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The Wonders of the Reward

Summary:

It's been seven years since Emma reunited with her family in the human world. After living through the price she had to pay for them to survive, will she still be able to live the life she wanted before she lost it all?

Notes:

Spanish Translation by @Crishel25 on Wattpad: Click here!

Chapter 1: Rooftop

Chapter Text

It had been a mere seven years when they found her in that small village in one of those deemed as "extinguished" countries.

She was twenty-three now. And still, she never regained her memories despite the ridiculous attempts to have it back. 

At first, everyone shared their own memories of her, of how much of a sister she was back in the Gracefield House. How she defended them tirelessly in the face of demons. How she became friends with two of the intelligent demons. How they lost two of the most reassuring adults in one of their escapes. And how she fought with Norman regarding the eradication of the demons.

What she didn't expect was how her memories got erased as the reward for sending all the cattle children to the human world. She never expected to be that selfless in her former life. But she could only imagine it with the stories they retold in the last couple of years. 

Despite the bizarre reunion, the old man that nurtured her for the past 2 years took her "supposed" family at that time in. From there, they built a life. They became a family once again.

Until the old man died of old age when Emma was twenty. 

After the old man died, she moved to the Capital along with her family for better opportunities. There, she got a job as a Research Analyst for a real estate firm alongside Norman. Despite the albino guy's reason for applying was due to "convenience" from his condominium with Ray, Emma couldn't help but get a feeling that they were keeping an eye on her.

A mild tap on her shoulder made her sprint back to reality. She was trying to concentrate on her project proposal earlier but got sidetracked again. She turned to face the grin of her immediate superior.

"Emma, it's lunchtime. Mind accompanying me to the canteen?" 

She couldn't believe it either. She's been working for this company for 3 years but Norman climbed the ranks before her. Emma didn't mind though. Though his reason for taking a job here seemed sketchy, it was reassuring to see a familiar face everyday.

"You don't have to fetch me every break, sir. I'm very much fine. Thank you very much." She took her mug before standing up and eyed Norman with curiosity.

Norman shrugged her attempts of questioning him. "How harsh, Emma. That's not how you treat family." He feigned a heart attack struggle which made Emma push him on the side.

"You do know that everyone here is gossiping about us, right? One more packed lunch and everyone will think I'm the boss's favorite." She crossed her arms at him. 

What's more, Emma realized that colleagues were eyeing them once again so she motioned Norman to follow her to the rooftop - her sanctuary.

Emma made sure no one was following them as she guided the way to the rooftop. Once the area was clear, she pushed open the handle and was met by the cold breeze of December. She immediately noticed her childhood best friend shivering from the cold. The guy was too fragile for his own good. Nevertheless, he followed Emma to one of the old benches stacked up against each other.

"I was reminiscing earlier."

Emma noticed the unwavering attention Norman was giving. Of course, this was the guy that persuaded her to trust them when she was clueless as a block 7 years ago. His words of declaration moved her to tears as she reluctantly agreed to a future with no memories of them. It was so easy to confide in him. Him and Ray, that is. She was also told by the lot of them that they were the inseparable trio ever since childhood. 

She couldn't remember. But she could feel it in her heart that they were the closest persons to her. But she wouldn't say it out loud. Gilda might get jealous. That girl had her own tantrums when she couldn't remember their times together but she loved her now. In fact, she all loved them now. 

"About what?" Norman pressed on.

"I'm glad you guys found me. For two years, you tirelessly looked for me. But to find me in this kind of state, I'll forever be guilty. I don't really remember the heroic things I did, Norman. I mean, I may never remember. And the feeling that I might be alone now if you hadn't found me keeps sending shivers down my spine. I know you guys always say that I saved you all. But in fact, you guys saved me now."

Tears streamed down Emma's face as she recollected the "what ifs" in her life. Emma had always opened up this side of hers to Norman, who would always hold her hand and tell her that the worst has passed. She always had these moments of uncertainties. For why she was always grateful to Norman.

To her astonishment, Norman cupped her face and looked directly in her eyes. Those blue eyes like the ocean always managed to calm her down. But looking at them now, it was like blue waves influenced by a storm.

"Emma, you have got to stop comparing yourself now to your old self. No one gives a shi-"

"No cursing." 

"Sorry --." Norman composed himself before continuing. "No one cares about that now. No one blames you for it. Those sacrifices you did made you you. And even though you're a lot different from before, you're still our Emma." 

Emma managed to suck in air as her heart stammered uncontrollably. Norman had this effect on her. One of the reasons why she was always dumbfounded whenever he talked. And every time he encouraged her, it seeped through her soul.

And for the past few years, she finally understood why she would always have a soft spot for him. He always prioritized her above everyone. 

It was easy getting to know Norman again.

But it was easier to fall in love with him.