"Willy your crush has to be... Erza!" said Max.
"Erza?"
Everyone including Willy looked at Max in confusion and surprise.
"Me huh? Well, things just took an interesting turn," said Erza with an amused grin.
"Wait a minute," said Lucy. "Don't tell me that you're interested to what Willy thinks about you.
"Very much so. Now please be quiet Lucy. I want to hear what Willy says."
"I never thought that Erza would be the type that cares about another person's opinion," said Wendy.
"Guess she's curious about what Willy thinks about her," said Lisanna.
"I just hope Willy doesn't say something that'll make Erza angry," said Levy.
"Geez Levy. Way to jinx it," said Cana. "If you say that then it's bound to happen."
"Well? Am I right? It's Erza isn't it?" asked Max.
Willy was silent for a moment. Everyone held their breath waiting for Willy's answer. Then Willy finally spoke.
"Sorry to say, but nope, it's not Erza either," said Willy.
Everyone of the boys gawked at Willy like he said something crazy.
"What? What's wrong? What'd I say?" puzzled Willy.
"Are you for real?!" squeaked Happy. "How could you not fall in love with the great Erza?!"
"I'm sorry Happy, but I only see her as a comrade and a good friend," said Willy. "I mean she's pretty awesome. She's a cool and strong wizard and pretty beautiful in her own right. She also has a great sense of justice and not afraid to show her pride as a Fairy Tail wizard. One of the biggest things I like about her is her requipping magic. I always loved seeing the many different types of armor and outfits she wears. And when she requips it really is a pretty cool thing to see. Sure she yells at Natsu and Gray all the time, but overall she's pretty nice and one of the strongest female wizards I know."
"Wow. I don't think I've ever heard anyone praise Erza so much," said Lucy.
"That's not necessarily true Lucy. You've praised me in one of your letters to your mother you know," said Erza.
"Well yeah, but not as much as Willy's praising you right now."
"Yes. And I must say, I'm a little flattered."
"It's still weird though. You don't usually hear someone praise you like the way Willy's doing Erza," said Mira. "If it was any other man they would run for the hills given her reputation."
"Why would you think that Mira?" asked Erza.
"Because you have a nasty habit of scaring everyone that's why," said Carla.
"What? I scare people? How so?"
"Shhh! Come on guys! I'm trying to hear!" whispered Cana.
"Wow. I'm surprised you'd praise Erza so much," said Warren.
"What makes you say that?" asked Willy.
"Well for one thing, Erza's awesome and stuff but she is kinda scary at times," said Max.
"No kidding. They don't call her the strongest woman of Fairy Tail for nothing," said Jet.
'You forgot to mention the scariest," said Droy shuddering a little. "It gives me goosebumps just thinking about her being mad."
"Yup. She's the manliest and the scariest woman in Fairy Tail," added Elfman
"Oh come on you guys. She's not that scary," said Willy.
"Not that scary?!" yelped Natsu fearfully. "She's a monster man! She could knock down a mountain with a single kick!"
"No way Natsu. I still think that she can knock down three," said Gray.
"Oh come on Gray. You always exaggerate about that. I told you, it was more like two," said Happy.
Willy stared at the three flatly. "And you're saying Gray's exaggerating? Come on you guys. Erza may be a little strict and she sometimes gets super angry at times, but she's not that terrifying."
"You're not scared of her? How could you not be?" asked Max.
"Well... to be perfectly honest when I first joined Fairy Tail, I was terrified of her," said Willy. "But then something made me change my mind about her completely."
"I don't suppose you don't mind telling us the story would you?" asked Warren.
"Yeah. You certainly got my interest," said Gray.
"Sure thing," said Willy. "Let's see... Oh yeah! It was a few days after I joined the guild."
It was another day in the Fairy Tail guild hall. Willy was looking through the job requests trying to find a job to do. Then Levy and Lucy came up to him.
"Hey there Willy!" said Levy.
"Hey Gray. Hey Lucy. How are you two?" greeted Willy.
"Doing fine. Did you just come back from a job?" asked Lucy.
