally proceed to find Makarov's office down the hallway.
"Hey master…it's me…Ember." I knocked on the door lightly.
"Come in."
I walked into the room, seeing the Master sitting on his desk meditating.
He was still the small old man I grew to love. I'm glad Makarov hasn't changed at all.
"It's been awhile hasn't it?" I chuckled.
"Indeed it has Ember. How has your training been coming along?" Makarov asked.
"It's fine…I've gotten a lot better at maintaining my magic. I've also taken a lot of S-Class missions by myself."
"Wow…just like your big sister huh?" He smiled.
My smile falters as I look down at my feet.
I'm always being compared to Erza...not that it's a bad thing, I still love her so much, but...
"Now, are you just gonna stand there all day or are you gonna give this old man a hug?" Makarov smiled goofily.
Man...I really missed having his hugs huh?
After touching base with Makarov about my latest mission, disclosing details regarding the Phantom Lord guild as well as information on other guilds raising red flags throughout Fiore, about the status of Ivan Dreyer, etc., I snuck out of the guild through the back to go and grab some "lunch" at the nearest tavern. My thoughts kept drifting back to Natsu, Erza, Gray, and Lisanna. Even though I initially returned to the city to report back to Makarov, now that I had done so...I was free to take on another job. I technically didn't have to remain in Magnolia, but...thinking back on what Gildarts had said on Tenrou Island, I knew that I needed to be there for my nakama more. Despite being scared of their reactions, I knew I had to stick it out and face the music.
I just need a little liquid courage first...then I'll go back to the guild.
"Hey there, sweetheart. Wanna hang out?"
I turned around on my barstool and saw Natsu winking at me as he posed.
NATSU?! WHAT IN THE LIVING HELL- -?!
"N—Natsu?" I stammered.
"Wait a minute, Ember?! You're back in Magnolia?" He grinned excitedly.
Wow...he's uh...taking this REALLY well. I mean, not that I'm complaining or anything...
He leans closer, cupping my cheek with one hand and leaning closer.
"I'm so glad you came back, you know that?" He mumbled softly.
My face is practically as red as my hair.
Natsu's NEVER been this forward with a girl before, I didn't even think he had a romantic bone in his body- -
Just as Natsu inches forward, I felt an intense heat and duck just in time as fire is spewing out of his mouth uncontrollably. That was the huge red flag that something wasn't right.
The damn idiot nearly burnt off my face!
"NATSU! What the fuck?!" I snapped.
"Heheheheh!" He chuckled nervously. "GOTTA GO!"
He takes off in a flash towards the direction of the guild hall. Reluctantly, I paid off my tab before going to follow him back to Fairy Tail. I sure as hell wasn't going to leave now if someone was possessing Natsu's body.
"Somebody do something!" Natsu cried as he ran into the guild hall.
"What's with that fire?"
"Looks more like drool…"
"So this is what it's like to fly!" Happy smiled. "NO! We shouldn't be wasting precious time!" The tomcat snapped at himself.
What in the actual fuck is going on?
After several seconds of more chaotic arguing, I practically exploded.
"What are you guys talking about?!"
I am beyond confused right now.
"Basically they all switched bodies…" Elfman explained with a shrug.
...oh...
"Oh…wait…so…this isn't Natsu? He nearly kissed- -" I flushed with embarrassment. "Well uh, I- -I'm glad I caught that in time."
"E—Ember?" Loke looked at me in shock.
"What is it Loke?" I asked.
"I'M NATSU DAMMIT!" He growled.
Yup...that's Natsu alright.
"Well SORRRR-RY you twit! It's not like I've been informed with whose body has been switched with who! Hell! I don't even know what's going on or how you got yourselves into this shit-storm!" I snapped.
My attention was then drawn over to Happy, who seemed to be at war with himself.
"GAAAAAH! This is no time to be impressed with flying! There's no time to spare!" Happy flailed his arms around in panic.
Okay so Natsu switched bodies with Le- -I mean Loke...so who was switched with Happy? The manner of speech is really familiar.
"What in the world should we do?" Gray sighed in disappointment.
Ice cubes started falling out of Gray's mouth as he looked defeated.
"Uh Gray—I mean Lucy…ice cubes are falling out of your mouth." Mira pointed out.
"Oh god I hate this!" He cried.
"Leave this to me Lucy!" Levy came popping in the guild hall with a look of pure determination.
Lucy...? She must be new. *sighs* I'm just gonna go sit with Cana and have a couple of beers to deal with this madness. Seems like nothing has changed after all this time, same old shenanigans anyway.
I walked over to Cana, who seemed to be enjoying the show as she drank alcohol from a barrel.
"Mind if I have some of that too?" I asked.
"Ember? You...you came back..." Cana barely uttered.
"Sorry, I've been gone for so long...I just...lost track of time..." I explained lamely.
"No worries, I'm glad you're back." She smiled warmly. "Now go grab yourself a keg, girly, looks like we're gonna need it."
I woke up with a killer headache, trying to remember where I was.
Man...what the hell? I mean, I'm used to drinking a lot, but not that much. Cana really drunk me under the goddamn table. I didn't know the girl had it in her.
