Chapter 4
In You.... In Me

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters, only my own OC's and Ideas

.:+:.

SaberTooth used to be weak.

As it would happen, it was those days that the Guild barely made a dent in the world, when it wasn't even known to exist by the rest of the World, where the Members weren't particularly strong, where they weren't famous, renowned... Those were the days she remembered most fondly. SaberTooth used to be happy, content... And it wasn't strong, no.

But it was better than what it is now. Ruled by a merciless man with no care for anything or anyone outside of gaining more and more power. A man who was willing to beat and humiliate the people he was supposed to protect as their Guild Master, a Guild in which she was a prisoner... She was trapped.

She remembered SaberTooth and its Master, its Members fondly... She loved that Guild, and then Jiemma came and she was just... angry and scared and alone.

Again...

Hora had joined that small, unknown little Guild known as SaberTooth when she was 11. It was a Guild filled with kind people who, for what they lacked in Magical Capability, they made up for it in caring and thoughtfulness. The Members were kind to her, the Master... He was a caring man, someone she looked up to, someone she had come to admire. For a year she was in the Guild- they took her in, made her feel welcome, loved... For a year, her sad, suffering existence was just... Bliss.

Life had been unbearably hard and painful for her... Since that Beast, since her home was destroyed and her family killed... Since she should have died, and yet never did.

What kept her living... What made sure she didn't die that day... It had been pure agony. The thing that kept her living was nothing less than torture, as she lived on cold, in agony, alone... Numb and empty inside. Over and over she had wished she'd died that day, because she wasn't existing for anything... She was just an empty shell of numbing non reality, and fiery hot rage and pain.

She should have been dead, like her Family, like her brother... What was the point of living, if your existence was just to be cursed to walk alone, and empty?

Being in the Guild... Feeling included, having people to turn to, share with, talk to... For the first time since that night that she should have died... She didn't feel alone anymore. She was... Happy. She'd never thought she could be happy again.

But a year was all it lasted. A year until the day that Jiemma appeared in SaberTooth. That man, he challenged her Master for control of SaberTooth. He wouldn't take no for an answer... She remembered it like it was just yesterday.

The curse of living alone, of walking on and on with no purpose... She couldn't ever forget. She'd never been able to forget all the awful, the haunting, the painful... She remembered it all.

She remembered very clearly the looks of horror on the faces of her fellow Members. She remembered how terrified she was... As Jiemma killed her Master with one, crushing, decisive blow.

'If the fool hadn't refused to hand over the Guild, he may have lived to walk away.'

Jiemma's voice was cold, emotionless. He showed no remorse, no hesitation, no emotion to the life he had so brutally ended with his own hands... An innocent, and good life. A kind man... Someone... She...

His cold, dark eyes landed on her. Immediately he had singled her out... And immediately he had made his mind, that she wouldn't be getting away from him. He made damn sure that she couldn't ever get away... And implanted an innate fear inside of her heart, so she would never question, never fight... She couldn't.

He rose to power, he ruled SaberTooth with a brutal, bloodied fist. He cared not who he hurt, who he threw out... He didn't care that he wasn't liked. He didn't care that people hated him- all he wanted was power, and knew best that fear would give him what he wanted. He wanted an unquestioning army... He wanted people who were too scared of him and his power, to ever go against his orders.

He got what he wanted... He always does. He got the Guild. He got his army... And he got me. He still has me...

Slave

He is a tyrant. He is evil, he's ruthless and brutal... And he doesn't deserve the people he commands. He doesn't deserve the right to be called 'Master'.

Guild Master's are supposed to be Guides. They're supposed to be people the Mages under them can look to for advice, leadership, kindness... He's just an evil man, a cold, ruthless bastard. Her hatred for him knew no bounds... For however empty and cold she was inside... Her hatred for Jiemma always burned like a raging wildfire. One that blazed inside of her, threatening to engulf her and the world around it... But she couldn't let the flames go free. If she did that... He's just kill her.

She wasn't afraid of dying... For the longest time she just wanted to be dead. She had made her peace with the idea that night the Beast should have killed her.

She wasn't afraid of death... She wasn't even afraid of Jiemma, or his witch of a daughter. There was only one thing that scared her... And that was the thought of what they might do to the people she had grown to care for.

... She was the only one left. Jiemma either threw out every single Mage that had been in the Guild before, or they left. None of them lived up to his standards of power and strength... She was the one last reminder of what SaberTooth had once been. Jiemma would never let her leave... Because she served to feed his hunger for power. He relished in how he could control her, how he owned her... Truly trapped.

She wished... Rogue, Sting... Lector... Frosch... Rufus... Orga... Yukino... All those people she had leaned to care for... She wished they could have come to be a part of the Guild she remembered... Not the oppressed, scared and helpless band of Mages ruled over by a tyrannical mad man.

She was still so empty... So angry... So numb.

She never let them know that... She never let them see the pain and the suffering mass of emotion that filled her hollowed out shell of a body. The body of a girl who died oh so many years ago...

What happiness she felt... It was all memory... And the rest... The rest was them.

Why was it that everything good... Ended up being clouded and crushed beneath everything bad, and evil...?

My happiness... Just ends up being destroyed, hurt, shattered...

... I've always wondered... Why do I keep trying...?

... I'm a huge softie.
I care... Too much...
And I'm stubborn... Hellishly stubborn... And still...
... I'm just so empty... And cold...
And so... So very angry...

... What even am I anymore...?

.:+:.

She was screaming. Writhing and squirming in sheer, fiery agony searing across her body and her mind. Her wrist, arm, and all the way to her shoulder... Her skin was blistering from the insane heat- it felt as if she had dipped it in molten lava.

Someone was gripping her arm tightly, holding on to her, the grip never slipping- even as she tried so desperately to pull away. Her vision flashed black, red... The smell of burning filled her nose and lungs. She just kept screaming... The pain was blinding...

... She wanted it over. She wanted to feel nothing... And still that grip... That grip that burned her skin and sent lava searing through her veins, it kept her away from the numbing embrace of perpetual darkness. It wouldn't let her go. She wanted to be let go.

And for what? What the hell was all this... All this pain and sheer agony, the suffering and the torture for anyway? Why was she being forced to endure it?

... The reason... It... It was impossible... She couldn't...

"STOP! PLEASE!"

"You must... Live! It is up to you... You have to defeat...!"

"NO!"

She lunged upward, chest heaving in frantic, terrified and pained breaths- her body covered in sweat and heart raging in her chest, ruled by the terror of the memory, the agony of it... The suffering...

That pain, the terrible fire running through her body- that didn't go away, though the intensity of it lessened considerably. Her mind was still racing, senses on high alert and panting in short gasps as her dark blue gaze swept across the room- its stone walls and beds laying about, the light filtering through the window... The several melted puddles of wax that had served as candles once upon a time. The wilted and dried plants in vases burned dry of any water they may have once held...

... Her Magic... She must have... Started to melt things... Burn them...

She sweatdropped, doing her best to calm her breathing down and settle her nerves- and doing her best to come to terms with what happened, where she was, and what was going on... Her mind was still in a slightly feverish blur. The memory was fading... But not nearly fast enough.

