FairyTail: Soul Bound

Overwhelmed

"Here you are. Fresh from the kitchen!" Mira said sweetly, placing a plate of food in front of Sam.

Erza thanked Mira before the white haired wizard walked away, returning her attention to the younger boy.

"Go ahead. It's probably been a while since you've had a real meal right?" Erza said softly. Gently pushing the plate in front of him.

Sam hesitantly picked up the fork in front of him in one hand. Using the other to unhook his mask.

He cautiously stabbed one of the small pieces of roasted meat with the utensil. Taking the small bite of food afterward.

Erza's soft smile faltered as she watched Sam begin to shake.

It was sudden, there was no build up nor any fuss. But the young child had begun to cry.

The stress and anxiety of the last few weeks. Combined with the sudden realization of what was happening seemed to be too much for him.

As the glowing purple tears began to fall down his face and he began to shake further. His breathing hitched.

It was silent, Erza was the only one to even notice.

Erza softly wrapped Sam in a hug, feeling him cling to her tightly.

She knew the feeling of being alone all too well. She still remembered to this day what it was like to be brought in to the guild, it was overwhelming for her, being the newcomer.

As unfamiliar as she was with the situation. Erza tightened her grip on the younger boy. Doing her best to comfort him.

"How long were you on your own?" Erza asked in a near whisper. Doing her best to remove her natural authoritative tone from Her voice.

Sam shakily let go of the older woman. Holding up four fingers.

"Four days?"

He shook his head.

"Weeks?"

He did once more.

"Four YEARS?" Erza asked in disbelief, earning a half hearted nod from Sam.

Subconsiously she held Sam tighter, he had been completely alone for the last four years. Even in her past, Erza could say she wasn't alone. She wasn't the only one suffering. She had people to help her stay afloat.

"Well you aren't alone anymore" Erza said softly as she placed a hand on Sam's head, feeling him cling to her once again.

"Fairytail is your home now. They will take care of you"

"I Will take care of you"

"I promise you that" Erza said softly as Sam's hair flickered dully, the glow to each tip of his hairs seeming to fluctuate with his shaken breathing.

"I'm....sorry" Sam said quietly. Sniffling as he did.

"You have nothing to apologize for. You're overwhelmed, understandably so"

"I would be too"

*To Be Continued*