AN: Just so you know I found it too exhausting writing Juvia's parts in third person and calling him Gray-Sama, so she's pretty much talking like the Juvia in the English dub Anime, hope that's okay.

Just Wake Up

Chapter 1

The serpent and the poisoned arrow

This morning I was on cloud nine, I was glowing with so much bliss, for my beloved Gray had personally asked me to accompany him on a mission. I had been a member of Fairy Tail for ten years now; seven of those were spent in Tenrou Island, from which we returned ageless, I would give anything to have those years back. This was the first time he'd ever personally asked me to accompany him.

"Hey Juvia, can I ask you something?" Gray greeted as he approached me. He was just so…so…so COOL! There's just something about his presence, the way he smiles. I love how composed he is! I couldn't believe that he actually approached ME! I nearly panicked when I saw him heading my direction as I hid behind the pillar…just blissful observing him in all his glory.

My heart leapt like a horse over a fence, my imagination was spinning with so many different scenarios. Could this be it? What was it he wanted to ask? I would agree to anything, I would give him ANYTHING! Oh yes my beloved I will go on a date with you, I will kiss you, hold you…do or give whatever you want for I am yours FOREVER!

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice the confused look on his face, "Hey Juvia? You zoned out on me? Where's your head at?"

I shook my head and snapped out of it, "Uh y-yes my love, you may ask for anything from me!"

He just sighed and gave me a little smile, "Great, I gotta job that I could really use your help with, there's been reports of some kind of sea serpent terrorising a coastal town not too far from here. It pays pretty well and it'll be better for me if I only need to split the money with one other person. You good with that?"

My face was flushing and my head was reeling, just me and my beloved by the sea…fighting side by side! Just like we did during the grand magic games, perhaps there could be another synchronised love attack! I still remember our hands clasped together!

"Yes! A few days alone with you is all the reward I'll need!" I replied gleefully.

He rolled his beautiful onyx eyes, "Whatever, we leave in an hour okay?"

I smiled, "whenever you wish darling!"

And now here we are, aboard a train to the coast, him sitting in the seat opposite staring absentmindedly out the window, watching the scenery go by.

He asked me, me! Not that bimbo, Lucy, clearly I was winning in this battle for Gray's heart. My love rival and friend was nowhere in sight…it was just him and me, as it was always meant to be.

"Juvia, can you please stop staring…its creeping me out" he said to me, his eyes still fixed on the world passing us by.

I reddened and was overcome with bashfulness, "Oh, you're so sweet when you're shy!"

"I ain't shy dammit!" he snapped, he then sighed and relaxed himself, "Listen Juvia, I don't want you getting the wrong idea. I asked you to come with me on this job because I knew you'd be the best person for it. That's it; I meant what I said after the magic games…we're friends and that's all we'll ever be, that's it and nothing more, okay?"

I had to fight the tears in my eyes from falling; I didn't want to believe there was no hope for us at all. He was my saviour, he took my misery…he is the reason I have a home and a family with Fairy Tail. During the games he died saving me, if Ultear had not turned back the time and sacrificed her youth…I'd have lost everything, my whole world. During our battle with Tartaros he took my hand when I was scared and said "I'm with you." How after all that and after all these years can he refuse to believe that there is something between us?

He saw the tears brimming my eyes and closed his in response, "Don't look like that, I'm doing you a favour, Juvia. You don't want me caring about you…all I bring is death. Ur and her daughter, my mother and father…all have died for my sake, for my protection. Caring for me will kill you, so please…just stop."

I couldn't look at him, for if I did I knew I'd just start crying and unable to stop. "Very well, after this mission…I-I won't bother you anymore."

I can't exactly describe the look on his face; I suppose it was guilt with a hint of annoyance. He didn't want to hurt me, but he also didn't want my loving him in the first place. My feelings were nothing but an inconvenience to him, it would seem.