The room I'm in is definitely a spare room on the upper floor of the guild, I could recognize it right off the bat from when Erza and I were young children just joining Fairy Tail. I yawn and stretch as I gain my bearings, and after slipping on my long coat, walk out of the guest room until I'm at the top of the staircase that overlooks the main floor of the guild hall.
"So did everyone get back to normal?" I asked.
"Yup." Everyone replied in unison.
I walked down the stairs, shoving my hands into my pockets.
I mean, I should probably start looking for apartments if I'm gonna move back into town...
"That's great…I'm gonna leave now…" I said.
I started making my way to the entrance, not realizing how my phrasing sounded to the others, but quickly catch on it just from their reactions.
"W—what?! But you just got back!" Elfman cried.
"I was only gonna- -" I stammered
"Oh come on! At least stay with us for a week! We haven't seen you in years!" Macao whined.
"Yeah! What's the rush?!" Wakaba spoke up.
"I uh...didn't mean that I was leaving Magnolia." I chuckled nervously. "I just wanted to go searching for apartments..."
At this, everyone sighs in pure relief and slumps forward.
"Yeah, don't worry, I'm gonna stick around. I'm...I was...I was going through a lot when I was younger, but..." I stammered awkwardly. "I think I've done enough training and...I've missed you guys so much. I- -I don't really plan on leaving again like that."
Mirajane comes up from behind me and hugs me.
"Good...I'm glad you're staying." She barely uttered. "Because we've missed you a lot too."
I feel my face flushing, but place my hand on top of Mirajane's comfortingly. After a moment of silence, I untangle myself from Mirajane and go towards the entrance of the guild.
"I think I'm gonna try to find Natsu first. Maybe try to clear the air." I mumbled. "I'm sure he's pissed at me, and...I need to make things right."
"What do you need to see him for? Wouldn't you rather hang out with a real man?!" Elfman exclaimed.
...it's so weird seeing everyone again...they really have changed since I've been gone.
Sniffing the air lightly, I manage to pick up on Natsu's scent and make my way to a familiar part of the forest closest to the guildhall. I recognize the area immediately and realized that I was heading towards one of Natsu and Happy's favorite fishing spots. I spotted that familiar bush of salmon-pink colored hair and try to greet my childhood friend before Happy tackles me into a hug. The tomcat is sobbing and carrying on about how mean the fire dragon slayer was acting before taking off in a huff. Natsu never turns around even after all the shouting as he appears deep into thought and stares out into the pond.
I don't know if I've ever seen Natsu so down before, at least...not since I'd met him anyway. He was always sad about not being able to find Igneel, but I know this has to be about me coming back...
"Hey…" I hesitantly spoke up.
Natsu's head shot up after realizing I was here, as a blush formed on his cheeks. At first, I attempt to lighten the mood a bit with a joke, but already from his sour expression, I can tell that he's definitely not in the mood.
"….why did you leave?" Natsu snapped.
The blunt question threw me off at first, and my smile immediately fades.
Getting straight to the point, huh? Can't say I didn't see it coming, but still...
"I...it won't take back what happened, but...I did it for you guys and for myself as well, when I really think about it."
Natsu seems conflicted from this answer, but doesn't say anything as his eyes narrow slightly at me.
"I won't get sappy on you, but...I wasn't in a good place when I was younger...mentally, I mean. I think part of me needed to go to...try and move on from the past, before...Erza and I came to Fairy Tail." I confessed. From the mere thought of the Tower of Heaven, I nearly shuddered. "My main reason for going though, my motivation...well, I wanted to learn everything about magic that I could and control my own magical abilities, build up my strength, and use that power to help my nakama for a change. And I didn't wanna come back home a failure."
Natsu is silent for a few seconds, his face softening.
"That's why? Because...you thought that we considered you weak?"
Much to my surprise, the fire dragon slayer angrily blinks away tears.
"Why didn't you say anything?! I never thought that you- -"
"Natsu." I breathed out. "I promise it had nothing to do with you or anyone within the Guild. I don't want you to ever blame yourself. I chose to go."
Leaning closer towards him, I rest my hand on top of his.
"It's not easy to talk about...what happened to Erza and I. It was a living nightmare for the both of us." I barely uttered. "I felt so...powerless, treated as something less than a human. You don't understand what it was like, Natsu. That's all I'll say about it for now, but my point is...it was a really dark part of my life that I'd rather leave in the past. I wanted to discover what I wanted to be as a Mage, and...grow as a person. I never had the freedom to do so before. Deep down, it was something I felt compelled to do."
"You're right, I wouldn't understand..." Natsu withdrew his hand. "But you never gave me the chance, or anyone else. We all cared about you so much, and still do. The fact that you left without saying anything...it hurt like hell. I've held onto all of this anger for so long, wondering what drove you away from your nakama..."
My eyes slide shut as I barely resist the urge to cry.
"I'm...I'm not sorry for trying to take control of my life. But I am sorry for how I left. I'll admit that I was afraid of your reactions and...I didn't wanna risk you trying to come after me because I knew you would." My voice shook.
When I feel a hand cup my cheek lightly, I opened my eyes just in time to see how close Natsu's face is to mine. My face flushes immediately.
"You're goddamn right, I would've. You're my best friend, Em. You're my nakama. I wouldn't have let you go so easily. Honestly, I would've tried to come with you." He smirked.
