Hey guys! I'm sorry that it's been a while! I'll go back and update my fanfic a little, rewrite some of it as I go along, but I'll be continuing this story! I promise!
And so later that day before Leo decided to come back from the celestial world, I decided to go and visit Lisanna's grave, trying to pay my respects.
It feels weird saying that huh? Her grave...
It was hard to believe that she died on a mission just like that. Willing to die for her brother and sister if it meant saving an entire village.
But Lisanna was always like that. Selfless, graceful, giving...the list could go on.
The more that I kept thinking about Lisanna, the angrier I became. I kept my eyes shut tightly, trying to will the tears away. I spent too much time letting my emotions fly freely, and when my mind and body were in a bad state, it wasn't good for anyone including myself.
But I just...I miss her so much...why didn't I come home sooner?
In the end however, what hurt the most was that I wasn't able to see her one last time or to say goodbye to her, and it was something that I would always regret in my life. I regret not returning home sooner, maybe then I could have helped save her, maybe I could have done something to make a difference. I couldn't help but feel an immense amount of guilt in the pit of my stomach, and no matter what I did, no matter what anyone said to me, I felt an emptiness inside of me that couldn't be filled. It was like part of myself had died after hearing about Lisanna's passing. I was in a dark place currently, and I was immediately reminded of my childhood because of it. It was almost like after Erza and I left the Tower of Heaven.
I was scared, angry and upset.
Even though I had Erza by my side, I felt lonelier than ever. Even after we joined Fairy Tail, I never felt safe. Part of myself realized that it had a little bit to do with why I left Fairy Tail, so that I wouldn't feel that way ever again. I may have gained some confidence and power I never could imagine, but I missed out on so much more at Fairy Tail.
But that's what I get for abandoning my family...my nakama...and now Lisanna's gone...
"Ember? How long have you been out here?"
I sat up straight and turned around to see Mirajane with a bouquet of flowers in her arms.
"Oh...not long..." I lied.
"Uh huh." Mira gave me a knowing look. "Well after I'm done here, we're going back to guild alright?"
Knowing there would be no arguing with Mira, I only nodded in reply. Mira came over and knelt down beside me from where I was sitting on the ground, bowing her head in respect as she gave a silent prayer for her younger sister. It might have been a minute or so before Mira's head shifted over until she was looking directly at me. I blushed as I could sense her staring at me and finally decided to look back at her. I was surprised to see her smiling brightly at me, as if everything in the world was beautiful and happy, like nothing bad could ever happen.
But that's a load of bullshit.
"Well let's get going. I'll give you a free drink." Mira winked at me.
"Okay?" I raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"What are you looking so confused for? Let's go!" She giggled.
Mira helped me up from the ground, pulling me along with her as we walked to the guild together.
"So how long do you think it'll be before the guild is completely rebuilt?" I asked.
"Oh it shouldn't be too long now." Mira replied. "About a week or so at most. We thought it would have been done sooner, but there were some minor difficulties during the process. But I don't think there should be anymore complications."
It wasn't so bad, everyone seemed closer than ever, our teamwork was building up because of working together to fix the guildhall.
I guess rebuilding the guild hall had some good come out of it.
I sat down at the bar outside and not long after I had a drink or two, I fell asleep. I didn't realize how exhausted I had been lately, but I didn't question it and just continued to sleep.
"How do you think she's doing? Any better?" Makarov asked.
"I don't know...I think she's in a dark place right now. I can tell she misses Lisanna." Mira replied.
My nose twitched as I began to slowly wake up.
Damn...how long was I out for?
"Part of me thinks that she needs to heal on her own...but another part of me longs to help her. I can't help but worry over that girl sometimes." Makarov mumbled. "What worries me more is her magic power. I picked up a faint trace of dark magic within her."
"What? But how? That can't be right..." Mira gasped.
"I don't know...but there's something that she isn't telling us. It's most troubling...I'll just have to keep a closer eye on her. If you would tell me about anymore changes in her behavior, I would be grateful, Mira." Makarov told her.
"Yes master." Mira nodded.
After five more minutes of sleep, I felt something touch my shoulder and woke up immediately before getting into a defensive position, prepared to fight if necessary.
"Where's the spiders?!" I mumbled groggily.
"Spiders? It's just me." Lucy giggled.
