45: Grey Rights by Brave69105 (Fairy Tail SI/OC)

Fic type:oc/si

A recently updated fairy tail fic, seems interesting.

I have posted two chapters for this.

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

[NSFW] Grey Rights (Fairy Tail SI/OC)

Link: https://forum.questionablequesting.com/threads/grey-rights-fairy-tail-si-oc.11162/reader

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

Here we go people, another Fairy Tail SI.

Do you know why most anime characters don't have many defining facial features, of course, aside from the eyes, nose and mouth?

It's quite simple if you think about it. Artists don't want to waste time adding the small spots or the dark bags under one's eye for every character in every frame. I get it -- I've had my own experience in drawing, I would just skip all the details if they weren't necessary to the context or character.

Something like that would be a miracle to many people. The thriving beauty business that focuses on the insecurities of people and takes advantage of that only proves it. Commercial breaks on TV have at least one beauty product that caters to these people.

So it would be safe to say that should these people come to life, they would be amongst the more aesthetically pleasing.

With that being said….

"Can someone tell me what happened to my face?!" I cried out. I doubt anybody could hear me. All I know is that I am alone, beside a river in a large forest, with nothing but the clothes on my back. Said clothes being too big to fit my previously larger body.

There were ripples on the surface of the water as I stared in once again. I tried to make out every detail as another ripple appeared. The soft-rounded face, the dark flowing fair, the button nose and the bright blue eyes.

I felt my stomach curl at the sight, It was...different from what I was used to, different from what I wanted.

The ripples in the water picked up stronger and stronger yet the sun excused any thought of rain.

Gone was the fading acne of puberty, the tired eyes, the crooked nose from a fight gone wrong. I wanted something out of place, some insecurity, something that would prove to me that I wasn't some drawing in someone's office.

In the end, I found nothing.

"This makes no sense. Just how does this happen?" I whispered aloud, the taste of salt on my tongue. "Am I crying?"

Sure enough, I was crying. I didn't even notice the soft sounds of my whimpers and the damp spots on the beach I knelt upon. I felt something in my stomach as I stared upon my reflection, hoping that I would see my old, tired and slightly chubby face come back to me.

I inched away from the large body of water, fearing that what I see would change again. I tore my eyes away from the water and towards the horizon.

The beautiful bright blue-green water that people would pay money to see and swim in is all that I could see. Nothing was visible in the distance. No land, no animals and no ships.

In conclusion, I found myself in clothes that are too big for me, a body that is too perfect for me and a beach that looks to perfect for me.

As much as I wanted to, I couldn't let my panic override me, at least more than it already has. Doing so would waste time, time which could be used to find food, shelter and some drinkable water. Once I have those three down, I will be able to dedicate time into figuring out how to deal with this situation.

Right, what would I do first though?

In order of necessity, It would be water, shelter and food. I can only survive 2 to 3 days without water, so that would be first. The shelter comes next 'cause of the lack of clouds in the sky, that would mean that the night could get really cold and I don't want to risk it. Food would be fine for a while since humans can survive about 3 weeks without food.

It's better to focus on what I need first before I crave into my own desires.

However, I doubt that I'll be able to find any fresh drinking water here so with that in mind I headed inland. That's where most of the resources are. I would be more careful in going into the large and encompassing forest behind me but I don't have time to hesitate. I'm most likely not going to get any fish nor am I going to get any food from this desolate beach.

Pulling up the waist of my pants, I grab my belt and pull in hard so the pants can hold on. The legs of the pants are rolled up so I can walk properly. I had to take off my shoes, they were too big for me to use so I had just tied them together and carried it on my shoulders. The shirt was fine, it was only oversized but it still didn't get in the way of anything so I left it as it is.

Many different thoughts were going through my head as I trekked past the tall trees, 'How am I going to get home?' 'How am I going to explain why I look the way I do?' 'Who is going to believe me?'

Those were just some of the questions I was asking myself.

Yet there were no solutions to said questions.

That's a palm tree...a palm tree full of coconuts.

If that's true, then where am I? There's no way that I'm anywhere near home. Palm trees don't grow anywhere near England. More questions keep popping up and I'm no closer to finding answers.

'How am I supposed to get up there?' I thought to myself, staring up towards the fruit of the palm tree.

The thought of throwing something up there crossed my mind but that was immediately thrown away, if I could throw a rock up there and it would be strong enough to make the coconut drop, then they would drop on their own. Maybe I could shimmy up there.

...that could work. Though, It would be tricky too so. I'm not sure if I have the upper body strength to get up there but I could at least try. Wrapping my arms around the stalk of the tree, I pull myself up and wrap my legs around the trunk on the tree.