"Yeah. More or less," Willy replied. "I've only tackled the smaller jobs around the city, but I'm getting the hang of it and I'm starting to understand how everything works around here."
"That's good to hear," said Lucy.
"So are you making any new friends here in the guild?" asked Gray.
Willy shyly looked down playing with his fingers. "Well... no. Not really."
"Why not? Don't tell me that you're still feeling shy?" wondered Lucy.
"Well you see, I'm still feeling a little nervous about making friends here," said Willy. "I'm scared that whoever I try to make friends with won't like me."
"Aww Willy. We told you before. The guildmates will love you," reassured Gray. "All you gotta do is open up to them and be friendly."
"Yeah. And if there's anything that you need like advice or some help, feel free to tell us okay?" said Lucy putting a hand on his shoulder.
Willy looked up at the blonde. "Thanks. Um... Actually guys there is something that... I need help with."
"What's that?"
Before Willy could answer, a certain red haired girl in armor came up to them.
"Ah. Lucy. Gray. Good thing I found you two," she said.
"Oh Hi Erza," said Lucy. "What's up?"
"I'm looking for Willy," replied Erza. "Have you seen him?"
"Yeah. He's right here-"
Lucy was expecting Willy to be next to her, but she was surprised to find that Willy had disappeared. Levy was surprised too.
"What the heck? Where'd Wily go?" wondered Gray as she looked around.
"I don't know," said Lucy. "He was standing right here just a second ago."
"Is there something wrong ladies?" asked Erza.
"Sorry Erza. It's just that Willy was just here and now he's gone," said Lucy.
"Hmm. I see," said Erza. "Well if you see him, tell him that I need his help with something. It's imperative that he finds me as soon as possible."
"Sure thing Erza," said Gray. "We'll let you now as soon as you see him."
After that Erza left. Gray and Lucy looked around to see if they could find Willy.
"Willy! Where'd you go?" called out Gray.
"Come on out! Where are you Willy?" called Lucy.
Then Lucy saw a certain someone hiding behind one of the pillars and Gray saw him too.
"Willy? Is that you hiding behind there?"
"Please stop hiding. You don't have to be scared."
Willy slowly peeked out from behind the pillar. He was slightly trembling in fear and looking around as if he was keeping an eye out for someone.
"Willy? Why are you hiding behind that pillar? Erza's been looking for you," said Lucy.
"Yeah. You better go to her and see what she wants," said Gray.
"I... I can't..." mumbled Willy.
"Why not?" asked Gray.
"Well... you see... that's what I wanted your help with," said Willy. "You see... that Erza girl... I'm scared of her."
Lucy tilted her head in confusion while Gray nodded.
"That's understandable. I mean she is a freakin monster," he said.
"Now hold on Gray," said Lucy. "Yeah. I mean know she seems a little scary... Okay she's just plain scary, but that's only when she gets mad. Other than that she's a great person."
"Not the way I heard it," said Willy. "I was told that she's may look like a girl, but she's a big monster in disguise and she can knock down two mountains with a single kick. And I'm worried that she wants me because she must hold a grudge against me about the Nirvana incident and wants to take revenge on me."
Gray and Lucy stared dumbly at Willy for a moment. Then Lucy put an hand on Willy's shoulder.
"Willy, first of all you're overreacting on that first part of what you said," she said. "Secondly, Erza's not someone who holds a grudge for long."
"Not to mention, that it's all in the past," added Gray. "Erza's moved on from it."
"I don't know..."
"Come on Willy. I promise you, Erza's a really good person as long as you stay on her good side," said Lucy. "Just give her a chance OK?"
Willy pondered about this and then he gave a tiny smile.
"Okay I will."
"Good. Now I think Erza should still be here, so why don't you go find her and see what she needs your help with?" said Gray.
"Okay. Thanks guys."
And Willy set off to find Erza. Soon enough he saw her close to the entrance talking to Makarov. He was still nervous about talking to her, but he plucked up courage.
"I can do this. I can do this," he thought to himself. "Just go up to her. Okay. Here goes." Then he walked up to Erza and lightly tapped her shoulder to get her attention. "Um... Excuse me..."
"Oh there you are Willy," said Erza. "I've been looking for you. I need your help."
