Makarov waited.

Erza had taken a mission, an A-class, completely appropriate for a child with her power and skill. Actually, he'd been hoping to let her take the trials for S-class later this year.

So how is it that one of his most promising mages, one of his precious children, was lying unconscious in front of him? Injured to the point that she had to be carried here, armor shattered, leg a mess, pale from blood loss, she'd clearly fought for her life.

She's been unconscious for three days. A few more and he'd run out of excuses to ignore the council's summons.

And yet, somehow, she isn't the child he should be the most concerned about. At least, according to Porlyusica. She has a sure chance of waking or living past the day.

No, that spot belonged to the nameless girl that Erza dragged here with her… He was half sure she'd already been dead. There'd been so much blood -dried- that he hadn't been able to recognize any of her injuries.

Porlyusica exhaled, maybe more weary than he himself was feeling. "She'll probably wake within the day. Send someone to get me when she does," she stood, "For now, I have to get back the other girl can't be alone for too long."

That was another curiosity. "You never did tell me the reason you have them separated." Makarov shifted in his chair, his old bones weren't meant for all this stress.

Porlyusica rubbed her temple, "I didn't tell you because all I had was a suspicion."

"And now?" he asked.

She looked him in the eye, "And now I know that I was only partially correct. Do you remember when we were younger, I'd gotten particularly sick so you and the others had to… acquire the magic sealing stones for me to recover?"

His eyes widened, "So she's like you then?" That wouldn't explain much, it wouldn't account for any of her injuries but it might be a clue, at least.

Porlyusica laughed, "No, gods no, you think I could have taken half that amount of punishment and live?" She turned, "That girl's body is one made for survival."

Before she walked out the door, she had one final piece to say, "However, she doesn't have any resistance to Ethernano built up at all. My people have that at least. Those sores all over her body? From what I can tell, only a small percentage are from heat. The rest seem to be from ethernano overexposure. Whatever she is, is different from you and me." Then she walked out, the door to the guild's medical hall closing quietly behind her.

Makarov smiled, "At least, she was thoughtful enough to not leave with a bang." She had a tendency to do that after they spoke. For all her talk of hating humanity, she was still remarkably kind, one of the kindest people he's had the pleasure of knowing.

He held his breath as Erza moved a bit in her sleep, he let it out when it was only that. Porlyusica was right though. The list -she'd made a list- of the sheer extent of the child's injuries was enough to put fear into his old heart. She looked around the same age as his youngest, maybe younger. No child should have to go through that, no child should have to fight that battle she's facing now.

The girl's strange circumstances aside, she still isn't any different than the other lost souls that wander through his doors. He'll still do his best to help her as best he's able. It just so happens that he's not able to help herat the moment.

Though, when he finds out who did this to her, and what did this to Erza… Well, he's always been able to see why Porlyusica hates humans so much. He might just become part of the problem.

He ignored the vibration of the lakerama in his pocket, the council could shove it for all he cared.

He would sit here, with his child. He would sit, and wait because it was all he could do.

-0-0-0-0-

Erza blinked her eyes open, slowly coming to before lucidity slapped awareness into her. She shot up, eyes alert and scanning for threats.

"Be at ease Erza, you're safe now." The voice of her Master cut through her panic.

She knew that. She's in the guild, on a very soft bed being watched over by her master. And no doubt her friends are nearby. She's safe. She can relax.

"The girl…" Makarov handed her a glass of water when her voice came out scratchy. "Is she okay? What of her condition?"

"She's alive." With those words, some of the tension seemed to seep away from Erza's shoulders. "She's alive," he continued with a sigh, "However, she's in a sorry state. Her injuries are severe, and we don't know when she'll wake or if she'll even survive the week."

Erza flopped her head back on the pillow, "I see." She took a moment to gather her thoughts, "Master."

"Yes, child?"

Her hand clenched into a fist, "She can't die." She turned to look him in the eyes, "She didn't survive that just to die from her injuries, no matter how extensive they are. She… she just can't.

"I know Erza, Porlyusica is doing her best but her injuries-"

"-are severe, I know." Her eyes widened and she quickly bowed her head as best she could, "I apologize for interrupting Master, but I was there. I saw how bad it was. The state she was in when I brought her here was after we passed through three doctors."

Makarov narrowed his eyes, "Three?"

Erza nodded, "Yes, they all turned us away. Well, the third offered to do his best, but even that was just swapping her bandages for clean ones. Once they saw the extent of her wounds and that the sores were just getting worse. they said it'd be better to just let her die."

He exhaled, "While I'm not surprised, you'll give me the names of each you visited when you're feeling better, understand? Why didn't they help you?"

"I denied it. They weren't helping her and we needed to move, I was fine."

"Erza you've been asleep for three days."

"And I was fine Master." She swallowed, "I knew I could last, but she was dying. It was more important that I got her medical attention first."

Makarov shook his head, not arguing with her any further. "Don't make a habit of that, my dear. Think about yourself a little."

