Title: Rising Hope for Tomorrow
Genre: Adventure, Action, Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Slight Humor, Drama
Pairing: GrayxJuvia, NatsuxLucy
Summary: Team Natsu had decided on a mission for Lucy's impending rent. For some reason, Wendy, Charle and Juvia tagged along without knowing about it. It turned out to be in Juvia's hometown in which the rain had been nonstop. How could the water mage face her past self again? What could her new family do to make her embrace her present and future whilst accepting her past?
Disclaimer: Anime and manga Hiro Mashima; Story Mari Kia Aishiteru
Note: This story is in my mind for a long time now. I just got really motivated today because I cannot forget the fan screening movie of Dragon Cry here yesterday. The freebies are amazing! So I am really inspired. Originally a oneshot but I want to post it so I divided it in 3 parts. Hope you like it!
Pardon the errors. Reviews are welcome!
RISING HOPE FOR TOMORROW
By: Mari Kia Aishiteru
…
PART ONE: THE RAIN
It was a lovely morning in the town of Magnolia. One could hear the birds chirping, trees waving with the wind and bustling of the people by the streets. With these things lingering in her ears, Lucy Heartfilia woke up early in the morning. She prepared herself for the day. After that, she grinned energetically as she declared, "Yosh! I'm going on a mission today!"
Wondering why she was so fired up in going on a mission that day?
Well, the usual.
Because of her rent. She was due in one week. She had to pay or else, she'd be living in the streets of Magnolia.
As she trudged down the familiar road to her guild, the blonde haired mage thought of what kind of mission will she do this time and also, if her teammates were willing to come with her. Well, that was already decided. Even if she didn't say anything, they will still come. Sometimes, they were the ones who even choose a mission for her.
She smiled. That was the reason why she really loves her teammates and of course, her guild.
She stopped walking as she marveled at the sight of her beloved guild. Fairy Tail.
The celestial mage was in awe before she was cut out of her reverie with her name being called out.
"Lucy!"
The person who called out stopped running in front of her and gave her a smile. "Yo!"
"Good morning, Gray." She greeted back. "It's a good day today, isn't it?"
The ice mage nodded in agreement. "Yeah, a perfect day for a mission."
"Right?" the celestial mage jumped in excitement. "I thought so too!"
They were on their way inside the guild while talking animatedly that they didn't notice the presence of another mage behind them.
"Love rivaaaaaaal~" she muttered under her breath with a glare towards the celestial mage. Even though the water mage tended to do this almost everyday, everyone knew that she and Lucy were close friends.
Opening the door to Fairy Tail, Juvia walked inside. She could see that her Gray-sama and love rival had seated by the bar as Mira gave them drinks.
Juvia's eyes roamed around the guild. As usual, the guild expressed warmth in her insides that she couldn't help but smile. This was Fairy Tail. It was her family and she was proud to be a part of it.
She wasn't the rain woman anymore. She was currently the water mage of Fairy Tail.
The doors opened again wildly, revealing Natsu and Happy. Both of them ran towards the bar and talked. She couldn't hear them so she, as silent as she could, walked towards them.
By the bar, Lucy told Natsu about taking a mission. "My rent is due this week. I need the money." She said with a smile.
"Then, Team Natsu will go on a mission today!" the fire dragonslayer exclaimed happily. "Come on Happy, let's choose a mission right now!"
"Aye!"
"I already chose one."
The partners sweatdropped on the ground as the Titania's voice cut through their excitement. "What was that! Erza!" Natsu shouted, all pissed. "You want to fight?!"
"That's right! That's right!" Happy seconded.
Erza slowly turned to them with dark aura looming around her. With a low voice, she said, "Huh? You were saying?"
Natsu and Happy stood still, sweatdropping. "N-nothing."
"Aye."
Lucy giggled with their antics as she scanned the mission poster Erza had given her. "Hmm… the mission itself is interesting and the payment is…" her eyes widened as she read it once again. "T-Ten million jewels?!"