You see, a big problem with this was that I thought I was big enough to wrap around the tree properly. Surprise surprise, I fell down as I lost the proper grip on the tree. Not that I really expected anything.

Looking at the shoes over my shoulders, I let a soft smirk emerge on my face. I took the shoes off of my shoulder and made sure the lacing was tight enough so it wouldn't break. Unlike those survival experts you would see on TV, I did not know how to make a rope out of vines or leaves or whatever...but I at least knew how to use what I had with me.

I pulled the shoes around the tree and held each one in a separate hand, the lace tightly digging into the tree on the other side. I used the shoes so I could walk up the tree.

Each step getting me closer and closer to my target. As I walked upwards, I had to concentrate on keeping my feet on the tree, one slip and I would fall to the ground. That is not an outcome I planned to end up in.

Slowly but surely, I was able to get myself to the top. It took longer than I expected, mainly because I had underestimated the size of the tree, while the change of my perspective made the tree look bigger than I thought it was, I planned using my old height. Therefore, the sun slowly started to dip from its highpoint as I finally made it up.

Whilst it's all good that I made it up here, there was something else missing in this equation.

"I used both my hands to get up here and my feet are supporting my body…" I stated aloud to myself. "Just how am I supposed to get the fucking fruit?!"

It was also in that moment of anger, Something exploded within me, I felt a new sensation I've never felt before. The feeling of your heart dropping before it suddenly jumps out of your chest, pumping adrenaline at insane speeds around your body. As if a sort of warmth had started to fill within my body.

It was as if I felt weightless. Something within me felt as if I could run for thousands of miles and still have energy bursting, wanting to be released. The world around me started to warp as if my perspective changed. The tree I had perched myself upon grew further and further away as if someone was pulling me away from it.

"Ow…"

Or maybe it was me falling.

I instantly gave up in this activity, I know it seems pathetic but I would rather look for other ways of finding food than wasting my time and losing energy in trying to get this coconut. At least I would have a sort of back should I not find anything else.

I retraced my steps, giving up on that stupid fruit, limping back on the beach. The sun was still in its afternoon stage, I doubt I know what it is accurate but, from the looks of it, it looks like the sun was at around five to six o'clock.

Funnily enough, I started to feel hungry after the exertion. I was going to head back, that's for certain but as of right now, I don't have anything to help me.

-=Grey Rights=-

Why is there a boat here? I don't remember this being here before. Then again, I doubt this is the part of the beach I found myself in. I didn't see any of my tracks around here at all. Everything seems to blur, especially with how little I care right now.

I think the correct term for this mini boat is dingy, there was nothing on it. No food or no clean/drinkable water, in fact, there was no sign of anyone actually using it. It was clear that someone was here, very recently in fact, especially with the footprints.

These aren't shoes, I could easily tell you that. I noticed that they weren't that much smaller than mine. It's kind of weird that there would be someone out there that would without any sort of supplies. There is the fact that they could have taken some but that seems unlikely.

Is this some chance encounter? Who am I going to find?

This makes this all sound like I'm part of some big story. With all that's going on, that might as well be true.

There were some footprints that lead from the boat, my feet weren't that much bigger than them. Seeing as I had nothing else to do and that I got nowhere earlier, I got up and started following the footprints. Hopefully whoever this was could help me get a hold of this situation.

As I followed the footprints of the warm sand, I end up back in the little coven of trees that seemed to wrap all the way around the beach. It's not as big enough to call a forest yet it was still big enough that I couldn't see the end enough, however, I could attribute that to the low amount of light getting through.

The trail that had first led me to the little cluster of trees had vanished, in its place, I could see many different things that would point out the trail. The few sticks that had fallen to the floor after being snapped, the occasional ripped shreds of clothing and the monstrous amounts of eaten berries.

Whoever was in the dingy must have hungry, with the amount of fruit I am finding, the last time they must have eaten was a while. They also seem to be in a hurry with all the clues leading up to them, however, with the lack of ships around here, they didn't look like they were being chased. They must have been starving to rush this quickly.

What's this? A clue, for little old me.

I crouched down to pick a little slither of hair. I was only joking earlier but this only solidified the fact that there was some sort of cosmic play here. There are only a few redheads I remember having hair this red and vibrant from any shows I've seen. Probably more but I can't think of them now.

The one I've narrowed it down to was the only one I've seen the, now obvious, clues for. I may be weeb trash but haven't watched many shows, only getting fully involved with a few of them I like.

The dirty rags that I've seen, the lone dingy and the gluttonous eating only point to one redhead I know yet this could all be just an assumption. As much as it doesn't concern me, I think it's a good use of my time to see if it holds out.