I can't help but snort at that just from how true that was. Natsu moved his hand from my face to cradle the back of my head, before pressing our foreheads together like we did as children.
I don't know why...but for some reason, it was always...comforting when he did this.
"Look, as much as I appreciate it, you don't need to apologize, because there's nothing to forgive." The dragon slayer assured me. "We'll always be nakama and nothing can change that. But if you ever pull a stunt like that again, especially without telling us how you're feeling, I'll drag you back here myself. You're lucky it rained the morning you left, otherwise, I would've been able to track you down."
Oh yeah...his heightened senses...I guess I was lucky...sorta...
"I promise." I said without hesitation.
I pull back just to wrap my arms around Natsu, hugging him as if my life depended on it. Within seconds, his arms wrap around me as well.
"I missed you so much." I mumbled softly.
"I missed you too. We all did."
The next several days of being back in Magnolia were a little challenging to say in the least. While Natsu and I had made up and mended any bad tension between us, I hadn't seen any signs of Gray or Erza. I kept myself busy, finding a nice cottage relatively close to Fairy Hills and began moving in my belongings and trying to settle back in. The thought of Erza's inevitable wrath and Gray's expression of disappointment were enough to rattle my nerves. For the majority of the week, if I wasn't at my new cottage, I'd be drinking myself into a stupor at the Fairy Tail guild just to try to forget about my anxiety of what was to come.
If Erza's gotten as powerful as I've heard, I'm pretty fucked...she can definitely hold a grudge.
"What's with the long face, Ember?" Mira spoke up, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"I...I know I fucked up when I left, but...I didn't expect Erza, Gray, or even Lisanna to avoid me like this. I...feel really conflicted, y'know? Like, was coming back to Magnolia the wrong choice?"
Mira's eyes widened for a second, almost as if she was going to burst into tears at any moment. I was confused and wondered what I said that had upset her so much.
"I'm sorry...was it something I said- -?" I raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Oh uh...no! No! It's nothing!" Mira tried to smile again. "Look, just give it some time...everyone will warm up to you again. I think they're just afraid to do anything to upset you or scare you away. We really want you to stay, Ember. We all love you so much. I think you've done enough training, you're already an S-Class wizard, and that's not an easy feat. Maybe you should just stay with us for a while, huh? Take a break and be with your nakama." Mirajane put her hand on top of mine.
I just need to face the music and get it over with. I need to connect with my guild again...
I shifted on my seat and changed the subject as I took in Mira's words of advice.
"You think I can get another drink over here? Maybe some fire-whiskey?" I cracked a smile.
"Sure thing." Mira kissed my forehead and went to get my drink.
I blinked in surprise and wondered what had happened to Mira to make her become the bubbly and loving woman she is today.
Maybe it's because some people get better with age?
"So you're Ember huh?" A blonde girl smiled at me. "I've been hearing a lot about you lately. It's nice to meet you."
Wait a minute...she was the mage that swapped bodies with Gray, I think.
"Lucy right?" I returned the friendly grin.
"So why are you sitting here by yourself?" Lucy asked.
"Well everyone seems to be afraid of me from what Mira's tellin' me." I shrugged.
"That's not what I said, Ember!" Mira yelled from a distance.
I can't help but smirk at Mira's reaction from down the bar.
"So how come I've never seen you around the guild before?" Lucy sat beside me on another barstool.
"I'm surprised no one's told you anything." I raised an eyebrow. "Well to sum it up, I ran away when I was a kid in an attempt to become a stronger wizard...like Erza. I wanted to help protect my nakama for a change...even if it meant leaving...I was desperate to feel something other than vulnerable for once. I...had a bit of a tough childhood before coming to Fairy Tail."
Lucy's head tilts a bit as she looks at me in complete and utter confusion.
"Erza? Was she like your best friend or something? I'm a little lost here." The blonde muttered.
"Ember is Erza's younger sister. You really don't see the resemblance?" Mira playfully smiled.
Lucy stared at me for a few seconds before her eyes widened drastically when she finally had an epiphany.
"YOU'RE ERZA'S SISTER?!" Lucy cried out.
I can't help but burst out laughing from Lucy's reaction, holding my stomach as I hit the counter repeatedly with my other fist.
Haaaaaah fuck, that's the first time in a long while since I've laughed this hard...
"I like you, Lucy...you're probably the first person I've met that didn't recognize me as being Erza's sister immediately. Everyone says we look so much alike..." My smile falters a bit.
"Is that part of why you left? Because you're...compared to Erza a lot?" Lucy chose her words carefully.
"Not gonna lie...it was part of the reason initially. But then I realized that it didn't matter as much. I took it as an insult when I should have taken it as a compliment, really. But I was just a stupid little brat that wanted to prove herself to everyone."
"Here you go, Ember. It's on the house."
Mira put my drink in front of me before going back to work.
"I'm never going to get used to Mira..." I mumbled softly.
"Huh? What do you mean?" Lucy asked.
I leaned over to Lucy, and lowered my voice so that Mira wouldn't overhear me.
"When we were kids, she was such an evil bitch." I whispered.
Lucy laughed at this, but managed to compose herself quickly before Mira could overhear us.