Gray, Natsu and Happy gathered around her with shocked expressions.
"Seriously? You're not blind, aren't you?" Natsu asked.
"How rude! My eyes are still clear, you know!" Lucy shot back.
"Wow, it's really ten million jewels!" Happy said excitedly.
"Yeah," Erza said. "Wendy and Charle are also coming and…"
"In this kind of mission, we need her help." Gray said suddenly. Erza nodded, looking around for someone. "Yeah."
They saw the water mage behind the pillar, staring at them and they sweatdropped.
"Uh… Juvia?" Lucy broke the silence.
"What is it, love rivaaaal~?" she asked in a creepy voice.
"I'm not your love rival!" she frustratingly replied.
"Juvia," Erza said. "Come over here."
The water mage quickly came over and saw the smile of her beloved. "Aaaa~ good morning, minna-san!"
"How long have you been there?" Gray asked her.
"Ever since you came in, Gray-sama!"
"Geh!"
Erza shook her head but slipped a smile. "Juvia, would you like to come with us in our mission?"
The water mage's attention turned to her. "Mission? Really?"
If she could go on their mission, then she will have more time to stare at her Gray-sama. That would be heaven!
Her thoughts ran wild in her head.
So before she could see the mission poster, she instantly agreed.
"Great. I'm sure we will be able to finish this mission in an instant with your help, Juvia." Gray said. "We're counting on you!"
Juvia stared at him with an admiring face. "Hai, Gray-sama!"
"Now, let's go!" Natsu exclaimed. "I'm all fired up!"
"Yeah!"
"Fired up, eh?"
"S-shut… i—" his reply was drowned out by his gagging.
"I-I'm sorry, N-Natsu-san."
"Don't worry about it Wendy." Lucy said. "It's for his own good."
"B-But…"
"He could take care of himself."
They were already in the train. Natsu was gagging, as well as Wendy who couldn't use troia on both of them in fear of having a resistance to it.
"Erza-san, Juvia would like to know about the mission."
"Hm. Here."
The water mage scanned the mission poster. Lucy, who was next to her, saw her facial expression change from calculating to shock.
"Juvia?" Lucy asked hesitantly.
"How could this be possible?" she muttered, voice filled with shock.
"Juvia, what do you mean?" Erza also turned her attention to Juvia, who was in front of her. The boys were in their adjacent cab with Gray listening intently. Natsu, even though he wanted to, he couldn't because of what he was feeling.
The water mage closed her eyes for a moment to control her emotions. Opening her eyes she breathed, "Everyone will know when we get there." She replied simply, handing over the mission poster towards Lucy as she leaned on her seat, closing her eyes.
Lucy and Erza knew better than to force her. She will tell them everything when she was ready but for now, they would have to wait.
Gray continued to glance at the water mage. She was seated by the aisle and Lucy next to her sat by the window so he could see her clearly. Her breathing was even. She's sleeping. He thought as he went to sleep as well since their ride will be six hours.
Rain was pouring outside. A six-year-old blue haired girl continued to make teru teru bozu as if it was the one thing that could stop the rain outside. These things were already aligned in her room but she continued to make more. She only stopped when a kid opened the door to her room. There were three of them, a fat boy with rosy cheeks, a raven haired boy with a mole under his chin and a tall boy with amber eyes. They were glaring at her as if she did a criminal act.
The fat boy walked towards her. "You cursed girl! Stop the rain now!"
The girl cowered in fear, tears threatening to fall from her blue eyes. "B-But… I-I can't…"
"Stop saying you can't!" he shouted at her and the girl placed both of her arms on her head. "Don't talk back you gloomy girl!"
"This rain is obviously done by you! We can't play outside because of you!"
"I-It's not my—"
"It's your fault, you—" he attempted to kick her but someone had thrown something on his head.
"O-ouch!" he grimaced and turned behind him to see a dark haired boy with blue eyes.
"What are you doing to her, three idiots?" the intruder asked, a smile appearing on his lips. He was taller than the rest of the group and three years older than them.