If I'm right, I won't have to deal with all that is cannon and have time to get ready. Better than most people in my situation.

"S-Stay there...and don't move." Someone called out. This is probably the person that I was following, it's got to be.

"Why?" I asked. "I haven't done anything to make you cautious nor have you got any incentive to attack me."

I suddenly find myself falling back again, the itching taking over as it gets stronger and stronger. The feeling becoming harder to push away as I catch myself. Before me, a rusty sword, that had never seen any sort of cleaning or care, was placed before my feet.

I guess they do have the incentive, I didn't think they would have gained this ability get.

I crawl backwards in a stupified state, never taking my eyes off the sword before me. My heart started to pump that same adrenaline again and my mind was running to figure out how to get out of this situation.

"Ok, Ok…" I let out with a heavy breath "...I'll stay here."

It kinda scared me a little that the sword was too fast for me to see, she could have easily lobbed my head off.

"W-Why are you following me?!" She cried out.

I barely caught the sword subtly glowing with every word she gave out as if her words and emotion affecting it. She's a child who was tired, scared, hungry and more importantly HAS AN ARSENAL OF WEAPONRY SHE SHOOTS OUT LIKE A TINY GILGAMESH.

"I was hungry and thought that you would have food…" I stated. "As you can see, I am currently in my own predicament." I trailed off laughing slightly.

I played upon the fact that I seemed to be the same that she was. A lost child, as much as it pains me to say, who's hungry and without direction. Some sort of familiarity could help in this situation, at least calming her down.

"And you thought I would have some?" I could tell that she was less agitated. My guess would be that it worked and she was buying it.

"Eh...You're the only choice I got." Now here's the real kicker. "I mean if you can throw swords like it's nobody's business, I have some ways of getting water and some fruit around here. It beats having these berries that's for sure."

And here she is ladies and gentlemen.

The woman who would strike fear into the hearts of men and women alike, whose reputation would shake the morale of her enemies, the one who would be known as one of the strongest female mages, if not the strongest of her guild.

May I present to you, Little miss Erza Scarlet.

"Show me how we get that water...and I won't hurt you." Erza stated.

She tried to intimidate me, I guess it would work on most people. I mean, an angry child who just threw a sword at you would intimidate most people but I have the secret of knowing her character, she wouldn't hurt someone who was defenceless without reason.

Here I am, giving her the perception of someone scared and in the same situation as her. I doubt she would find any reason to hurt me.

"Ok...sure, just p-point that away from me." I let out, walking back from where I came. I played the role that expected me to be, it wasn't hard to. I guess I still hard that fear within me that I had to dig out.

"Where do we find your fruit?" Erza asked, her eyes never leaving me.

I let her walk behind me as I retraced my steps. It was easy too as I didn't want to get stabbed by anything. To be honest, I doubt she has much control over it. The whole time she's been fumbling with her sword and keeping it with her the whole time.

She isn't able to put it away, maybe even using it for-No, definitely using it as some sort of emotional support. Especially with the way she points her blade towards every sound of this little area.

The few things I know right now are kind of limited. I'm in Fairy Tail, Erza's joining Fairy Tail, Erza going to keep her blade pointed at my back as much as she can and I'm most likely going to join her.

In all honesty, I doubt that I would go on my own. I have no one who's obligated to help me and have nowhere to go. Erza is the only one who can help me, I just need to get onto her good side. If I can get on there, I doubt I would do anything bad enough to leave and would have a powerful ally in this broken world.

"Here it is." I let out, snapping myself out of my planning. This is the tree that I had previously tried to get up. The weight of my shoes reminding me of the failure that I had accomplished today.

"How are we going to get up there?" Erza questioned. I was hoping it didn't come to this.

This only proves my point earlier, she can't control her magic. I wanted to ask earlier before but I don't think she would tell me.

"Can't you throw your sword up there?" I asked anyway.

"It's…" She was hesitant but at least she was somewhat willing to tell me. "...magic and I...can't control it."

"Magic huh…" I made it seem like I was surprised. "Maybe we can use the sword to cut the tree down."

After everything that has happened at home, I feel weird when cutting down trees. Nature was something I liked and wanted to protect, especially when people here don't really know how good they've got it. I'll make sure to replant it after I'm done.

"Ok...that might work."

Might work? Wow...give me some credit geez.

Erza watched like a hawk as I twisted and turned to find a good vantage point. What I wanted was to cut down the tree without it getting caught on the way down. I wanted to keep the tree casualties down.

I noticed that now she had me in her sights, she was much calmer. She wasn't as jumpy as she was whilst we were first walking together. Another good sign.