The rest of the train ride there was spent in awkward silence and every moment was me resisting the urge to cry. I knew my tears would only make him feel worse.

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"Sorry sir, but the best we can offer is one room with twin beds. Unfortunately due to the chaos the sea serpent has created, many of those who live just on the coast is currently staying here until the situation is dealt with." The woman at the desk explained after Gray had practically pleaded for two separate rooms.

Just a few hours ago this would have had me dancing with joy, but right now…all I wanted was a room all to myself so I could finally let the tears go free, now I'd have to wait until he was asleep. How depressing, I feel myself slipping back to that gloomy rain woman.

Gray gave up "Fine, we'll take it…thank you. At least we won't have to share a bed."

She gave us the room key and we headed up, I was slowly walking behind him…I was like nothing more than a cold dark shadow, following the beautiful light I could never obtain.

We entered and I claimed the bed nearest the window.

"Hey," he called to me softly, it was the first time he'd spoken to me since that awful conversation aboard the train. "How about I head out for a bit, grab us something to eat while you take a shower and get settled, let you have a little privacy?"

Now he was showing me kindness…I didn't want it, not right now. I wanted him to be cruel so that it would make my attempt in falling out of love with him a little easier.

"No" I voiced, "I'm not hungry…in fact, I think I'll go for a walk…look along the beach…see if I can find any clues or information as to what exactly we're dealing with." I had my back to him the whole time.

"Come on, you haven't eaten all day…the guys back at the guild will pulverise me if you come back all weak and starved, plus you'll need all your strength when we take down that monster." He tried to reason.

I would have given anything to share a meal with him, once. This was supposed to be perfect…everything I dreamed of. But he crushed those dreams and released those tiny fractures remaining to a bitter wind.

"I am quite capable of looking after myself…I have done so for years, I assure you I'll be well, thank you for the concern." I spoke coldly; once again I was the rain woman…the gloomy girl, vacant of emotion. I walked to the door feeling his eyes upon me and I didn't looking at him once.

"Juvia…" he uttered as I stepped out and closed the door behind me softly.

I walked down the hall and heard the door reopen and footstep racing after me, a warm hand grabbed my wrist. I knew that hand so well; I remember the first time I held it in mine…it kept me from falling to the earth bellow. All I ever needed was that hand to hold…and I would be risen back up. When I was about to give in during our battle with Lyon…this very hand encouraged me to go on…this hand took my fear away every time. Now as it wrapped around my wrist…it was causing me nothing but pain. But it was a beautiful kind of pain, and so I did not pull away.

"Juvia…I'm sorry, I didn't want to hurt you. But you need to think clearly, it could be dangerous going by the coast at night, we'll find it in the morning and we'll find it together. Just get some rest now." he told me.

He was asking me to stay, he was giving me attention…but not the kind I wanted, it never was the kind I wanted.

"Please my dearest" I uttered quietly, "I have given ten years of my life…please give me this night alone. I promise I won't do anything risky, I'll just look around and get some clues…then I'll come right back."

He let go and I ran on ahead, he was still there…watching me as I ran away. Oh my darling Gray…how you torment me!

I was foolish; falling for a man as cold as the ice he wields and conjures.

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Gray's POV

Dammit, Dammit, Dammit! What the hell am I supposed to do?

I punched the wall, realising I had made a hole in it I grunted with annoyance. I was protecting Juvia, why couldn't she see that? Ur, Ultear…mom, dad….they died…all the lives lost because of me. I'm cursed.

I hate to admit it, but it sometimes scares me how much Juvia cares. I know she'd do anything for me. First time we met she said she would protect me if I let her. Truth was it wasn't her feelings for me that terrified me the most…but more mine for her.

