Chapter 3

I yawned and slowly opened my eyes, finding myself in my bedroom once more.

I twitched. "I have got to stop doing this!" I cried irritably.

"I didn't know my master is Miss Cranky Panky." A blank voice stated.

Surprised, I bolted up in my place. I turned to my side, only to find a man sitting on a chair casually looking at me with a cool expression. He had a dark spiky hair that cascaded down his mid-back and silver eyes. His outfit was a dark muscle shirt and white knee length trousers and brown boots. He had two wristbands, each on his wrists.

I blinked once. Then twice.

"IT'S THE BOOGIE MAN!" I cried, pulling the covers over my head. "MOMMY!"

"Hey, hey! Calm down!" the man cried comically.

I peaked from my covers as the door to my room burst open. My mom entered and stared at the scene before dropping her head down. "Oh Erika…" she moaned as she placed a hand on her forehead.

I dropped my blanket and looked at my mom, confused. I turned to the man who was in my room, who was staring at me weirdly with a sweat drop.

"Uh… what's going on?"

Cue the two adults in the room anime falling.

"Heh? So you're Gladius?"

The man, Gladius, nodded. "Yeah. It's been a few years since I was called into the human world." He noted, looking around him. "It still feels the same."

I beamed and cheered. "Alright! I summoned a spirit!"

Mom laughed. "Yes, but you used up all your magic power in doing so." She noted, causing me to stop dancing in happiness. "You have to learn to control the amount of magic you use so that during battle, you won't faint as soon as you summon a spirit."

"You'll look stupid!" she added comically.

I blanched. "Is that really what you're concerned about?!" I exclaimed.

Gladius gave me a crooked smile. "Well, since I'm here and all, how about we form a contract lil' missy?" he said. I shifted my attention to him and peered at him curiously. "It's been a long time since I've had a master. And a kid at that. Pretty impressive, lil' missy."

"Lil'… missy?" I repeated, unsure of what to say next.

Mom nodded in agreement. "He's right Erika. Maybe you should start forming a contract right now. Since it's your first time and all."

I hummed and nodded. "Alright!" I said, pulling out a notepad and pencil from the desk near my bed.

"So on which days could I summon you?" I asked Gladius.

"Anytime, actually. Except for Sundays." He answered.

"Any month that you don't want to be summoned?"

"Not really."

"Favorite food?"

"Shrimp."

"Birthday?"

"September 18."

"Shoe size?"

"Are you kidding me?"

"I'm curious!"

"This is going to be harder than I thought..." my mom murmured from behind me.

The three of us stood outside at the front yard of the house. Gladius had his arms crossed on his chest and stared at me with a nonchalant expression.

Mom stepped forward. "Erika, Gladius abilities is enhancement magic and combat magic. Since a Celestial Mage is usually more concerned in increasing their magic power instead of their body power, they will neglect it. So it would be easier if you summon Gladius and use him as a partner to defend against enemies." She explained.

I nodded. "You're right mom. If someone strong shows up, I might not have enough power to beat them. But since Gladius here is pretty strong too, I can support him from behind!"

The said spirit gave me a look of surprise. "Support? But I'm just a spirit. All you need to do is summon me then run away." He stated.

I looked at him like he said something crazy. "That would be cowardly of me! Also, I do not like abandoning my allies. If people help me, I help them in return. That's how I live."

Gladius just stared at me. "So… you're saying that you don't see me as some sort of shield to use against your enemies?" he asked slowly, his voice filled with disbelief.

I gave him a confused look. "Why would I think of you as a shield? Clearly you're a living being, and all living beings have the right not to be treated as such inanimate objects." I said reasonably.

Mom gave me a smile.

"And besides Gladius, you look human enough! If you have feelings and a heart, you're undoubtedly a human." I added.

A moment of silence passed by. The wind brushed our hairs, caressing them slightly. Gladius was still staring at me in shock. I was looking down at the ground, feeling slightly self-conscious.

The silence was broken when Gladius laughed. I blinked, confused and turned to him with a questioning look. He was even slapping his knees! What was so funny?!

"This is a first!" he said between laughs. "I have never met a kid this amusing before! Man, you make me laugh!"

"I take mild offense in that!" I cried, a vein throbbing on my head.

Gladius' laughs calmed down and he settled for a genuine smile. "Thanks lil' missy." He said, his voice sincere. "This is first mage I have met to see me like a normal being."

I shook my head. "Not a normal being Gladius," I corrected before giving him a thumbs up. "As a friend!" I added with a grin.