"I want you to cut here, here and here." I broke her out of whatever thoughts she had and called her over. I wanted to get this over and done with so I can have a drink. I was getting thirsty and dry air wasn't helping.

With the promise of water, she leapt at the chance to help. Her caution towards me pushed towards the back of her mind as she hit the tree with all her might.

When I say all her might, I really mean it. She let a roar before swinging her sword with all the strength she had left.

As much as she hyped it up since the sword barely made a dent in the tree. With her exhausted state, it gave me a chance so I walked to her side and held out a hand to support her. She eyed me warily but eventually allowed me to help her up.

Even without her strength, she didn't let me use the sword. The lack of trust is understandable but it still kinda hurts. Nothing I can do about it now. It's best to let her do whatever she wanted.

She did have a FUCKING SWORD.

-=Grey Rights=-

I set aside one of the coconuts so I could plant them, we had more than enough to last us a while and I doubt that Erza would miss one. We used her sword to cut up the fruit, allowing the Delicious water to fall out.

It was funny, in a morbid kind of way, how Erza desperately tried to get as much water as she could out...saying it aloud makes it sound horrible.

The time spent getting the tree to cut down was wasteful, the night had started to creep up as the sun slowly slipped away. We could have easily gotten that tree down much quicker had Erza not have tried pointing that thing every time I tried to help.

As I said before, It can't be helped.

Though since now it was getting close tonight, the sun barely peeking over the edge of the horizon, I noticed it was much more different than a night at home. Back home, every street would be lightened up with lampposts or some sort of alternative. Here it isn't that simple. Especially when the moonlight, our only source of light was being cut off by the trees.

"Erza...I'm going to need you cut that tree down." I asked her, making her pause mid gulp. "The one before into little pieces that are more manageable and easier to use, can you do that for me?"

I planned to use that tree as firewood, we needed some sort of fire to keep warm in the night. I doubt we'll find some sort of shelter but I can at least do this.

"Like this…?" Erza called out. She was panting, still from a lack of energy, but still did what I asked of her.

"Thank you, Let's take this down to the beach, Ok?" I replied, getting a nod from her. "We don't want to make a forest fire, do we?"

It was good to keep her involved, or at least give the illusion that she was involved. I don't know what she would do if she thought I didn't need her help. Hell, she could even leave me. At this rate, I would give her the thought that we are both equals here, she wouldn't harm me if I speak up and she won't be intimidated.

Manipulating kids...where has my life gone?

I used my hands to break off all the dry bark to use as kindling, I would need it to get the fire started in the first place. I ended up delegating the job to Erza as she was able to just shave it off with her sword.

Whilst she did that, I made a hole for where I would make the fire. This would make the sand at the bottom wet so the fire won't spread, that would be the last thing we wanted whilst-

"Here you go."

I nearly jumped out of my skin as Erza drops shaving of dead bark and the mini longs I asked for, luckily enough she didn't see it. I merely took it off my mind with the building of the teepee, where the fire starts and supporting the overall structure. Next, came the fire, I merely use two sticks that I would rub together, the 'fire plow' technique. This was one of the more known techniques when creating fire, you use enough speed and pressure to create small amounts of charcoal that are still warm, they would be put onto some kindling making the actual fire. That fire would be put onto the teepee so that we would have a large fire to, hopefully, last us a while.

Erza sat to my the side watching the whole process with an intense curiosity, I would have thought she had done this before. You know, fantasy world and the stereotype everyone knows how to survive in the forest and shite.

It was kinda funny how she found it fine when she came close to me yet didn't allow the same to happen to her.

Double standards much.

That didn't matter much, what mattered was the small amounts of smoke that were erupting from the area the two sticks were rubbing. With the heat, it was giving it out and steps I stated earlier, it wasn't hard to get a roaring fire before the two of us. I could see the sparkles in Erza's eyes as she stared upon it.

Maybe she was feeling some sort of Pride for making this.

At this point, I didn't care. It was dark, cold and I was mentally and physically tired.

I'm going to leave tomorrow's problems for tomorrow's me.

-=Grey Rights=-

Hey Look, it's me.

I'm alive and doing ANOTHER fairy tail Si. At this point, I think I'm addicted but I don't care.

If you have compliments of my beautiful work, send it my way.

I'm setting a goal for myself to do at least a chapter a week. Probably won't be able to do it but I 'm going to try.

Next chapter will be for my DxD fic so await for that on Sunday.

So like, review and all that shite.

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

Chapter Revamped

Waking up was weird in a sense, part of me wished that I had stayed home under my nice covers, having what essentially was a do-over was kind of like destroying everything I had built in my old life. It was funny how I thought that yet there was another part of me that was happy that I was here, it's kind of like freedom I haven't felt before.