The grand magic games, I leapt before those cannons, I shoved her out of the way and died. I can't ever explain what I felt in that moment. When Lyon called out her name, when I saw the danger hurtling towards her…the next thing I knew there was this searing pain all over my body. Time was reversed and I was given another chance. I couldn't believe that I was actually willing to do that for someone, I didn't even have to think, I just acted. When Ultear gave me another chance, I promised I wouldn't waste it and I wouldn't let myself or anyone else get placed into so much danger over something as stupid as romantic love. So I shot Juvia down at the celebration…but that damn girl is too persistent, it's like she's the only one who can tell when I'm bluffing. She still continued with her antics, she baked bread with my face on it! What sane person does that? I actually found it endearing so what does that make me? Maybe I'm just as insane as her; maybe her crazy has infected me too.

The stripper and the stalker…what a pair! We'd be an awful couple, I'm so possessive…she's so jealous, we'd be obsessive and that just doesn't sound healthy. I could see it all played out…I wanna go to the dam supermarket…she'd ask me if the checkout girl is a love rival and flood the place and all I wanted was to buy a dumb bag of chips. Say some new recruit comes in and recognises her from sorcerer weekly, asks her for her autograph. Instead I snatch the stupid marker from his hand, force him down and write, get lost, all over his face! If I wasn't being possessive I'd probably take her for granted, forget dates…miss birthdays. I'd be a terrible boyfriend.

No…It can't ever happen for us, it wouldn't work…if we don't get killed protecting each other, then we'd probably just end up killing each other with our obsessiveness.

I looked out the window, it was dark…so dark. She's out there, she's vulnerable and sad…if something happens to her I'll never forgive myself.

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Juvia's POV

I sat upon the sand with my communication lacrima. Finally the face of my friend appeared. It brought me comfort to see him; all I wanted right now was a friendly face and someone to talk to.

"Huh what is it rain woman? You know what time it is?" Gajeel said groggily, he then say my face… still wet with tears and his eyes widened. "What the hell happened? What did the icehole do to ya?"

I dried my tears away, "I…I think I need to accept that nothing will ever come from loving him. I need to move on…but how do I do that Gajeel? My heart was turned to ice and shattered!" I started to cry again.

He cringed and got a panicked look in his eyes, "Hey-Hey-Hey! Don't go crying on me, you know I don't know what to do when girls cry!" he inhaled and exhaled to calm himself "You remember our Phantom days? Remember the rain, you got through all of that so you can get through this right?"

I know he was trying to help…but, "I know!" I wailed, "But I was only able to get through all of that because of my beloved Gray!"

"Dammit! Hey shrimp, get in here I can't do this!" Gajeel called to the next room. He was referring to Levy; the two had been an item for two years now and were living together.

I heard little footsteps in the background and a gentle yawn, "what is it? Do you wanna wake Panther-lilly up? You know it won't end well if you do!" the very blue haired girl appeared and saw me. "Oh hey Juvia…Juvia? Are you okay?"

I shook my head and began explaining all that happened; she listened and nodded with a sympathetic face.

"I see" she finally spoke, Gajeel glared.

"I'll kill him!" he growled.

Levy rolled her eyes, "Gajeel there'll be no killing, go back to bed and let me speak with Juvia!"

My metal friend shook his head, "Hell no! I'm gonna go pack some of our stuff and wake Lily up, the three of us are heading down to the coast and I'm gonna kick some stripper ass!" he then proceeded out of my line of vision; I heard the loud ruckus of him packing.

"I'm so sorry Levy" I whispered.

She smiled at me kindly, "no it's okay, you know Gajeel, once he gets his mind on something there's no stopping him. So looks like we'll be heading your way now, we'll be there by morning, we'll come help with the mission and you and Gajeel can travel home together. I'll stay with Gray, I don't think it'll be wise leaving him and Gajeel alone."

I smiled at Levy, she was so kind! "Are you sure about this? I'm sorry for being such trouble."

Levy chuckled, "it's no trouble; this is what friends are for…I'll even have a little chat with Gray myself. Now it's late and you're upset so go back to the hotel and we'll see you in the morning."

