Chapter 4

I sat there on the hillside, facing the front of my mother's gravestone.

News of a large magic energy source coming from Cedar Town spread quickly throughout Fiore. The Council had sent a group rune knights to investigate the problem and find out where the magic source was coming from.

Yurika had learned about mom's death and broke down in tears. I would've been weirded out by the scene, but I couldn't blame her. I mean, when I saw my mom died in reality I couldn't even let go of Gladius, even when my magic power was running low.

Yurika offered for me to live alongside with her, and honestly I saw no choice but to say yes. As much as I would appreciate living alone, I still couldn't do some things on my own. Gladius can't be summoned every day, especially on Sundays. And I don't think he would want to see me look like a hot mess anymore.

The whole town heard about my situation, and admittedly it was sort of annoying. I can't walk down the street without being whispered around in my presence. I really don't want to be rude to them so I don't say anything about it, but sometimes it just really makes me want to snap someone's neck.

Wait… that sounded violent. Eek!

A total of two weeks passed ever since the incident. Yurika was kind enough to find enough time and money to bury my mom's corpse in the hillside right next to our house.

"She loved watching the stars ever night. I at least want to make sure she can do so forever more." Is what Yurika said.

I appreciated Yurika's help. Also, I had soon learned that she already had two daughters.

It surprised me so much I think my eyes were about pop out of their sockets. Both of them, as I presumed, had the very same shade of sky blue colored hair as their mother's hair, only that the older one had indigo colored eyes while the younger one had brown.

Yurika nudged her two daughters in front of me, who was still looking at the two sisters in shock. Outside, I was calm and poised but if you take a look at the inside of my brain, millions of Erikas are running around rampant, screaming "HOLY COW WHAT SHOULD I DO IT'S YUKINO AND SORANO HOLY COW!"

The older sister, who held no sign of being nervous at all, walked in front of me. She held out her hand and smiled brightly. "Hello! I'm Sorano. Nice to meet you, Erika!"

I hesitantly shook her hand. I was really, really nervous. Who wouldn't be? I'm looking at the child version of Sorano a.k.a. Angel of Oracion Seis! I can literally be crapping my pants right now.

Sorano smiled and turned to her younger sister. "Come on Yukino, she won't bite!" she joked lightly.

Yukino was blushing shyly. She slowly walked up to me, her gaze directed on the floor. "Hello… I'm Yukino."

I discovered that Sorano was five years old while Yukino was three. It was surprising to hear a three year old speak so fluently, but if I took a look at myself, I would've commented on my own case.

Since Yurika was usually out in the clinic, the three of us would spend our times talking and playing games that usual children of our age would. Sorano was a bit mature for a child, and Yukino was totally dependent on her. It made me smile when Yukino noted that she wanted to become a person who could help anyone and gave them happiness, just like Sorano.

Thinking about Sorano, it made my heart break when I realized that she would soon become Angel and become evil. But when that thought crossed my mind, it made me realize that the root source of how Sorano would become Angel is because the Zeref cult, the one who leads the R-System, would capture her and probably destroy this town.

How do I stop this from happening? It would be stupid I could think of going up against the members. My magic power can only support Gladius for a total of 18 minutes if he fights continuously. Also, as powerful as he can be, he can't protect the whole town from these guys.

I sigh to myself. Jeez, knowing the future sure is hard work!

But I can't give up! I chided myself. If I do, things might go straight by the plot, and people will die and get hurt. Sure, there are some things I can't change, because I might accidentally kill Natsu or Happy in the process, but there are things that NEED to be changed.

And I'll start with Yukino and Sorano.

The followings days soon turned into months. Each day, I would visit the woods, the very same woods where my mother died, to try and increase my magic power. Gladius gave me pointers, saying that if I close my eyes and meditate, I'll be able to feel the pull of power inside my body. And by focusing it around me and summoning it, I would be able to pull out raw magic power from my body with ease.

It was much similar to the training Lucy went through when Capricorn helped her with, only that I can't summon magic as well as she can.

Of course, instead of acting glum, I would only use this as a leverage to boost up my determination.

"Hey Erika-nee," Sorano called from her spot in her bed.

I looked up from my letter. "What is it Sorano?" I asked.

"Why do you keep bringing those key thingies?" she asked, pointing to the key holster I had strapped on my belt.