Though part that spoke the loudest was the one that was shivering in the absolute zero that it was. There was the thought of the fire and why wasn't that roaring but it hit me soon after.

The fire wasn't supposed to last all night. Kind of common sense now that I think about it. There was nothing fueling it so the fire had died out.

I'm surprised that I felt a weight on my chest and the warmth of a body on my side. It felt weird...not really sure how else to say it. I couldn't help but feel a bit...scared. This is the girl that didn't let me use her sword, get close to her or even give me any insight into her situation, not that I didn't know already. The fact that she's this close unnerves me slightly.

Unable to wriggle myself out of there, I was about to nudge the poor girl awake before I noticed her clothing. I could see the holes for the various pieces of cloth that I had seen throughout the forest. If I was cold, I wonder how the hell she survived. I at least had on a hoodie.

Speaking of the said hoodie, I wonder how I found myself here. I'm not going to beat myself up about it nor am I going to scream in frustration. Not that I'm not...angry about leaving but I'd rather do something more productive. I might break down eventually but I doubt it will be any time soon.

"Hnnn…"

The soft sounds of Erza's sleep knocked me out of my thoughts. One of the strongest mages in Fairy Tail is just a little girl, desperate for some sort of hope in her life. Kinda poetic but this is anime.

Anything less than that and I would be surprised.

I found myself staring at the body of Erza as she rose, a cute yawn escaping her lips. "Hello...."

Before I could say a word, that same itching feeling from before appeared. It was strong enough for me to immediately want to scratch at it. The feeling was as if it was underneath my skin, there but just unable to reach it. Not only that, it felt as if it was coming from my whole body. The water from the ocean beside me looked pretty good to jump into right about now...anything to soothe it.

A flurry of wind that had just skimmed caused my heart to skip a beat. Taking a glance behind me, I saw the large pole of some sort of lance that had appeared from nowhere. It's blade stuck into the ground with small cracks appearing from the point it had entered.

Not really nowhere…

"I-'m sorry..I-" Erza cried out, that one sentence gaining more emotion that I had heard from her yesterday.

I'm just going to sit here, letting the past day flash before my eyes. The only thing I did noteworthy was find a small girl and get her help with cutting down a tree. This was all before we made a small fire that, somehow, lasted us long enough to not cause us to freeze to death.

Pretty productive if I say so myself.

I stared at the Erza for a long while, not really sure on what to do. From attacking me to trying to apologise, something is wrong and I really- like really don't intend to find out.

With that in mind, I take my time to walk up to her, trying to keep my footsteps loud enough to hear. I don't want her to-

Why are you questioning that I'm approaching her?

Can you really tell yourself that you're going to leave a crying child alone?

You make me sick.

I'm not sure I can really help her but if I'm going to get some sort of foundation in this world, I need whatever help I can get.

Slowly wrapping my arm around Erza's shoulder, I feel how tense she really was. I say it was as she relaxed slightly when I appeared around her. In my referrals, I saw her blades shift around slightly.

Maybe trying to get her to concentrate on something else might work.

I'm not sure but it's better than nothing.

"You know Red…," I started. "Do you know what I want?" No sound came from her but I knew she was listening. "There's so much to this world I want to see. Do you know about the kingdom of Stella?"

"N-No…" Erza spoke up, stuttering as she stared. Her puffy singular eye staring at me with an unreadable expression.

"It is said to be covered in these beautiful crystals, the same crystals are ones that absorb starlight and shine bright in the night, covering the whole kingdom with a shine that you could never see anywhere else except for the night sky."

"You're lying." She asked, whatever she was crying about was gone in the wind. She looked me in the eye. "I've never heard of it."

"No, It's true. It's beautiful and I would love to see it again." I stated, I technically did see it, through a screen. "But this time, be part of the action. Hell, I'll take you as well if you want."

"...Really?" She questioned, her eye glittering as she stared at me.

...Or maybe that was the tears.

It amazes me with the naive mindset that children process. The lack of understanding of the real world that keeps her innocent can easily be exploited to string her along. I know it may seem harsh but the suffering she has seen throughout the Tower of Heaven only brightens that beacon of hope that she has.

"Yeah...These crystals are said to be very strong and absorb magic quite easily. These would be made into a powerful piece of armour or weapons."

"Wow." The idea of powerful weapons causing a spark of happiness to ignite within her. It was kind of off-putting but that's just me trying to justify her using my own mindset and social norms imprinted in me from a young age.

All this information was from the Dragon Cry movie, I liked it but it could have been expanded much more than it already was. A matter of fact, the whole of the Fairy Tail franchise could have done more with world-building.