"Sorry...I just fell asleep here. Not sure how long I've been sleeping for..." I mumbled tiredly.
"Mira said you've been here since you guys returned from seeing Lisanna. If I had to guess, you've probably been sleeping for over two hours. I don't know how your back isn't hurting, it's probably not comfortable sleeping on a bar stool." Lucy said.
I merely shrugged and ignored her question as I tried changing the subject.
"So how was your night yesterday? Aside from having to explain to everyone that Loke was alright?" I brought up.
"Well I was just happy that we were able to save Loke. I couldn't have done it without you." Lucy smiled.
"Nah Luce...that was all you. I barely did anything." I returned the smile.
"I know there's no winning with you, so fine." Lucy joked. "I think he mentioned dropping by again though. You excited?"
"Excited for what?" I chuckled.
"Seeing your little boyfriend." Lucy smirked.
"That little lion ain't my boyfriend!" I blushed. "He's just- -"
"Cute?"
"Yeah, I guess! But he's just so- -"
"Attractive?"
"What?" I asked in confusion.
My eyes widened when I turned around to see Leo standing behind me. My face heated up as I noticed how close he was to me.
"Leo!" I glared at him.
"Awww! You missed me already huh?" Leo smirked.
Leo wrapped an arm around my shoulder, taking in my appearance.
"Aw, Angel...you look so tired." Leo pouted. "Why is that?"
"Bah, I'm fine." I grumbled.
"You two are perfect for each other." Lucy teased.
I felt my face become more heated and looked away from both Lucy and Leo.
"At least I don't got a thing for Natsu. You better watch out though, you might have some competition with Gray and all that." I retorted.
After seeing the horrified look on Lucy's face, I smirked deviously leaning against the bar as I stared Lucy down, watching her shift uncomfortably on her feet.
"OH SHUT UP!" Lucy squealed angrily.
"Aw, did I hit a nerve, Lu-chan?" I pursed my lips.
"Sorry, Luce. I should have warned you that this kitten has some claws." Leo teased.
"Leo." I glared at him.
"Sorry, it's just fun to watch you get riled up over little ol' me." He continued.
"Yeah yeah." I smiled faintly.
"Are you two going out now?" Macao shouted from a distance.
We all turned to see Wakaba and Macao grinning at us as they were working on rebuilding the guildhall.
"I don't know fellas. Ember doesn't seem interested, so I guess it's not looking so good for me." Leo chuckled faintly.
"Hey..." I spoke up.
Leo turned to look at me and I grabbed his hand.
"I care about you. I always will. Even if we're dating or not, it doesn't matter. You'll always be nakama. But for now...would it be okay if we just stayed friends until we know for sure?"
"Alright I get your point. I won't push it anymore. But only because you're cute." Leo winked.
I smiled faintly as I playfully punched Leo's arm.
"Lucy. Here you go, I got you something."
Loke smile as he handed over something to Lucy.
"What are these?"
"Tickets to this beach resort. "
I zoned out, not paying any attention as my eye was now drawn to Cana, who was waving at me as she was taking a break from the construction work.
"Hey Ember! Come on over!" Cana smirked at me.
I raised an eyebrow in confusion, but reluctantly came over to her.
"So..." She pursed her lips.
"So?"
"You got a thing with Loke huh?" Cana asked.
"Actually no. I told him I just wanted to be friends." I told her.
Cana pouted and took a swig from her barrel of beer.
"What? Seriously? I'd get right on that!" Cana whined.
"You can have him." I laughed nervously.
"So what did he get Lucy?" Cana looked curious.
"I think some tickets to a beach resort."
"Well judging by the looks on Erza, Gray, and Natsu's faces...I'd say you guys are going on a little vacation. Loke's gone."
I was about to say something before Cana grabbed my chin and turned my head. I saw Erza dressed up in a swimsuit, carrying a huge wheelbarrow of luggage while Natsu cheered from excitement.
"Yeah...I don't do vacations...never have and never will." I sighed.
"What was that?"
I felt myself shake as I turned around to see Erza frowning at me.
Oh Mavis give me strength.
"Oh she said she doesn't do vacations. Never have and never will." Cana repeated.
I glared at Cana and grabbed her by her jacket.
"What the hell, man?!" I hissed.