"What did you need help with?" asked Willy.
"Well, I've got a couple of errands to run and I need someone to help me carry some things to the guild hall," explained Erza. "I would appreciate it if you could come help me out."
"S-sure. Anything you need Erza."
"Well then, shall we be on our way?"
"Y-yes. of course."
Then Willy and Erza set off to handle Erza's errands. As they walked through the streets of Magnolia, you and Erza didn't say a word. Willy wanted to speak to her, but he still felt nervous of speaking to her afraid that he might say the wrong thing. Then Erza finally spoke breaking the silence.
"Willy do I frighten you?" she asked.
"Well... I um... you see..." Willy stammered trying to explain, but Erza cut in.
"It's okay. You don't have explain yourself," she said. "I'm also aware that you hid from me when I came to look for you before."
Willy gulped. "Eep! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hide! That was rude of me!" he bowed.
"Calm yourself Willy. It's alright," soothed Erza. "I know I seem to a tad strict, but that's only because I want keep the guild on it's toes. Not to mention I'm the only one that can keep Natsu and Gray in order. I'm really a nice person once you get to know me."
"I know that now. I'm sorry," said Willy.
"It's quite alright. You have nothing to be sorry for," said Erza. "Come along now. We're almost to our first destination. We can talk more once we've taken care of business."
"Oh. Okay. Where are we going?"
"You'll see when you get there. You know the old saying; "All things come to those who wait."
Willy was a little puzzled but he followed. He and Erza continued to walk until Erza stopped in front of one of her favorite places. The Magnolia Cake Shop. When Willy saw the shop, he was surprised.
"A cake shop? What are we doing here of all places?" he asked.
"This is one of the places where I was planning to stop," she said. "Now come on. Right this way."
Then the two of them walked into the cake store. Inside, they were greeted by a short and plump man with puffy black hair, the owner of the cake shop.
"Erza! My most loyal and frequent customer. How are you?" the owner greeted.
"I'm doing fine," Erza replied. "I trust that my order's ready?"
"Yes. Your order is all set," replied the owner. Then he saw Willy. "Oh? Who's your buddy?"
"This is one of our new recruits. He's here to help me with a few errands," explained Erza.
"Um... Hi. Nice to meet you," said Willy politely.
"A pleasure to meet you as well," said the owner. "Any friend of Erza's is a friend of mine. Now I just need to get your order Erza. Be right back."
The cake shop owner went to the back to get Erza's order. Soon he came back out with a large cart full of cakes. Upon seeing them Willy couldn't help, but drop his jaw in surprise.
"Here you go Erza," said the owner. "You ordered fifty cakes right?"
"Fifty?!" exclaimed Willy. "That many?!"
"Yup. Erza's the kind of gal that really appreciates my cakes," said the owner.
"Well you're a master of your craft and I really do like your treats," said Erza.
"So... are these cakes for a party or something?" asked Willy.
"Not really. Only one of them is for something special," said Erza. "The rest of them are for me."
Willy's mouth dropped even further. A little while later, he and Erza left the store with Erza pulling the cakes in the cart towards the next destination.
"Oh man. I've never seen so many cakes in my life," Willy thought. "What I really find crazy is that Erza plans to eat all of these. I've heard of some people having a big sweet tooth, but this is a little much."
"Come along Willy. We must hurry to our next destination. We've got a couple more of places to go," said Erza.
"Um... yes. Coming," replied Willy.
For the next few hours or so, Willy and Erza went from store to store handling Erza's "errands." They went to magic shops, clothing shops, and even candy shops. All the while, Willy was beginning to understand more and more what Erza was like. She was basically normal girl. Well... almost normal.
"Wow. I never realized Erza liked this sort of stuff. Aside from the strict personality, she's just like any other person," Willy thought smiling. "Who would've thought?"
They soon came to their final destination. It was a book store called "Book Land."
"A bookstore? Is she a reader?" pondered Willy.
"Willy. Please wait here while I go pick something up," said Erza. "I won't be gone long."
"Um... sure," replied Willy.
Then Erza went inside leaving Willy by himself. As he waited for Erza, Willy sat by himself thinking about everything that he learned about Erza.