"I've heard a few things about the way she used to be. I'm just really glad she isn't like that now." Lucy sighed in relief.
"You got that right, blondie." I took a giant swig of my drink.
"So...would you like to go on a mission with us? Maybe it would be good for you to be around Erza, Gray, and Natsu again." Lucy suggested.
I glanced at Lucy with wide eyes, surprised that she had even suggested such a thing.
She wants me to go on a mission with all of them?
Even when I wasn't at Fairy Tail, I'd managed to keep tabs on everyone, dropping by Magnolia occasionally to make sure that my family was alright. All across Fiore, since Lucy had joined the guild, there were rumors of Erza, Natsu, and Gray joining up as a team, and were now known as Fairy Tail's strongest team. I always wondered how Lucy had managed to even get Gray and Natsu to fight alongside each other given their history. While the thought of fighting alongside all four of them was tempting, the cons of joining Team Natsu kept overweighing the pros.
"I- -I'm not so sure it's a good idea right now...but I appreciate the offer." I muttered nervously. "I think that things just need to settle down for a bit. Although, I might leave at the end of the week for another solo mission. I just...it's clear that everyone's steering clear from my direction. And that's fine...I don't expect the guild to welcome me back so eagerly."
"Really? Everyone's been avoiding you?" The blonde seemed disheartened at this.
"I- -I mean...well...I don't really think anyone has anything to say to me at the moment." I stammered. "I might have had good intentions when I left the guild, but..."
"But you were only a kid when you left." Lucy argued. "You were just..."
"It doesn't matter. It's all about how I left the guild. Everyone probably feels betrayed, and I honestly don't blame them." My grip on the handle of my drink tightens slightly.
"We did at first."
Is that- -?!
I nearly spit out my drink, but managed to swallow. I slowly turned around to see Gray and Natsu standing behind us.
"We were all thrown back from how abrupt it all was. But when you were gone...I had so much time to think about it. And after reading the note you left for Erza, I was able to figure out what your motivation was." Gray explained. "It hurt at first, of course it did...but...I never saw it as a betrayal. I knew you'd come back to us eventually. And, I'm glad you finally did. I just...I was in my own head for the past few days, and that's why I haven't been around the guild. I don't want you to think that we were avoiding you."
Gray pulls me in for a hug.
"But if you ever leave like that again without talking to us, I swear to Mavis that I'll track you down and bring you back home myself."
Ha...pretty much the same response as Natsu. I...I really missed all of them...
I blink away tears and return the embrace wholeheartedly.
By the time I make it back to my cottage for the evening, after having a lot fun catching up with old friends and making new ones, I left feeling pretty exhausted. The smile on my face never leaves, and I hum quietly to myself when I go to hang up my coat before proceeding over to the kitchen. After grabbing a bottle of water from the refrigerator, I kick the door shut and head over to the living room. Before I get the chance to turn on the lights, someone had already beaten me to it. Whirling around to attack the intruder, I paused in shock after seeing Erza sitting in my arm chair.
Ah shit...well...this is either gonna be really good or really friggin' bad.
"...Erza...w- -what are you doing here?" I looked confused.
Erza stood up from her seat and kept glaring at me as she slowly walked over.
"What? Not happy to see me?" Erza sarcastically replied.
"I never said that. I- -I just didn't really expect you to be in my apartment at this hour a- -and I thought you didn't want to see me anyway." I stammered.
Erza stopped as soon as she was in front of me. In seconds, my head is hurting like hell.
Oooooooww fuck, she still hits really hard.
"That was for leaving the way you did." Erza snapped.
I was then pulled into a hug, my cheek pressed against her armor.
"And this is because I'm so happy that you finally returned to us." Erza's voice wavered.
I could tell that my older sister was trying really hard not to cry, and the change of her tone alone was enough for me to feel emotional.
I always thought about you everyday, Erza. I hope one day...you can forgive me...
"Don't worry...I'm not leaving...not again." I returned her hug wholeheartedly.
"Good..."
I pulled back and saw Erza smiling warmly with tears in her eyes.
"Sit, we have much to catch up on." She said.
"I guess we do." I grinned.
After a couple of days, the news of my return to Fairy Tail reaches all across Fiore, especially when I decided to join up on my next mission with Team Natsu. Word of the Scarlet Sister's fighting alongside each other once again after many years has many folks excited. The mission itself wasn't as awkward as I thought it would be, and even after the time apart from my family, we still managed to fight alongside each other effortlessly. We complete our job without any sort of hiccups and return to Magnolia within a weeks time.
"Why does the guild look so different?" Erza asked.
I snap out of my thoughts when I noticed all of the staring and murmurs from the citizens around us as we continued walking towards the Fairy Tail guild. I could already feel my stomach fluttering with nerves, but the feeling only intensifies once I saw the guild as well.
"Gramps…" I barely uttered.
My heart pounds wildly as I take off in a sprint towards the guild, and ignore the worried shouts behind me.
"GRAMPS! ANYONE?!" I shouted worriedly.
Natsu's arm wraps around my waist before I could make it through what used to be the front doors, afraid that I would get hurt if I even tried going inside. The structure did appear unstable.
"Someone wrecked our guild." Natsu growled angrily.
