Protection {Erlu}

Five

Having left Principal Dreyar's office, Erza's next destination was the math room. She had her arms crossed. She had that same down expression. All those memories still haunted her. She had invisible scars. Her dad. Losing Wendy. School drama. God, it was too much.

Oh, how she wished her little sister were still alive. She meant everything to her. It was like she was stolen from her arms.

Why must these memories come up..

The pain.. I hate it..

Suddenly, she stopped walking when she reached the classroom. Once again, she took a breather to help calm her nerves. She didn't want to make it obvious that she was troubled.

Twisting the knob, the door to the classroom opened. Mr. Macao stopped his lesson when he noticed her arrival.

"Ah, Erza. It's nice of you to join us," he said, giving a welcoming look. "Lucy told me you were coming a little later because you needed to meet Mr. Dreyar in the office."

"That's correct sir," was all that Erza said to him.

"Okay, you can sit. There's an open spot right there," Mr. Macao directed her towards Lucy Heartfilia. The scarlet couldn't help but feel a little hope inside. There was a little spark slowly forming.

She would make her way to the area. She placed her bottom on the chair. With all that out of the way, Mr. Macao continued his teaching.

"I'm going to give you all a worksheet with some problems," he explained. "If you get some wrong, that's fine. Don't stress about it. We're just doing a practice lesson today.

As the adult was passing out the papers, Lucy and Erza began to chat.

"Thanks for letting Mr. Macao know that I would come in late," said the redhead.

"No problem," said Lucy kindly. "It was the least I could do."

Everyone started to work after they received their work. Once class was over, the bell rang and they were all dismissed. Lucy and Erza walked together. They were going to meet up with their friends.

Even though she still felt worried about Minerva and those mean kids, the new people at Fairy Tail High she came by made it better. However, she was so confused about the emotions she felt for Erza Belserion.

What is this feeling? Why do I feel so strange when I'm around her? Most importantly, why does my face become all red?!

Lost in her own thoughts, she hadn't realized she walked past her group of new buddies. Erza stopped in her tracks while she just kept moving.

"Um, Lucy? We've made it," said Erza with a puzzled expression. "Where are you going?"

Lucy's face was as red as a tomato. She felt like hitting herself.

"O-Oh! S-Sorry!" she stammered. She moved to her legs to join her and the group.

The group of friends gave each other bewildered looks. Lucy had been acting weird lately that they couldn't help but wonder for what reason.

Just before they could say anything, two females came strolling over to them.

"Yo!" there was a girl with long, brown hair. She was next to a girl with long white hair. Her bangs were tied up in a sprout-like ponytail.

"Oi, hey, Cana," Gray greeted the brunette.

A cheery white hair dashed over to hug Erza. Erza would wrap her arms around the woman.

"Hello, Erza!" greeted the white hair happily. "It's such a joy to see you again!"

"Hello, Mira," the scarlet gave her a warm smile. "It's great to see you too."

The two girls had a long history with one another. Back in their freshman year, the two would bicker and constantly fight all the time. They'd go at it non-stop. They'd yank and pull at each other's hair.

It had gotten out of hand that they were called to their principal's office. Later on last year during their beginning of their junior year, they matured and called it quits. Now, their little rivalry was over. They were now on good terms with each other and were now friends. They cared for one another.

The female brunette turned to face Lucy. "Hey, aren't you the newbie?"

"O-Oh, y-yes. I am," Lucy shyly responded. She was still in the process of getting to know all the people at her new school.

"Nice to meet ya! I'm Cana!" the brown hair would introduce herself.

The white hair who was embracing the redhead released her grip. "Hello! I'm Mirajane Strauss!"

"N-Nice to meet you.." the blonde said in a low voice. It was her turn to give an introduction. "I'm Lucy.."

"Nice to meet you!" Mirajane said in a kind manner.

"Welcome to our school, Lucy!" said Cana after her. "We know you'll like it here!"

Lucy gave a small grin. Gosh, all these people were so sweet. They were family she never had.

However, it wasn't before long when that smile faded. The day would eventually be over and she'd have to go back to her mansion which meant hell for her.

Dad..

~~~

School had just ended. Lucy was now walking home. Her arms were crossed. She had a tight hold. Her first day of school was over. Oh how she wished she could run back to that building. She'd rather be there with the students rather than at her mansion.

She didn't want to deal with her dad's crap. She just wanted someone to run to. She just wanted to feel loved.

Sadness clouded her gaze as she made eye contact with the ground. Her blonde hair blew with the wind.

I don't want to go back home..

I want to stay with my new friends..

Someone.. help me..

I can't.. take this..

Shortly, she arrived at her destination.

Her breath was shaky. She began to tremble.

She just wanted someone to save her right now from this hell.