Maya

I peeked open one eye only to see Laxus glaring at me. "Is it working?" I asked meekly, already knowing the answer.

He shook his head. "You need to focus."

I slumped my shoulders, disappointed. "That's difficult to do." My focus needs more focus.

Laxus sighed. "Let's just continue on our way. We can figure that out later."

We stood up off the forest floor and continued on our way. It was a little past noon, so we had decided to stop for a bit, eat, and see if I can at least control my magic energy.

So far? Zero luck.

At first, Laxus had tried to teach me a little lightning magic, but it felt... kinda weird when I tried to focus on it, like this type of magic wasn't for me.

When I mentioned that to Laxus, he gave me a strange look but said we can try something else. For now, we'll focus on me controlling my magic energy, so at least I can't be found as easily . I'd rather not get separated from Laxus, and any unwanted Dark Guilds finding me within two seconds of doing so (cough cough, Black Dagger, cough).

As we walked, it was mostly in silence. I-for the life of me-couldn't come up with a good conversation starter. I know next to nothing about this world, what's socially acceptable and stuff like that. Even if I was back in my own world-and I will find a way back, after I find Lyra-I still wouldn't be talking, unless I was talked to first.

You know, I thought, now would be a good time to learn more about this world.

But what kinds of questions could I ask without revealing anything about where I'm from?

I remembered from this morning, how Elise's partner commented that Laxus had once held-Magnolia, was it?-hostage to become guild master. I considered asking about that, but that didn't seem like a good idea. He did react to the topic earlier, and I don't want someone who is capable of creating lighting out of nowhere mad at me. Even if he didn't do that, he could knock me out with a single punch. I have no way of protecting myself from this guy if he suddenly decided he didn't like me.

I pursed my lips, then decided to speak up. "Hey, Laxus?"

"Yeah?" He glanced at me through the corner of his eye.

"What other types of magic are there?" He gave me a questioning look. "What? Where I'm from, magic wasn't used that much." I purposely made my eyes look the other way, and rubbed my right arm. This wasn't just acting, but I hoped to send the message that I didn't want to talk about home.

The questioning look didn't leave, but he did answer my question. He began listing all the types of magic that he had seen. I listened in amazement, there are a lot of different types, more than I originally thought there were going to be. I wonder what type of magic I will have?

I don't think I want to be a requip mage, I don't think I'll ever be good enough with a sword, or any type of weapon. I don't want to feel bad about hurting someone, even if they wouldn't feel bad about hurting me. I also don't think I'm coordinated enough to effectively use a weapon either. I mean, come on, I trip over myself and received a bloody nose because I heard music. Does that sound coordinated to you??

I don't think I would want to be a Celestial mage either. I don't really like the thought of hiding behind a spirit, and having them fight my battles. There's nothing wrong with these types of mages-well I hope so, anyways-I would just rather be the one fighting. I can't stand the thought of someone getting hurt at my expense.

Being a dragonslayer sounds really cool because dragons, but Laxus's explanation kept me from getting my hopes up on becoming one. Apparently dragonslayers were raised by freaking dragons, but, well, it's pretty obvious that I wasn't raised that way.

Laxus explained that he is technically a dragonslayer too, though he never met a dragon before. Apparently a lacrima had given him his magic.

I really doubt I'll be lucky enough to get in the same situation.

The one time I wish I was from this crazy world!

~*~*~

"This is Magnolia," Laxus said.

I stared at the city. Somewhere in this city, there are people who can protect me, and even help me find Lyra.

"C'mon."

I followed the wizard, so relieved that we finally got somewhere. Apparently, we were closer to Magnolia than I originally thought. We had stopped to eat over an hour ago, so we still had sunlight left. Before we continued on, I managed to get basic control on my magic energy. Not complete control, I can only do it when I'm still and focused on it entirely.

I also have some basic understanding of this place, such as I don't belong here. But there's nothing I can do about that now.

We began our way into Magnolia, but we were interuppted by a blue bird who was carrying an envelope flying towards us. Or-more accurately-to Laxus.

I watched curiously as he opened the letter. He scanned over the words. I tried peering over his shoulder to see what it said, but I'm too short. Dammit. My height is going to be my downfall one of these days.

"What is it?" I finally asked, my curiosity taking the best of me.

"Clovertown needs help."

"With what?" I asked, slightly annoyed that he didn't tell me right aways.

"There seems to be a ghost, but every other guild they turned to couldn't help, so they turned to me."

"A... ghost?"

He seems to have misread my question. "Yeah, I don't believe it either." He exhaled slowly, as if thinking about something.

"What is it?"

"I was just wondering if I should take you along, or quickly bring you to the guild hall."

I could feel my excitement rising. Both places I want to go to, the guild to find Lyra, Clovertown because ghosts.

"Well, its up to you. Where do you wanna go?"

I bit the inside of my cheek, debating my answer.

I'm sorry Lyra. You know I love ghosts as much as dragons. They're both my life, like music is yours.

"I think I'll go to Clovertown with you, if that's ok," I said with finality. Shrugging, I continued, "I mean, I might have a chance to try some magic. I gotta learn somehow, right?"