I nodded, "thank you Levy…thanks to both of you, I'm so grateful!"

She was about to say something back when Gajeel's voice boomed from his bedroom, "hey shrimp! Where the hell d'ya hide my socks?"

Levy rumbled aggressively, gritting her teeth, "try looking in the sock drawer where there supposed to be!" she rolled her eyes, "gotta go Juvia, that man can barely function without me, see you soon."

With that she was gone, I did feel a little better after talking to them and I was glad that they were coming here; I couldn't be alone with Gray now.

The salt sea breeze caressed me and brought me peace; it was like a gentle ghostly hand wiping my tears away. I looked out into the ocean and realised something. I was no longer the rain…the rain was gone, I was the ocean now. I was changeable, turbulent on some days and serene on others. I had so much depth…I had so much more beneath the surface…I'll be okay. Because even though he could not love me, he still took the rain and made me someone better. He built me up and I won't be knocked down, I'll just have to respect his wishes.

I got up to head back to the hotel, when the earth beneath my feet began to shake and shrieking roar resounded from the distance. Slowly I turned and faced the sea…there emerged a pair of scorching red eyes, it terrified me…it was quite a monster to behold.

Bells rang and someone called "the serpent has risen, everyone inside!"

Panic was heard, screaming and doors slamming shut, people banged against doors begging to be let in.

I dug deep and took control of my fear…for I am water and this beast was no match for me…I am near impossible to kill.

The creature dived down and within a blink of an eye it reached the shallow and was towering over me. It's so big…and so fast!

It lowered its face so that I could see myself in those blood red eyes. "You haven't run away like the others…you must be very brave…or very foolish" said a voice.

A shadow formed and solidified upon the head of the serpent, it was a man, tall and muscular, he pointed a bow and arrow at me. My face remained unchanged.

"I see you are the one who controls this creature…this poor thing is under your influence, you are the real villain in all this! You have been terrorising these poor people."

The man smirked, "brave, pretty and smart…you're just the whole package aren't you. I am Darthos known as the poisoned arrow." He stepped of the monster and onto the sand. He stood close and held his finger under my chin. "There's something about you…you are like the sea…I do love the sea. Why not join me? We can travel the world together, causing chaos wherever we go."

I'll admit…I want to be taken away from all this, to be taken away from the heartbreak. But I was mage of Fairy Tail and I am stronger than that. I will not be seduced by darkness, not like I had been with Phantom Lord.

I moved away and held a ball of water in my hand, "I will go nowhere with you! I am a wizard of Fairy Tail and I will do what is right…which is stopping you, freeing this poor creature and the people of this town!" I show him my leg where laid my mark "Water slicer!"

I slashed at him with a whip of water and he fell back, he looked up at me with a smile and blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

"I knew there was something about you…a water mage! I'm sorry but now you have no choice…you will be mine!" He morphed away and took his place back on the serpent, "now my pet, fetch me my water bride." The monster's eyes flashed from mind control and it dove at me.

"Look out!" I heard a beautiful voice yell and warm, strong arms embraced me. I was knocked of my feet and hit then sand. My head was buried in a bare muscular chest; I sat up and was looking into the black eyes of Gray. His hands were gripping my arms…I could smell him, feel his breath.

"Juvia, are you okay?" he asked me.

I nodded, my cheeks were so read, my heart was pounding…this was hardly me moving on!

"Get your hands off her!" Darthos snarled, "That woman is mine!"

I heard a growl in Gray's throat, "who do you think you are? Juvia belongs with us at Fairy Tail…I won't let you lay a hand on her!" he yelled back, his grip got tighter on my arms. I had longed to be pulled close to him for so long. I wanted to hold him then and there.

"We'll see about that" Darthos shot back, he moved his hand up and the serpent straightened, "now my pet…kill the man and take the woman alive."