"Wha- who are you referring to? Us?" the fat boy asked.
"Yes, now would you please leave Juvia alone?"
"…or what, Kyu? What would you do to us? Hit us with your pathetic trump cards?"
The three boys laughed together with that exclamation. The intruder, Kyu, glared at them with an evil smile and a low tone that made the three idiots shiver in fear. "Do you really want to eat these trump cards for dinner?"
The leader of the group, the fat boy, scoffed and turned to leave. "Let's go." He turned to Juvia and said, "Consider this your lucky day, cursed girl."
Kyu shut the door close and stared at the six-year-old. Juvia's tears were streaming on her cheeks as she stared at her savior. "Kyu nii-san."
The older boy crouched down in front of her and patted her head. "It's going to be okay Juvia. This brother of yours will protect you." He grinned at her.
Juvia, despite her tears, grinned at him. "Hai! Thank you!"
Her eyes opened and wandered around her spot. Right, she was in the train with Team Natsu for a mission.
A mission, in the town where she once lived in. The town where she was banished years ago because of her endless and cursed rain. The town who killed the only person who cared a lot and protected her.
She stretched her arms and realized that her companions were still sleeping. She looked outside. They were already near the town but still, it would take at least an hour before they got there. She stood up and walked out of the cab to take a breath outside. It was night time and the wind would calm her down from the dream she had.
No, it's not a dream. She thought to herself, stopping and leaning by the rail of the train. "Memory…"
She sighed as she stares at the stars. "I wish I could have saved you back then…"
She closed her eyes, imagining his face and the warmth it brought to her heart.
"Kyu nii-san."
"Juvia?"
She was cut out of her reverie with the male voice behind her. She turned hurriedly and blushed. "G-Gray-sama! Y-You're awake!"
He walked towards her and leaned on the rail next to her. "Yeah, I didn't see you when I woke up so I thought you'd be here outside."
"H-Hai. Juvia just woke up. She wanted some fresh air so she decided to come here."
Gray hummed in understanding and breathed in comfortably. "It's great to be outside at this time. The air is amazing here."
Juvia smiled at her Gray-sama. She was happy that he was pleased. "Hai, Gray-sama's right."
A comfortable silence overwhelmed them as they just stared at the view as the train continued to move.
But, there was something that Gray wanted to talk to her about. What he heard earlier. This mission might be something painful to Juvia so he wanted to know if she can perform this mission. After all, the name of their guild was at risk. "Juvia, can I ask you something?"
She turned to him innocently, giving him all of her attention. "Yes, of course, Gray-sama. What is it?"
"Are you… alright with this mission?" he asked, hesitating a bit. "I mean… I overheard you girls earlier. I noticed you staring at the poster."
Juvia's hopeful eyes became a bit dimmer, he noticed. He knew it. There was more to this mission than meets the eye. "Juvia?"
She seemed to be debating to herself if she would tell him or not. He was surprised. If this was a normal thing, she would have shouted, "Waaah, Gray-sama is worried about me!" or something like that but now she was actually thinking. It must have been something important.
Juvia, meanwhile, really wanted to tell her Gray-sama the truth. After all, she knew she could trust him but… there was still this part of her that was afraid of what his reaction would be. Will he hate her?
She sighed. If she didn't say anything, Gray would have been worried. Not only him but also the team. She knew them. They were so kind that they would have been so concerned about her. In the end, she decided to tell him but maybe not everything. At least she could tell them… him… bit by bit.
"Gray-sama… for now… Juvia can't tell you everything. But…" she stopped and kept her eyes downcast.
"It's okay." He said, causing the water mage to look at him. "You don't have to tell me everything." He looked at her with a smile. "It's enough to know that you trust me. You can tell me everything else some other time if you are comfortable with it."
Juvia smiled brightly. "Aaahh~ Gray-sama you're so kind! That's why Juvia loves you very much!" she gushed, causing Gray to turned away.
"Okaaay~ here we go again."