Did you know that there are 13 countries? and those are just the ones that were shown. There's so much more to explore and I intend to do just that.

Sure, I can be like every other person that does an isekai and stay in Fairy Tail. But why would I do that when I can see the world for what it is?

I'm most likely going to join but when I get strong enough, I'm going to live my life to the fullest and see this world for what it is.

I stood up, after that little speech to myself, stepping up to the large lance out of the ground. My own strength was abysmal. I thought I would have some cheat or something but I was not able to pull the lance out at all. With everything I had, I had just enough power to pull the lance from out of the ground but that was after using my body weight to lean back also.

Even then, I fell back down immediately to recover my limited strength and stamina.

That kind of power will get me killed in this world. I need to be strong, both for my survival and my enjoyment.

I stared back at Erza, she was clearly very cold with the way she was shivering. Not surprising considering what happened. I facepalmed at my stupidity, I remember talking about how cold it was earlier and took off my hoodie. It was long enough to reach my knees and I was half a head taller than her so it should be fine.

To be honest, anything's better than what she's wearing now.

"Here you go," I stated, calling out and breaking her out of her thoughts. "Wear this.."

I put my hand up to silence whatever she was about to say and went about collecting all the weapons that she had thrown around. I was able to see that there wasn't much variation of weapons here. There was a mace, two swords, that lance from before and a singular dagger.

I turned back to see- "Why are you naked?" I asked, turning back again.

Sorry, but looking at an underage girl is very off to me. When she's older, sure I'll look as much as I want but she's nowhere near as developed as she was before. She will be?

Knowing the future is weird.

"I'm putting on your- I do not know what this is but it's nice," Erza replied, feeling no shame whatsoever. "It smells like you."

"And the sky is blue. What else is new?"

She was silent after that. I don't think she got my sarcasm, rather she was contemplating what to say with the way her mouth was opening and shutting.

"Can I ask you a question?" Erza replied

"Shoot doesn't mean I have to answer."

"Why do you have these...clothes?" Erza asked, suddenly curious. "They are too big for you."

How am I supposed to explain this? You put me in a predicament that I don't want to answer.

"And why do you have that eyepatch? Or those clothes, as a matter of fact? You don't see me asking questions?" I shot back.

"But you just did." Her lone eye blinking in confusion.

I did?

Oh, right.

"So it would seem, Red," I replied. "How about this? I tell you what happened to me and you'll tell me what happened to you. Is that fine?"

"Okay." She nodded her head and allowed me to go on.

"The last thing I remember was going to bed. I know big whoop and pretty cliche but that's the last thing I remember. I was knocked out for some reason, and that seemed weird to me as I usually have a lot of energy. I suddenly found myself on the beach here, nothing but the oversized clothes on my back, it was freaky but I'm rolling with it and waiting till I get someplace safe to break down." I said cheerily, that it was good to get off my chest.

At this rate, I may not even cry that hard.

"Do you know why?" Erza asked. "Maybe someone meant to put you here."

"Someone mean?" I let it roll off of my tongue. "Children I swear, so innocent, I love it-actually that sounds bad."

"Who...are you talking to?"

"Let's not worry about that, now tell me what happened."

-=Grey Rights=-

"There's a big cult out there in a massive tower that you and your friends asserted dominance over, claiming it for yourselves, and left hoping to join a guild all on a whim because of an old man, that seemed to like you children a little too much, sent you on."

"I think so, I don't know what some of those words mean."

"Of course, you don't." I hold back a laugh at the absurdity of it. I'm going to have so much fun with this one.

I calmed down and gaze my eyes upon the weapons I had piled up and the rag that Erza seriously dropped upon the floor. I know global warming isn't a thing but I'm not having anyone litter on my watch.

I glanced at the pile of rags that she was wearing before and had an idea.

I grabbed her rags and ripped them up, Erza stood behind me as I sat upon the floor trying the tools together.

All I know is that little red here isn't able to control her magic so she is unable to store these weapons away. Now whilst I could help her with controlling it, I know nothing about magic. I could just be like every fanfic and say 'look deep within yourself and you'll be super powerful', I cannot. I don't have the faintest clue about magic.

Something that I want to fix.

I mean this is magic we are talking about. A resource that I thought I'd only see in fiction. To think that it's very easily acquired. Granted, I know that only 10% can use it but the fact that there are many different options are just as baffling. For example, magical weapons from Edolas, I mean Mystogan was able to fight as an S-Class without the use of his own magic since he couldn't use it himself.

"What are you doing?" Erza asked, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"Since you don't seem to be able to put away the weapons. I thought it would be better to carry them." I replied, strapping the weapons on my back and feeling the weight. "Who knows what we could use them for."