Erza pulled me away from Cana who was obviously enjoying my torment.
"Oh come on, Ember. It'll be good for you." Gray rolled his eyes at my childish behavior.
"YEAH! WE'LL HAVE TONS OF FUN!" Natsu joined in.
"AYE!" Happy added.
"Please come with us. I might go insane if you don't." Lucy whispered in my ear.
I jumped when I noticed that everyone was ganging up on me and nearly screamed from being so startled.
"Here. Have a drink and just think it over for a minute." Cana winked at me.
I took the mug of beer she handed over to me.
I have a feeling I'll need this drink.
I chugged down the drink, surprised that Erza was not protesting about me having a beer, "this early in the day" and, "what in Mavis are you thinking? This is not a healthy habit!" I put down the mug and turned over to Erza, who seemed to be smirking at me.
What the hell is she so smug about?
"I don't do vacations guys. It's just not my thing- -"
I felt my vision blur and wobbled a bit. My eyes widened in realization when I glanced over at Erza and Cana.
"You bitches drugged me!" I shouted.
I felt my legs grow weak, almost as if they were turned to jelly, and leaned against the picnic table.
"Oh come now, Ember. It's for your own good. You need to relax once in a while." Erza smiled faintly.
"Well this was all fun, let me know how this shit works out." Cana chuckled and went back to work. "Now Ember, you might wanna sit down."
"Fuuccc..." I mumbled groggily.
"You guys drugged her?!" Lucy yelled in disbelief. "What the hell guys?!"
"She would have said no otherwise." Erza pouted.
"You don't just drug someone's drink!" Lucy cried.
"Well I did and I had a little fun if I'm gonna be honest." Cana yelled back to us.
"You guys need help..." Lucy sighed.
Gray caught me as I fell, looking at Erza in surprise and fear, most likely a combination of the two.
"You seriously just roofied her?" Gray asked.
"I hate all o' yooooo." My speech slurred.
"Ember. I promise you that the time spent at this beach resort will be nothing but fun." Erza told me.
"You have some serious issues, Erza." Lucy whined.
I groaned as I shifted against something cold and soft. My eyes opened slowly and I realized that I was sleeping on Gray, who seemed okay with carrying me bridal style.
"The fuck?"
Gray continued walking, but looked down at me.
"We're here at the beach resort. I'm sorry about Erza...she just really wanted you to be here with us, you know? It doesn't exactly excuse her- -"
"No it doesn't." I grumbled.
"Yeah it doesn't." Gray sighed.
I leaned into Gray, snuggling against him.
"I don't know what the hell she was thinking. You can barely keep your eyes open." Gray muttered.
"Yeah...well being drugged does that to people." I replied. "I can't say I didn't expect Erza to pull something like that. Plus it's better than her hitting me on the head to knock me out cold like she does to Natsu."
"You got that right." Gray shuddered from the mere thought of it.
"I guess I can...try to relax. It's not exactly my forte. With a childhood like mine...I'm just always paranoid. I can't help it." I mumbled softly.
"...you mean before you came to Fairy Tail?" Gray tensed up.
"Yeah..." I barely whispered.
Gray squeezed me gently, as if trying to give me some form of comfort.
"Listen...if you ever need to talk to someone...I'm here to listen." Gray told me.
"It goes both ways then." I smiled up at him.
Gray returned the smile and continued walking. I moaned softly and shifted in Gray's arms, trying to get off of him and stand.
"You okay to walk?" Gray asked worriedly.
"Yeah. Just let me lean into you." I chuckled.
As soon as my feet were firmly planted on the floor, I nearly fell. Gray wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me up until I was standing straight again.
"My god, what the hell did Cana and Erza give me?" I groaned.
"I don't know, but I'm sure it'll wear off soon." Gray assured me.
"So where is everyone?"
"They all went to the bathroom because of how long the train ride was. You're lucky you slept through all of it. Natsu wouldn't shut the hell up." Gray chuckled. "I checked into the resort for everyone, so all we have to do is just wait for them here in the lobby."
"Nah. I'm gonna go take a bath. Give me a key card." I held out my hand.
Gray sighed and reluctantly gave me a key card.
"Tell Erza I'm taking all of the hot water as payback for earlier." I said.
"I'll be sure to relay the message." Gray chuckled.