It lunged at us again, Gray leapt us away, "Ice make geyser!" he boomed and sure enough ice blasted from beneath causing the sea snake to cry out in pain. With a shake it shook the ice off itself and it darted to us like tiny knives. Gray covered me protectively, then took my hand and told me to run.

"We have to draw it back to the ocean!" I told Gray as we ran across the sand, dodging the monster, and with each hit of its long scaly tail the entire beach trembled.

"You wanna push that thing back to where it's strongest? Surly it's weaker on land." Gray argued.

"Yes, but it'll protect the town, these quakes are causing damage. Also, it may be strong in water…but I am stronger still, for I am water!"

"Okay…I trust you, how we gonna do it?"

"Like this" I stopped in my tracks, when Gray realised I'd stopped he skidded to a halt to see me being swept away in the arms of Darthos upon the serpent and heading for the sea. Please come get me!

"I knew you'd warm up to me eventually little seahorse, where should we cause havoc first?" he whispered into my ear.

I shuddered in disgust, "you were a fool to bring where I'm at my strongest!" I told to him then rose up my causing a great wave to consume them beneath the waves, I jumped and fell into Gray's arm who stood on a floor of ice he had created, linked to a path he made to get across the water.

"I got you, Juvia" Gray assured as he held me "Ready? They'll be back" he warned.

I nodded, relishing being in his arms for just a moment, I liked that he did not set me down right away. Sure enough, Darthos and his serpent emerged and broke our pathway back.

"Water lock!" I summoned them in my dome and held them there; it was ginormous and was taking up a lot my strength. "Now Gray! Freeze my lock…I can't hold on much longer!"

He did so and began to freeze the dome.

"No!" Darthos hissed, "If I cannot have her, no man can! Poisoned arrow!"

Somehow he shot a dark arrow that reeked of a deadly miasma and it was heading straight for my love.

Despite all that occurred between him and me today…I couldn't let anything happen to him. He was my life…my world…my clear sky and I refuse to live in a world where he does not exist.

"Look out my love!" I screamed and jumped in front of him.

"Juvia no!" Gray cried out. "Ice make…shield!"

His shield did not withstand the poisoned tip of the arrow, with one strike the ice disintegrated. I remained firmly where I stood, arms outstretched, shielding my darling.

I'm sorry my love, I will not let you go…I will die before I allow that! The arrow pierced me but went straight through. There was a hole where it passed through and I heard a sharp wet sound, like a knife stabbing a head of lettuce. Even though the arrow didn't pang, I started to black out..all wet dark.

"Juvia!" Gray cried as I slipped out of all consciousness.

I couldn't have been out more than a couple minutes, when I came too, my had was heavy. What happened, why did I black out?

I turned and there I saw the arrow stabbed into the heart of the man I love. His eyes were quivering as they looked into my soul. He began to fall and I caught him, we rested on the icy floor he created just floating on the waves. Darthos and his monster sunk beneath in there frozen prison.

He was tremulous in pain, "P-pull i-it out…..the a-a-arrow…"

I gripped hold and yanked it out, he shouted in agony and I held him tighter for comfort. "Hold on my darling Gray" I wept, "just stay with me… we'll get you help…we'll make you better…just hold on please!"

He was getting colder; it was like I could actually feel the life draining from him. His shaking hand reached up and touched my face, I laid my hand upon it…wishing I could kiss that rough palm.

"Juvia…" he called croakily, "I ain't gonna make it…but I need you to know something…."

My breath hitched; please…say you love me…please! Tears were coursing down my face and they fell on his cheeks.

"Whatever happens…don't blame yourself, this was not your fault…promise me you'll keep going on and keep smiling." He uttered. Above us the dark clouds circled and rain began to fall, I was sobbing.

"No…" I breathed, "please…please don't leave me, don't leave me….I promise if you live, I'll leave you alone, I'll let you get on with your life…even live it with some other woman. Please…I'm begging you…I'm begging you!"

