The Pirate and the Princess

Chapter 8

Gray casually walked to the training ground, passing the main hall. Keeping his senses open for anyone willing to challenge him to a fight  - mainly Nastu. Nastu was always the one who would present himself out of no where just for a fight. With his sword at his side, he went into the open field. Quiet at first, he took in a deep breath. Everyone is probably welcoming the newcomer, Gray thought to himself. Not noticing anyone at first he walked deeper into the grounds. He stood in front of his first opponent, however the feeling of another presents was bothering him too much to continue. Glancing to his right, he saw Erza sitting on a log with her head in her hands. It was a strange sight to see, one of the most feared woman, sitting as if she were pondering something big. Gray gripped his sword, tightening his grip on the handle, debating whether he would start training or see what was on the scarlet's mind. Moments later, he sighed, releasing his hand from the handle to his sword. He began making his way over to Erza.

Erza heard footsteps coming in her direction, lifting her head to see none other than Gray. At this point she knew he had already detected that something was troubling her, no use to deny her facial expressions. Her eyes followed him as he walked closer. He motioned if it was alright to sit next to her, she shook her head indicating it was indeed alright to sit there.

At first the atmosphere was quite awkward. Both didn't want to start the conversation but they wanted to see what the other one had to say. They watched in silence as the fire on the torches around the training ground burned. The torches where never hand lit, they ignited themselves whenever there was a presents on the grounds, if the spot was familiar with the person. The training ground was large filled with many sword practice dummies. Many of which would fight back. The island was not like any other island. Also, there was a vacant spot for one-on-one fighting experience. Anyone who wanted to challenge another in physical combat faced one another in the vacant spot. 

Listening to the animals that inhabited the islands songs. Many animals such as: panthers, birds, frogs, etc., inhabited the island. Each guild member knew these animals where not hostile towards the people. In fact they were very friendly. Erza was the first to notice a mother panther crossing the training ground with her young cub. So small, cute and fuzzy. The cub could not have been more than 3 months old. Still following his mother everywhere she went. Gray soon noticed what Erza was staring at and drew his attention to the panthers. 

"That's amazing." Gray was the first one to break the ice between the two. "I find it kind of funny how the little guy is following her like that." Gray watched the cub swipe at his mothers back legs, trying to get a reaction from her. Soon enough both panthers were lost in the forest. 

"Are you going to tell me what's bothering you, or am I going to have to force it out of you." Gray jokingly teased. He wanted to know what was on her mind. She was his friend after all. Although he was now treading dangerous waters, he was still determined to find out the source of her troubles. 

Erza huffed in amusement, "You couldn't force it out of me even if you tried." 

Gray leaned back on the tree that stood proudly behind them. Thinking to himself, she was probably right, but that wasn't the immediate issue at hand. "Yeah, your probably right." he starts. "But, on the other hand, there are other ways of getting information without brute strength. Seriously, I am your friend and I would like to know what is bothering you."

Erza was contemplating if she should tell him or not. She was not the one to openly express herself to other people - in fact not many of the pirates that where on the island where open to sharing their feelings. Gray did know what her situation was with him, back when they were kids. Erza and Gray knew each other before they both joined the crew. Back when they were still young, the crew couldn't take them on the ship because of the danger they faced in the open waters.