There in the sounds of the waking world began to invade her senses, of...Conversation... Laughter...

... She was immediately aware she wasn't in SaberTooth. In fact... She didn't recognize this place at all.

I'm... Alone...

She hated that feeling, but even more so- she hated the fact she had no clue where she was or what was going on. Her mind began to race in a new rise of panic, despite herself. She leapt from the bed, wincing harshly at the dull pain that spread across her body at the quick movement- feeling suddenly lightheaded though she hardly cared. She faintly took notice that parts of her person were covered in bandages, while by some miracle most of her injuries were just... Gone.

Her dark blue gaze snapped over toward a neatly folded set of clothes in the nearest table to her- she was very (and most uncomfortably) aware of her nearly naked person. She sweatdropped, finding they weren't her clothes- but hastily put them on anyway, assuming they were for her anyway.

She pulled at the collar of the dark red shirt, buttoning up the middle and rolling the sleeve cuffs up to her elbows. The shirt felt as if it was made for someone with a larger bust than she had... She sweatdropped, blushing faintly in embarrassment at the thought.

She sighed slightly, slipping into the mid length black skirt with a slit up the side, its edges trimmed with crimson, that had also been left on the table, she usually didn't like to wear skirts or dresses- they weren't usually very good attire for battling, but it was better than nothing she supposed.

Her eyes moved toward the table, falling into the length of dark blue ribbon still on top. Her attention moved from that, toward her earrings and rings- much to her relief. She replaced her accessories and turned away toward the door. She took a single step, before shaking her head a little and turning back- taking the ribbon up and quickly using it to tie her hair back a little loosely.

She stepped across the empty room lightly, eyes narrowing as she paused at the door. Her nerves had settled some, but she remained considerably wary- she still had no idea what was going on, or where she was. The fact that she couldn't see Sting or Rogue, or even Lector and Frosch- that put her on edge. She wasn't a fan of waking up in a strange place with no one familiar close by, and with her memory so hazy and missing such large chunks... She was tense.

She recalled Master and his punishment of course... And remembered waking up, speaking with Rogue... She sweatdropped, her hand coming up to her chest and bunching about the shirt tightly, eyes narrowed.

Ah, right... The reason her chest ached more than anything... The memory of feeling insanely hot, and then deathly cold... That hadn't been a long ago memory, that had been recently- namely, when she had told Rogue to leave SaberTooth.

She sweatdropped a little, eyes narrowing to slits.

"... Over-Drive... Damn it..." She was rather surprised she felt as good as she did now, considering she did remember feeling like absolute shit- and with good reason. And on that note- she shouldn't be able to move right now, and yet her pain was just a dull ache... She felt relatively fine.

Now how is that possible...?

She shook her head slightly, deciding it best to focus on one mystery at a time- the first she would solve; where the hell am I?!

She slowly cracked the door open, her dark blue eyes widening in utter shock to see the large coalition of people on the other side, inside a grand hall of stone. And not just people... Wizards.

Her eyes trailed from the metal and wood supports, to the stained glass oculus, down to the fountain in the center and the beautiful woman with the serpentine tail. She sweatdropped more, her eyes moving toward a large green banner set atop the front doors on the far side of the building from her, the symbol emblazoned on it making her heart race in absolute surprise and utter shock, a large bead of sweat dripping down her face, eyes wider than ever.

This... This is...!

"Lamia Scale?!"

.:+:.

They... Those... Those idiots!

Her heart was racing, eyes wide in shock as she stood in astonishment- she wasn't sure she could believe this... How could she?!

How... How could those dumbasses...
Leave me here?!

Of course she realized they must have had a very good reason, and she knew precisely why they left- for fear of the Master hearing of them asking another Guild for help- which would not be taken kindly by the Master in any way shape or form. She understood the reasoning nearly immediately, realized things had been serious and delicate... But in that moment her heart lurched in slight panic.

She wouldn't consider herself an overly cautious, nor easily scared person. In all aspects she was easy going and calm... But she hated it about herself- but she couldn't help but feel panic and even deep uneasiness at being all alone.. She hated being alone...!

And especially in a Guild full of Wizards she didn't know, and probably hated her for being in SaberTooth...?! She shouldn't have been angry at Sting and Rogue for their actions, but she suddenly was... She couldn't help it...!

Her racing and slightly frantic thoughts suddenly snapped toward the feeling of someone or something suddenly behind her- hearing someone's low breathing and the soft pat of their shoes on the stone floor. But more than anything she felt their body heat wash against her back, and her heart leapt.

She whipped about quickly, arm and hand raising- fingers clenching into a fist as her eyes narrowed. She may be acting a bit rashly for where it was she was... But at the moment she hardly thought on that.

The persons hand came up to grab onto her wrist with an iron like hold, her blue eyes meeting deep onyx ones. She stiffened, eyes narrowing more as she sweatdropped- all her movement coming to a stand still as the man looked to her with a neutral face, though slightly unamused she had been about to hit him. A shiver ran up her spine, at how cold his hand was to her unusually warm body.

He was only slightly taller than she was, and looked older. His hair was a silvery blue-white, wearing an attire of dark blue with gold trimmings. She didn't recognize him, not that she was too familiar with Lamia Scale and its Members at any rate.

"Tch..." She grumbled, he blinked, eyes narrowing in thought a moment, before he let her wrist go and she took a step back from him.

"You're very lively." He commented calmly, "Especially considering your condition.. That must mean you're feeling better." She stiffened slightly, as he blinked, looking a little thoughtful. "Though... You are still rather warm."

She sweatdropped, eyes narrowing a little more as she bit the inside of her cheek in sudden nervousness. She wasn't sure how to react to his sudden appearance, and wasn't exactly comfortable with him either- seeing as how they were strangers.

"... That's normal." She murmured, he blinked in surprise. "The nature of my Magic... I'm always warmer to the touch than normal... Though you yourself, you are rather cold." She explained and his head tilted slightly.

"... Alright." He relented.

"How long have you been standing there?" She mumbled, now realizing there was a second set of doors on the other side of the room from them. Her eyes narrowed in slight suspicion, still tense.

"Long enough." He replied calmly. Her eyes widened, a sudden blush dusting her cheeks as she scowled at him slightly.

"Y-you... You perv!" She stammered hotly, fists clenching at her sides as he blinked in shock. "You watched me get dressed?! Creep!"

"W-what?!" He stammered, starting to blush himself. He held his hands up in a gesture of innocence, eyes wide and sweatdropping heavily. "N-no! I... I didn't... I mean I did walk... But I... No... I just..." He stammered in nervous fragments, his eyes switching between her and every point other than herself frantically. She growled, jaw clenching and raising a fist threateningly. He let out a low sigh, head hanging a little.

His eyes slowly moved up to her, calm and still slightly flustered- but lacking the tenseness he had held before. "Alright... I think we got off on the wrong foot, lets start over?" He murmured, straightening up and clearing his throat a little- smiling slightly in what she guessed was supposed to be friendly manner. She just blinked, looking unsure and still blushing faintly in nervousness.

"I'm Lyon Vastia. Its good to make your acquaintance." He told her, extending a hand toward her. Hora stayed still a moment, sweatdropping as she glanced between him and his outstretched hand slowly. She wasn't sure how she felt about him... Or any of this for that matter.