His hand was still on my face….those hands, once so warm…now growing colder and losing their ability to hold on.

"Don't go…" I pleaded, "Don't die!"

A small smile touched his mouth, "So many have died because they care for me…its time I did the same for someone else. I'd rather it be me…than you, honestly."

I leaned my forehead against his after I briefly placed my lips there, "I'm not worth it, nothing is worth losing you!"

I didn't know if those tears on his face were mine, the rain…or his own but I loved the way he was looking at me.

He leaned his head back, closed his but kept that smile, he looked quite comfortable being in my arms, "You know Juvia…you smell nice….and you feel nice….right now laying here like this with you just feels so….nice. I guess… I never released how much I… actually…." he didn't finish the sentence…his entire body went limp.

"You what Gray? You what! Come back and tell me! Please!" I screamed, shaking his body….he's not dead, he's just asleep…that's it, he's just asleep…he'll wake up and tell me not to be hanging all over him…any minute now! He didn't…he didn't wake up, his heart wasn't beating, no breath passed that lips of his. I let out a scream as thunder clashed above me, "GRAAAAAAAAAY!"

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A week passed, Gajeel and Levy found us washed up upon the beach….I was still holding his lifeless body. I was overcome with grief that I could barely walk; Levy had to help me as Gajeel carried Gray.

A week had passed and every day it rained wherever I went. We stood by the grave as Gray's coffin was lowered into it. I was sobbing into my handkerchief, Erza and Mira-Jane either side of me, both offering comfort. The whole guild was weeping softly or radiating gloom.

Natsu was holding Lucy so tightly, it reminded me of what it was like to have Gray's arms around me and caused me to cry more. Happy was crying beside them too.

Wendy was beside Cana who had her arm around her "If I was there…I could have healed him…I could have saved him." The little girl sobbed. She was hushed by Cana.

Mater Macrov stood before us all, "Gray was a wonderful man and wizard who loved his friends as much as we loved him. We'll always remember him and carry him in our hearts. The battles we fought together, the times we laughed and cried with him. Gray will never be forgotten…we will always cherish the moments we shared with him."

I let out a gasp and cry ad covered my face, Erza squeezed my arm gently and Mira stroked my head. The white haired beauty was six months pregnant with her first child, her husband Laxus was kind enough to let her go for a short while and tend to me.

There were so many people here, not just our guild, but many from Blue Pegasus and of course Lyon and his guild Lamia scale. There were also many of the town's people and others travelled from far away, people my love had helped on previous jobs.

In this sea of faces…I felt like I was drowning!

The ceremony commenced and we went back to the guild hall to raise a glass to Gray, to honour him…share some stories to make us laugh and cry.

I secluded myself, my comrades seemed to know by instinct that I wanted to be alone with my thoughts…just for a little and so they did not swarm me. One person would come over every twenty minutes, just to offer me kin words and receive some back. I had to keep reminding myself that I was not the only one deep in grief…they all loved him too.

"Juvia" crooned a heartbroken voice; I looked up and saw my former love rival, the beautiful and busty blonde I had been so jealous of. "May I sit with you…for a moment?"

I couldn't speak so I just nodded and we sat in silence for a moment until she broke it. "I hope you don't plan on leaving us now." She said.

I looked up at her confused, "leave? Why would I leave, has something been said?"

Lucy shook her head, "no, not really…some of us were talking and we were worried now that Gray's….gone…you would leave and I want you to know…we don't want that."

I hung my head, "I don't want that either…I don't plan on leaving at all. Now that my beloved has gone…this guild is all I have."

Lucy reached out and took my hands, "You will always have Fairy Tale, you will always have us…no matter what Juvia, we love you!"

The two of us began to cry again, still holding hands. I never disliked Lucy, even though she was my love rival. She was kind and gentle….I hoped she and Natsu would one day realise how perfect they are for each other…so they get the chance I never had with Gray.