"Man. I still can't believe that Erza the strongest female in all of Fairy Tail has a major sweet tooth, likes clothes, likes to read and just about other things that make her just like any other girl. I guess Levy and Lucy were right after all. Speaking of reading, I wonder what business she has in Book Land. Probably looking up stuff about armor or cakes."
Willy sat outside and waited and waited and waited. Pretty soon it was about forty minutes when Erza entered the store.
"That's weird. It shouldn't be taking Erza this long just to pick up something," Willy thought. "Maybe she's getting a ton of books or something. Then again she's been in there for quite a while. I wonder if I should go check on her."
After pondering for a minute, Willy decided to check on Erza just to be safe. He then entered store and walked up to a clerk by the front door.
"Excuse me sir. Have you seen a woman with armor and bright hair in here?" he asked.
"Oh yes. She just went over that way towards the back," replied the clerk.
"Thank you."
Willy headed for the back to look for Erza per the clerk's intruction. As he headed towards the back, he marveled at the sights of books. Then when Willy came to the back, he saw Erza. She was sitting on a table next to a stack of books reading. Willy was going to call to her, but he noticed something. Erza was acting a bit strange. As she was reading the book, she was blushing and she looked a little fidgety.
Feeling curious, Willy quietly walked over to Erza not wanting to surprise her. Normally a warrior like Erza would sense someone sneaking up behind her from a mile away, but Erza was so immersed in her book, she didn't hear Willy coming towards her. Willy grew closer and closer until he was close enough to see over Erza's shoulder. He took a look at the pages and his eyes bulged in surprise. On one of the pages of the book, a man and a woman making love could be seen. When Willy saw it, a small trickle of blood came out of his nose. He was about to scream in surprise, but he quickly covered his mouth to try and suppress the noise. Unfortunately it didn't do any good. Erza heard Willy making her head towards him and when she saw Willy, she immediately blushed and froze. They both stared at each other for a moment, then Erza spoke.
"Willy... How long were you standing there?" asked Erza quietly. "And you saw that page right now didn't you?"
"Um... about a few minutes or so and... um... it was a quick glance, but yes I did," replied Willy. "Um... Erza? Were you reading what I think you were reading?
"Well... um...you see... it was... that book," Erza stammered trying to come up with an excuse. "You know that book."
"Um... Erza? I hate to say this, but it looks like one of those novels. An erotic novel," said Willy.
There was another long pause. Then Erza blushed an even deeper shade of red and steam came puffing out of her head.
"Y-yes! That's right! I was reading one of those kind of books!" she said. "I read these kind of books all the time! You have a problem with that?!"
Willy gaped at Erza in shock and surprise from her confession. Erza then sank to her knees and her eyes flooded with comical tears.
"I feel so ashamed! I told someone know my deepest, darkest secret!" she sobbed.
"Um Erza... it's okay. Please don't cry! Calm down!" said Willy trying to soothe her.
"How could I have been so foolish blurting out my secret like that? Not to mention letting a fellow guildmate see me acting so shamelessly," Erza scolded herself. She then bowed to Willy. "I'm so sorry Willy. I let you see me in a shameful manner. You may strike me down if you wish."
"Um... no thanks. I don't think I could ever hit you," Willy said sweadropped. He went to the table and picked up the book. He looked through the pages and read the cover. It read Passionate Moonlight Love. "Erza. Was this why you were taking so long?" he asked.
"Yes. I apologize. There were couple books I wanted and I was so excited to read them that I started reading on the spot," said Erza. "I got into the books so much that I lost track of time. The books so great, I couldn't stop. The stories were romantic and the passion in the scenes was even more incredible. I know they're a little dirty, but it makes it so..."
"Incredible..."
"Yes exactly. Huh?"
Erza turned back to find that now Willy was reading one of the books. Willy had the same look that Erza had when she was reading it a few moments ago, along with another tiny nosebleed.
"This book is incredible... I've never read something like this before," breathed Willy. "It's... it's... Words can't even describe it."
"Really? You mean it?" asked Erza.
"Yes! I can't get enough of this book! I don't ever want to stop reading!" Willy said smiling.