She wouldn't consider herself a non-friendly person, despite her Guild's Reputation. If anything, she was probably the only person in SaberTooth who didn't keep an act on for the outside world... But she was still tense, finding herself here and alone- as well as missing a large span of recollection. She was also a little miffed, at being left there at all- and at this Lyon guy, quite sure he had been peeking when she got dressed.

She took in a small breath in attempt to calm herself down a little, nodding at him slightly as her eyes gleamed. She took his hand and shook it, once again feeling his skin unnaturally icy cold.

"Horatia." She replied, not offering a last name- he seemed to blink at that, but didn't question it either. Their hands separated and she crossed her arms over her chest, "... Sorry, for being so quick to act." She mumbled, he blinked in utter shock. SaberTooth Members never apologized for anything...

"... I'm usually more mellow. I'm just... A little on edge." She mumbled, he nodded slightly.

"With reason." He told her and as blinked, he shrugged slightly. "Anyone would be uneasy, waking up in a strange Guild." He told her and she nodded slightly, smiling a little that he seemed to catch on quickly. "Do you remember anything?" He asked, "You've been out for a long while, according to your Guild-Mates."

She sighed slightly, sweatdropping a little more as her eyes fell to the floor. Right... She remembered Rogue telling her she had been out for a week... And figured it was a few more days added on to that now.

Damn it... That bastard managed to do that much damage... Freaking hell... Of course, she couldn't very well go and say it had been her own Master that had put her in such a state, and since she wasn't sure what story Rogue and Sting had sold when they brought her here, she'd keep her mouth shut.

She shook her head a little, "Yeah... I don't really remember hardly anything... Just bits and pieces." She replied softly, he blinked. "The guys that brought me here, were Sting and Rogue right?" She asked and he nodded, "They didn't happen to leave a note or something? Or mention when they'd be back?"

"No. They left shortly after arriving, and simply said they would return eventually- after finishing the rest of the Job you three were on." Lyon grumbled, she frowned slightly, feeling a little irritated.

Those dumbasses...

"... They really aren't the most sensitive sort of people, are they?" Lyon murmured and she blinked.

"Not all the time." She replied softly, letting out another sigh. But what was she supposed to do, wait here for those two to come back? She didn't like the idea of hanging out in a Guild full of strangers, and she was sure her stay wasn't very welcomed- considering SaberTooth's reputation among other Guilds. And especially Lamia Scale- who for the last seven years had been the 2nd most Powerful Guild in Fiore, just under SaberTooth.

But she hadn't any way to contact them, what the hell am I gonna do...?!

"Come on." Her attention snapped back to Lyon, who smiled just faintly at her- in what she guessed was supposed to be a reassuring gesture. Was her discomfort for being here that noticeable?

"I'm sure you've no interest being cooped up in this room, come see the rest of the Guild. I'll apologize in advance for any less than friendly reactions." He told her, eyes glinting slightly as his smile grew a little wider. "However, you don't seem like most of your Guild-Mates. You're a bit easier to get along with I think, I doubt the rest of the Guild will warm up to you rather quickly." Hora blinked, slightly surprised by the words.

She hesitated a moment, still slightly nervous but he just smiled lightly and she slowly nodded. He had a point... She did not want to spend any more time in this room than she had to. However, she wasn't sure spending time in the heart of Lamia Scale sounded any better.

But maybe he had a point about her being able to get along with other people better than the rest of SaberTooth. She didn't put on the act that the rest of the Guild felt they had to, she wasn't afraid of Jiemma enough to begin acting like a proud, stuck up and brutal person around the outside world. For all purposes, she did do her best to stay true to who she was- and was as polite and kind as she could manage. Of course, that didn't mean she would be treated the same way by other Wizards. She may not have made herself a personal enemy of any of these people, but for her bearing of the SaberTooth Guild's mark, that made her an enemy no matter what- and brought on scorn and anger, even hate wherever she went.

She knew well she would be walking on thin ice around here in Lamia Scale, but what the hell was she gonna do anyway? It wouldn't be the best idea to run off without knowing when Sting and Rogue would be back... So she was stuck. And again she felt annoyance flare up inside of her toward the two.

"... Alright." She relented, "Lead the way then..." She mumbled, eyes narrowed slightly and still a little unsure. Lyon seemed nice enough, sure... She didn't get the feeling he was trying to get her in trouble, and she wouldn't give Lamia any reason to dislike her more than they already would. He smiled, nodding a little as he turned toward the door, Hora stepped after him softly.

"... I'm not convinced mingling with your Guild is the best idea." She murmured lowly from behind him, dark blue eyes fixed to his back. "But... I do promise I won't stir up trouble, as much as I can help it." She mumbled, he nodded slightly without glancing back.

"You really are quite strange for a Member of SaberTooth." He replied softly, stepping through the door. She sweatdropped slightly at the comment, "Don't worry, everything will be fine. You may get a few glares, but I think after we warm up to you a little, things will be alright." She blinked at him,

She had never been afforded much chance to interact with people in other Guilds, or get to know them. She'd never seen Lyon before, he hadn't ever participated in the GMG as far as she could remember, so she hadn't a clue as to what he was like, or what sort of Wizard. But just from first appearances, he seemed a little reserved at first glance- but deeper down he seemed rather kind, and laid back in a way.

She wondered why he had warmed up to her so quickly... She had tried to hit him, and snapped at him a little in their first few moments of meeting. That would put most people off, but he seemed to push past it quickly.

She blinked again, deciding he was just a little odd... And hard to understand fully. She doubted she would fully understand the true Lyon in the time she was allowed to be in his company,

Her attention snapped from Lyon to the very full hall around her as they made their way through it, sweatdropping a little more when she saw her presence was quickly being noticed by the Lamia Scale Wizards. She sped up a little, self consciously sticking closer to Lyon despite herself- her eyes flicking about the hall quickly before her gaze fell to the floor, arms hooking behind her back.

"Hey, its that Saber girl..."

"She's up, finally..."

"What's she doing with Lyon?"

She sweatdropped more, almost walking into Lyon as he suddenly came to a halt beside the bar across the room, faced by four people she hadn't seen approach them. She stepped up from behind the pale haired man a little, blinking a little at the wary glances she received from three of the four he had stopped in front of. Her dark blue gazed locked with a young girl's, her hair in pigtails and a fiery pink color.

"Lyon, there you are." The other girl among the group murmured, her hair the same color as the other but clearly older.

"We were wondering where you'd run off to." The man with the... Large... Eyebrows murmured, arms hooked behind his back as his eyes flicked toward her for a moment, looking skeptical. She recognized him, from his past participation in the Grand Magic Games- a Wave User by the name of Yuka. And the tall, dog-like man beside him she recognized too- as Tobi.

"I went to check on our guest." Lyon replied easily, a small smile gracing his lips. The young girl stepped up, smiling softly to Hora as she approached her, eyes glinting.

Hora stared, blinking a few times and stiffening slightly as she moved closer- though it wasn't noticeable. The girl smiled, head tilted in a questioning manner and hands resting on her hips, something seemed to go off in the back of her mind for a small moment. To Hora, something about this girl struck her as familiar.