At Erza's quick nod, he continued "Now, first and foremost what exactly was "that" you mentioned? What happened?"

Erza held in a shiver before starting her tale. Of seeing a massive wall erupt from the earth in the distance from where she'd made camp for the night, of having to climb the wall because she could not break through it, and of having to listen to the screams of both animal and man throughout it all.

"Evidently, I was not the only one with the idea of climbing the wall. When I reached the top, I'd just seen her, the girl, reach around a third of the way up on the other side before being attacked by large birds and falling."

Erza felt her skin crawl, "Master, Canza Village is gone."

Makarov froze, "What?"

"It was a massacre. Burnt, desecrated, wiped out, bodies everywhere…" Despite herself, memories from years ago started to muddle her thoughts. Memories of blood, death, betrayal… she hadn't noticed how hard she was breathing until Makarov's voice cut through the haze.

"Erza!" He sharply called her, taking her hand. "Remember where you are. You're safe, at the guild and surrounded by people who care about you."

Getting herself under control Erza nodded, "Yes, thank you Master…" She shook her head, "A-Anyways, it's gone. The girl was the only survivor."

"Erza, I'm sorry child, but I'll need more information than that." Makarov regretted having to do this but it was necessary.

"Apologies Master," Erza whispered, "I got… sidetracked."

"No apologies necessary. Now what happened with the child? How did she survive?"

For the first time since she woke up,, Erza smiled.

"She fought Master," she breathed, "I'd only seen a little of it by the time I reached the ground but even with that I could tell she's very skilled. I was too far away to make out any details besides the large ball of fire I believe came from her but from what little I saw she'd been cutting through them."

Erza paused, frowning. "One last charge of defiance, there was no way she could have won. There were too many, the beast she was after was too strong."

"You saw her perform Magic?" Makarov asked. That'd gut Porlyusica's theory of her origins.

Erza shook her head, "No, not actively. I only saw the aftermath. The animals caught up in it were mostly charred husks and the ground was scorched."

"I see… And what of this beast? What made it so different from the others?"

"It was a monstrosity, Sir." Erza continued, "It was unlike any minotaur I've ever seen. So massive its skin ripped as if its flesh was too tight. It also had a ridiculous regeneration ability." Erza shook her head, "Honestly I owe the girl, if not for her blinding it I would have had a much harder time defeating it."

Makarov blinked, "I thought it could regenerate?"

"Yes, it could," She held up her hand, and with a flash, two shuriken appeared, "I was curious as to why its eyes wouldn't heal like the rest of it, so I plucked these from its corpse. The girl must have thrown them before she fell."

Makarov inspected them, he would admit he wasn't an expert on weaponry of any kind but even he could see that they were throwing stars, like how Natsu and Happy liked to use whenever they played ninja. Albeit these are much more pointy, professionally made, and metal. These were real.

"And these were lodged into the beast's sockets?"

Erza nodded, setting the metal on the nightstand. "Yes, I believe if it had had its sight I wouldn't have been able to protect her from it and the rest of the hoard."

"Tell me more about the condition the girl was in when it was all over."

"She…" Erza tensed again, "Master, I said that she couldn't die earlier and I do mean it but… it'd be more accurate to say that she won't die. I don't think she'll let herself." She brushed a hand through her hair, "That doesn't make any sense and I know it's stupid but… she was already broken Master. Before I saw her fight. She'd already been injured before that. That wound in her stomach, with the torn stitches? That was already there. And the smoke that'd been coming from her mouth… I could smell the burnt flesh of her throat."

She shook her head, "My apologies, I'm rambling. I know she was very hurt, but that's it. I thought her heart stopped beating a few times on the way here."

Makarov massaged his temples, "No, no this is all helpful. I can't blame you for being a bit frazzled. You've just woken after all." He hopped up, "We'll talk more later, after you get some warm food in your belly."

"But master I haven't told you everything-"

"-And we can speak more, later. Once you see your friends. They've been worried sick after all," he cracked a smirk, "Why I believe that bar Natsu and Gray, Mira has asked of your condition the most."

Erza's eye twitched, "That's not surprising in the slightest."

Makarov laughed, "I love it when you youngsters get along. Alright, I need to head to Porlyusica's. I'll have someone bring you another glass of water."

"Master." She called. He paused midstride, "That minotaur wasn't the only monster I faced that night." Her leg ached, "not only that but there was a… I beleave they are called Watcher's?" she shivered, "It towered over the wall."

Makarov paled, "And did you kill it? The monster that is."

Erza hesitated, "I… am not sure."

Makarov pondered the information, but ultimately just smiled.

"Thank you, Erza, that will be all. However, please keep details to a minimum until I get more information. I'll be back soon."

With that, he strode out. What Erza said was disturbing. An entire village massacred? He shouldn't be hearing about this only now. No, something's wrong here. And with the council so insistent with their summons, they probably know the cause.