The water mage stared at her fingers after that. Gray noticed the ambiance so he glanced at her, waiting for her to say something. It would be a comfort to her to just listen. He could at least help her with this in return of her always being there for him.
"Actually, Gray-sama… the town we are going to… is Juvia's hometown."
He stared at her, surprise written all over his face. "R-Really?"
"Hai. Juvia's mother died in a mission so she was taken in an orphanage."
Gray continued to listen to her as she told him the memories he never knew she had.
"It was hard back then. The rain had followed Juvia wherever she goes. The children always blame Juvia for not being able to play outside. Juvia couldn't do anything about it. Everyone in the town hated Juvia because of her rain. They believed that she was cursed and then something happened so she had to ran away from that town."
The ice mage's eyes widened. He couldn't believe it. Just because of the rain, she was bullied?
Suddenly, a certain thought entered his mind.
"Juvia…"
"Yes, Gray-sama?"
"How old are you when you… you know…"
"Juvia was eight years old, Gray-sama." She said, as if it was a normal occurrence. "After that, Juvia wandered for months, until the Phantom Lord found her in the forest."
"So… that's how you…"
"Hai… Juvia was trained by Jose himself until she became a part of the element four."
"Juvia…"
"But Gray-sama saved Juvia and here she is… living a life that she never knew she could have."
He scratched his cheek in embarrassment. "I didn't really do anything."
"No," she faced him with a smile. Her hands found his and she gripped them both in her hands. "Gray-sama showed Juvia the blue skies for the first time so Juvia is really thankful to Gray-sama."
He sighed deeply and smiled. "I see. That's good for you."
"Hai! Thank you, Gray-sama!"
They stared at each other's eyes until Gray realized something. "Uh, Juvia?"
"Yes, Gray-sama?"
"You can let go of my hands now."
"Ehh~ but Juvia wants to hold Gray-sama~"
Gray sighed loudly, turning away from her gaze. "Aaaa~mou."
Juvia just giggled. Thank you for listening, Gray-sama.
They could already hear the pouring of the rain. They were near the train station of the town.
They readied themselves as they stared at the window where they could already see the station. "The rain is pouring so hard."
"It's okay, we have umbrellas." Erza told Lucy. "Here." The red head said, handing one to her. "Thanks."
Erza turned to the water mage who was staring by the window, deep in thought. "What about you, Juvia?"
She was unresponsive.
The red haired Titania and the celestial mage glanced at each other. "Uh, Juvia?"
With that, she turned to them.
"What is it, Erza-san, Lucy?"
Erza smiled at her. "Here's your umbrella."
"Ah, hai. Thank you." She stared at the window again.
Gray noticed the interaction and he told them that she would be alright. "But Gray…" Lucy said. "I don't think she's okay."
"It's going to be alright. After all, we're right beside her."
Lucy looked surprised. "Gray…" Erza just smiled. She realized that Gray knew something about what was wrong with Juvia. But she didn't want to pry. If Juvia told Gray, she thought it would be alright.
The celestial mage, meanwhile, was surprised at first but also had the same thoughts as the Titania.
"If you say so, Gray." She just replied, glancing at their water mage.
It would be alright. Thought the ice mage. If anything happens, we will help her… that's for sure.
The train finally came to a stop and the dragon slayers were revived. Natsu jumped energetically while Wendy heaved a sigh of relief. "Finally." She said with a small smile.
"Good work, Wendy." Lucy patted the girl's shoulder with a smile.
"Hai, Lucy-san!"
The fairy tail mages gathered by the shed as they opened their umbrellas. "So, where does our client live?" asked Lucy as they walked out of the train station. She was walking with Natsu and Happy under her umbrella. Erza was walking in front of her, as usual with her cart of baggage with an umbrella held by her. Wendy and Juvia were sharing an umbrella and Gray held a single umbrella for himself.
"The mayor is our client. He lived in the middle of the city, in a mansion."
"Wow… a mansion eh?"
"Yeah."
They continued to walk but they noticed that the people was staring at them. They were being talked about.