"Who would do such a thing? I don't understand..." Lucy looked horrified.
"It was Phantom…" Mirajane spoke up, appearing from behind us.
Wait...Phantom Lord did this?! Why?!
"Are you serious?" Gray was shocked. "You mean…PHANTOM DID THIS?"
Natsu was shaking out of pure anger, and honestly, I was right there with him.
"We couldn't do anything to stop them…they got us good." She mumbled softly.
Mirajane led us through another entrance down to the basement of the guild, primarily used for storage but was now the makeshift guild hall. The atmosphere was dark and gloomy, and the guild members were pretty silent for once, which was definitely unusual for Fairy Tail. I could tell what had happened was pretty painful for everyone. This guild hall had been our home for a very long time.
Fuck...I'm starting to get a headache again. I'm gonna have to dull that before I accidentally use magic or something...
I go for the nearest bottle of booze that I'm able to find, and chug down the contents within a minute and a half. It was enough to keep me dazed, and my mind at bay. I was itching to use some of my magic power to beat the shit out of someone and the last thing I needed was to cause more trouble with the Magic Council.
"A- -are you drunk?!" Elfman nearly shouted.
"I s- -swear to drunk I'm not Mavis, m'kay?" I slurred.
Wait...that's not what I meant...damn it.
I perk up after seeing Makarov come over to see Natsu and the others and sit with Cana as the both of us share some more drinks.
"Yo what's up?!" Master Makarov asked nonchalantly.
"Sorry we weren't here sooner…" Erza apologized and bowed her head.
"WHY THE HECK ARE YOU ALL JUST SITTING AROUND HERE?!" Natsu growled.
"How did the job go Lucy? Did you do the job like a good girl?" The Master slurred.
Yup…he's drunk…but then again, so am I, so I've got no room to judge.
"Yeah…I guess so…" Lucy replied, unsure of what to say.
"Master…do you not understand the gravity of this situation?" Erza looked shocked.
"The guild hall has been completely destroyed!" Natsu angrily pointed out.
"There's no need to get yourselves worked up…" Makarov sighed, before taking another swig of his drink. "It's not the end of the world or anything…"
"What?" Gray was confused.
"It just really shows how cowardly those dolts at Phantom really are." Makarov took another gulp. "They struck when no one was here…is that really something to brag about?"
He's kinda right actually...in a way...but it doesn't make me any less outraged. They'll friggin' pay for trashing the guild.
"Nobody was here?" I sighed in relief.
Oh thank Mavis...
I continued to drink from the bottle Cana handed me.
"It was after everyone had already left in the middle of the night…" Mirajane explained.
"I suppose we can be thankful for that." Erza said. "At least no one in the guild was hurt after the attack."
"Forget the bozo's who didn't have the guts to come face us! Forget about those fools!" Makarov told us.
I heard a crash from behind me and winced. I whirled around just in time to see that Natsu had punched a hole in a crate nearby. The fire dragon slayer wasn't taking this too well, not one bit, but I honestly couldn't blame him for being so upset.
"AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN GRAMPS! WE CAN'T JUST LET THEM TRASH OUR PLACE AND LET THEM GET AWAY WITH IT!"
"We are not talking about this any longer…" Makarov said. "We'll take more job requests until the upstairs is repaired."
"We shouldn't be worrying about jobs right now—"
"NATSU! THAT'S ENOUGH OUT OF YOU!" Makarov snapped.
I yelped as I realized that Makarov had spanked me.
"H—hey! Watch it, gramps…" I blushed.
"Hands to yourself master." Mirajane glared at Makarov.
Gramps jumped off the table and started running away.
"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?!" Natsu yelled.
"Oh keep your dress on! I gotta take a leak…" He replied.
After the master steps out, Natsu lets out a deep sigh.
"I don't understand why he's being like this." Natsu grumbled.
"Listen…this is hard on him just like it is on you." Mira spoke softly. "He's mad because conflicts between guilds are strictly forbidden with the council."
Exactly, otherwise, I'd have been storming over to their freaking guild by now.
"IT'S NOT FAIR! THOSE PHANTOM CREEPS STARTED IT!" Natsu flailed his arms around.
Why would Phantom attack Fairy Tail all of a sudden? Last time I did recon, I didn't see that they had made any plans like this, which means something happened rather recently. There's gotta be something that they're getting out of this...something they're after...but what...
"I know, but that doesn't matter!" Mira argued.
"If the master says we are to not retaliate…then we must respect his decision." Erza sighed.
I stagger over with an almost empty bottle of booze and drape myself on the pinkette's back.
"I say we take 'em on Natsiiii!" I laughed. "Jus' you an' me!"
Natsu stopped growling and blushed when I hugged him from behind.
"Jeez…when did you get drunk?" Gray was shocked.
"Now don' go on actin' like the daddy I never had, ice-queen." I snorted.
Gray's face turns red and he opens his mouth to say something, before Erza cuts him off with a glare. Natsu sighs as he untangles himself from me before going to pick me up bridal style.
"C'mon, Em. You need to go sleep this off and I need to get out of here before I beat the shit out of someone."
"I meaaaaaan, ya could take me to dinner first but- -"
Natsu splutters almost adorably until he sees me laughing, and realizes that I'm joking around with him.