I turned to my waist. Oh, that was right. Ever since mom died, I couldn't bear to part with her keys. I haven't even checked how many spirits she has in there. Since I couldn't carry them all in a single key chain, I had to buy a holster.

"My mom gave me these keys." I explained. "They're very precious."

"Isn't that part of your magic, Erika nee-sama?" Yukino piped up quietly. "You summon spirits from the Spirit World using those keys, right?"

I smiled brightly at Yukino. Even at a young age, her observation skills are already at par with mine. She would be a great mage in the future.

I nodded. "Yes. I form contracts with my spirits then we create a bond with each other. If I do that, I can summon them whenever I need to."

"So are spirits some sort of partners?" Sorano asked with a curious expression.

I shrugged. "You could say that, but I prefer calling them my allies. Or my friends. It's really hard to think of my spirits as tools and shields, since they look so much humane and have feelings like we do."

Both sisters gave me a smile.

"You're really nice Erika-nee!" Sorano stated.

I blushed and place my hand behind my neck. "You think so?"

Yukino nodded. "Only someone like you would think of spirits like that." She said. Then she turned to the floor. "I wish I could see your spirits."

I grinned and stood up on the seat of my chair. "Why not? Let's go and summon some spirits!" I said, pumping my fist into the air.

The two sisters smiled before they turned concerned. "Wait Erika-nee!" Sorano said. "If you keep moving while you stand on top of the chair like that, you'll—"

I accidentally stepped on the corner of the chair, pushing all my weight forward. The chair toppled over, and I met the floor once more face-first.

"Fall." Yukino finished comically.

We all headed towards the woods, avoiding the exact clearing where I last saw my mother. I found another spot big enough that was near enough the town in case we had any troubles.

Since it was Sunday, I couldn't summon Gladius. So I checked my holster in mom's collection of keys and took out Libra's key.

I felt horrible for having to bear this terrible news for her. But now, I have to summon her.

Since Libra's and mom's contract was cut off, I had to summon her personally from the spirit world. It would use up my magic power considerably, since I will be summoning the spirit from one of the 12 Zodiac gates.

"I am the mage who crosses paths with the spirits!" I called. Magic power welled up on my feet. "Thou shalt answer my call and transverse the gate!"

"Open! Gate of the Heavenly Scales! Libra!"

A large azure magic circle appeared in front of me, and soon a cloud of smoke blocked my vision. The smoke dispersed, and there stood Libra in her usual attire.

She turned to me, surprised. "Erika-sama?" she asked. "Where is Eufelia-sama? How come it was you who had summoned me?"

I looked down to the ground. "I'm sorry Libra… but mom… she died."

Libra's eyes grew wide. She clenched her fists in anger, but took a steady breathe to calm herself down. "There is no use fretting over what has happened," she said. "You are now my new owner, Erika-sama."

I nodded. I looked behind me and smiled at both Yukino and Sorano, who were gazing at Libra with admiration.

"Who are these young children?" Libra asked curiously.

I smiled. "These two are my unofficial little sisters!"

Libra looked slightly surprised by this, but she nodded. "I see. Then I must protect these two with my life as well."

She bowed her head down slightly. "It is a pleasure to meet you both. What are your names?"

Sorano had stars in her eyes. "M-my name is Nosora! No, wait! I mean Sorano!"

Poor Yukino was stuttering. "I-I'm Y-yukino."

Libra closed her eyes, which I figured was how she would smile had it not been for her cloth on her face. "It's very nice to meet you both."

They both smiled at each other and gave me a thumbs up. "Nice Erika-nee!" Sorano praised. Yukino was clapping her hands in joy.

I decided to follow up with their act. I started doing curtsies and creating fake tears. "Yes! Yes! Thank you so much for your wondrous praise! It is you who had support me to move on!" I said dramatically, doing a pose.

Everyone laughed. I grinned and soon joined in the laughter too. It was hard to be gloomy and depressed when you're surrounded by so much people who care about you, you know?

Our laughter was stopped when I heard giant thumping noises. The ground below us shook at every thump, scaring Yukino and Sorano. I had grown accustomed to loud noises, so this only alarmed me.

"These sounds…" I murmured before I realized. "Forest Vulcan!"

Soon enough, I saw a Forest Vulcan, confirming my suspicions. Sorano and Yukino hugged each other and had their backs to a tree, looking at the huge creature in fear. I had to admit to, it's size was intimidating. But I had Libra with me!

"Ooh! Little girlies!" it cried. "I want one!"