The rain was loud in his ears but being a dragon slayer, Natsu's hearing was powerful. He could clearly hear what they were saying. Wendy could hear it as well.
"It's her, isn't it?"
"Yes, I won't forget that face and the blue hair."
"But… this rain is not hers isn't it?"
"Hm."
Juvia was also aware that she was the one being talk about. They must have identified Juvia. She thought to herself as she walked. She didn't care what they were saying. It was no use to her. She was a Fairy Tail mage now. She was strong. Her rain was no longer following her. She was finally free and happy with her new family. She wouldn't let anyone destroy that.
Gray also noticed the murmurs and so, he decided to do something. He walked near Juvia and distracted her.
He slowly walked next to her causing the water mage to gaze at him questioningly. "Gray-sama?"
His eyes were focused on the road as they walk. "What?"
Juvia glanced at Wendy who wore the same expression as her. It was a surprise that it was Gray who initiated to walk beside the water mage, because everyday, it was the other way around.
What could be the reason for this?
Gray blushed as he averted his gaze away from the girls. "I-Is it bad to walk beside you?"
Juvia gasped but her eyes shone with giddiness. "Of course not, Gray-samaaa!" She wrapped her arm around his, leaning her weight on him. Gray sputtered. "H-Hey! I'm getting wet!" With that, Juvia gave her umbrella to the sky dragon slayer.
"Then Juvia will share with Gray-sama!"
Gray sighed loudly but seeing the look in her eyes, he let her clung to him. This action from him didn't go unnoticed by his teammates who were walking in front of them. Natsu, being the oblivious one, asked, "What are they doing?"
Happy smirked. "They looooove each other!" He said, his tongue rolling as always. The celestial mage laughed. "Just let them. It will distract Juvia."
Wendy nodded in agreement, walking next to Lucy. Erza smiled lovingly at her two guildmates. "I'm happy for you, Juvia." She muttered, happy for her and proud of Gray.Soon, they finally arrived at their client's mansion. The mages stared in awe but Juvia averted her eyes. She could still remember this mansion. This is where he lived after all.
Gray noticed this and cleared his throat to get her attention. "We should get going." He told everyone.
The mages nodded and Erza led the way towards the gate. She rang the doorbell and soon, a brown haired girl in twin pigtails appeared. She wore a maid uniform, indicating that she was a maid in the mansion. She was a little smaller than Erza and a bit taller than Lucy. She must be their age. She greeted them with an awkward smile, raising her black umbrella a bit to stare at them. "Um… what can I do for you?"
"We are mages from Fairy Tail. We are here for the mission." Erza replied to the young girl.
An expression of understanding crossed the girl's face as she opened the gate. "The mayor is expecting you. Please come in!" she said.
"Thank you."
Everyone scampered inside the gate and as soon as they got in the mansion, the girl offered them the umbrella rack. "You can place your umbrellas here."
"Thanks, Miss…" Lucy started but she thought she didn't know the name of the maid.
"You may call me Risa. The mayor is in his study room. I will take you there."
"Alright, thank you Risa."
The group went up the second floor and marveled its greatness. The mansion was built in marble. The floors and walls were shining. There were paintings by the wall and it awed the group once again. As they walked, Lucy thought about asking the maid about the continuous rain.
"Risa, how long has it been since the rain pours in this town?" the celestial maiden asked, making her teammates perk in attention.
The girl glanced at her and sighed. "It… started raining… two months ago. To be exact it was on February 20, x791."
Juvia stopped walking, eyes wide. That date… it's…
Her teammates noticed her actions and they all stopped as well. "Juvia-san?"
Natsu turned to her, eyes calculating. "What's wrong?"
Risa stopped and faced the water mage who was facing the floor.
"You remember didn't you?" she asked, staring at her. "Juvia Lockser."
The members of Fairy Tail turned to her, startled. "You know Juvia?" Happy asked the girl.
Risa scoffed, much to their surprise. She looked different from earlier who was kind and polite.