"You better take care of her, Natsu!" Erza threatened.
"I'm not a perv like stripper boy, so relax." Natsu teased.
Once again, Gray is cut off almost with comedic timing as Natsu kicks the door shut behind him.
"C—cut it out! Ember! I'm trying to help you here!" Natsu stammered, before quietly cursing to himself. "Damn, where's Happy when you need him...?"
"Well maybe I wanna kick some names and take ass!" I shouted drunkenly, before pausing. "Wait a minute..."
"You're way too drunk for that, and what the hell were you even thinking getting plastered like this? It's the middle of the afternoon." Natsu's grip tightened.
"'kay dad." I rolled my eyes.
"Would you cut it out?!" He snapped, a blush dusting his cheeks adorably. "This isn't funny!"
I can't help but snort at the flustered look on his face.
"I dunno, it is a little funny."
"After what happened to the guild, it's probably not safe to be alone…we should go to Lucy's till this whole thing blows over…" Natsu decided.
"Okay!" I chirped, wrapping my arms around his neck.
Natsu sighed, and continued walking down the streets of Magnolia, changing his course to what I assumed was Lucy's home.
"This is gonna be a long night..." He grumbled.
"Keep goin' Salamander!" I demanded.
When I open my eyes, aside from the headache/hangover I was currently having, after looking out the nearest window, I noticed that it's late into the night. I take in my surroundings, and see Gray, Natsu, Erza, Happy, and Lucy scattered about what I'm assuming was Lucy's apartment. I recall Natsu had earlier said that it was better to sleep together until this whole thing with Phantom Lord blew over, especially since they likely knew where we all lived. Considering what was done to the guild hall, I couldn't blame anyone for taking extra precautions.
But fuck it feels cramped in here. Especially laying next to Natsu, he's like a goddamn furnace!
My face flushes when Natsu mumbles in his sleep and rolls over to face me, before his arm wraps around my waist and pulls our bodies until we're pressed up against each other forcing my hands to his chest.
MAVIS, HE HASN'T BEEN THIS CLINGY SINCE WE WERE LITTLE- -
Natsu's nose twitches before his head inches closer, burying his face into the crook of my neck and shoulder with a small groan. My eyes widen drastically as I start looking over Natsu's shoulder desperately.
W- -wait a damn minute before my brain short circuits- -nope! Natsu's my best friend, and I doubt he sees me that way, so stop it!
I slowly manage to get my arms out from between us, gently taking his wrist and moving his arm off of my waist and back to his side. I wiggle as gently as I can in an attempt to get away from the dragon slayer, before tensing up completely the moment Natsu growls, and pulls me even closer.
Oooooh boy. I just made it even worse didn't I? God damn it, and I was trying to be gentle- -
Happy looks like the cat that ate the canary when I spot him staring at us a few feet away.
"Happy!" I whispered loudly. "Help me, goddamn it!"
Happy snickers quietly but comes over towards us.
"I didn't know Natsu looo- -"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence, cat." I glared at him.
"Is that anyway to talk to someone you need help from?" He grinned deviously.
"I'm your mother, y'know, if anything, you shouldn't be arguing with me."
I give him the most chilling look I can, trying to impersonate Erza's infamous death glare.
Happy's eyes widen as he looks ready to faint, but nods frantically. Happy gets out his wings, and gently lifts Natsu's arm as he tries to give me time to wiggle out from underneath Natsu. After managing to break free from his grasp, I get up from my spot on the couch and pet Happy's head before kissing the top of it. I quietly walk across the room and grab my coat before slipping it over my shoulders.
"Where are you going? Erza and Gray said we needed to stay together." Happy whisper-shouted.
"I'm just goin' to get some air." I smiled at him reassuringly. "I'll be heading back to my cottage, but don't worry. I'm tougher than I look. I'll see you tomorrow, alright?"
Happy looks nervous but reluctantly nods and goes to sleep next to Natsu. After getting out Lucy's apartment, I start heading back towards my cottage and stare up at the moon as I begin contemplating the motives of the Phantom Lord guild.
What did Phantom want from Fairy Tail? They wouldn't just attack us without a reason, right? Unless they really just wanna start shit.
I turned around another street corner, glancing around to see nothing suspicious so far.
They were after something...or better yet someone.
"Oh Ember! How's it going? I heard you were back! I just haven't had the time to stop by the guild. I've been pretty busy."
I nearly jumped out of my skin and was about to attack whoever was behind me, but after seeing Levy, Jet, and Droy, I began to relax a bit.
"Hey Em!" Jet smiled.
"What's up?" Droy waved his hand at me.
Huh...I smell...copper...no...iron? Well I smell something metallic in the air...
I ignored the bad feeling in the pit of stomach and walk towards Team Shadow Gear.
"Hey guys…what are you three doing out so late?" I asked.
"We could ask you the same thing…" Droy smirked.
"I woke up in Lucy's apartment. It was so cramped in there and I needed out." I groaned dramatically.
"Oh…I feel your pain…" Levy chuckled.
"So what about you three huh? You guys sticking together too?" I raised an eyebrow.
"We were about to go to my place. We're also rooming together until this whole thing with Phantom blows over." Levy answered.