Gladius stared at me with slight shock but it disappeared and turned into a smile. "Hm, yeah. Well, let me make a pact with you lil' missy."

I looked at him curiously. "What is it?"

"I pledge by the names of cosmos, the radiance of the stars, and my very own gate that I will protect you." He vowed.

I was caught off guard. He swore to protect me? That was… a first. No one has ever swore to protect me before. Usually it goes unsaid in my old world.

I felt really embarrassed now. "Aw come on! Don't go sappy!"

"Hey, I'm serious about it!" Gladius said.

I laughed at his expression. Soon enough, Kratos himself joined in. Mom also joined in the laugher.

'This is really nice.' I thought to myself as I watched the happy scene around me. 'I really wish I could stay this happy forever.'

The following days after, mom made me summon Gladius as much as I can without breaking our contract. She said that if I do, I'll be able to create a tighter bond with my spirit and eventually I'll be able to summon him whenever I'm in a crisis.

I tried summoning Asclepius a few times, but I would always forget Asclepius' gate summoning name so I had to check on my notepad just to remember. Gladius blandly noted that I was going to have a bad relationship with Asclepius if I keep on forgetting her summoning name. My only response was a pillow thrown on his face.

Months passed, and soon a year did as well. I had now officially turned 7 in this world. My contract with Gladius was finalized and complete, so I had no worries about tightening our bond.

Speaking of bonds, the ones I had created in this world really amazes me. Mom, Libra, Asclepius, and Yurika; they well all such great and kind people. Though they could say the same for me, I also am a bit irked whenever they agree and call me an 'airhead'. Exsqueeze me, but I am certainly not that clumsy! Maybe I do trip on some invisible rocks most often. Blame me not! Blame the stupid invisible mage who hates me!

Today, I strolled around town in search for something to do. Mom was out doing the laundry, and I really didn't want to do chores today so I settled for wandering around.

I was circling around the town square when I noticed a lot of people were running and heading towards the direction of the port. I raised an eyebrow in question and spotted one of the many people I see in the town, Maya the flower owner.

"Maya-san!" I called as I spotted her racing down the street.

The said woman turned around and noticed me. "Oh, hello Erika!" she greeted with a smile.

I returned her smile. "What's all the fuss about? It seems that everyone is heading to the port today. Did someone catch a big fish?"

Maya laughed and shook her head. "No, but it seems to me that the Master of Fairy Tail is visiting Cedar Town!" she said.

I blinked. "Heh?"

Maya smiled. "Isn't that great, Erika?"

…

"HEEEEEH?!"

Maya was surprised by my reaction, but I think my surprise surpasses her's. The Master of Fairy Tail?! Here?! Huh?!

I started running towards the port. My speed isn't as fast as the wind, but I did manage to get to the port as fast as my legs could at least carry me. I reached the port, and my face lit up when I thought I could meet the current master of Fairy Tail. But…

"I can't see over these tall people!" I cried.

I tried my best to wiggle in between the little spaces of the legs of the people, and I successfully did it. Though I did end up landing face first into the wooden port, hurting my nose in the process.

I sat back up and rubbed my poor nose. "Owwie!" I cried.

"Are you alright?"

I blinked, turning to my left. I spotted a small old man looking at me with a kind expression. He had white hair, and a thick white moustache.

My jaw dropped. I was so surprised, I could only say one word;

"SMALL!" I cried.

I realized it was Master Makarov. He was surprised by my exclamation, but laughed it off anyways. "Haha! I guess I am small for someone as old as my age." He admitted childishly.

I stared at him. Master Makarov was still the master of Fairy Tail, huh? Then that means maybe I'm born during Natsu and Lucy's timeline! Yes! Maybe I can make friends with them when I join Fairy Tail!

"What is your name, young one?" he asked.

"Erika." I answered as I stood up.

Makarov hummed. "It seems to me that you are training to be a mage."

"Uh, yeah! That is the case! But how did you know?" I asked, tilting my head to the side. Then I placed my hands on my cheeks and let out a horrified expression. "I know! You have telepathic magic! Get out of my head, evildoer!"

Makarov sweat dropped. "No, that is not how I knew." He corrected.

I looked at him in confusion. "Then how? It's not like I'm walking a sign that says 'I'm practicing to become a mage' or anything, right?"

Makarov laughed and shook his head. "No. I just sense the brewing of magical energy inside your body. It seems to me that it's growing larger and larger each day. It is very impressive!"