"So you're up and awake then," she smiled, "I was a little worried for awhile there, your wounds were pretty bad. It took a lot of work to get your fever down and to start curing the illness that took a hold of you, and to start repairing the damage that had caused it in the first place. It wasn't like anything I had ever seen before. You look a lot better though, how are you feeling?" She murmured, smile never fading as Hora sweatdropped, looking slightly stunned a moment.

"This is Sherria," Lyon broke in, noticing the girl had failed to introduce herself. Hora blinked in slight surprise, her eyes casting across toward him quickly a moment. "She's the one who healed you. And these are Sherry, Yuka and Tobi." He introduced the other three easily, who nodded a little.

Hora's attention moved back toward Sherria's bright, smiling features. Inside her heart leapt a little, realizing immediately why this girl had seemed familiar- she knew who Sherria was, the Sky God Slayer. In possession of a Slayer Magic... And Healing Magic as well, which explained why she was in as good as shape as she was, and probably why Sting and Rogue had brought her here in the first place.

She'd never expected to meet any of the other Slayers outside those in SaberTooth itself, but suddenly she felt a little flustered.

The damage that caused the illness in the first place... In reality... She shouldn't have survived Over-Drive, being as bad as it was... She was alive because of this young girl, and she very well knew it.

In the back of her mind she hoped Sherria wouldn't mention what had caused the illness in the first place, it wasn't a subject she wanted to get into... At all...

Her eyes fell closed, hands folding together in front of her as she suddenly bowed, her loose strands of hair falling about her shoulders as she stood in the gesture before Sherria silently a moment.

"You have my deepest thanks, for everything you did to help heal me, Sherria." Hora murmured, "You did me a great service, and I owe you my life. I feel great, you did an amazing job. So thank you, truly."

Sherria blinked in slight shock at the sudden action and words, looking dumbfounded. Everyone around them seemed to have stopped breathing, everyone remained in shocked silence, their eyes riveted to the scene and such the humble, and even submissive, respective gesture made by Hora- a member of SaberTooth! SaberTooth Wizards never thanked anyone, ever, for anything! Let alone another Guild! They had never seen anything like it,

Hora straightened up, turning slightly to face the rest of the Lamia Scale Guild as she clapped her hands in front of her lightly, eyes still closed and head bowed slightly.

"Thank you as well, Lamia Scale, for allowing me to stay here while I rested. I thank you for your help, and hospitality."

The hall was deadly silent, as Hora stood still, eyes still closed and slightly tense. She meant what she said of course, she wasn't just thanking them out of courtesy- she did truly appreciate the help she had been given. She couldn't explain what really happened, or why it was she had been in such a way... Or even how very close to death she had come. They wouldn't understand it, and she wasn't going to explain it entirely either. It was all so complicated, but she was truly, sincerely thankful for their help. And she wasn't afraid to voice it,

Lyon smirked slightly, seeing the shocked expressions on his Guild Mates as they stared at Horatia in silence. Which he himself felt of course, but it was clear that she wasn't quite like the arrogant and proud Members of her Guild they were so used to seeing, in reality- he found it hard to believe she was a member of that Guild at all.

Around her, Lamia Scale seemed to relax a little as some of the members smirked slightly, others laughed a little and many of them smiled. They themselves weren't hardly able to believe this woman came from a Guild they had all come to hate, she wasn't anything like the other SaberTooth Members, she was likeable, sincere, and honest.

"You don't need to thank me, I was happy to help." Sherria smiled brightly, Hora's eyes opened to look her way, her hands falling slowly.

"And the Guild is happy to help too," Sherry murmured, "It was the right thing to do after all."

"Of course, we did grumble about it at first." Yuka relented with a small sigh,

"But only because those two guys were super rude about asking!" Tobi snapped, Hora sweatdropped slightly. Of course they were, they couldn't break away from the act...

"Calm down." Yuka told Tobi,

"Regardless, I really am thankful." Hora murmured, Lyon crossed his arms over his chest with a small laugh, earning her attention.

"I told you they'd warm up to you rather fast." He commented and she blinked, smiling just a little with a slight nod.

"Yeah..." She smiled softly, in an almost carefree and relaxed manner suddenly, earning a smile from him, before he seemed to blink, eyes narrowing a little in thought.

"A SaberTooth Wizard not afraid to show humility openly, such a surprise!" Hora stiffened, jumping slightly at the loud voice and the feel of someone standing behind her suddenly. "Of course, it is very good to see you recovering so nicely. I'm very glad." Hora slowly turned, eyes wide and sweatdropping heavily at the bulk of the large and very tall man that had stopped behind her, his hands folded in his sleeves and strong features lined with a long beard, as he smiled at her.

She stiffened, eyes wide and sweatdropping more as she looked up at him, feeling waves of sudden pressure ram into her body suddenly with his presence, mind racing and very caught off guard.

That... That's...!

"Oh, Jura-san. We didn't see you there." Sherria smiled, looking unperturbed by his sudden appearance- much in contrast with Hora, who could hardly believe her eyes.

Meeting a Slayer from another Guild is one thing, but a Wizard Saint?!

He just looked down at her, not bothered by her reaction at all, or even her speechless state.

"Now that I've had a better look at you, I do recognize you." He pointed out, she stiffened again. Lyon seemed to blink, eyes narrowed at the comment.

A Wizard Saint... Recognizes... Me...?!

"R-really..?" She managed to stammer, looking nervous. He nodded slightly,

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but did you not participate on behalf of SaberTooth the opening year of the Grand Magic Games?" He asked and she blinked, that had been so long ago, she hardly thought on that time, she hardly wanted to. But she was shocked, that Jura of the Wizard Saints had taken notice of her enough to recognize her now after so long... Especially after she hadn't done much in the Games at the time, and never entered them again.

"... Yes. I did." She replied, smiling nervously. "I'm surprised you noticed, or even remembered... I hardly participated in any of the events, and it was awhile back."

"Of course I remember, your battling against those Creatures in the Labyrinth Hunt was quite spectacular- you won that event as I remember it." Jura smirked, she blushed slightly out of embarrassment. "You're Magic as well, it was rather suited to the task- such potent power, that same power that melted all the Candles in the Infirmary, hmm?" He smiled, eyes glinting in amusement as her head fell, shoulders hunching slightly.

"I am very sorry about melting them all... And about the flowers too." She mumbled quietly, he simply let out a laugh, oblivious to the questioning looks he was receiving from those around them in regards to her participation in the Grand Magic Games the first year. The group of Lyon, Tobi, Sherry and Yuka hadn't been present at the Games the first year, and Sherria had yet to join the Guild at the time.

"Don't worry about that, its no real harm," Jura smirked, "Though I do still wonder, since seeing your Magic all those years ago- I am still quite unsure as to what it is specifically?" He went on, Hora blinked, looking a little nervous at the question, sweatdropping slightly, and looking away from him a moment.

"Well... Its actually kind of complicated..." She mumbled, rubbing the back of her neck nervously.

"You needn't tell us if you do not wish to." Jura smiled, catching her off guard by how easily he seemed to push passed the subject, and how he didn't pry. She sort of expected he would... Most people did. He smiled as her eyes landed on him, "That is entirely your business, we will not pry."

