Phoenix

The Lightning Man

Emi woke up and found herself on the floor of an unknown shop. She looked around before spotting a pile of ash in front of her. She looked at it curiously before shrugging it off and pulling herself up.

"I must've fainted," Emi concluded. "It would explain why I feel so horrible."

She quickly exited the shop before scanning the street in front of her, taking in all the shops and people.

"Where...am I?'

She poked a woman on the shoulder to gain her attention.

"Excuse me, but where are we?"

"Why, we're in Hargeon dear. Are you lost?"

"I...think so. I'm not really sure how I got here," Emi admitted before giggling. "I guess I just spaced out. Probably because I feel like shit."

"I can take you to the town doctor if you wish."

"Oh," Emi said as she thought for a second. "That would actually be very helpful. Thank you!"

The woman had guided Emi to the doctor and waved her goodbyes before disappearing in the crowds. Emi silently went into the building and saw the doctor. He examined her and ran some tests before concluding that she must be fighting off an illness.

"I can give you something for it and send it over to the delivery service to give to you in a couple days. What's your name and where do you live?"

Emi went to speak, but she couldn't find any words. She then realized that she didn't know the answers to either of the questions, which caused her to panic.

"Miss, are you alright?"

"I'm very sorry, doctor, but I can't seem to remember."

---------------------------------------------------

"Who...am I? How do I not know my name? Where am I going to sleep if I can't remember where I live?"

Emi had aimlessly wandered around Hargeon before deciding to check in at an inn. She entered her assigned room and looked out the window.

"Have I always been here? Where is my family? I hope they aren't too worried about me."

Emi sighed before crawling into bed and drifting off to sleep.

---------------------------------------------------

It had been a year since that day, and Emi had not recovered her memories. She would continue to wander around Hargeon as she tried to remember. In the span of the year, Emi had only remembered a few things - she loved frogs and flowers and apples, she enjoyed reading, and her name was Emi. She was walking back from her trip to the food market, reading her book on fairy tales that she had since the time she had woken up a year ago. She made it to the edge of town where she was staying when she was surrounded by a group of men.

"Give us all your belongings and money, and we'll let you live."

Emi frantically looked at all the men before telling them that she had no money. They said that her books and food would be accepted as payment. They reached for her, and she started shaking.

"Please...don't. This is all I have."

"Hey boss, look at that. She ain't even a wizard. This should be a piece of cake."

Emi continued to back away from the group when she was surrounded. Tears started to form in her eyes as she begged for them to leave her alone. They had begun to close in on her, so she hugged her book tightly to her chest. Suddenly, a huge bolt of lightning had struck in the middle of the circle before a tall figure stood in front of Emi.

"Now I know you aren't seriously terrorizing a young girl like that, are you?"

"Boss, this guy's magic power is unbelievable," one of the men warned.

The boss had looked at the tall figure with wide eyes before screaming at the men to retreat.

"That's...that's Laxus Dreyar! That guy from Fairy Tail."

The group had quickly retreated, leaving Emi and the wizard standing in the middle of the street. Emi sniffled, causing the man to turn around. He looked down at her before his nose twitched slightly, picking up on the distinct scent she gave off. He looked past Emi and looked towards the town.

"Are you traveling with someone? Shouldn't they be stopping freaks like that from hurting you?"

Emi looked at the man in awe before stuttering, "I'm not traveling with anyone. I was just on my way back to the inn."

Laxus looked at her quizzically. He studied her features before turning to walk away.

"Wait!"

Laxus stopped and looked over his shoulder and grunted, "What?"

Laxus felt small arms wrap around his stomach, causing him to flinch. He turned around.

"What do you think you're doing, brat?"

"I need to thank you for helping me. Please let me help you."

"I don't need help with anything. Now let go."

It was Emi's turn to look at him as she tried to figure out what he was saying.

"What do you mean? You look like you're lost."

"I think you're the only one that's lost."

"Not like that," Emi giggled. "You're trying to find a purpose, right? I can tell that you've recently lost something important to you. If you want, I can he--"

"I don't need anyone's help. Got it?"

Emi crossed her arms before replying, "But you do. I can see it. I may not remember anything and I may not be strong, but I can still help you. So will you please let me help you as repayment for helping me?"

Laxus took one last glance at her before walking down the street. Emi's smile faltered as her eyes drifted to the ground, full of disappointment.

"Are you coming or not? I'm not waiting here all day."

Emi's eyes focused on the tall wizard before she beamed and jogged to catch up to him.

"My name is Emi. It's nice to meet you!"