I walked slowly, making sure that I didn't over do it and felt the effects of the drug beginning to wear off.
"Hey Ember. You feeling any better?" Lucy asked.
I blushed as I noticed Lucy sitting on one of the beds inside the hotel room, as she unpacked her bag. I gripped my towel tighter against my body, making sure it didn't fall off.
"Yeah, actually. I mean, I'm still incredibly pissed off that Cana and Erza drugged me so that I would tag along with no arguments...so there's that." I mumbled awkwardly.
"I didn't know they would do that! I'm so sorry!" Lucy cried.
"I don't blame you, Luce. Erza just...I want to be mad at her, but I can't. She just wanted me to come and have fun with you guys. So I'll let it slide this once." I assured her.
"That's big of you." Lucy looked at me in surprise. "I thought you'd be devising a plot to get revenge or something." She smiled nervously.
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow. "I know I can be crazy, but I ain't Mira. Now back when she was the She-Devil, she was a manipulative little- -I mean...she still is kinda. Little Miss Match-Maker." I pursed my lips. "Now if you want to see devious and cunning, go look to Mira."
"Mira?" Lucy looked confused.
"Oh Lucy, you poor unfortunate soul. You have much to learn." I smirked at her. "Pay close attention to Mira next time. If there's a thing I know about that woman, it's that she's always up to something. I mean, when we were kids, it was mostly for shits and giggles, but now she's all lovey dovey match-maker."
"Now that you mention it, you're kinda right." Lucy laughed.
"Mira's a sweet girl. She was always mean to everyone else but...she treated me differently. I never noticed it until Gray pointed it out once. I couldn't tell if it was because she pitied me at one point or...that I reminded her of Lisanna." My smile faded away.
"Ah, so Mira gave you the special treatment when you were little?" Lucy smiled faintly.
"She still does." I chuckled faintly.
"So we're gonna go to the beach if you want to come with us. Please say yes though, Erza will be back at any moment and won't take no for an answer." Lucy told me.
"Well if Erza hadn't drugged me, I would have been able to bring some clothes." I grumbled.
"Clothes? We're going to the beach! You need a bathing suit!" Lucy looked at me in disbelief.
"Bathing suit?" I blushed. "I...I actually don't own one..."
I looked down at my feet feeling nothing but embarrassment. Lucy looked surprised to hear me say something like that and gave me a look of pity before reaching into her suitcase. Lucy then smiled brightly, tossing me a green bikini.
"Well go change and let me know if it fits." Lucy winked.
I turned back into the bathroom again, shedding my towel from my body, and quickly put on Lucy's bikini. My eyes widened as I inspected myself in the mirror.
Holy shit. This is...revealing.
"Wow! We're basically the same size! Who would have thought?!" Lucy came into the bathroom with a friendly smile.
I hid my face with my hair, a habit that I had since I was a young girl as I felt my face heat up again.
"A- -are you sure I should wear this? I...I don't feel that comforta- -"
"Ember! You're really beautiful! If you've got the looks, flaunt it!" Lucy let out a laugh.
I looked at Lucy in awe, at a loss for words.
"You really think I'm beautiful?" I muttered.
"Of course I do." Lucy winked. "Now let's go outside and have some fun!"
I cracked a small smile, before grabbing Lucy's hand.
"Yeah, let's go have some fun." I repeated.
Once we had come outside, I felt my face become warm, and it wasn't from the bright sun, it was from the stares of many men and women. When we arrived to the beach, Erza, Gray, Natsu, and Happy smiled excitedly as they waved at us from afar. We made it over to them with no problems, avoiding as many guys as possible.
"Hey guys! Where have you been?" Happy asked.
"Oh Ember didn't have a swimsuit so I had to give her one." Lucy replied.
"Wow. I didn't know you were the same size as Lucy. Usually, I couldn't tell because of that huge coat you always wear." Gray commented.
"I...umm...I- -" I stammered.
"You look great." Gray smirked.
I relaxed a little bit when Gray wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
"Holy crap! Even her boobs are the same size as Lucy's!" Natsu shouted.
I squeaked as my face matched my red hair while Lucy turned to glare at Natsu, slapping him in the face from how vulgar he was at the moment.
"You don't just say things like that!" Lucy hissed at him.