For a few moments all she could do was stare, thinking it odd how easily he seemed to sense she wouldn't wish to discuss it, at all. She didn't like talking about her Magic- because deep inside of her, she hated her Magic. And for good reason. She didn't talk about it, and certainly not to strangers... But she smiled at him, happy he seemed to let go easily. And happy he didn't ask anymore, he was a Wizard Saint... It wasn't a wonder he was so perceptive she supposed.

"Thanks." She smiled, earning a nod from him, and a wider smile as well- a SaberTooth wizard who seemed able to say thanks without difficulty or hesitation was a rare thing indeed, Lamia Scale found themselves quickly beginning to like this girl.

"So you've participated in the Grand Magic Games then?" Sherria asked brightly, catching Hora's attention. "Do you plan to participate this year?" She leaned in, looking genuinely interested. Hora smiled, shaking her head a little with a small chuckle.

"Ah, nah... I'm pretty sure it's gonna be the same five we send in every year." She replied, "They're a strong team, I don't think Master would change it unless something important came up."

"They are formidable opponents." Yuka murmured,

"But don't think we're gonna go easy on you this year! We're gonna come out on top!" Tobi broke in hotly, Hora sweatdropped slightly but smiled anyway.

"We're certainly going all in this year." Sherria smiled brightly, "Even Lyon's participating this year." She explained and Hora blinked,

"You're going to be in the Games, Lyon?" Hora murmured, glancing his way. He nodded slightly,

"Yes. Master wants her best Wizards participating this year- we hope to take the top from Saber." He explained and she nodded a little, but blinked in slight surprise.

"So you're one of the top Wizards in Lamia?" She asked; earning a blink from him, and a slightly surprised look. She paused, thinking maybe she had offended him with the question, sweatdropping slightly. "Uh... Sorry. I just don't know a lot about other Guilds or most of their Wizards is all... I've never actually even heard of you..." She nervously tapped her index fingers together in front of her, casting him a small smile in the hopes he wouldn't take it the wrong way.

"Not so much of a big shot as you think you are, huh Lyon?" Sherry smirked, nudging him with her elbow, eyes glinting in amusement. Sherria beside her chuckled slightly, Lyon frowned slightly, eyes closing and crossing his arms over his chest. Jura let out a hearty laugh, amused by Lyon's a little put down expression, Hora smiled flusterdly.

"Sorry..." She mumbled and Lyon shook his head, brushing her words off as best he could, taking in a breath.

"I am one of the top Mages in Lamia," he replied, "I'm... A little surprised you haven't heard mention of me, but no matter. I don't need all the attention anyway."

"Such a change, from how proud and arrogant he used to be." Yuka murmured lowly, casting the words toward Hora who blinked in slight question.

"Hey!" Lyon snapped, hearing the words and looking a little flusterd suddenly.

"What do you mean?" Hora asked before she could decide against it- she figured it wasn't her business but she couldn't help her curiosity.

"Lyon, Sherry, Toby and I were all working together before joining Lamia Scale. We've known him for a long time, and he's certainly changed over the years." Yuka replied easily,

"So you've been friends a long time." Hora murmured, smiling slightly. "It's great you've managed to stick together," she told them, tilting her slightly though. "What sort of work did you do before Lamia?"

This earned a pause from the group around her, she blinked at the sudden silence, sweatdropping slightly.

"We can get into that later." Lyon spoke up, voice firm and decisive. Hora blinked slowly, nodding a little. "For now, let's just relax."

"Alright..."

They settled down at the bar, Hora took a seat down on the side behind it with Lyon in her left, and Sherria on her right. Yuka, Sherry, and To y down opposite them, while Jura sat not far away from those three, arms in his sleeves and listening in content silence.

"... So what sort of Magic do you use, Lyon?" Hora asked after a moment, a little afraid she may cross into a subject they seemed unwilling to get into- as they had with her earlier question. Maybe it was a bit unfair, considering she hadn't been willing to talk about her own Magic, but she tried anyway.

It was a simple question though- and honestly, she was interested. Considering how cold he was to the touch, she had to guess-

"Ice-Make." He replied, earning a blink from her and a small smile.

"Ah, kinda figured." She chuckled, folding her arms on too of the counter. He blinked, eyebrow quirked.

"What do you mean?"

"Well- you are super freaking cold." She replied lightly, "And you kinda come off as a little frigid at first too.." She chuckled, earning a faint blush of embarrassment from him and laughs from everyone around them.

"Tch..." He grumbled, looking away and crossing his arms over his chest. Hora smiled a little,

"Who else are you sending in to participate in the GMG?" Hora asked, changing the subject as she glanced to everyone else.

"Tobi and I plan on joining." Yuka replied,

"I'm gonna be in it too!" Sherria grinned, Hora smiled back at her.

"I look forward to it. I've always been interested in seeing your Magic up close." Hora told the young girl lightly, earning a blink from her.

"You know what sort of Magic I use?" Sherria asked, Hora nodded a little.

"Yeah. I know a lot about it too, though mostly from Orga." She replied, which was not altogether true... She just knew quite a bit more about all Slayers than most people did- and for this reason she knew who all the Slayers were, and what their Elements were.

"Oh right, he's that man with the Lightning God Slayer Magic, right?" Sherria asked and Hora nodded,

"Yep."

"Jura-San is going to be joining too." Sherria told her, continuing on, Hora blinked in shock, her eyes widening as her attention snapped to said man.

"Wait, seriously?" She asked quickly, Jura nodded, smiling slightly. SaberTooth might actually be in trouble if Jura is joining in this year...

"I wouldn't miss it, not with the excitement Fairy Tail's return will bring." Jura replied, Hora stiffened slightly, interest peeking at mention of the Guild. "SaberTooth won't have only Lamia Scale to worry about his year, I think."

"... I had heard Fairy Tail's Members had come back, after being gone so long." Hora started cautiously- she couldn't let them know she had been involved in any of that. "How are they anyway?"

"They're all fine, we went to visit them shortly after they returned. No one was seriously inured, and they are all glad to be back home, though they are a little behind in the times." Lyon murmured, Hora nodded slightly. That was a bit of an understatement..

"Right, with seven years having gone by none of the members stuck on Tenrou grew any stronger than they were seven years ago." Yuka murmured,

"Which means they've been surpassed in power by nearly all the Mages in all the other Guilds." Sherry sighed,

"But you say it like Fairy Tail plans on joining the Games this year." Hora pointed out,

"They do." Jura smiled,

"Really?" Hora murmured, eyes wide and smiling a little- suddenly a little excited. Her dark blue eyes shone, glinting in excitement and sudden thrill.

She had hoped that the return of those Members lost on Tenrou would ease the pain in the hearts of the Fairy Tailers who had been left, and lived seven long years without their Guild-Mates. Eventually she had hoped that Fairy Tail would rise anew, back to the former glory she knew it had had... But she hadn't honestly expected them to rise up so quickly, nor to even consider doing the GMG.

But hearing that they were going to, that lift her spirits a little- and made her all the more excited to see what they would bring to the table when the time came.

"You seem pleased about Fairy Tail's planned participation." Lyon commented, Hora nodded.