He turned the corner and stumbled upon the entire guild moping in silence. A far contrast compared to the usual lively playing, drinking, and merriment.

"Kids!" He started, getting the children to look up from their tables, "Someone bring Erza a glass of water, she's thirsty!"

"She's awake!" they all shouted, scrambling to get to the room. Only Mira had the sense to actually get her some water though.

Hinata regained consciousness slowly. For a while, strange muttering or conversations would fade in and out, but she couldn't understand any of it. It was as if she was submerged in water, drowning.

Drowning…

Burning…

Is there a difference?

She can breathe, yet every breath feels like fire. Like broken glass. She can think, but every thought struggles to the surface.

Feeling… She can feel. Fire.

Fire? No, it's so close!

Everything was on fire, screaming, pleading- Hinata woke up.

She wasn't loud, she didn't scream, her expression didn't so much as twitch. She struggled to work up any feeling at all.

Like she's underwater.

She's in a bed, comfier than she's ever been used to. Birds sang outside, the air smelt fresh, and everything seemed peaceful.

A few issues rapidly came to light.

First, she couldn't move. Or she probably could, it was just extremely difficult as if she was being weighed down. Secondly, she can't see. Something's covering her eyes, yes, but she feels that that wouldn't matter anyways.

And thirdly, she hurts. A lot.

The third increased with her rapidly gaining lucidity.

"Oh? You're awake." A woman's voice broke the silence.

Hinata broke the surface.

"Calm down," the woman sounded annoyed, "I didn't go through the effort of keeping you alive just so you could give yourself a heart attack."

Hinata got herself under control. It wouldn't do to lose her head. Still doesn't help the feeling of vulnerability that's become all too familiar recently.

"Here. Drink." A glass half empty was pressed against her lips, reminding her that her throat and mouth were rather parched, she made no move to drink. "No need for that girl, it's just water."

What's happening? She drank, unable to resist for long, trying to think of what led her here. The water burnt less than usual, or maybe that was just her dry throat. It was wonderful either way. Her last memory was of getting struck by the cow...

"W-Why," she cleared her throat, and took a calming breath, "How?"

"Try again, properly this time."

"Y-yes ma'am, my apologies." Hinata froze, the voice reminded her of her instructors, so she responded automatically. Maybe it was all just a nightmare?

"Hanabi?" Surely her sister would like to know she's awake.

There was an exasperated sigh and another glass was pressed against her lips, "Drink up."

Hinata drank. Deeper this time, it's just hitting her how ridiculously thirsty she is. It's like she hasn't drunk in days.

"How am I alive?" Shoot that's not what she meant to ask, but as far as she knew, she should be dead. Devoured by monsters. So a little leeway for dumb questions can be given.

"That's… a very odd question. You were brought here by a former patient of mine. I treated you as best I could. You survived"

Before Hinata could ask anything else, the woman continued. "Now, you got your two cents in. It's my turn. My name is Porlyusica. What's yours?"

Hinata took a moment before sighing, it wasn't a dream then, then again there's still a chance that the poison in the air was causing widespread hysteria. A tiny chance, but it's still there.

When Hinata didn't answer, the woman huffed, "I saved your life you know, two months of too much work and little payoff. The least you could do is tell me your name."

Hinata's swallowed, "T-Two months?"

"Yes, yes. That shouldn't be too surprising. You were terribly injured. Now, your name. It's only polite."

This was going too fast for Hinata to keep up. The two months were… unsurprising, considering how hard she pushed her body. Still rather jarring.

She… she has so much to process, but that can come later, if at all. Yeah, focusing on the now sounds great. I might still be in danger.

"A-Apologies for my rudeness, my name is Hinata." Just stringing those words together was rather difficult. Oh dear.

"Hinata, I know you've just woken up but I have to ask, where are you from?" Porlyusica asked in that tone that made Hinata want to automatically follow orders.

"I do not understand-"

"-Not from here I suspect," Porlyusica cut her off. Hinata held her breath. "Tell me if this sounds familiar. You were playing, or studying, doing whatever children do, when you woke up in a completely different environment. Probably a forest or something. Confused and scared, you panicked. You ignored the obvious. Hell, even now after all you've been through, you're still telling yourself they're all just crazy. I've been kidnapped. Something along those lines?"

Hinata very carefully kept her face blank, "More or less."

"Thought so, I'll save you the trouble. You're in a different world. You won't be going back." Porlyusica paused, "I know this, because I too, am from another world. Albeit parallel to this one. I suspect you're quite a bit further away from yours than I am from mine."

Hinata stopped listening, trying to focus on keeping calm. Breathing. No, she thought, I refuse. This isn't real.

That's definitely it, she's imagined it all. The death, the fire, blood, screams- Fingers snapping broke her out of the memories, "Hinata, stay with me."

She took in a much-needed breath, she didn't even realize she'd stopped.

"This may seem cold of me, telling you like this. But it's much better you hear this now than if you're still deluding yourself." With that clipped tone, it seemed that the woman was done talking.

