The Side Where No Stars Shine

The Little Town

Erza's POV

As we walked into town, I warned Natsu to be sensible.

He couldn't go around starting fights with anyone he pleased.

We had a job to do, after all.

This trip to town was an in and out mission for food.

I noticed Lior seemed more upbeat after Gray had said a few words to him.

He was actually a big softie at heart.

I noticed a small cafe out of the corner of my eye.

"Come on. We can go get some food there." I say, pointing to the establishment.

We walked in to see it was fairly empty.

In fact, there wasn't a soul in sight.

"Hey, how come there's nobody here?!" Natsu argued.

"Relax, maybe they're in the back." I say.

We walk up to the counter, where I noticed a bell.

I ring it, waiting patiently for an employee to appear.

"This is taking too long!" The fire dragon slayer complained.

I watched as he began spamming the bell.

"Natsu, cut it out! That's rude!" I shout.

"Sheesh, so strict. You're the one who mentioned we're on a timeframe here."

"That gives you no excuse to be rude to the locals."

I hear the pitter-pattering of beads colliding, turning to the noise.

Strings of beads hung from a doorframe leading to the back.

"Oh, hello there. My apologies... we don't get many visitors."

I glance around, trying to find the source of the voice.

"Down here, dearie." A woman tells me.

I look down to see an elderly woman in front of me.

"Welcome. You're travelers, I assume?"

We nod.

"By the looks of it, you've been traveling on foot. Come... you must be hungry."

We follow her to a nice table located beside the window.

"Here is the menu. Take a look, and I'll come back to help you in a moment."

The short, sweet woman walks off, leaving us to look over the items of choice.

When we were all decided, she returned.

"I'm surprised. Many travelers don't find the time to stop here, since it's such a little place." The woman mentions, setting down a cup of water for each of us.

"It's just of little significance to other folks, though I'd like to believe it's a charming place when you get to know it."

I thank her as she sets my cup in front of me.

"Oh, I'm sorry, dearies. It must be most unpleasant to hear me babble on. What can I help you to today?"

Everyone began to order as I thought about what she said.

It was quite a small town, but going as far to say it had no significance was just too much.

It hadn't been long since our arrival, though I'd already grown to like it.

What a shame...

"And for you, girlie? What can I get you today?" She asks me.

I smile at her.

"I'll do your finest strawberry cake, please."

She gives me a sweet look.

"Very well. I'll have all your food out momentarily."

When she brought out the food, I was curious to ask.

"Why is this place so small? With such a nice atmosphere, I was surprised to see so little locals."

"Many are afraid of the dark guilds close by."

Was she referring to Black Rose?

"A few years ago, they formed an alliance as to gain more power, and much of our population fled."

An alliance?

Before I could ask more about it, the lady dismissed to topic as if it was nothing.

"Enjoy your food, dears. It's on the house. Think of it as my thanks for remembering our little town."

Just like that, she walked back off to the back.

We finished our food before getting back onto our journey.

My view of the little town had completely changed by the end.

What a strange place...