"Ah...Ok."

The only one left was the lance. Now, how are we going to take that?

"What about that?" Erza asked, switching her glances from the lance and the pile of weapons on my back. The way the sleeves flopped around looked funny.

"I can't carry it on my back since it's too big," I replied. "Not really sure what to do about it."

"'I'll do it," Erza stated. "I'm strong enough."

"Sure you are. A little cute thing like you being strong enough to pick that up." I patted her head and ruffled her hair. "If you say so."

"I can pick it up." Erza glared at me. Her puffed-up cheeks didn't make it intimidating at all.

"Yeah right red. The day you can pick that up is the day cats fly." I snorted.

Erza stomped away, like actually stomped away. Something is wrong with her to show all this emotion today.

I shrugged to myself as I didn't really care.

I stared at her before turning back. I was wondering what I would do next, Erza wants to join Fairy Tail. The only reason I'm thinking about joining is because of the prospect of magic. I doubt that she would allow me to leave on the mere fact that I doubt she wants to be alone.

"Hnnnn…" What the hell-Why did I expect anything else?

Erza was straining to pick up the lance out of the ground. Her back slowly starts to bend backwards as she tries to fight off the weight that accompanies it. With shaky arms, she was able to point the lance my way, the tip barely a metre away.

"See...I told...you." Erza didn't smirk but I could tell that she wanted to, the smugness being implied only offset by the amount of sweat that had accumulated on her round face.

"Wow…I guess cats can fly." I muttered to myself, Laughing even as Erza pushed forward, the blade coming dangerously close to me.

She eventually dropped the lance, it was weighing down on her too much.

"I'm hungry." Erza complained. "It hurts too much."

"As am I Erza..." I sated, laughing away the pain as my stomach fought to eat me from the inside. By Zeref, did it hurt. I was considering jumping on that blade to see if I could get rid of the pain that erupted from the needy place. "...but you don't see me complaining."

...

…

...

"...I can hear your stomach." Erza stated.

"You sure you're not hearing things?" I walked up to her until I was looming over her body. "Hungry people tend to imagine things."

"...There it is aga-"

"How about I help you carry this?" I interrupted. "We can carry this together and we may be able to sell it or something."

"Okay." Erza simply replied. I thought she would have had some sort of attraction to these weapons but I guess not.

With a grunt and all my strength, I put the lance on my shoulder with Erza doing the same.

Together, we walked off into the deep forest with a particular direction or a destination. All I want is food and, by Zeref, will we get it.

-=Grey Right=-

"And I will walk 500 miles, and I will walk 500 more." Singing to pass the time was always a favourite pastime for me.

Erza was diligently following behind me as we walked, not that she could go anywhere else with the lance on her shoulder. The blade was so dangerously close to my neck and face that, if I somehow slipped, I may not live to tell about it.

We found a path not that long after we left the beach, it seemed to go there so that place may be a resident attraction. The fact that we didn't see anyone was unusual but that's life. Erza kept her complaints to herself. With the stuff at the tower, I doubt she isn't used to holding out for food, especially after long hours of work.

Works for me, I guess.

"Hey...look behind-"

"Wait, stop moving so-" I dropped the blade in a hurry. Erza was moving about so I was unable to keep a good enough handle on the blade. I jumped back with a girlish scream (I'm man enough to admit it) before I lost my head.

I was halfway there to chew her out but I saw what she was staring at.

A cart being pulled by horses.

That meant People.

And people meant food.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Erza turned to me with a confused look. "You plead and beg for food whilst I intimidate them with a lance I cannot pick up."

"We can't do that." Erza stated, slamming her part of the lance down.

"Why not?" I asked, trying to keep the lace from stabbing me in the shoulder as I turned to her.

"'Good things only come to those who deserve it' and we do not deserve anything if we steal." Erza stated, resolute in her conviction.

I forget that I'm with a 'morally correct hero' with the way she likes to stay quiet. Surprises me whenever she speaks.

"Fine. Whatever." I spat out, I could tell she didn't like it. "We'll let them pass, it's not like we could do anything anyway."

It was more desperation than anything.

I watched as the convoy trotted past, The cart was accompanied by horses that were flanking it. Atop of them were people who were wearing full sets of decked out armour. From the bottom of their toes to the tops of their heads, there wasn't a place that wasn't covered by armour.

A smooth pale white with accents of blue was all I could say about it. I didn't really understand armour much so I couldn't say.