"L-Let's…" Hinata took a breath, calming herself, "Let's say I believe you, and that this is a different world. And that you aren't crazy -not that I'm implying you are- Would you happen to know a way back? Can I go back?" She finished.

"I do not know any method of traveling to different worlds," Porlyusica said very carefully, "Now with that out of the way, I'm not going to tell you the true extent of your injuries, just know they were… numerous. How they will affect you in the future, however, is a different matter."

"E-excuse m-" Hinata cleared her throat, "Excuse me, may I ask a question?" Normally she wouldn't think of interrupting anyone in her current situation. Not only is it rude but also extremely dangerous while she's this vulnerable.

This is important though.

She drank water and it barely burned.

Porlyusica sniffed, "Fine. Out with it."

"I…" Hinata quickly realized she hadn't a clue how to phrase this without possibly sounding crazy, "The area your former patient found me in… do you know if it was hazardous in any way? Even before the…" Hinata couldn't finish.

Hinata flinched at the sound of a chair being dragged across the floor, "What exactly do you mean by hazardous?

Hinata tried swallowing but it led to a coughing fit. She greedily drank from the glass that was pressed to her lips a moment later.

"Thank you," she huffed, then centered herself, "I-I m-meant-" she paused, grit her teeth in silent admonishment, and then continued in a steadier tone. "I meant I just drank water. I drank it without the burning that usually comes with it. I haven't gotten sick at all either. Is there something different here? May I know where you got the water?"

Hinata heard another glass of water being poured, then drank by the woman herself. "No, the only difference is that the ethernano was a bit more concentrated because you were next to a great forest. As for the water, it's from a nearby stream."

Ethernano? Information is key here but… "Will you tell anyone about me?" In normal circumstances, Hinata wouldn't dream about 'trusting' a stranger like this, but it isn't as if she has a choice right now. I'm just using her. She'll probably lie but that's fine. I'll just use her until she betrays…

But Zachary-san and Miya-san weren't lying.

They took care of her, and all of her suspicions were proved false. Miya-san wanted what was best for her until the very end, even when she was charred black and dying, and Hinata left her. Just like she left-

"Hinata." The calm, cold voice of Porlyusica cut through her spiral, "Relax, and calm yourself." Hinata stopped shaking, her cheeks burned with embarrassment.

Why is she acting this way? She's in front of a stranger who she's trying to extract information from! This is not the time to be acting childish!

"My apologies for being so rude, Porlyusica-san. I will not interrupt you again." Hinata would have bowed if she could, she shouldn't be getting lost in her thoughts in a situation like this.

"Think… Think nothing of it Child." The woman's voice wavered slightly. "There's nothing to be sorry for." Hinata didn't quite agree on that but to each their own. "I can't promise you anything, but will likely only tell one other of your situation. However, he is a good man. Trustworthy. Your situation will stay between us."

That certainly sounded… honest. She didn't give a definite yes or no, but that made Hinata feel a bit better in all honesty. A definite yes would have been suspicious.

"That is acceptable. Thank you for humoring me-" Hinata was cut off by a coughing fit.

"Not a problem, Girl." Porlyusica waved the thanks away. "Now, we need to talk of what you'll be facing now, as well as some much-needed explanation I suspect."

She took a deep breath, "You, Hinata, are only alive because you were brought specifically to me. Yes, I treated your injuries to the best of my abilities but quite a few doctors could do that. The difference between me and them is that I recognized the signs of severe ethernano poisoning. Of which most medical professionals wouldn't consider, certainly not to the extent that you have it. Even fewer would have known the steps to treat it.

She chuckled a little, "Why, I could hardly believe it myself, a person lacking any resistance to ethernano whatsoever? To the point that the air itself, causes sores to break out on your skin? Or medical herbs causing the wounds to fester and inflammation to spread to the surrounding areas. It's unheard of.

I'm not telling you this to stroke my own ego -although it is nice- but to drive into you how rare this is. The only reason I could treat you in the first place was because I have experience with ethernano overexposure myself and have the materials necessary for negating it entirely. Or… almost entirely. You said you feel a slight burn whenever you drink the water?"

Hinata nodded as best she could, not daring to speak.

"Fascinating. Of course, this is all a lead-up to what you will be facing in the future. The extent of your injuries, combined with the over-exposure and general lack of any sort of resistance mean complications for your health going forward."

Hinata nodded, it isn't surprising in the grand scheme of things.

"What exactly those complications will be? Only time will tell. My best guess is a general increase in susceptibility to illnesses, and of course, a weak body overall. That, and you will definitely have breathing issues due to the prolonged damage to your lungs, you will need to avoid stressing your heart for a while as well. I don't know what you were up to but it's a miracle it didn't give out on you already. Some of your organs were damaged as well but with your susceptibility to ethernano poisoning I do not know how well they will heal, other than very slowly, if at all.

Your bones should heal fine. However…" she paused, "I'm afraid your eyes are damaged beyond repair. You popped a few vessels in your right eye as well, I don't know how you were able to strain them that much."