I blushed and scratched my cheek in embarrassment. "Ehehe, not really. I am still a kid." I admitted.

"Yup, just a kid. It would need 100 years of experience before you can surpass me." Makarov stated as he placed his fingers under chin, giving it a thought.

"Was that supposed to make me feel better or you feel better?!" I exclaimed rather comically.

"Anyways, do you know a mage named Eufelia?" he asked as he faced me once more. "My purpose of visiting Cedar Town is actually to speak with her."

"Eufelia?" I repeated, confused. Why was Makarov asking for my mother?

"She's actually my mom." I answered.

Makarov's jaw dropped. His eyes grew wide as saucers. "Heh!? She has a kid?!" he exclaimed, surprised.

"Er, yeah. Duh. That's me." I said, gesturing to myself. Why was he so surprised?

He turned away and started mumbling, "So she really did marry him, huh…"

"By the way Master Makarov, why do you need to ask my mom anyway?" I asked, tilting my head to the side. "Did she do anything wrong?"

"No, it's not anything like that," Makarov assured. "I just need to talk to her."

With that said, I offered to give him directions to my house. On the way, I couldn't help but feel awe-stricken and nervous. Awe-stricken because of Makarov's great magic power. Even though he isn't leaking it out intentionally, I know he was really powerful. Nervous because I was afraid he might bite my head off with his magic power.

We reached the house and I spotted mom immediately tending to the garden. I ran towards her, calling her name. She looked up and noticed me, giving me a smile. But it turned into surprise when she spotted Makarov following behind me.

"Master?" she asked, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Why are you here?"

Makarov's expression was grave. Mom took the hint and turned to me. "Erika, head to the park. Summon Kratos to accompany you. Do not come back until sunset." She ordered.

I looked at her worriedly. "Mom? Is there something wrong?"

She gave me a weak smile. "Just do it. I also forbid you to enter the house today." she said before pulling out her key set. My eyes widened. Why did she pull it out?

"Take this with you." She said, placing her key set on my hands.

My heart was racing now. She never would give me this! No! She said when I'm at least 13! Why was she giving this to me?

"Mom!" I said, my voice louder than usual. "What's happening?"

She didn't respond. She just kissed my forehead and nudged me forward. "Go on." She said softly.

I turned to Makarov, who had a grim look on his face.

Despite how I felt, I reluctantly nodded and ran towards the park. Why I ran, I glanced over my shoulder, only to find both mom and Makarov entering the woods.

I was unsure of the situation, but a feeling in my gut told me that it wasn't good. I wanted to turn around and chase my mom, ask her why she's acting weird, but the way she spoke was so soft and pleading. It was almost as if it was her last wish.

I stopped running, and turned around towards the direction of the hill where our house stood.

"Last… wish?" I whispered to myself.

I sat on the swings, musing to myself. Gladius was standing with leaning his back on the swing set, his arms crossed on his chest.

"Gladius?" I asked quietly, my gaze directed to the ground.

He turned to me in question. "What is it?"

"I'm afraid." I admitted, letting my bangs shadow my eyes. "What is mom hiding? She's acting weird. And how did she know the master of Fairy Tail? It's suspicious."

Gladius turned to the sky. "How about we find out ourselves?"

"But mom told me not to go home." I protested softly.

Gladius looked at me. "If you're really concerned, you wouldn't listen to that. Look above, missy. It's already sunset. If you hurry, maybe you'll be able to find out what's happening."

I blinked, surprised. I looked up at the sky above me, realizing that Gladius indeed was right. It was already sunset. We should be able to come home now.

As I was about to say that we should get home, a large burst of energy appeared on the hill. The energy was so powerful, I felt the pressure from the park.

"What the heck?!" Gladius said, fighting off the pressure from the energy.

My eyes widened. "Such a great amount of magical energy!" I cried. Then it dawned onto me. "That's where my house is!"

I started running towards the energy source, Gladius following behind me.

Oh no. What is going on? Why is the energy source coming from our hill? Why? Where is mom?

I soon reached the hillside. I ran up to road, spotting my house in the distance. I felt relief when I saw that it wasn't in pieces, but then I realized that the energy was coming from the woods.

"That's where Eufelia and Makarov are!" Gladius said.

I ignored him and kept running. Fear and dread washed inside me, two emotions that I haven't felt for 7 years in my life in Earthland. Memories of my past, my death, the pain flashed inside my mind.

Tears leaked from my eyes as I neared the woods. "Mom!" I yelled, calling out for her in hopes that she'll respond.