"Why not? I heard Fairy Tail used to be really strong, if they really plan to join in the Games, that just means it'll be more interesting to watch." She grinned,

"Even if that means SaberTooth will have more competition?" Sherry murmured,

Hora smirked, "Nah, I'm counting on it." She beamed, "Fairy Tail used to be one of the number one Guilds, even if they hit a rough patch- their best Members are back now, right? Even having lost all that time, I'm still sure they'll end up surprising everyone." Her eyes shone slightly, everyone around her seemed to blink, a little caught off guard by how much esteem she seemed to put into Fairy Tail- who, as far as they knew, hardly anyone now a days knew anything of, or even paid attention to.

Hora knew very little about Fairy Tail in all reality- she of course had invested herself in helping locate the afore thought 'destroyed' island of Tenrou. She learned of Fairy Tail through that- but most of her focus had always remained on the Slayers. She knew nothing of the other prominent Members, nothing other than they were all very, very strong back in their day- and she hoped they would show how strong they were in the Games. If Fairy Tail were to participate, and shine- it would be a great thing to watch, and not only that- it may help to lighten the hearts of those in Fairy Tail who had been left alone for Seven Years.

Fairy Tail had grown weak and nearly despised over the years, and she knew well that it had suffered a lot... In her own heart she wished that suffering to end. And maybe the GMG would help to make Fairy Tail a shinning, strong Guild again.

Besides, with Fairy Tail intact again- and in the Games, she knew Rogue and Sting are certainly going to be much more invested. After all- when they had been younger they had looked up to two of Fairy Tail's Dragon Slayers as Idols, as she very well knew.

"Hmm... Then I suppose we agree with you." Jura smiled slightly, "We ourselves are rather excited in Fairy Tail's planned participation, and I'm sure this years GMG will be one to remember." Hora nodded, still smiling.

"Definitely."

.:+:.

"You seem to have relaxed."

Hora's eyes moved sideways toward Lyon, who had been sitting beside her in silence for some time now.

Sherry, Sherria, Yuka, Tobi and Jura had moved off- the whole of Lamia Scale becoming a mingling mess of people sharing drinks, laughing and talking to one another on all manner of things. For a very long time she had been talking pleasantly with the small group of all manner of things, though mostly she listened to their stories and what they had to say- quite content with doing just that.

Once they had moved away she had taken to simply watching the mingling among the Lamia Scale Wizards, her arms crossed on the bartop and eyes glinting slightly- nearly enthralled.

Lamia Scale was so warm and peaceful... No one was on edge or looking about around them warily, they are all so at ease... It was nothing like SaberTooth. It reminded her, with a small flash of pain in her heart, what Saber had been before Jiemma.

Damn that man...

Her attention and her eyes moved toward Lyon, having been faintly aware he was still sitting beside her, but thinking nothing of it as she was lost in her own thoughts. He gazed at her steadily, as she nodded a little.

"Yeah, I suppose I have." She smiled slightly, he blinked, eyes narrowing slightly.

"... You seem familiar somehow." He said suddenly, catching her slightly off guard. Her head tilted, blinking in question.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not sure... Its almost like I've seen you before. Just something about your face." He murmured and she sweatdropped slightly, shrugging a little.

"Hmm, well I wouldn't see why." She replied, "I think I would have remembered if we had met before."

"I suppose that's true." He relented, sighing slightly as he seemed to shake the thought off a moment. "... You asked what sort of work that Sherry, Tobi, Yuka and I did before joining Lamina Scale, earlier." He murmured, Hora blinked.

"... I was just wondering. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, that's your business." She told him softly, remembering the way in which he had cut the subject off earlier. He shook his head slightly, letting out a small sigh.

"No, its alright. I don't mind," he replied, "I just didn't want to talk about earlier, because I don't like making them remember things that are painful." His eyes rest on the smiling forms of Sherry, Yuka and Tobi across the hall a moment, suddenly glinting in several different emotions. Hora blinked, eyes slightly wide as she simply gazed at him a long time- recognizing the look, better than she'd like.

It was the look of regret.

"We did some things we regret, they followed me as a leader- though I didn't deserve their loyalty." Lyon murmured, hands folding and eyes falling closed a moment. "For years, they followed my lead in a foolish quest to seek vengeance on a creature that had taken people I loved from me.. A creature that had also destroyed their own lives and families, as it had mine. A quest that eventually lead to us facing people we would have never considered enemies, if I had not been blinded by my own hate and anger." Hora blinked, her ears ringing slightly, easily seeing a look of haunting paws across his face a moment.

Creature...?

"... We worked to free a Demon of Zeref from a Seal that had been placed over it, so that I may defeat and kill it to enact my vengeance. It was stupid and foolish, and we would have paid dearly if everything had gone according to plan... If that Demon hadn't been slowly drained of life from the person who sacrificed themselves to Trap it in the first place, if it hadn't been for them... My own Mentor, I would have lead them, myself, and so many others to their deaths." Hora stiffened slightly, sweatdropping a little and eyes shinning.

Lyon's folded hands tightened in a sudden grip, shoulders hunching slightly as his eyes remained fixed to the bar counter firmly.

"I was a different person back then... A worse person than I am now." He mumbled lowly, "Since joining Lamia... I've been working to be better. To try and make up for the mistakes I made, and to be a better friend to them." Hora's expression softened slightly, staying silent a moment- hearing his sincerity clearly.

... She suddenly realized that she and Lyon were rather alike in some ways.

Lyon had done things he regretted to his friends... He lead them into a situation that left them hurting and on the wrong path. He regretted his choices and his past mistakes, and was working hard to try and repay for them... He was haunted, he felt guilty...

... Damn it... He... He's just like me...

With Rogue, Sting... With Lector and Frosch. She had made the wrong choice, she had relented to letting them join SaberTooth when she should never have allowed it. She regretted that everyday, and since then had been doing her best to keep them safe- even if that meant she ended up hurting. She felt guilty, she always had...

Her hand gripped the shirt about her chest, eyes falling and sweatdropping a little.

Even more so... She suddenly felt he was more than just guilty, regretful... She had the feeling he was in more pain most of the time than he ever let show. He was sad, and haunted- but he never let anyone see it... Just like she was.

So cold, and empty, and sad and numb... But she never let it show.

Her eyes closed a minute, maybe... Maybe this is why I warmed up to Lyon quickly...

... We're so... Alike... I didn't think I'd get to understanding him hardly at all while I was here in Lamia... Guess I was wrong.

"... I understand, Lyon." She murmured, earning his gaze and surprised look. She smiled softly, "I understand how you feel... We just keep trying to be better, right? That's all we can do, and we do it. You're friends clearly care for you, so maybe you shouldn't worry too much." She smiled a little more, he stared, eyes a little wide and a little taken aback by her sudden understanding of what he said- and how easily she seemed to understand how he felt.

For a small moment he swore... He swore he saw pain and guilt in her eyes too, and haunting. A look he knew, from seeing it in himself.

He nodded, smiling slightly himself. He seemed to know... She did understand, almost too well.

"Right." He agreed, Hora nodded slightly.

"... You mentioned a creature." Hora murmured, suddenly realizing what he said. "A Demon of Zeref...? One that... That destroyed your home? And your... Family?"