Hinata's hand shakily rose to touch the bandages covering her eyes, her prized possessions. Worth much more than even her life. "My eyes will heal." She whispered, "I know this. Is there any way I can take the material keeping the pois- ethernano away with me?"

"I'm afraid not," the woman yawned, "To develop medicine that will work for you, I need an environment with as little ethernano as possible. And these are hard to get. Not that it matters much, I suspect you won't be able to leave here for a long while. Ethernano flows through everything and everyone after all. Granted, you might be able to develop some resistance but that would take years."

Hinata shook her head mutely, "I have a… way around it. To dampen the effects. It's how I was able to survive in the forest. I should be fine in a few days. I won't take advantage of your hospitality."

"Ha!" the woman barked out laughter, "You think this-" Hinata had a vague feeling that she gestured to her whole body, "-Will be okay in days?" she chuckled, "Children. This isn't some scraped knee you know. Sure, your wounds have mostly scarred over by now, but internally? Your body is going to be recovering for a while yet."

Hinata shook her head again, her stiff neck not appreciating the motion. "I apologize Porlyusica-san, that is not what I meant. I know I will have some healing to do for a time, and it might take my eyes even longer than that. However, I was talking about the method by which I dampened the ethernano's effects on my body. Both internal and external, I might add. I need to meditate, to do a… check-up, of myself. Then I should be okay to leave here."

"Bah, stupid girl. As mature as you seem, you still are a child. Why are you in such a hurry? You won't be able to go very far without medicine, and good luck finding anyone but me even capable of producing any specifically for you. You aren't much of a bother, so just get comfortable and relax. You're going to be here for a while."

Hinata took her time in replying, thinking through what little options she had. The truth of the matter is that if this woman, Porlusica -if that's her actual name- is telling the truth, then Hinata would be extremely lucky. To have a place to rest and recover without the poison affecting her would be an unprecedented boon.

She doesn't trust it.

Since arriving in this world, no, land- or whatever this is. This dream. Hinata has known nothing but fear, pain, and… betrayal. She needs to be more careful, or at least as careful as she's able in her current situation.

Porlyusica-san, may I have a moment to myself? To think things over properly." Hinata asked, ignoring the ache in her throat from all this talking.

The chair scraped across the ground as Porlyusica stood, "I suppose I have business to see to now that you're up, when I return I'll probably have someone with me. The man I was talking about," Without another word, she walked away. The door shut behind her.

Hinata slumped in relief, that woman was rather frightening. Now, without a stranger hovering over her, she can think.

"This feels familiar." She chuckled to herself.

'Pathetic, Hinata.' Her father's voice whispered in her ear. She ignored it.

"Okay!" she would've slapped her cheeks if she could, no use in dwelling on what she can't control.

First, she needs to take stock of her situation. She is injured to the point she can't move, again. She is blind, again. Reliant on another's goodwill, again. Not to mention, the crazy woman who's been keeping her alive for months is saying she's in another world, and she's reliant on that crazy.

"I'm screwed," Hinata groaned.

Slowing her breathing, she focused inward. Her chakra was flowing normally as far she could tell. Sadly, she doesn't know a thing about medical ninjutsu, so she can't diagnose herself further.

Well, she found one issue.

"I… am extremely hungry."

-0-0-0-0—0-0-

"I promised to tell Erza when she woke up," Makarov grumbled, falling into step next to her.

"Yes, I am aware. You'll be putting that off though. You need to speak to her yourself." Porlyusica left no room for argument.

"Yeah, yeah." Makarov brushed aside her stiff response, "So, you've spoken with her, what's she like?"

"She's well-mannered," Porlyusica said carefully, "But she strikes me as the foolish type. Cautious as well. You know, I'm fairly sure she still hasn't come to terms with her being in another world. Even after everything she's no doubt been through, she's still skeptical of the whole thing." She made sure to step over the root that's plagued her at night for years.

"You can't blame her there," Makarov hopped over that same root, "I remember you had trouble admitting it yourself back in the day."

She scoffed, "Yes, but I didn't go through a massacre. She's already indirectly admitted to knowing how ethernano affects her as well. Or, in her words, 'the poison'. Say's she's found some way to ward it off, though she could have just been talking out of her ass."

"Oh? You really believe that?"

Porlyusica sighed, "No, I don't see how she'd have survived if that weren't the case. She's so sensitive to ethernano that she can feel it even within the sealing stones. Heh, you know apparently before the village, she survived the forest as well?"

Makarov's eyebrows shot up, "Apparently?"

She waved him off, "Just a passing comment she made, it's the main reason I don't think she's full of it. Lots of small comments here and there."

Makarov grunted, "I see."

Porlyusica slowed when they saw the small clearing her treehouse was in, "Makarov, she's a tough kid but whatever she saw… it left its mark."

"I'd be more concerned if it hadn't in all honesty."