I folded my arms and grew annoyed by this whole situation. It was ridiculous if you asked me.
But it's better to be safe than sorry, am I right?
"When I find those Phantom assholes, I'm gonna give them the beating of a lifetime." I grumbled angrily.
"Don't do it." Levy gave me a warning look. "Master won't be happy one bit."
I scoffed as I rolled my eyes.
"He might not be happy if I decide to intervene, but if it'll save your asses, I could give a shit about what Makarov thinks. I'm only going to step in because I care about you guys, you're nakama." I said. "If that gets me kicked out of the guild...so be it."
"She's right Levy! They deserve to get their asses handed to them and so much worse!" Jet yelled.
"It doesn't matter if they deserve it! We're in enough trouble as it is with the magic council." Levy scolded her teammates.
My nose twitches when a particular scent hits my nostrils.
Huh, I smell something metallic...the hell?
"Do you guys smell that?" I asked.
"Smell what?" Jet raised an eyebrow.
I turned back around, scanning the area around us
Alright, it's time for them to get home and fast. Something ain't right here.
"I smell iron...or copper...it friggin' reeks." I sniffed the air again. "You guys better head home. I've seriously got a bad feeling right now."
"I'm sure we're fine, all we have to do is stick together right- -"
Before I realize what happened I saw Levy, Jet, and Droy all on the ground in a heartbeat, all three of them screaming in pain as they're taken down in a flash.
"LEVY! JET! DROY!" I screamed in horror.
I turned and got into a fighting stance, but before I can do a thing, whoever it was that attacked Levy and the others, had proceeded to come after me next and punched me in the gut hard enough to send me several feet away from them. Taking a deep breath and doing my best to ignore the pain, I immediately got back up and managed to dodge the next attack headed my way. From all of the info I gathered for Makarov, I knew I recognized this man's face as well as the symbol marking that he was from the Phantom Lord Guild. It was Gajeel Redfox, the iron dragon slayer.
"You bastard." I growled.
Gajeel only smirked before transforming his arms into giant metal beams. I could feel the adrenaline pumping in my veins and shook from fear, knowing the power he was capable of, but I stood my ground anyway. Gajeel charged at me again and this time I was able to dodge his upcoming attack. I used my strength and kicked him from behind as hard as I can, moving swiftly enough to get some distance between us before he could retaliate. Gajeel practically growled as he stumbled forward and knocked his head against something hard.
"You little bitch." He snarled and wiped blood from his mouth.
"What? You thought I was gonna go down without a fight or something, dumb ass? You're dealing with a Fairy Tail wizard." I smirked.
He extended his metal arms and hit me hard in the stomach with them again, thinking it would get me a second time. I smirked as I held on tightly to his arms and used more of my strength to lift him up high and throw him at an construction site nearby. He collided hard into the building and chunks of brick and stone flew everywhere.
"I'm not going down that easy, dick!" I hollered at him.
Gajeel quickly emerged out of the smoke and gripped my arms in the blink of an eye, so that I couldn't break free of his hold. I winced from the tight grip he had on me, and waited for the dragon slayer to do something, but then I realized...
He's fucking toying with me now...
"You must be Ember Scarlet…I would recognize those eyes anywhere. Plus you don't like to reveal your magic from what the reports say. This makes it easier for me to kick your ass." Gajeel smirked again.
"And of course you must be the arrogant Gajeel Redfox." I grinned, not showing him any fear.
"As much as I would love to crush you like a bug, I can't do that yet because of orders..."
Gajeel licked his lips as if he were hungry.
"You ain't half bad, girlie. But you just ain't good enough to defeat me."
"What the fuck are you talking about? I'm an S-Class wizard, you smug bastard. Don't underestimate your opponent." I spat at him.
I broke free from his grip and smirked as I transformed my arm into iron.
I'll make Gajeel regret ever messing with Fairy Tail.
"Bring it on, bitch." I stared him down. "Your guild is going to lose anyway. I would say surrender, but that just wouldn't be fun now, would it?"
For a few seconds, Gajeel stared at my now iron fist in shock before he recovered and got into a fighting stance.
"I like your style, lady." Gajeel laughed. "This is gonna be one hell of a time."
I gave it my all, both of us were going all out. I managed to keep the fight away from Levy, Jet, and Droy, hoping one of them would eventually wake up to go get help. I was pretty strong, but I knew Gajeel wasn't a guy you wanted to mess around with. After almost twenty minutes, maybe even up to half an hour later, most of our magic was drained. We both stood across each other, panting, sweating, covered in bruises, dirt, and cuts. I had to admit, Gajeel was one tough bastard, I'd give him that much.
But I can't lose...
I couldn't let Gajeel get away from trashing our guild, for hurting Levy, Jet, and Droy.
I'm going to make him pay.
We both lunged at each other again. However this time, Gajeel was able to predict my next attack and managed to grab my arms again. Gajeel leaned in towards my face, as if he was going to kiss me or something, and felt my face heat up from anger and disgust.
"I want to hear you scream." He grinned sadistically.
I felt my arms being gripped so hard that I heard a very loud crunch. In seconds I hollered and screamed in pain as I realized that Gajeel broke one of my arms just by gripping it hard enough. I had no idea how much strength he had left over.
"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" I roared.