I reached the clearing of the woods and soon I spotted my mom hovering above in the air surrounded by strange markings in the ground. Runes, probably. Makarov was nowhere to be seen.

"Mom!" I cried.

My mom's eyes opened slightly, and they widened when she spotted me. "Erika?" she asked, alarmed. "What are you doing here?! Get out of here!"

I ignored her. "No! Mom! What's happening? Where's Master Makarov?!"

"Get out Erika!" Mom cried. "The runes around here are supposed to absorb magic power! If you get any closer, you'll die!"

"So will you!" I cried.

Gladius grabbed me before I could get any closer. I turned my head around to yell at him to let me go, but I was cut off when I noticed that his spiritual power was diminishing. His full body form was flickering and his face contorted into pain.

"Don't!" he warned. "Those runes were written by a dark mage! I can tell from the magic power it emits!"

"Gladius …" I murmured. He was trying his best to materialize his form here despite the runes that were engraved on the ground.

I turned my head back to mom, feeling helpless. What should I do? If I walk nearer to the runes, both mine and Gladius' magic power will be sucked from us, leaving us to the great possibility of dying. But at the same time, I couldn't just stand by here and leave my mom alone! And why is she in the center of the runes? And why is she beaten up?! Did someone fight her?!

"Mom!" I yelled once more. "What's going on? Please tell me!"

Mom didn't look like she was in pain from the look on her face, but I could tell that she was sad enough seeing me and Gladius struggling to get to her. I saw her smile sadly.

"Erika-chan, I would tell you that everything would be alright and that I'll be home… but you're smarter than that." She said. "I know you are. Your speech pattern, how quickly you observe most things and how you calculate information… I was only able to do that when I was 16."

Despite the raging winds, I still yearned to hear her voice. Her soft smile never disappeared from her face. The only thing I could do there was watch as my mom hovered above in the middle of the runes, her magic power slowly being sucked away.

"You're really special, you know that Erika? I'm sure someday… you'll be able to find him…" she trailed off.

"Him? Who is him?" I asked to myself. When my mom's body went limp, fear and dread coursed through my veins.

Finally, the winds died down. The runes slowly disappeared, and my mom's body was dropped like rag doll in the middle of the clearing. When Gladius finally let me go, I quickly ran over to her body.

I nudged her arm. "Mom?" I asked, my voice cracking.

Gladius ran beside me. He looked at my mom and placed his two forefingers on her wrist. His eyes widened before his expression turned into sadness and remorse.

My eyes grew wide. No! No no no! She can't be—! She shouldn't—!

"Mom!" I said, nudging her arm even harder.

"Mom!" no matter how many times I called her name, she didn't respond. Her eyes were shadowed by her bangs and her chest kept still.

The tears just kept pouring this time. I didn't bother holding them back anymore. I held my face with both my hands and let out a pained scream.

Once I screamed, I resumed sobbing uncontrollably. Gladius had his face turned to the ground, looking away from mom's body. His fist was clenched, as if he was angry by the fact that my mother was no longer with us.

"Mom! Mom! Please come back!" I wailed. "I don't want to be alone! I don't! Please! You can't leave me! Mom!"

Gladius stood up and walked over to me. He knelt down in front of me and gently pulled me in a comforting hug. His hand patted my back gently. Slowly, my sobs ceased.

"I'm sorry." He whispered.

I shook my head in his chest. It wasn't his fault. It was mine. I shouldn't have left her alone by herself. I shouldn't have taken her keys. I should've protested against this all! If I had, I would've been able to avoid this!

As the dark night crept in, my sobs stopped. There was nothing anymore for me to cry for. My mother was dead, and I was alone.

Alone in this world.

"You're not alone Erika." Gladius said. "You still have me and Libra, right? And those other spirits in your hands."

I didn't listen to him. I just buried my face in his chest, refusing to let go.

[A/N:] Well… that escalated quickly… :|

Hello readers! ^^ It's me, Silver Glory a.k.a. Leah!

I do hope you guys found the chapter amusing. Or at least, entertaining. I'm not one to write sad scenes sometimes, especially when I feel downright cheerful and ignorant at the moment, but I just felt the impulse to write something like this.

Say shemurr?

Anyways, if you guys have noticed, I have received so many followers and people who had added this story to their favorites list. And to all those who did, thank you very much! :)

Please review below and let me know what you guys think of the story so far!

BTW, to the reader who asked about what will happen to Lucy's role in this story… I can't answer. You'll just have to find out yourself, yes? *wink wink*