"She had three near panic attacks alone in the small conversation we had," She took a shaky breath, "The dumb kid didn't bat an eye at any of them, just apologized for being rude."

Makarov scratched at his cheek, "Again, can you blame her? Can't imagine what she went through. In her mind, she probably isn't out of danger yet. She only just woke after all."

"Right… Well, I've done my job. Now you do yours. The faster you get out of here, the faster she can get back to resting, and the faster she recovers. And for the love of god, don't act a fool. She seems the formal type. Intelligent. After introducing you, I'll go and prepare food for her. Now that I know she can take it, I won't have to go through that awful process of trying to filter out ethernano anymore. Freaking impossible…" She grumbled up until she opened the door for him.

Even if Makarov didn't know about the stones now lining the hut's walls he'd be able to feel them. The disconcerting way his magic suddenly cut off once he stepped through the door will always be noticeable.

Despite not knowing the child at all, he couldn't help the sense of relief at seeing her awake. The girl was sitting up, he could see fingers and other body parts twitching, and she was breathing deeply. How peculiar.

"Hinata. This old geezer is Makarov. Old Geezer, this is Hinata. I'm going to get you some food, bye." Abruptly, Porlyusica left before anyone could get a word in.

Not a beat of silence passed, "Welp, it's nice to see you awake, young lady. I must say you gave us all quite a scare. As you just heard, I'm Makarov. Makarov Dreyer. Nice to meet you."

"H-Hello," the girl's hands clenched before she visibly steeled herself, "Hello, my name is Hinata it's nice to meet you as well." Hmm, Porlyusica didn't say anything about her being a timid thing. She has an accent he can't quite place too.

"Mind if I ask what you were doing just now? With the twitching?" He asked, curious.

She tried shaking her head but ended up stretching her neck to loosen it up. "Not at all," her tone was clinical now. Almost cold. "It appears I have not moved in a very long time. I am just easing my way into moving properly." She tensed ever so slightly.

Oh? What a peculiar reaction. She might be fishing.

He nodded, "Very wise. I've known several grown adults in your situation who just throw themselves off the bed. They all end up floundering like a fish until someone can help them back to bed," that he was one of those adults remains unsaid, "Slow and steady are the best ways to go."

"Yes," her tone didn't change at all, "I agree."

Porlyusica wasn't kidding, this kid is pretty reserved.

He grinned, "So kid, whatcha want to know?" Reserved or not, she's still just a kid.

"Excuse me?" she tilted her head, clearly thrown off.

"About this strange place you're in? About me? Anything you want to know?"

She opened her mouth to reply but paused and considered, "Why should I b-believe anything you say?" She quickly waved her hands, "I am sorry, I did not mean to insinuate that you are a liar! It's just, um…"

Makarov's smile grew. Yep, under the prim persona, she's still just a kid.

He laughed, causing her to quiet instantly. "Think nothing of it Hinata!" he jovially said, "As for why you should believe me?" You shouldn't!"

Hinata tilted her head, "I shouldn't?"

"Hell no! I'm a stranger after all. Who in their right mind would believe someone they just met? That'd be crazy."

Hinata seemed thoroughly flummoxed, "I… see?"

"But," Makarov quieted down, "Even if I'm not telling the truth, what's the harm in just listening to an old man's rambling? Not like you have anything better to do, right?"

"I… suppose." Hinata obviously disagreed but didn't have it in her to refuse. Also, the tone was back.

"Great! Now, I'll just tell you a little about this new world you're in." Makarov heard her breath hitch, "You are currently on the outskirts of Magnolia Town, which in turn is in the kingdom of Fiore. This world is called Earth Land."

Hinata's only reaction was to just bite her lip.

"I'm assuming you've witnessed magic?" At her nod, Makarov continued. "Well, this land is filled with magic. It can be found in every home or bought and sold in every marketplace. For most magic is just a tool, a mundane part of everyday life. Despite this, make no mistake that magic is wondrous and awe-inspiring."

As he went on, his voice grew wistful. He couldn't help it, he so rarely got a chance to introduce anyone to magic in its entirety, "For some, however, it's an art. A practice they devote their lives to. These people, myself included, are called wizards. Wizards often band together, for better or worse, forming magical guilds. I am the master of one such guild, Fairy Tail," he waited a moment for that to sink in, "Not to brag, but Fairy Tail is pretty darn cool if I do say so myself. You with me so far?"

She didn't move a muscle for a moment, only opening her mouth and closing it a few times, "I… heard that a town is larger than a village. Is this true?"

Makarov blinked, that's what she took out from his grand speech? He must be losing his touch. "Yep." He said simply.

"How-" she coughed, which prompted him to fill the glass of water on the table, "How much larger, exactly?" she asked after gulping down the water.

"Hmm," Makarov thought about it, "I've never been too good with these sorts of things. But a village is usually pretty small, I know that. If it helps, Magnolia is considered a small town with a population of around sixty thousand or so." This is more of a question for little Levy. She already has a whole library's worth of smarts crammed in that head of hers.

