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Three Years Since Tenrou Disappearance
"Let this be a reminder to every single one of you scum, that you're beneath us." Teebo said before marching out of the hall.
It had been almost a year of since they started living in their new guild with the Ogres as their landlords and to say they were miserable was an understatement.
It really effected Romeo, who had literally been born into their old guild hall. They all were extremely disappointed and beyond furious, but what could they do? In the end, they were pretty much helpless.
Today was a lucky day. No one was hurt and they did minor damage. Only two broken tables and a few chairs.
Romeo sighed before turning to look out the window. At least Maki would be home soon...
~~~
A few towns over a girl way beneath average height for her age carried an over sized bag of jewels. Come to think of it, everyone probably thought she was insane. She continued to grunt with the bag, not caring for the stares
"You know, we did offer to help you a few times." Sting teased.
"Shut up." She snapped.
"I'm still offering to help you, since you still need to carry that back to your guild once you're off the train." Stop offered again.
"Like I said two minutes ago, I'm fine. You and Rogue go home before Jiemma chews your ears off for taking to long with 'fairy scum'." Maki replied making air quotations on the last part.
"Okay then, see you soon." Rogue said.
"Bye bye Maki!" Frosch called out from Rogues shoulder.
She giggled at this. "Bye bye Frosch. I'll see you guys around." Maki waved back.
As soon as the boys were out of her sight her smile slowly faded, as she made her way to her seats on the train.
Sitting on the train was something she liked actually. Opposite of how dragon slayers feel, Maki loves transportation. It gives her chance to clear her mind and plan things out.
Today was one of those days that her mind was just too fogged. The fifteen-year-old glanced out the window, recalling this day three years ago.
She was still with everyone, it was only a few days before the trial. She wishes more than anything to be able to go back in time and at least warn herself. She knows she couldn't have done anything then. Hell, even now she's not strong enough to do anything that would make a difference.
But it would still help cushion the blow. Three years ago her heart shattered, but she never managed to fully heal it. There'll just always be a missing piece for each member she lost.
She was for once, somewhat happy to go home. If she was being honest, she'd been avoiding the new guild hall since they moved. She hates it. Does she tell them that? Absolutely not. But Romeo knows. They two of them make jokes about that rundown shithole all the time. (No, Maki does not use that word with Romeo, for the purpose of Macao not finding out about it).
~~~
Finally the train arrived at her station, and the brunette scooped up her large bag and set it on her back, making her way out of the train.
"Ah young lady? aren't you a bit... young to have that much money on you like that?" The train helper asked as she made her way down the steps.
"Me? Sorry but I'm fifteen, I'll be ok thank you." Maki smiled.
"Oh I'm so sorry! Aren't you adorable! Fifteen? I wouldn't think you were a day over eleven." The lady gushed.
A small tick mark formed on Maki's forehead but to avoid making a scene she simply thanked the lady and headed to her guild.
It had been about a week and a half since she was last home, a much shorter job. Since she had no free hands, she kicked the door open and shuffled inside.
"Hi. I'm back." Maki said while grunting.
*THUD*
The plopped the bag of jewel down on the ground. And looked up at her remaining guild mates, which were very few people at this point.
"Maki." Macao smiled. "Welcome back."
"Hi Maki." Romeo called out from the seat by the window.
"Hey Romeo." She could tell he was in a downcast mood today. The whole guild was. The anniversary was approaching, and it was always a hard time of the year.
"So did you do anything fun while you were out?" Romeo asked.
"I don't recall ever doing anything 'fun' while I'm on a job, unfortunately." Maki sighed, "The guilds income is far more important."
"Well, it's a little boring without you here." Romeo huffed. "The only person close to my age is Asuka, and she's only just figured out my name."
"I'm sorry Romeo. Once you're officially made a member, I promise I'm taking you on your first job." Maki reassured the boy. Feeling his mood lift, she made her way to Bisca, Alzack and their newest addition, Asuka.
"Hey guys, hello Asuka." Maki smiled.
"Hi Maki, what have you been up to?" Bisca asked smiling at the girl. She can tell the girl is exhausted and needed rest, yet she still replied with,
"Fine, just a bit tired. I may take a nap." She said yawning at the end.
"Well, don't overwork yourself too much kid. There's only so much you can do, and you can only push yourself so far." Alzack rambled. Turning back towards the girl he noticed her completely passed out with her head on the table.
Both Alzack and his wife smiled at this before continuing to play with Asuka.
~~~
When Maki finally woke up, it was probably around 8, and people were started to pack up for the night.
She stretched her arms out and was going to head outside for a second until-
"Maki."
Turning around she found a nervous looking Macao who was fiddling with the sleeve of his coat.
"Hi Macao. Are you ok?"
"Just fine. I just wanted to speak with you for a second."
She nodded and followed his lead to the steps outside.
"Listen. I'm sure you noticed this but before Natsu and all of them disappeared, Romeo idolized him more than anything. He was his idol, his main influence, his rockstar, you get what I'm saying."
Maki nodded along. Though she'd never confess it out loud, she felt the exact way about Erza. She was kind, badass, strong and had the best sense of family she'd ever seen. She aspired to be like her.
"Well, ever since they left, I'm sure you noticed Romeo has yet to smile, or really show much joy. Can't say you're much different, but he's just a little boy."
She wasn't really offended by that small remark. She probably should've been, but she cared more for Romeo.
"Anyways, I miss seeing the kid smile. And I need someone to be a good influence for him. And you being closest in age to him... I'm not sure just thought maybe you'd be able to help." Macao sighed defeatedly.
Maki grabbed his arm reassuringly. "I'll do my best, Macao."
"Thank you. And Maki?" He said.
She looked up at the man. "Yes?"
"I hear smiles are a contagious, so you should really try too, but a real happy smile, not a soft and sad one." He grinned.
The girl inhaled before giving him a soft yet determined smile.