I head-butted Gajeel hard enough that he finally released me. I wobbled around on my feet as I felt light headed, my vision getting blurry in seconds.
That jerk must have used iron to protect him...either that or his entire skeleton is coated in iron.
I was able to walk a few steps as I held my broken arm, trying my best to remain conscious as my vision blurred. I kept searching for Gajeel, listening for anything, so that I could attack him or defend myself.
I shouldn't have let this happen. I should have taken this fight more seriously. I might have just cost Levy and the others their lives because I was getting cocky.
"Peek-a-boo."
I cried out in more pain as I was kicked in the back of my head. I was out like a light.
"You're fucking tough, but not tough enough to beat me, Scarlet. It's a shame though. I was rather enjoying our little battle." Gajeel smirked.
I woke up screaming, not just from being in agonizing pain, but because I was angry, and felt nothing but pure rage.
I wanted to kill Gajeel…
What had me in utter disbelief was how strong Gajeel was. I'd underestimated him and thought I could use speed against him. My own downfall was not using much of my magic. If I had done so, however, Gajeel would've been able to eventually figure out what type of mage I am.
It's still my fault. I didn't take the fight seriously enough...
I was such a fool, letting my opponent gain the upper hand. It was literally the first rule of combat: never underestimate your opponent. Which is something I'll definitely never do again.
If I had just given it my all, I probably wouldn't have lost the fight, I would have been able to save Levy, Jet, and Droy.
"Ember! Calm down!" Lucy ran over to me. "You're safe, I promise!"
Everyone else barged in with a look of worry on their faces.
"EMBER!" Erza yelled worriedly.
My sister rushes to my side, petting my head as she moved my head to her chest in an attempt to comfort me. Over time, I slowly relaxed in her arms and whimpered intermittently.
"Here, the nurse is giving you more medicine for your pain." My sister mumbled into my hair. "Hold still, now."
I don't move a muscle as my arm is pierced with a needle and injecting me with something that felt absolutely delightful. I practically go limp against Erza.
"I gave her some more pain medication. She might drift off into sleep." The nurse told her.
"Thank you." Erza's voice wavered.
After a minute of pure silence, Natsu breaks the silence.
"What the hell did they do to her?" He nearly growled.
I can feel my eyes drooping and fight to stay awake. Gray looks completely angered as well, and sits on the other side of me. Erza helps maneuver my body until I'm sitting up in the hospital bed.
"Ember...can you hear me?" Gray gently asked.
I feel absolutely drunk as I sluggishly turn my head to look at Gray as my body relaxes against the pillows behind me.
"G- -Gray." My eyes sting with tears.
The ice mage looks absolutely heartbroken, he always did hate seeing me cry. His hand reaches for mine and his thumb rubs gentle and soothing circles.
"You're okay." He shushed me. "And so are Levy, Jet, and Droy. They're all here because of you. You did good protecting them."
I glance over to see them occupying the other beds in the room.
"No...not them." My voice wavered.
"Don't worry about them, Em, they're gonna recover just fine. You saved them." Gray tried assuring me. "I know you need your rest, but...can you tell us what you remember?"
Erza snapped her eyes shut to prevent any tears from falling, and seeing my sister so upset practically broke my heart. I groan as I try to sit up higher, but Gray keeps me in my spot when his hand moves to my shoulder.
"Don't. You need your rest." He told me.
Feeling the pain medication really kicking in, I can't fight back against Gray's touch.
"Mmmnh, no. I need t...to friggin' kill 'em." I slurred.
"Easy there, tiger." Gray snorted. "You're not exactly in any condition to fight right now."
"Aaaand killing someone is against the law." Lucy chuckled nervously.
"Gajeel started it, an' I'm gonna goddamn f- -finish it." I nearly whined.
"You mean Gajeel Redfox?" Erza's eyes widened.
"I should've...used more of my magic." My eyes slid shut. "C...could'a beat 'em."
"You mean you fought him without magic?!" Gray nearly shouted.
"I remember now!" Lucy recalled. "I have heard of Ember from a Sorcerer's Weekly article...no one knows what type of magic you use, it's been a big mystery. It always gave you the upper hand in battle because no one ever saw it coming until after their defeat. You're the Emulate Fairy, aren't you?" Lucy recalled.
"Oh yeah...I forgot 'bout that stupid nickname..." I snorted.
A yawn escapes my lips as I struggle to remain awake.
"'S all my fault..." I struggled to keep my eyes open. "I...didn' take the fight seriously 'nough an' it cost me..."
"None of this is your fault, Ember." Natsu nearly growled. "You didn't ask for that Phantom bastard to come attack you and Team Shadow Gear, now did you?"
"Nah...'s my fault I let him get one over me." I tried clarifying. "But I...I appreciate it."
"So what type of magic do you use?" Gray asked curiously.
"But that would spoil all the fun." I giggled softly. "Fuuuuuck whatever that lady injected me with feels absolutely delightful."
Erza cracks a smile at that, petting my hair as she tries to get me to fall asleep.
"It's alright, sister. Rest now...we'll talk more later."
"But Erza, we still need some answers- -" Gray tried objecting, before receiving a glare from the older Scarlet.
"We've got enough answers for now." Erza mumbled softly.
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