The girl froze, no response. "Hinata?" he tried.

"How do you expect me to believe that…" she whispered. Her whole demeanor shifted, that fragile mask of hers shattering, "No village- town, or anything could sustain that many people. That's impossible. How would that many even fit in one place?"

Out of everything he's said, it's surprising that that's what she's latched onto. Or… Maybe it shouldn't be. He knows nothing of where she comes from after all, "I don't know what to tell you, Hinata."

Her hands slowly came up to her head and squeezed, "I was right. You're crazy, you're all crazy. Not real. I got captured by an enemy again. Kami, I'm so useless. Stuck in a genjutsu, tortured for information, for my eyes. I'll be nothing more than breeding stock. It's obvious now."

Makarov watched wide-eyed as the girl spiraled, stunned by what he was hearing. What was her world like to warrant such a reaction? However, in his surprise he kept a tightly wound bundle of rage.

This is a child.

"Hinata."

She didn't answer, pulling at her hair, digging her nails into her scalp, dragging them across her skin, she just muttered, "Release, release." over and over again.

He couldn't let this continue, "Hinata!" He said firmly while grabbing one of her arms.

She stilled, tensing to a degree someone in her condition shouldn't be capable of.

"Listen to my voice. You are safe. I know not where you've come from, or what the customs of your home are, but as long as you are under my care, I promise you will not be harmed."

Shivering, the girl whispered, "I've gone mad, w-why? WHY WOULD I BELIEVE YOU?" She ended up giving herself a coughing fit.

Keeping a firm but gentle grip, he twisted the girl's hand so that her fingers were on his wrist, his pulse.

He smiled; it was more for himself than for her, "Didn't I tell you? You'd have to be crazy to believe someone you just met." He kept her fingers firmly on his wrist, "And you just admitted it yourself right? So, please believe me when I say this. You are safe now, you are out of danger. However, I have not lied to you. I am as real as you are, and the same goes for this land. You know it. You've experienced it. This is reality."

With that, the girl slumped. All fight had left her. "I k-killed so much…." She hiccupped. "I had to do it, I had to s-survive." She sniffed, the bandages around her eyes concealing whether tears were falling down her face or not.

She tried to bring herself up, "I-I knew it y-you k-know? I j-just wanted to p-pretend a little longer. I-I'm s-sorry I'm so weak. O-Oh kami, I'm h-horrible." With a few more breaths, she sat up straighter, her fingers never leaving his pulse. "I-I," she swallowed, "It all h-happened, I d-don't know- W-what do I do?"

Makarov didn't hesitate, "Join Fairy Tail."

She stopped her rambling, "W-what?" she sniffed.

"Join my guild. Fairy Tail. You don't have to, of course. But… you will be welcomed. You will have a home, comrades in us. And trust me when I say, we protect our own. You will be cherished as a beloved guildmate. There is a place for you, Hinata."

Hinata coughed once, "I-I don't understand. I have n-nothing to offer. I am w-weak. Unfit for my n-name. A c-coward. W-why w-would y-you want me?"

Makarov laughed, "Why? Tell me something. Do fairies have tails?"

Hinata shook her head, "I do n-not know w-what a fairy is, least of all if t-they have t-tails or n-not."

Makarov's smile grew, "Neither do I! Would you like to find out?"

A beat of silence passed, "W-what?" she croaked.

"Would you like to find out, together? This world, while scary and terrible at times, is full of wonder and life. You're eager to get out of that bed, eager to stand and survive. So why not do a bit more and live? Live with friends, have an adventure or two, have fun?"

Hinata seemed to shrink in more on herself, "I-I do not k-know if I would b-be the best suited to w-what you're asking. I d-do not know where to b-begin…"

"It's quite simple, Hinata." Makarov filled her glass half-full so she wouldn't spill any, "Ask yourself the question…"

He pushed the glass of water in her hands.

"Do fairies have tails?"

It took a moment to sink in but for the first time that day, he saw the girl's lips twitch upward, "T-that s-seems like a p-pointless question."

He chuckled, "Is it now?"

She nodded, "Do fairies h-have tails? T-the question serves n-no purpose. It proposes no great debate. I-It sounds like s-something a child would think up," Her body slumped down the mattress, "I have n-never wondered such a t-thing before…"

Makarov could only grin.

She took a deep breath, then straightened up again. "T-tell me, do you know of a way to travel through worlds? For me to get back home?"

He shook his head, "I'm sorry but no," her mouth twitched downward but before she could say anything he continued, "However, I do know that this world is vast and magic can do great things. So much has been lost or just hasn't been discovered. If there is a way to get back to your home -and I don't see why there wouldn't be- it's out there." Not that he could think of a reason why she'd want to, but who was he to tell her otherwise?

"I-I see," she sounded as if she expected the answer, "I m-must warn you, I a-am a coward."

"Not a problem." Makarov waved her off.

"I w-will prioritize my s-survival first and foremost." She tried again.