"Yes! I know! I love this particular scene you're reading right now," said Erza pointing at a page. "It really makes you want to know what it feels like doesn't it?"
"Y-yeah! It does... Wow..." said Willy blushing even more.
After that, Willy and Erza spent a couple more hours reading the books until they were finished reading. They were able to do so quickly thanks to Gale Force Reading Glasses. A little while later, Willy and Erza both came out with a couple of books and were heading back towards the guild.
"Man. I'm glad I bought these books. I can't wait to read them," said Willy. "Thanks for introducing me to this Erza.
"Anytime," smiled Erza. Then she frowned. "Willy? There's something I want to ask you. May I ask that you not speak a word of this to anyone? If anyone were to find out about my... um secret it would be..."
"Say no more Erza," interrupted Willy. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me. Besides I got a couple of my own so it's like we're even. I won't tell a soul."
Erza sighed in relief. "That's good. One more thing. Here. This is for you." She went to her cart and gave then handed Willy a cake.
"Um... What's this for Erza?" asked Willy.
"It's a kind of tradition I have. Every time we recruit new members, I buy a cake for them," explained Erza.
"Wait. So when you said that cake is for something special..."
"Yes. I meant to give it to you. Hope you like it."
Willy was silent for a moment clearly surprised. Then he spoke.
"Erza. You know when I first met you, I was scared of you. Heck I was terrified," he said. "But now things have changed. You have a giant sweet tooth, you like clothes, and you read... well this stuff. All of these things made me realize that you're a normal girl. I'm really glad that I'm glad I went with you today and... thank you very much. Not just for the cake, but for everything. I hope that we become really good friends."
Erza was a little surprised at first, but then she smiled. "Yes. I feel the same way."
"And ever since then, I've considered Erza as another really good friend and someone who I can relate to when it comes to reading," said Willy finishing his story.
"Wow. That's quite the story there Willy," said Wakaba.
"Yeah. Although... there's one thing that I'm curious about," said Warren. "What kinds of books do you and Erza read?"
"Um... uh... well..." stammered Willy. "Let's just say that me and Erza are both into the same stuff. I'll put it at that."
"Hmm. That response has gotten me curious too," said Cana. "Well Erza? Mind telling us?"
"It's like Willy said. Me and him are into the same stuff. Nothing more, nothing less," said Erza.
"Why do I get the feeling that she's not telling us the full story?" said Carla.
"Girls. Just let it go. You'd be much better off," said Lucy. "Trust me. You don't want any to end up like poor Levy."
"I still have nightmares of what Erza did," said Levy trembling in fear upon remembering. "I thought I was gonna die even though I managed to get out of there alive."
(If you're wondering what she means, please look back at Fairy Tail's OVA Welcome to Fairy Hills)
"Come on man! You gotta tell us! It's only gonna make us want to know even more!" said Natsu.
"Yeah! Tell us!" chimed in Happy.
"Guys, I told you I can't. I made a promise that I wouldn't tell," said Willy. "Besides, you wouldn't want Erza getting angry at you guys would you?
"I agree. Better listen you two," said Gray. "You definitely wouldn't want to feel the wrath from Erza would you?"
Natsu and Happy faces turned white as sheets and they said nothing more.
"In any case, not that I wanna continue playing this game, does anyone else wanna take another guess?" asked Willy. "After all you have three more guesses."
"Why not? I"ll have a go," said Macao raising his hand. "Let's see here... Hmm. How about... Cana? Yeah. I'm going for Cana on this one."
The moment Cana heard her name, she grinned from ear to ear. "All right. Looks like it's my turn ladies," she said. "I'm probably gonna be hearing stuff about my good looks, my curvy body, and my wonderful personality I bet."
"Cana. This isn't a competition you know," said Lisanna sweatdropping.
"But this is fun isn't it? If you think about it makes it exciting," said Mira.
"I'm not so sure about that Mira," said Lucy.
"Hey. Keep it down guys. I wanna hear Willy's response," said Cana.
"Sorry Macao. That's is a big n and o," said Willy. Cana's pretty and everything, but... she drinks way too much. She smells like booze and I can't take the smell."