We were then approached by another, a handsome man older than us, Lyon. He looked so sad, he and Gray were practically brothers and though they had their ups and downs, they did love each other.

"Miss Lucy, would you mind if I spoke with Juvia alone for a moment?" he requested.

Lucy looked to me and I nodded with approval then she left us alone. Before she left she looked over my shoulder and said something that made me smile. "Y'know I don't think Gray would have ever liked me to tell you this…but once he told me that he liked it when you wear your hair back like that…you can see more of your face."

I touched my hair, it was in a low bun in the side of my head, resting under my earlobe, a few strands free to frame my face.

Lyon took my hands and I must admit it felt nice…it wasn't anything romantic, it was just comforting.

"Juvia, I know today is hard for you…but I want to ask you something and I really think you should consider your answer. I think you should come back with to Lamia Scale…there is nothing left here for you. I would keep you safe; I will be good to you. I'm asking you not only because I still love you…but I feel you're all I have left of Gray. You need not answer now, but please just think it over."

I didn't need to think it over, even though I must admit that it tempted me a little, to just run away and start afresh. But I needed to be with my friends, I need to be with my guild.

"Lyon, I know you are trying to help…but I-"

"- what the hell do ya think you're doing, you sleazy bastard!" Interrupted my dear friend Gajeel. He glared down at Lyon and then picked him up by a collar, ignoring Lyon's demands to unhand him. "You're trying to take advantage of my friend? Trying to snatch her away while she's vulnerable? Huh? Trying to worm your way to her while the guy she really loves is still fresh in the grave? You make me SICK!"

"No! It wasn't like that, I would never do that!" Lyon insisted.

Everyone was watching now, Levy tried to talk Gajeel down, "put him down this isn't the time for this!" she ordered but went ignored.

Lamia scale looked like they were about to start a fight and many members of my guild looked like they wanted to beat Lyon to a pulp.

"A real man would never dare be so disrespectful!" Elfman yelled out and was met with agreement.

"I'm gonna roast you alive, Lyon!" Natsu exclaimed, he was being held back by Lucy.

It was about to explode in here with a fist fight and I couldn't have that, it was wrong, it couldn't happen today. Lyon did nothing wrong, he was just trying to help.

I stood from my seat "Stop! Don't figh-" my legs went weak, the room span in loops, and the vision in the corners of my eyes blackened. That was it, I felt myself falling, collapsing…then kind arms caught me. I heard a heartbeat against my ear and knew then I was being held tenderly.

"That's enough!" scolded a voice of true authority, it was Erza who held me, "this is not the time! To fight on a day like this would disgrace us all, we are here to celebrate a life and mourn a death. This isn't helping Juvia…look at her she's exhausted!"

Wendy came padding over with Charle at her side, "is there anything I can do to help?"

Erza smiled kindly and shook her head, "No Wendy, she just needs to sleep…she has barely slept at all this week…I know she didn't get a wink last night for sure." She looked directly at me, she was like an angel, "Juvia, I'm taking you back to Fairy Hills, I want you to get some sleep…you need all your energy, there's a whole life ahead of you."

I nodded and let her guide me out and back to Fairy hills..

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Erza made me eat first, "you didn't faint just because you're tired, I bet you can't remember the last time you ate…you need to look after yourself, Juvia."

I sipped at the soup she made me, "I know…I just can't eat or sleep, most of the time I'm too busy crying…in all truth…I haven't slept since…since…that night."

Erza sighed, "Go take a shower, I'm going back to my room to get something, I'll be right back."

I did as she asked and stepped into the shower, the warm water ran all over my body, I leaned my head back. But as I began to enjoy the feel of the water, I remember the bitter cold water of the ocean…the coldness of his flesh when his life diminished! I shuddered, I had to get out of the shower, I had to get dressed.

When I was in my nightgown and dry from the shower I came out of the bathroom to see Erza waiting for me, with some kind of tonic in hand.