"Natsu. Apologize." Erza gave Natsu a deadly look.
"I'm sorry! So Sorry!" Natsu cried.
"It's okay...just...why'd you have to go and sound like a pervert? I won't be able to look at you the same way." I whined. "Maybe I should just go back inside."
I pulled away from Gray, ready to bolt until Natsu grabbed my wrist to prevent me from leaving.
"Don't go! I'm sorry alright?!" Natsu yelled.
"I just don't feel that comfortable- -I feel naked for fucks sake!" I grumbled.
"Just stay! You look...you look great. You shouldn't be embarrassed of how you look. You look beautiful anyway." Natsu smiled.
I stared at Natsu with wide eyes, surprised that he said something so nice to me. I stared into Natsu's eyes, feeling myself get lost in those onyx colored eyes.
Wow...why's my heart beating so fast?! Holy shit! Am I dying?!
"Thanks, Natsu." I mumbled softly.
Natsu realized how close our faces were and backed off immediately, his cheeks turning a little pink before he went over to Happy, suddenly eager to build a sandcastle with him.
"What the hell was that just now?" Lucy asked me. "Are you okay?"
"Why does my heart hurt?" I whimpered.
"Oooohhh. You looove him!" Lucy grinned deviously.
"I'm being serious! I've never...that was just fucking weird!" I snapped.
"Ember! Come into the water! It is very nice!" Erza waved at me from the shore.
"Let's just forget about it for now! Come on!" Lucy grabbed my hand, running over to the ocean.
That was just plain weird...
FLASH!
"Erza! Get up!" I cried.
Erza had fallen, most of her energy drained from the hard labor we were put through. I felt guilt instantly, recalling how Erza gave her breakfast to me that morning because of how hungry I was. If I just ate my portion with no complaints, we wouldn't be in this mess.
"GET BACK TO WORK!"
The horrible man in charge of our unit grabbed a whip, hitting the both of us repeatedly. No matter how much we cried, no matter how much begging we did, the punishment they gave, was relentless.
Sometimes I wished I was dead.
"Please stop! She's my sister!" I screamed.
FLASH!
My eyes flew open, and I saw Erza looking down at me worriedly, her hand on my arm.
"Are you alright, Ember?" Erza asked.
I felt my body shaking and blinked away tears.
"Yeah." I nodded.
I quickly wiped my eyes, standing up to see Erza and Lucy dressed up.
"We're going to the casino downstairs if you'd wish to join us." Erza told me.
"Yeah, sure. But..."
"Here." Erza chuckled, handing me a dress.
I quickly put it on, ignoring the looks I got from Lucy and Erza. I looked at the mirror and smiled faintly at the sparkling green emerald dress I now wore. After putting on some make-up, I quickly brushed out the tangles in my hair and braided it before putting it into a cute bun.
"You look great." Lucy smiled. "How did you do your hair so fast? It looks pretty."
"There was this girl I knew...she loved doing my hair." I mumbled softly.
Erza tensed up, knowing very well who I was talking about. Erza looped my arm with hers, giving me a warm smile that put me at ease before we left our room. The casino was huge as well as colorful from the bright fluorescent lights. Many people filled the area, looking at us in awe as we walked side by side. I bit my bottom lip to prevent myself from laughing at Natsu and Happy, who were pounding their fists on a machine they were using, crying about being deceived by this game they were playing. I separated myself from Erza, giving her a small smile before walking away.
"I'm gonna go get a drink. I'll find you guys." I told her.
"Don't take too long."
I found a bar set up on the other side of the ginormous room, sitting down and making myself comfortable as I ordered a vodka with some strawberries, seeing as Mira was the only one who could give me a good fire whiskey, so I went for something simple.
"Why hello there sweet stuff. May I ask you what your name is?"
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes as I sipped on my drink, turning my attention over to the young man sitting beside me. For some reason, the only thing that made him stood out was his voice.
It was as if I heard this voice before.
I couldn't put my finger on it, there was something about this guy that was familiar. His blonde hair was a little ruffled, but it suited him, and his tan skin...
I know this man...but from where?
"Are you okay?"
I snapped out of my daze, blushing as I realized how long I'd been staring at him.
"I'm sorry. I'm just a little distracted is all." I smiled.