Her words dropped suddenly, though Lyon hardly seemed to notice her sudden tenseness. In her mind those words stuck- it pushed past her realization of how similar she and Lyon seemed to be, and despite herself- her heart lurched.

'Mom?! Dad?! Brother?!'

She did her best to push the memory of her terrified screaming away, as Lyon nodded to her a little gravely.

"Yes, it's the same with Sherry, Tobi and Yuka as well." Lyon replied, "That Demon destroyed everything we had, we were left alone... I was fortunate enough to be taken in by the woman who taught me my Magic, others were less lucky." He sighed slightly, that haunted look coming back into his eyes a moment as memory seemed to flood his mind.

"... The Demon Deliora. It destroyed our lives, yes... But now it can no longer harm anyone, my Mentor- Ur, she defeated it."

Hora went rigid, her eyes widening and all sense of thought suddenly derailed as her heart began to race, and sudden true and utter panic and terror rushed through her body- as the fiery pain and ache of her long buried memory stormed up again.

The whole village was in a complete state of panic, of destruction and disarray... Homes and buildings, all those structures she had come to know by heart- they lay in smoldering ruin around her, flames dancing and rubble thrown all about.

It was a massacre.

Her family, her brother, her village...

... Her eyes moved from the blackened ice and snow, upward as she felt a massive shadow loom over her. Her wide and terrified gaze moved up to see the Beast standing before her, so massive it was it blocked out the sky. Its cold eyes glittering in animalistic rage and malice, her heart stopping and ice running through her veins as she simply remained motionless. She was too terrified to move, or even cry out as one of its clawed hands lift- sharp claws glinting in the fire light.

She was going to die...

It swiped downward, she lift her arms as her eyes shut right in terror- the beasts hand catching her small body and tearing open her skin and muscle and bone with one of the wicked claws, her blood flying into the air and staining the snow- just as hundreds of different scarlet pools already were. The agony that swept through her was gut-wrenching, her vision went black and red at the pain of it tearing across her being, as she was sent flying- her scream of utter pain tearing at the air and her throat.

She fell abruptly silent as she slammed into the ground, bones cracking. She rolled, coming to a halt, unmoving, unbreathing... A large, deep pool of crimson surrounding her body, the wound deep, bone showing through the shredded skin.

My... Family... My brother... Dead...

... She was screaming. Writhing and squirming in sheer, fiery agony searing across her body and her mind. Her wrist, arm, and all the way to her shoulder... Her skin was blistering from the insane heat- it felt as if she had dipped it in molten lava.

Someone was gripping her arm tightly, holding on to her, the grip never slipping- even as she tried so desperately to pull away. Her vision flashed black, red... The smell of burning filled her nose and lungs. She just kept screaming... The pain was blinding...

... She wanted it over. She wanted to feel nothing... And still that grip... That grip that burned her skin and sent lava searing through her veins, it kept her away from the numbing embrace of perpetual darkness. It wouldn't let her go. She wanted to be let go.

And for what? What the hell was all this... All this pain and sheer agony, the suffering and the torture for anyway? Why was she being forced to endure it?

... The reason... It... It was impossible... She couldn't...

"STOP! PLEASE!"

"You must... Live! It is up to you... You have to defeat...!"

"NO!"

To defeat...

She must have gone very pale, or at least something about her suddenly had Lyon looking stunned, and a little concerned.

Her heart was racing, she was breathing in slightly panicked breaths, her head and eyes falling away from him and locking to the floor, her hands gripping her arms tightly and a large bead of sweat falling down her face.

She hated this.. All this emotion, this fear and terror, all of it flooding back, nearly as fresh and as powerful as they originally were. She hated the memories, the things she wanted nothing more than to forget- and she hated she couldn't stop herself from reacting in this way.

... Get... Get a hold of... Of yourself... Idiot...!

Her eyes locked on to the long, jagged scar running up from her wrist, that curled up her arm and over her shoulder- feeling the memory of lava rushing through her, but finding it easier to calm herself down as she gripped her arm tightly, doing her best to force her emotions to still.

... I can't... I can't let that do that.. To me...

"Horatia," Lyon's voice broke through the waves of echoing and ghostly screams of terror falling on her ears. He had moved closer, his hand resting gently on her shoulder- she did her best not to stiffen at the contact, feeling a small wave of relief run through her at how cold his skin was, enough to dull the aching memory of fiery agony engulfing her being.

... Damn it... I'm such a freaking... Coward...

"... Are you alright?" Lyon asked, his voice serious as Hora took in a small breath, eyes closing as she lift her head a little, nodding once.

"... I'm ok..." She mumbled, one eye opening to cast a glance his way and the confused look he wore, as well as the sudden worry etched on to his face- which she had begun to realize, was mostly always nearly expressionless and neutral. "Sorry... I didn't... I guess I just wasn't expecting that to be your answer." She chuckled lowly, humorlessly and a little nervously.

"... Did... Are you...?" He started slowly, seeming to have a hard time piecing the words together as the look of utter shock took over his features, eyes glinting in sudden understanding and a faint look of recognition. He knew that haunted look that had passed over her face all too well... It was a look he saw in himself, in Sherry, Yuka, Tobi, and Gray.

"... Yeah." She mumbled lowly, smiling a little nervously with a small nod of her head. "... I was really, really young... When Deliora destroyed my village, and my family. I got out," her grip on her arm tightened a little, his eyes flicking toward the long and deep scar.

"... Barely."

Lyon's eyes glittered, sweatdropping a little as concern and a sudden softness took over his features a moment. He never imagined he'd ever run into anyone else whose life Deliora had managed to ravage, let alone someone who seemed... Young.

How old could she have even been? When Deliora...? She was younger than he was, by quite a number of years.

Hora's eyes remained fixed on the bar counter, sweatdropping heavily as they passed into a small strained silence a moment.

... So Lyon, his friends... All of them, hurt by that monster... Their homes and Families... Gone, just like mine...

"... I didn't know anybody else managed to survive in that Demon's quake..." She said quietly, eyes dulling a little. "... Especially... Not after knowing my entire village was killed... I thought I was the only one who managed to make it through..."

... But I never should have.

"... So, you said... Your Mentor, Ur- she defeated Deliora?" Hora asked softly, suddenly changing the subject slightly. Lyon blinked, simply gazing at her and her suddenly haunted and shaken form for a moment, a little unhappy he had brought back whatever awful memories she seemed to be bombarded with at mention of Deliora. He hadn't meant to make her remember such things, not that he had known...

Hora sweatdropped a little more, Lyon tried to beat Deliora... He spent years... She stiffened slightly,

But, I... I was supposed... That's why... Why I was kept... Alive...

"Yes." Lyon murmured softly, nearly gently. "She sacrificed herself, to save me, and one of my closest friends. She wore away at Deliora for years, and succeeded in killing it. Deliora is dead, and cannot harm anyone else ever again." He told her, his tone turning to one that seemed like it was meant to be reassuring- but Hora suddenly felt cold, and a little guilty.

... That purpose... That I was supposed to serve... I failed, and someone else died...