"How could I forget her?" she asked back. "We lived in the same orphanage when we were young."
They all turned to Juvia, who refused to face them. "Juvia… I'm glad that your rain hasn't been following you now unlike before and I know that you can control it now. Am I right?"
Juvia, for the first time, stared at Risa, ignoring the gazes of her guildmates. That was right. She could remember this girl. She was always clutching to his arms whenever they were together. She was his…
"Yes, Juvia can control her powers now. Risa-san can be rest assured that the past will not happen again."
Risa smirked. "Good for you. But, you know, if something ever happens…" she lifted a part of her dress, showing her thigh."I know I can defeat you."
Juvia's eyes widened. "T-That crest!"
On the girl's thigh, there was a diamond shaped crest and inside it was a teardrop.
"W-Wait!" Lucy said loudly, getting their attention. "What are you talking about?"
"What does that crest mean?" Erza asked, looking at the both of them. Juvia refused to look at her and Risa sighed. "Well, if you want to know everything about this town, you should ask her. She knew everything about this town. This is where she grew up after all." She explained, staring at all of them. "For now, you should know about your mission first."
Their short talk made them all curious but well, she was right. They had to know about the mission first. This could wait.
They all followed Risa to the mayor's study. Upon arrival, she knocked on the door three times and got a "Come in" in reply.
"Kai-san, Fairy Tail mages are here for their mission."
"Thank you, Risa-chan." The mayor stood up and walked towards them. They all noticed his white hair and beard. He looked so old.
"Fairy Tail, thank you for coming. I am Kai Ashder, this town's mayor. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"I am Erza Scarlet, and these are my companions…"
"I am Lucy and this is Wendy. The blue cat is Happy and the white one is Charle. The rose haired boy is Natsu. The black haired boy without clothes is Gray…"
Upon hearing that, the ice mage panicked and searched for his clothes.
"…and the blue haired girl is…"
"Juvia?" the mayor asked in shock. He didn't expect that she would come back in this town after nine years.
The water mage glanced at him, eyes apologetic. The old man walked towards her and touched her hands with his. This caused the water mage to stare at him with eyes wide. "Kai-sama?"
The old man smiled at her, making her feel so nostalgic. "Welcome back."
Juvia's eyes glistened with tears and streamed down her face. She was overwhelmed. This person… she could never forget his warmth. He was one of the people who accepted her for who she was. "H-Hm. Juvia's back." She hiccupped.
Her guildmates smiled softly at this. They never knew Juvia's past and how she had lived in her hometown but they could see that they were people who care for her aside from them. They were happy for her because of that.
The old man petted her head. "It's okay… shh…"
Juvia continued to cry.
After Juvia had calmed down, they found themselves seated by the sofa. Two sofas were available in front of the mayor's table. On the right side sat Juvia, Gray, Natsu and Happy respectively. Across from them sat Erza, Wendy, Charle and Lucy respectively. Risa stood behind the sofa where Erza and the others sat.
The mayor cleared his throat.
"So, can you explain our mission now?" Erza asked. All of them were attentive as they hear what the mayor has to say.
"Our town has always been peaceful. We are the source of water and generators, because almost all kinds of generators use water as its source of power. Our town was very famous among others. In this town, our clan of water mages are present so we continued to give water to nearby towns. Even though we are such a small town and our clan has been the rarest among all."
"So, Mr. Mayor, you are a water mage?" Happy asked out of curiosity. The group waited in anticipation, except Juvia who already knew the answer.
The old man let out a soft smile and nodded. "Yes, I was. But I retired." He replied. "My body couldn't hold such a powerful magic for a long period of time."
"Eh? Really?" Natsu asked this time, looking at Juvia. The blue haired water mage lowered her gaze and replied, "H-Hai… water magic is hard to control, especially when the mage got older. That is why, clans of water mages were tied to tradition of arrange marriages to spread their clan and raised their influences."
They all nodded in understanding. "Ehh… I see."