"Maybe I can help distract you some more." He winked at me.
The blonde raised his hand, getting the bartender's attention. He ordered a whiskey, drinking down nearly half of the contents in one gulp.
"Here."
I blinked in surprise to see that he ordered me another drink and cautiously took it from him. I sniffed the content of the drink, making sure it wasn't drugged before I took a sip. I could sense from his body language that he was nervous, but not for the reason anyone would think. It wasn't because he was trying to impress me, it was because he was up to something that involved getting something from me.
"So you never told me your name." He smiled flirtatiously.
I put my drink down finally, cutting to the chase and glared at him as I got from my seat. I let off some of my magical energy to show him I wasn't one to be messed with, but he merely smiled at me.
"Something tells me you already know my name, so let's just cut to the chase here. Who are you and what do you want?" I questioned him.
The blonde sighed and put his drink down before he got off of his seat as well.
"Alright alright. We can do this the easy way or the hard way." The blonde told me.
"What?" I looked at him in disbelief. "Who the hell do you think you are that you can just- -"
"Ember. Let's not play anymore games alright? I don't want to hurt you, but if it comes down to it, I won't have any problems doing so."
"How the hell do you know my name?!" I nearly growled at him. "Stop acting like you know me!"
"But I do know you, Em. That's where we have the advantage over you."
Wait, we? Who's we?
Suddenly, I heard screaming as well as an explosion and quickly whirled around as I ran over to the scene. Gray stood tall as a man demanded to know where Erza and I were.
Wait a minute! I know him too!
"I won't let you so much as lay a finger on my beloved! You'll have to go through me first!" Juvia stood up in front of Gray protectively. "Erza and Ember need your help. I fear that they are in grave danger."
"You're right." Gray nodded.
"Gray!" I yelled.
The man turned around at the sound of my voice, glaring at me with cold eyes, causing me to freeze where I stood.
"Si...Simon?" I muttered.
I blinked away tears, realizing that the blonde back at the bar must have been...
Sho! I can't believe it!
All sorts of memories hit me like a ton of bricks, all coming to me at once as I was once reminded of the Tower of Heaven. I snapped out of my daze as I looked at Simon, my body shaking uncontrollably. I slowly moved forward, tears strolling down my face. Gray looked at me in shock, never seeing me like this before in his life.
"Simon!" I shouted.
I ran forward, a smile on my face as I was blinded by my excitement to see my old friends.
Simon was alive this entire time! So was Sho! They grew up so fast! God I missed them!
Simon looked surprised beneath his little face mask, but his eyes had said everything. I tackled Simon, throwing my arms around his neck as I actually sobbed for the first time in what seemed like forever. I felt relief and happiness all at the same time, and was just overpowered by my joy to see Simon, as well as Sho, alive.
They were alive!
Simon did not return the hug, and I could see from Gray and Juvia's expression, that something was terribly wrong. I nearly screamed from the pain to the back of my neck and I slumped forward. Simon caught me before I could fall to the floor, my body growing limp.
"EMBER!" Gray screamed.
"You've got her then? I'm surprised she was so easy to take out." Sho smirked. "She looked so happy to see you."
Simon nodded, but averted his gaze from Sho, trying not to show him his true feelings at the moment.
"YOU BASTARDS!"
"Silence." Simon glared at Gray and Juvia.
Hey guys! I'm sorry it took so long to update! My life's just been one crazy mess after another! Finals are right around the corner, and I have been so busy with all this schoolwork my professors are trying to cram in for the end of the semester, it's absolutely ridiculous. Anyway, over the semester, I've been rewriting the chapters and I'm glad to say that I finished rewriting them. I might go back and edit this chapter a bit too, but right now, I'm too busy to do so! This was the best I could do! I'm going to try and continue this story, but sometimes it's hard to get the inspiration and figure out what I'm going to do. At times, I'm tempted to give up this story because I just wanna get to the fun and include Gildarts! God I love that destructive mage! He's literally my favorite in all of Fairy Tail and I seriously wished that they would include him more! But Gildarts does not even show up until WAY later. It makes me sad that I can't just skip the Tower of Heaven Arc, but I'll get through it somehow. Anyway! Let me know what you think, and please be civil with your reviews at least. I respect your opinions, but please don't be rude.
-bellas2silly