Yukino screamed while Sorano was just shivering. Libra narrowed her eyes and affixed herself in a battle stance.

"I will not let you touch my friends!" she declared, her gaze piercing.

The Forest Vulcan laughed. "Ha! How can a mere woman defeat me?"

I was pissed off. "Was that an off-handed sexist comment from a stupid monkey bastard?!" I yelled, angrily. A vein was pulsing on my forehead. Never mind telling that Vulcan to scram! I'm having me some Vulcan pie!

"Libra! Kick his stupid monkey ass!" I ordered, pointing my finger at it.

Libra looked as if she was smirking underneath her cloth. "Hmph, I'll spray paint him white then send him to Mt. Hakobe!" she said as she positioned her hands.

The Vulcan looked pissed. It screeched and leaped high in the air. "Now I'm annoyed! Die, woman!"

Libra was unfazed. "I am one of the 12 Zodiac Spirits! I will not be defeated by a mere primate!"

A magic circle appeared on her feet, surrounding the area. She moved her arms in a circular motion.

"Gravity Change! Weight increase!" she yelled, bringing her hands down.

The scales connected to her hands started to glow, and the Vulcan's form glowed as well. The Vulcan froze in mid-air before it started falling forcefully towards the ground. The force of the fall was strong, nearly sweeping me off my feet.

"Gravity Change! Weight decrease!"

The Vulcan was raised high above air. Then Libra did the most unexpected thing she could ever do.

She jumped up, and hovered above the Vulcan. She then formed an X position with her arms. "Gravity Change! Weight Increase!"

I thought she could increase the Vulcan's gravity again, but this time she increased her own. Using her weight, she kicked the Vulcan down.

Smoke appeared all around us. I used my arms to shield my eyes from the dust, and when it started to disappear, I looked at Libra.

My jaw dropped and I started to feel actual fear for the said spirit.

Her figure was silhouetted, and her eyes were glowing bright red. She stood atop of the Vulcan victoriously with her magic power surrounding her form menacingly.

I joined Yukino and Sorano in crying and hugging.

"Dare to challenge me again, monkey." Libra threatened. "You try to do that, I'll chop off your tail and pin it to your head then burn your body using the flames of the Great Dragon's Roar."

The Vulcan nodded vigorously. "A-aye ma'am!"

It was official; Libra was one scary spirit.

I sat on my bed, taking out all of the keys inside my holster. I only had two keys in my possession; Asclepius and Gladius.

When I looked at Mom's collection, I was impressed to see another golden key aside from Libra's. I looked at the insignia engraved on it, and I was shocked to find out that it was Pisces'!

I looked at mom's other keys, and my surprise didn't vanish. I found Caelum's key, and Aries' key too!

Holy cow! Since when did mom have three of the 12 Zodiac keys?!

I counted the total set of golden keys; Libra, Aries, Pisces. Then there was my set of silver keys and mom's silver key; Gladius, Asclepius, and Caelum.

Six! I have six units in my hands!

I laughed in joy. Oh my lord, this was awesome! I love you mom!

I paused. I love you mom… the sentence repeated itself in my head. My joy slowly turned into sadness. I soon remembered that I haven't told her that on the day she died. I haven't even said that to her while she was alive in my life!

Tears leaked through my eyes, landing on my keys. "I haven't said that I loved her…" I whispered to myself before covering my face with hands. "I haven't… Not even once… I can't believe myself…!"

I didn't shout or scream. If I did, I would only worry Yukino and the others. I didn't want to. I was already a problem enough by staying here in their house.

"I don't want to be a problem." I said to myself. "I… I don't want to lose anyone…"

Mom.

"I want to protect everyone."

Gladius.

"I want to be there for everyone."

Yurika.

"I don't want anyone to worry for me."

Yukino.

"I want to become strong… Stronger than ever… Stronger!"

Natsu.

Names and faces flashed through my mind as I mentioned those statements. I recalled everyone in the Fairy Tail anime, saying that if you have something to protect, than that will make you stronger.

Since I was watching it from the screen, I never took those words to heart. But now, living in the very world where friends and family are everything… I have come to understand.

I now understand why Natsu is powerful. He has something to protect, and that is his friends. His Dragon Slayer magic isn't the reason why he wins most of his battles. It's his will to protect.

My mom… did she feel stronger whenever she thinks of the people she wants to protect? Is this why she wants to become a mage?

