Together Again

Start of a New Beginning Chapter Four

Katsumi stretched and swung her legs over the edge of her bed and sighed. She wasn't too sure if she was ready for the next step in her life after the trial. There was so many questions running through her mind, that she felt like she was starting to get a headache. With a slight growl, Katsumi jumped up and grabbed her clothes she would wear for the trial, and headed for the showers. Perhaps a nice soak under a curtain of hot water would do her a world of good. When she existed the shower room, she did feel somewhat better; but not by much. The young woman had handled most situations in her life with complete ease; but this new start in her life was making her nervous and she didn't like it. Seeing Lahar across the room, standing in front of her cell, seemed to calm her down a bit.

"Katsumi, I'm guess that you're nervous about your stay with your sister. I know Erza can be rather scary at times, but I think she's a calm and gentle person underneath that tough exterior. This is a good chance for the two of you to get to know each other now." Lahar stated as he tried to reassure the young woman.

"I understand that Lahar, but I'm not so sure about the future; it's a complete change for me. And I definitely don't care for her choice of friends; like Natsu Dragneel. I don't like him; he's too loud." Katsumi stated, giving him a rare and slight smile.

"Understood, and yes Natsu is loud and a handful most times; but he is a good friend to his comrades in Fairy Tail. Now if you're ready, let's had down down to the cafeteria for breakfast. My treat." Lahar replied, starting to lead the way.

Meanwhile at the guild, Erza had just finished her piece of strawberry cake. She fiddled with her fork for a moment until Mira came over to take her plate away. She could see the nervousness in her red haired friend's eyes.

"You nervous about finally being with Katsumi again Erza?" Mira asked, sitting down since her break was starting in a moment anyways.

"Yes I am. I don't know where to start in getting to know Katsumi? Mira, I don't know anything about her." Erza answered, feeling rather frustrated.

"I know it's frustrating for you Erza, but think about our little visit with her the other day. Even though she acted cold and distant, I think there's a loving and smart girl underneath her attitude. Just take your time and get to know her. I'll go with you to the courthouse, if it would help you feel better." Mira replied as she stood up and grabbed Erza's empty plate.

"I would like that very much. Katsumi's trial is at 1:00." Erza replied just as the guild doors opened to a guard standing in the doorway, looking around for someone. When he saw who he was looking for, he strode over to Erza gave a quick bow.

"Miss Scarlet, Captain Lahar has asked me to deliver this letter to you. All he told me was that it was information about your sister. Things you might like to know." the young soldier replied bowing.

"Thank you. Tell captain Lahar I appreciate this." Erza responded with a gentle smile.

"I will. Have a good day miss Scarlet." the young man replied and bowed again before turning to leave.

Erza quickly opened the letter, holding it out a bit so Mira could (who had quickly returned) read it along with her. It read:

"Miss Scarlet: As you probably know, I have been interacting with your sister over the last two and a half days. I thought you might like to know what I observed Katsumi to be like, so you know what to deal with. As you have seen for yourself, she appears cold and uncaring; I would think from the environment she grew up in. If she's set her mind to do something—like training the cadets; she's very serious about it. And they had better pay attention. She seems to be a serious, a bit playful/mischievous person. And, as she has told me, she definitely does not like Natsu; he's too loud.