Erza cleared her throat and the others stiffened. "Mr. Mayor, please continue."
The old man smiled. "Hai, hai."
"Our town was filled with rain before as well." He began. "But, it still helped us with the business. I told you earlier that we are the source of water for nearby towns. We never lack water because of the rain and that was a blessing for us." Gray noticed the mayor glanced at the water mage next to him. "But, when… Juvia left, it followed her. So, our town filled with the sun again."
"So, the rain that you are talking about… was Juvia's?" Lucy asked, surprised.
"Yes, when she was born, the rain suddenly poured in town and it hadn't ended since then." He said, looking at her.
"The rain continued to fall for eight years."
Wendy thought of it and realized something. "Eight years? Then, Juvia-san…"
"Hai, Juvia left the town when she was eight years old and brought the rain with her." Juvia filled in, head bowed.
Gray observed her with soft eyes. Juvia…
The mayor cleared his throat to get their attention. "Anyways, two months ago… the rain that followed Juvia out of the town came back. We thought it was okay since Juvia's rain helped us so much back then but…"
"But…?"
"But… every night, blue haired teenage girls keep disappearing since then."
Their eyes widened. "What do you mean?" that was Erza.
"We don't know. We already reminded the people especially the blue haired girls to stay in their houses. But, every time their parents woke up, all they could see was an empty bed, and a bluebell flower."
Juvia's eyes widened with a gasp. Her guildmates turned to her. "What is it, Juvia?" Gray asked.
"Do you know something?" Erza seconded, staring at her.
The water mage averted her gaze and bit her lip. To tell or not to tell. She thought. But… this is important. It is related to the mission. She has to cooperate… even if she has to go back… to that place.
She faced them, eyes determined. "Yes, actually Juvia knew a place where we could find bluebells. Juvia thinks that maybe…"
"Maybe the bluebells left in the scene were from that place?"
"Hai, Erza-san."
"Then, we will go to that place after we investigated the places where these disappearances happened."
The mayor smiled at them and turned to Risa. "She knew the houses of the victims. She can help you."
"Then, Risa-san, we are counting on you." Wendy said, bowing to the lady.
The lady smiled and nodded. "Yeah, leave it to me." She said, patting Wendy's head.
"Then let's go!" Natsu exclaimed, full of life.
"Aye!"
They all walked towards the door except Juvia, who was looking at the mayor and Gray who was waiting for her.
"Juvia," Kai began, gripping both of her hands. "I know you'll be facing something from your past. Something that you couldn't tell us. And it's okay. We are here and we will accept you no matter what. So, I hope you can also forgive yourself."
The water mage's eyes filled with tears but it didn't flow out of her eyes. She desperately tried to stop her emotions. "Kai-sama… Juvia's sorry. She knows that she can depend on everyone… after all, Fairy Tail is her family. But… Juvia didn't know… if what she did before could be forgiven." She smiled despite the teary eyed. The mayor understood. It was hard for her, what happened in the past. He just hoped that her new family could give her strength to face everything...
To face herself.
"Juvia, let's go." Gray said quietly, just enough for them to hear.
The water mage nodded and cleared her throat. She bowed. "We're going." She said with a smile.
"I understand. Take care, Juvia."
"Yes."
As the door closed, the mayor was left all by himself. He stared at the window, the rain still pouring outside like there was no tomorrow.
"Juvia… please be safe." He prayed silently.
The Fairy Tail mages trudged the road of the town. The rain was still pouring steadily, no sign of stopping. They clutched their umbrellas and hugged their jackets closed to them, for warmth.
They went to the houses of the victims, interviewed their family members and saw the bluebell the mayor was talking about. Their statements were all the same. They slept the night and then, the next morning, their family member was gone. It was quiet. Noises were absent. It was impossible. How could the culprit kidnapped these girls?
Juvia stared at the bluebell flower she was holding. It was given to her by the father of the last victim, saying that he didn't need it anymore. All he wanted was for his daughter to come back. She held onto it and promised that she and her guildmates will do their best to find them. The man looked pleased but still worried. It couldn't be helped.