There was one man who trailed in front of the cart that I noticed as they had gotten closer. He wore the same thing as the others but the shoulders (Pauldrons I believe) are less pronounced and a long cape attached to it. Another thing I noticed was the lack of a helmet. Something stupid, if you ask me. Though, I would do the same thing.

Cool points mostly.

I couldn't help but notice how their gaze was locked on us as they walked by. I don't think there was any bad intent, I doubt that they think we were a threat, just curiosity.

Both Erza and I stepped back onto the road as they passed by. "Erza…" I called out. "Let me tell you something, the morals you abide by are gonna be much different to those you meet. They all have their experiences and problems. A little thing for you to think over, okay?"

I didn't hear anything, only feeling the weight of the lance shifting indicating her picking it up.

It was merely something on my mind, something I wanted to get out. Erza was just the only person there and she may be able to make something of it.

Without a word, we both headed off. Feet on the comfortable road and skin burning in the sun.

-=Grey Rights=-

"Yeah, and apparently the reason the kid was hated so much was that everyone thought that he had a demon in him." I said as Erza listened to the story intently. "That wasn't it though, apparently the 4th leader of the village had sealed it in the kid, so essentially he was a hero."

"A hero?" Erza replied. "How? He doesn't sound like a hero if he pranks everyone."

"The pranks were for attention, nobody spared him a second glance so he did what he could, even getting a scold just for someone to call out to him." I stated, feeling a little sombre. "He was a hero since he was protecting everyone from the demon inside of him."

"I thought heroes are the people who save the day and kill the enemy." Erza questioned, making me chuckle slightly.

"Erza, that is rarely true. It's only in those stories that it happens, mainly because we don't have the whole story, only the part we want to see." I replied.

"Only the part we want to see?" Erza parroted. "I don't understand."

"Okay…" I took a second to think about the situation. "How about this? A knight goes to rescue a princess from a tower, only for it to be guarded by a large dragon that had kidnapped her. Who is the hero?"

"The knight."

"In that scenario, yes. But how about we add more to the story?" I questioned. "The dragon was lonely and in need of a friend. The princess was the only person who spoke to him and so he asked her to join him in his tower and she accepted. Who is the hero this time?"

"The knight, I think?" She replied, slightly unsure.

I smiled at her naivety. "Now how about this, the knight knew of this but only came to her rescue for the reward that the king had offered and the chance to marry the princess. Who is the hero now?"

"Um…." Erza couldn't seem to find the right words.

"Hard to choose, right?" She agreed. "The reason the whole knight saving the damsel in distress thing is so wide-spread is that people choose not to see the bigger picture."

"I didn't know." Erza replied. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry." I replied, laughing slightly. "Just take what I said to heart and learn from it."

"Merlin...There's another carriage." Erza called out. "What do we do this time?"

Damn, already. I didn't expect anyone following the last one, a matter of fact, I didn't even expect the first one in the first place, let alone the extravagance that it was.

"Ehh...Let it pass. I doubt they'll stop for us." I replied, not having enough energy to deal with it.

Turning my head as much as I could with all the weapons I had on me, I saw that this carriage was much...cheaper, for a lack of better words. There were no fancy colours, just wood.

Only one person was there and he was the one driving the thing, I believe that's the term. I don't know my cart lingo.

As he got closer, I could see the wrinkles and the small grey patches in his brown hair. He was wearing a simple shirt and pants ensemble, not much I can say about that. He spotted us only when we got close, I guess his eyesight is pretty bad for him to see us. Isn't glasses a thing here?

He should really invest in some.

"Ahoy there." The man called out, waving slightly as he stopped before us. "What brings you to this neck of the woods?"

"Ahoy, Landlubber." If he's going for sailor lingo than so am I. "We're just heading towards the next town."

"Well, you don't seem in the right spot to be heading there." The man stated, to my confusion. "By the time you get there, you'll pass out from exhaustion or the heat."

"We don't have much of an option." I stated, making him sigh.

"Hop on in, I have enough food and water to last a while." He stated, much to my surprise. "Though, It's not for free."

"Really?" Erza exclaimed, I had to hold her back before she could go anywhere.

"What's the catch?" I simply stated, staring at man's eyes.

"Hm...How about that lance? I doubt-"

"Deal." I interrupted, throwing the lance into the back of his cart and jumping on. "My name is Merlin, this is Erza. Who are you?"

"The man's Avery, don't you forget it."

-=Grey Rights=-

Revamped the chapter, hope you guys like it. Was really busy and this Corona is making it worse.

4k words this time but I made it up in the next chapter.

Quick question to those who read my DxD fic, Do you want me to revamp it? Who knows, it may give me the inspiration to continue it, right now, it's trash tier.

Discord: yYQ8Yqe

Just whack that in and you're good to go.