"That's fine."

"I am v-very weak." She admitted in a whisper.

"Doesn't matter." And while what he says is true, that her strength doesn't matter. He has his doubts about her claim.

She slumped again, "Alright then."

And with that, they didn't say another word until Porlyusica came back with her food. A nice, filling broth. He wasn't going to ask her about Canta Village at this time, the girl must have been famished because she scarfed it down even with impeccable use of manners.

Funnily enough, she had a bit of hesitation with the spoon.

Throughout it all, though, even through her frantic meal she kept his wrist in her hand.

Right on his pulse.

Truly, she's just another child.

Porlyusica and Makarov left. The former said how she'd be close by if she needed anything, and the latter had to go back to the guild.

She was relieved. In hindsight, it was embarrassing to know she had just acted in such a way.

Now she wouldn't just think but reflect. Something she knew she wasn't doing on purpose, just another example of her cowardice. But she must face it now.

So, she's in another world.

Quite a bit farther away than she expected, it doesn't change much, overall. It might be a bit more difficult getting back to Hanabi but she would manage it all the same. Her goal hasn't changed.

She sat up, lifting her legs over the edge of the bed so that they were dangling. She pulled the bandages from over her eyes. She still couldn't see at all, but she only felt relief when the air brushed over the area.

"That happened." She finally admitted to herself, the memories washing over her. "That happened and I want to pretend like it didn't. Like they didn't exist. I'm only alive because of them."

I'm horrible.

"But I survived."

She grinned, and stood on wobbly legs, "I survived." She could feel the heat, smell the blood and smoke, and the screams…

A giggle escaped her lips, and before long she laughed. It was a slow-acting thing, building in volume and deliriousness as it went on. She didn't care when fat tears started to run down her face, she didn't notice when her laughter gradually broke down into ugly sobbing.

"I'm alive, right? So it was all worth it! It had to be worth it!" She giggled out, fingers gripping her scalp and tangling in her hair. "I survived, so it had to be… right?" Her sightless eyes stared at nothing as her arms flopped down, lifeless.

'Of course, it was, Onee-chan. It was all to get back to me. If you don't survive, I'll be all alone." She heard a voice titter.

More tears fell down her face, "You're not real."

She felt two arms wrap around her neck. The screams faded but the rest of the sensations grew stronger. 'Maybe, maybe not. Who's to say any of this is real? You don't truly know yourself, right?"

"N-no, I felt his pulse. Miya-san and her family were real. C-Clay, Alice, and Annie w-were real." The screams grew louder.

'I'm not saying they aren't, Onee-chan. They're as real as me, after all.' It whispered into her ear.

"W-why are you here?" Hinata finally asked.

The voice giggled, "To make sure you survive of course! Where would you be without me? Pushing you to do better. We both know it was never Father you worked so hard for.'

Hinata shook her head.

'That's right, without me you'd be dead or worse, a failure. Those people who died… they were too weak. You know this. So what do they matter if they're dead? One of them even betrayed you. You could have gotten away if not for him, you wouldn't have had to go through so much pain.'

Hinata cried.

'Shhh, it's okay. I would never betray you. I will remain strong. I love you, Onee-chan. We're sisters. We look out for each other.'

Hinata nodded, teary-eyed. She couldn't feel the heat anymore, and the smell faded away.

'You big crybaby, just let me take care of everything for now. Okay?'

"Okay."

'Ah ah, ah, say my name please.'

"Okay… Hanabi-chan."

'We're going to have so much fun together, Hinata. Just wait and see.'

With that Hanabi's voice faded, and with it, the screams finally stopped as well. She couldn't feel any arms wrapped around her neck anymore.

Hinata's legs gave out. On the ground, she barely managed to hold down her panic. Hearing voices wasn't a good sign, was it?

She rolled to her back. Everything is poison, she's joined an unknown entity of a guild, and now she's hearing voices. A voice that horrified her to her core, but made everything else… stop.

"This world sucks."

As unsettling as that was, it again, didn't change much. Although Hinata realized, she's in a different world.

She doesn't have any of her scrolls.

She thumped her head against the ground. She needs to write what she remembers down, now. Before she forgets anymore than she already has.

But she can't write right now, obviously.

She sighed in defeat and started reciting, "Chakra is the combination of physical and spiritual energy, or yang and yin."

She'll have to start from the beginning.

AN: Yeah, Hinata's having a hard time. But hey, she's going to be with the guild at least right? Where do y'all think her Fairy Tail mark should be? What color?

Sorry for not getting this out sooner, I kept trying to write this and it just wasn't happening. There's some heavy shit here and surprisingly Makarov was super difficult to figure out with how him and Hinata would interact. I'd started and restarted sooo many times (Only like 4 technically) and then while I could have moved onto another story of mine, I just couldn't. Felt like I had to get over it ya know? To enjoy myself again.

So yeah, them are my excuses for dipping for a bit.

As always, thanks to RedKing96