The Fairy Tail mages walked towards the mansion. Risa told them that they could continue investigating the next day since it was already time for dinner. The mages didn't notice since it had been raining but the girl kept a clock in her so she must be keeping track of the time.
They ate their dinner in silence. They reported to the mayor what had they got that day. He was quite disappointed but it was still the beginning of their investigation. They were planning to go to the place where the bluebell they believed was the source.
It was already late at night when they were dismissed. They were given rooms for each of them but they decided to share rooms. Lucy, Wendy and Charle shared one room, Erza and Juvia as well and the boys namely Natsu, Gray and Happy. So they only occupied three rooms. Erza stated that it was better if they were together in pairs for security purposes. They wouldn't know when the enemy would strike after all.
Juvia couldn't sleep that night. She stared at the ceiling of the room, memories of the town flowing into her head. She could hear her companion's stable breathing, an indication that she was asleep.
The day had been so much for her guildmates, especially for her. She couldn't believe that after all these years, she would be back in her town. She was surprised that Kai-sama became the mayor of the town. Her grandfather was the mayor back then and he wasn't able to do anything but let her wander in the forest. He didn't really care about what happened to her. She sighed and sat up.
So much for being tired. She couldn't sleep with the unpleasant memories seeping through her head. Maybe a breather wouldn't be so bad. She stood up and walked out of the room. Along the hallway, she found a balcony. She couldn't go outside though, because the glass door that leads outside was locked. She stood there instead, staring at the rain.
It was a part of her. But, this time… this rain… it wasn't hers. It wasn't. She was now free of the rain. She was happy with her life now, because she has Fairy Tail, Gajeel-kun, Gray-sama. She was very, very happy.
Then why…
Why do tears fall from her eyes at this moment? Why does she cry? For what? Who?
Her hand touched the glass door and stared at the dark skies. Why was she feeling this way? She felt pain and sadness because of the rain. The rain which wasn't hers.
She tried to keep the sob from coming out of her throat. She didn't want to wake anyone and there were two dragonslayers not far from where she stood. She didn't want them to hear her. She didn't want anyone to hear her.
So, she was startled when she felt someone tug at her free hand and pulled her close to them. When she caught the smell and the familiar body that made her lean to him, she already knew who this someone was.
She was sure when she even heard his voice from above her.
"It's okay. You can cry for how long you want to… until you feel better. I'll stay here with you."
She couldn't control her tears and her sob as it already came out of her. She cried on his chest, in his arms. She let everything out, because she felt safe with him and she felt comfort in his words.
Her Gray-sama was cold, not only because of his magic; He was kind of aloof. But, he was really kind towards others. He had his bad moments but all of that was negated by his coolness and kindness. That was she like about him. She loves him. So much.
She wrapped her arms around him and Gray let her. He also embraced her tight, making her feel that she wasn't alone. She never was. He was just thinking of having some fresh air even though it was raining. He was walking towards the balcony he saw earlier that night but he saw a sight he would never forget in his life. His water mage companion was trying hard not to cry. She was shaking so hard. It pained him to see her like that. And he understood since he was like that when he was young. It was painful to bottled up everything you were feeling. It made you miserable and he didn't want her to feel that so before he could stop himself, he pulled her to him and said those words.
She cried and cried until she had no tears left.
After that, she pulled away. They were sitting on the floor, leaning on the wall. She wiped away her tears as Gray looked at her. "Are you alright now?" he asked. She nodded. "Hai. Juvia's sorry for this Gray-sama. She didn't want Gray-sama to see her like this."
He shook his head and patted hers. "It's alright. We're friends. We support each other." She smiled at his kindness and stood up suddenly, startling Gray. "Yosh! Juvia's alright now! She's going back to her room."
He stood up and smiled at her. "Yeah, I'll take you."
"Hai Thank you so much!"
Juvia went to sleep that night with a wide smile on her face, and butterflies dancing in her stomach.
To be continued.