"... I'm glad." Hora murmured, smiling just slightly as she slowly began to recompose herself- outwardly anyway. She straightened up, glancing toward Lyon and giving him a slightly wider smile, attempting to make him get rid of that concerned look he had placed on her. She didn't want concern, or even pity... She didn't deserve it.

I completely failed... I ran away. Such a damned coward...

... The one thing I was alive for... And I never tried. Damn it...

"I'm alright, you just caught me off guard." She smiled, head tilting slightly. "But I am glad to hear Deliora is gone, really. I suppose I should thank your mentor for that."

"If you're sure you're alright..." He said slowly, looking a unconvinced. She nodded,

"I'm also glad I ran into you, Lyon. At least now I know about Deliora, and now I know someone else like me." She smiled softly, earning a small blink from him, and a slight nod- a small smile pulling at his lips.

"I'm glad to have met you as well." He replied, she smirked.

"Give it time Ice-Boy, we'll be great friends. Even if you're from Lamia Scale," she chuckled, her seemingly carefree demeanor returning slowly. He blinked at the name, before smirking slightly himself.

"Somehow I don't doubt it." He replied, eyes closing as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Hora's eyes softened slightly, though he didn't see. He really didn't know how quickly it was she warmed up to him, how alike they really were... Or even how much she liked him already, even trusted him.

I've known Lyon less than a day, and in all the years I've known Sting and Rogue... I have never told them about Deliora, about my family, my home. And I probably never will... But with Lyon, I didn't even hesitate to admit it.

There was a different sort of friendship sparking between herself and Lyon she hadn't been anticipating. It was a surprise... But maybe a pleasant one.

Unfortunately, she wouldn't be staying long. She couldn't... She needed to get back to SaberTooth, lest Master start to get angry again. And we saw where that got her last time.

"Lyon, do you happen to have a pen and paper?" She asked suddenly, earning a questioning blink from him. She smiled, "I figure I might as well try to get a hold of my Guild Mates, let them know I'm ok." She explained, though vaguely. He paused a moment, before shrugging a little and nodding.

"Give me a moment, I might know where to find some..." He murmured, climbing to his feet and turning away. Hora smiled, but turned away from him and clapped her hands lightly in front of her, bowing her head so her forehead brushed against her pressed together hands, eyes falling closed.

Thank you, Ur... I never knew you, but you have done what I never could... What I failed to do, was to afraid to try... What I ran away from. Rest in peace, you have most definitely earned it... You are truly strong, stronger than I can ever hope to be... Thank you.

Lyon glanced back, seeing Horatia clap her hands in front of her, blinking slightly at the small gesture a moment- but not questioning it.

He returned shortly, paper and pen in hand as he handed it to her- Hora's eyes opened as he approached, and she smiled at him.

"Thanks." She grinned, taking the materials as he settled down next to her again.

"What do you need them for?" He asked, just as she but the cap the pen and pulled it off, then settled the paper in front of her. "Surely you don't think a letter will reach your Guild-Mates.. Wherever it is they are."

"Nah, nof a letter." She murmured about the cap in her teeth. "Somefin a little differen."

He watched silently, almost in awe as she quickly set to work marking across the paper with delicate, precise strokes. Working away to create the form of a small, finely etched bird upon the paper, the lines smooth and entirely artful. He stared, slightly taken aback by her sudden artistic talent.

"Impressive, I had no idea you could draw." He murmured,

"You coulf probably do better, Maker Magic an' all." She smiled, but blushed slightly anyway. She replaced the cap back on the pen and held the paper in her hand, lightly placed between her index and middle fingers. "It'll do anyway,"

"Do for what?" He asked,

"Yeah, what are you up too, Horatia?" Their attentions turned to the appearance of Sherria; who they hadn't noticed approach them until that moment.

"... I guess you could call it a form of Picto Magic." Hora murmured,

"Should you really be using Magic?" Lyon asked,

"Yeah, I'm not sure using Magic is a good idea." Sherria murmured softly, Hora shook her head.

"No, its fine. Its a simple Spell, besides- I feel perfect." She replied, sending them a slightly reassuring smile. She didn't feel 'perfect', that was a lie... But she didn't feel awful either. And she needed Rogue and Sting to know she was up and awake,

Her thoughts faintly flashed to waking up, that night with Rogue beside her... And she remembered what she said.

They're gonna ask questions...

"Don't worry about it. I really will be fine," she murmured, seeing them looking a little unconvinced, but they didn't argue.

Her eyes fell closed, warmth pulsing into her hand as she concentrated on the paper, feeling a sudden flash of fiery hot press against her skin in her upper arm- to which she knew was suddenly sporting a strange black marking, of which Lyon and Sherria blinked at with wide, questioning eyes.

The paper in her hand was suddenly engulfed in light, nearly shimmering gold flame- she didn't flinch nor give any notice of the flames licking at her fingers and hand. The paper was eaten away by the fire, but the flames kept away from the lines of the bird she had drawn- eating everything but the illustrated animal- Sherria and Lyon watched in silence and curiosity.

There was bright yellow orange flash and suddenly Hora's hand fell away, the illustration puffing up into substance, the wings beating as she now suddenly alive bird flapped in air before Hora, its wings dancing with small flames and embers that refused to eat away its still paper body. Hora's dark blue gaze opening to rest on it with a small smile.

"Hello again, Drille." She said softly,

"Hello Miss!" The bird chirped back happily. "What may I do for you today?" Drille asked, Lyon and Sherria seemed slightly awestruck, unsure as to what it was or even what sort of Magic that had been.

"Please find Rogue and Sting, would you?" Hora murmured, leaning her elbows against the bar as the black marking on her arm faded entirely. "Let them know I'm alright, and tell them to hurry their asses the hell up." She smirked, earning a nod from the paper bird.

"Right away Miss!" Drille sped off from the hall and out of sight quickly, as Hora smiled slightly at its retreating form.

"Wow..!" Sherria grinned, eyes glinting. "That was really cool!" She beamed, earning a smile from Hora.

"Such an odd Magic..." Lyon murmured under his breath, too low for Hora too hear him. What was it though?

Hora smiled shyly at Sherria, who still beamed about the small display like a child would. "Ah, it wasn't that cool..." She murmured,

"It totally was! Nearly as cool as love~"

Lyon's eyes narrowed, seeing Hora smile at Sherria softly, calmly... Again he was hit by the sense; she somehow seemed familiar. But still, he wasn't sure why.

With a small shake of his head he pushed the thought away, Horatia would be on her way back to Saber Town soon he was sure. A part of him was a little unhappy with it- he did enjoy her company, and hoped he would see her again soon.

He smirked slightly, perhaps at the Grand Magic Games? To which Fairy Tail, SaberTooth, Lamia, Pegasus, and all the strongest Guilds would be going head to head... It was sure to be exciting.

His last lingering thought before he joined in the small conversation that had cropped up between Hora and Sherria, was that of those who survived Deliora... To which Horatia belonged.

I wonder... Are there any others we don't know about..?

.:+:.

Here we are with another update! Woo! ^^ I hope you enjoyed it, though it was considerably more dull than the last three Chapters.

Next up, Rogue and Sting meet back up with Hora! XD Wonder what'll happen~

Thanks for all the reviews and favs guys!

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