"Oh come on man. Cana's not that bad," said Macao. "She's actually pretty cute and the life of the party once you get past the drinking."
"You only say that because Cana was your drinking buddy," said Wakaba. "You two used to booze it up back in the day."
"Anyway, Cana's not really my type. I only see her a friend and that's the truth," said Willy.
On the girls side, Cana was sitting in a corner of woe looking really depressed.
"Um... Cana? Are you okay?" asked Wendy worriedly.
"No. I'm fine. I'm fine," said Cana flatly. "It's not like I was hoping that Willy was gonna say something great about me or anything like that. No. I'm fine. I'm fine."
She then whipped out a giant barrel of alcohol and began chugging the barrel down while the other girls looked on sweatdropping.
"She certainly doesn't look like she's fine to me," said Levy.
"Oh dear," said Mira. "Looks like Cana's feelings are hurt."
"Cana! Stop drinking in the bath this instant! There's a minor present!" scolded Carla.
"What I wanna know is with all the booze she drinks," said Levy. "Where the heck does it all go?"
"You know, I've always wondered that myself," said Juvia. "I mean she drinks all that booze, but she doesn't get as big as blimp? Why is that?"
"Maybe her curves absorb it all?" wondered Lucy thoughtfully.
"I guess it's just one of the mysteries of the female body that have yet to be solved," said Erza. "And that's coming from a girl."
"Okay! Since Macao's turn is now over, I think it's my turn now," said Jet.
Then Droy whispered something in Jet's ear. "Remember Droy, we gotta ask just to make sure okay?" he whispered.
"I know. Don't worry," Jet whispered back. Then he turned to Willy. "Okay Willy. You ready for this one? This time, I"m gonna guess it right."
"Alright Jet. Who's your guess?" asked Willy.
"Okay Willy. Based on everyone's guesses, I say that you have a crush on... Levy!" proclaimed Jet pointing right that him."
At the sound of her name, Levy felt her heart jump. "Huh?! Me?!"
"Looks like you're next on the list Levy," said Lucy. "Wonder what Willy thinks about you."
"I'm not sure I want to know," said Levy.
"Guys! Be quiet!" said Cana. "Listen!"
"Um...uh... well..." stammered Willy.
"What's wrong Willy? Cat got your tongue?" asked Happy slyly. "You're looking mighty nervous."
"Come on man! Spit it out already!" said Natsu.
"Well... Um...you see... well... it's like this..."
Willy was now blushing slightly and even began playing with his fingers.
"Hey! He's blushing! And he's being shy!" pointed out Warren. "No way... Don't tell me... Willy likes Levy?!"
"WHAT?!" exclaimed Jet and Droy horrified.
"No way...! You gotta be kidding me!" cried Levy.
"It can't be true! Willy has a crush on Levy?!" exclaimed Lucy.
"I don't believe it! I can picture it now! Levy and Willy together!" cried Juvia. "Happily married and having thirty three babies! Either that or there's going to be love triangle!"
"Will you get your mind out of the gutter and be quiet?!" snapped Carla.
Even Mira who suddenly sat up from the spring also shocked.
"Willy... likes Levy? It can't be!" she murmured.
"Calm down girls! We don't know that for sure yet!" said Lisanna. "Willy still hasn't said anything so just wait until he says something!"
"She's right. Don't go jumping to conclusions and wait till Willy finishes what he was going to say," said Erza.
"Hey you guys!" said Wendy. "I think Willy is about to finish what he was trying to say."
So all the girls then calmed down and listened.
"Well Willy? Out with it," said Max.
"Yeah! Tell us like a real man!" said Elfman. "Do you like Levy or not?!"
"Yeah! Tell us right now or you'll regret it!" said Jet and Droy who both had jealously written on their faces and were ready to start a fight any second.
Willy was flustered for a moment, but then he calmed down and steeled his resolve. "Okay, okay! You win! I'll tell you. You see...about Levy... The truth is... I... I..."
There we go! Had to fix this up, but I managed to get this chapter done!
You know the drill if you liked or didn't like, R&R!
Dragoman out!