A deep breath escapes me as I make it to my room. I slip into the room quickly and slam the door shut, I slide to the floor as undeniable tension leaves my body.
I even find myself murmuring as my relief is evident so much so that I dont notice another occupier in my room until a giggle echoes.
Snapping my head I am face to face with Layla who seems to find my behaviour amusing. I sit up a bit and pick the dried clay off my hands as something to distract myself with.
Layla slides of the mattress until she is sat directly to my left with her back also against the door frame. I wonder what she wants?
'Hey Erza. I couldnt find you today so i thought I would wait here for you.'
'Sorry Layla I was preoccupied so whats up?' Damn that sounded super formal.
'Nothing is wrong silly. I just wanted to spend time with you!' This girl is unbelievable.
'Wait. Your not mad because I got in a fight with Lait_your dad. I thought thats why you didnt sleep here last night?'
Layla rolls her eyes. A bad habit she learnt from me.
'No I was talking to my dad about everything last night like why he left us and why you guys got into it. He explained it all.' Ah that clarifies things.
'But you dont really need me anymore Lay. I mean you have Lait_your dad now so why are you here wasting time with me'
Layla's eyes fill with tears. Shit. What did I do?
'But Erza we are family...you dont want me as family anymore?' Layla sniffs and rubs her eyes with her sleeve. My heart squeezes at the sight and I pull her into my arms.
'Dont be silly Layla. I love you like a sister. But I thought you may not need me now you'v found Lait_your dad.'
Layla shakes her head childishly and buries her face in my hair. I was stupid for doubting her love for me.
I push her away and place my arms on either shoulder willing her to look at me. Her eyes are watery and her skin blotchy from crying yet she still smiles. This girls strength will revival even Uriel's when she gets older.
'I asked your father to train me. I will learn some new forms but I will be out in the field being a flighter until I am strong enough to be a fighter. You will have to stay here Layla. Your dad wont send you out at this age.'
Layla already frowns.
'But Erza i want to get stronger and fight with you.'
I force my voice to go firm despite how touching I find her plea. This is non negotiable.
'Layla you will stay here and act your age. Lin has a daughter you will make friends with and you could ask your dad to help you train your powers. I have to do this Layla.'
'Why? Why do you have to do this though? Its dangerous.'
I force myself to stand and pull her up with me.
'I have to do this because I am going to save my friends Layla. In six months I will be redeemed whether they speak to me or not.'
Layla stands back but her smile says it all. She looks at me in awe.
'You really will!?'
I nod. No humour anywhere on my face.
'Yes I am.'
Layla jumps high in the air and water soars in the air. In this moment she looks like a dancing fairy soaring with the water in circles and her hair splayed around her.
'This means I get to them. Peter? Uriel? Grayth? Kyran?'
I laugh and nod only to get soaked by Layla's water swirling faster around her. Im drenched and clay in my hands has now softened again well thats one less thing to worry about.
I go to the basin and soak my hands willing the clay to leave.
Once Layla breaks out of her fairy poses she rushes to the door and swings it open, so hard in fact it bounces off the wall.
'Erza lets go get dinner.'
Jesus I have to go down those stairs again?
'One Minute Lay.'
'No Come Now!!!' So with that my hand is grabbed and being directed out the door and down the hall way.
I swear to every god if Laith is anything like his daughter, this training will surely kill me.
Although I am pretty excited...new forms...new job kinda seems like a new beginning in everything.
A new name. A new page. A new chapter.
What will it bring?