At first, I thought being a powerful mage was to have powerful magic. But I was wrong. It all depended on the heart, and the will to protect your family and friends.

I smiled to myself, despite the streams of tears that ran down my face. Was this how mama felt? No wonder she was so kind and strong.

I want to become like that. I want to become like mama.

"The will to protect… that's what it means to become a strong and powerful mage…" I murmured to myself.

I laughed. "You really are amazing, mama!"

"Honestly Erika! Try and be a little careful next time!"

I was sitting inside the clinic, pouting angrily. It wasn't my fault! It wasn't!

Sorano was sitting beside me doing the very same position as I am. She too was pouting and turning away from me.

You may be wondering why we're both fighting. Let me fill you in the details;

Earlier today, Sorano wanted to summon Aries herself. But I told her that she needed sufficient magic power to summon the 12 Zodiac Spirits and support their materialization in this world. She was pretty stubborn, saying that if I can do it, so can she.

That sort of irked me. What did she mean that if I can do it, she can? How can this child think of herself so highly?!

So we got stuck in a verbal brawl, calling each other names and finally going as far as pulling each other's fair and squishing each other's cheeks. Yukino was stuck on who to support and just stayed out of the fight.

"Sorano, that was prideful of you!" Yurika scolded with a stern and angry look on her face. "You aren't even a mage, and spouting such nonsense! That kind of arrogance will lead you to your own failure!"

Sorano was shocked to find her mother angry and looked at her lap in shame. I nodded in agreement. Yeah! See what you do if you challenge me?!

"And you, Erika!" I squeaked when she called me. "You are a mage, right? Then you shouldn't be so easily taunted! Many people will take that to their advantage, and you'll be defeated easily. That will not help you at all!"

Now it was my turn to sulk.

Yurika sent us to our rooms. Or room. Basically, all three of us sleep in the same room. Yukino and Sorano have a bunk bed while I stay on a separate bed on the opposite side of where the sisters' beds were.

Both of us sat on the bed, hugging our legs near our chests. I refuse to apologize to Sorano! She was the one who belittled me in the first place. I don't see any reason to apologize to that little, annoying, ungrateful, small, fu—

"I'm sorry."

I looked up from my gaze on the bed, finding Sorano giving me a sincere expression. I was surprised that she was the one who apologized first.

"I should've have said what I did earlier," she continued. "I… just want to become a mage just like you. Strong and kind."

She then buried her face in her knees. "I guess someone who's arrogant and selfish like me will never be a great mage like you Erika-nee."

I stared at her in surprise. She was on the verge of crying, and now I was starting to feel guilty!

"Nah, don't sweat about it Sorano!" I said, waving the subject off. "I'm sorry too, you know, for calling you arrogant and selfish. That was pretty low of me."

Sorano looked at me in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Well, everyone is arrogant and selfish. That's how we humans are, right? We all are proud of what we are, and want things we know sometimes we can't have." I said. "There are many flaws we humans share, but I guess those traits are what prove our existence."

Sorano looked at me in awe.

"Erika-nee… you sure like talking." She stated.

"I said a really heartfelt and amazing speech and that's your reaction?!" I exclaimed comically.

Sorano giggled. "But… those words… they are true." She said. Then her eyes brightened in determination. She stood up.

"Alright! I have decided!" she declared. "I want to become a mage, just like you!"

I grinned and stood up too. "Sounds interesting Sorano! What kind of mage do you want to be?"

"No idea yet." She said bluntly.

"What the heck?!" I cried.

"Well there are so many kinds of magic. I can't decide!"

"Look you! How on earth are you going to be a mage if you can't even decide your magic?!"

"What did you say fatty?!"

"Who are calling fatty, you skinny toothpick!"

"You wanna go at it?!"

"Please! I'll beat you before you can even throw a punch in!"

"BOTH OF YOU GIRLS STOP ARGUING OR I'LL GROUND YOU BOTH FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIVES!"

"Yes ma'am!" we spoke in unison.

[A/N:] Hmmm, what do I see here: ;)

A new update! Ehehe, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. I nearly forgot about Yukino and Sorano. I did a little research in the Fairy Tail wikia, and I calculated both sisters' age during Lucy's and Natsu's time, only to find out that Yukino was four years younger than Lucy during the anime. Sorano's age wasn't stated in the wikia, so I gave it a mild guess and made her two years older.

Reviews are love~