"Drink this," she suggested, "it'll help you drift off. You see there was a time I was too afraid to sleep; I was so scared I would see the tower of heaven in my nightmares. I still need this sometimes actually, to help me drift off. You see, there is one face that still haunts me in the most painful and beautiful way…Jellal…he's still on the run and I sometimes fear what will happen if he is ever captured, those very fears prevent sleep." She laid it in my hand "come on…bottoms up."

I nodded and gulped down the liquid, instantly I felt a soothing effect. Erza tucked me into bed. "Do you feel it working?" she asked softly.

I nodded, "I keep thinking…if I hadn't gone down to the beach, if I stayed in the room like he asked…he would still be here today. If that arrow didn't go through my body…it would be me that's dead…as it should have been…"

Erza looked at me scornfully, "don't you dare ever say that! No one should have died it was a cruel tragedy. Thank the heavens that you are still with us…you making it back alive is a comfort to us. Don't blame yourself…didn't Gray tell you that himself?"

I couldn't speak again and so I nodded, the lump in my throat had grown to the size of a plum.

Erza replaced her scowl with smile, "then you must respect those wishes, you must keep holding on, look after yourself and don't take any blame…none of us blame you…now get some sleep one of us will come get you in the morning."

She turned out my light and I was left in the dark.

The liquid she gave me was taking effect, I felt myself slowly slipping into a slumber, I was surrounded by shimmering lights of purple, pink and blue….

000000

Clear skies and the warm sun, I stood in amazement as I admired the view. I was wearing a mint green summer dress and cream sun hat with my hair in one long side-braid that was loose. It was an outfit I wanted to wear for Gray when we got back. I bought it because I overheard him talking about the colour green, he said he like it.

I was upon a peak, not sure where, but I was overlooking the ocean. I thought the next time I saw it, I would feel nothing but agony…I didn't though, this was bliss.

"I haven't seen the clear sky…since that awful night…when I lost you…" I spoke to the heavens hoping my dear Gray could hear me.

There was warmth upon my hand as another hand clasped it. Strong fingers intertwined with mine "I've missed you…"

That voice….that beautiful velvety baritone, it laid upon me like the chorus of a thousand love struck angels! My heart nearly stopped in my chest. I squeezed tightly to the hand that held mine, gasping a little.

It was Gray! I didn't care for anything anymore; I wrapped my arms around him and held him close. To my sweet delight he wrapped his arm around me and I heard him chuckle, I felt his body vibrate from it.

"I have missed you more…much, much more!" I insisted, we parted and I held my face in my hands. I adored this face so much.

"You need to come back to me Juvia" he spoke solemnly. "I need you to" he removed his silver cross pendant and placed it around my neck. He always wore this and it meant so much that he was giving it to me.

His arms were still around me and I laid my hands on his chest, it was astounding that he was still fully clothed.

"I don't understand you my darling? How can I come to you…it is you who left me. Where are you, are you somewhere I can reach" I asked him, so full of hope.

He looked over his shoulder and winced as though someone irritating was calling from a distance. Someone was interrupting our reunion and Gray looked most annoyed by it.

"What? What is it?" I asked him.

His eyes met mine again, "I have to go…they're making me leave….I don't wanna leave you but I have to, they're making me, they keep saying how worried they are about me."

I was so confused, "What? Who are they? Tell them no…tell them that you're staying with me! Please I can't lose you again."

He touched the cross that now hung from my neck and smiled at me, his hand then moved up and cupped my cheek. "I'm leaving a little piece of me here, keep hold of it for me…I'll be back soon. I won't remove the pendant; you have to give it back to me yourself…I promise…I'll see you tomorrow. If you want it to be sooner…wake up and come find me."

Now this really had me stumped, "what do you mean? How can I reach you? I thought you were dead, tell me how to get to you and I will come…tell me Gray!"

He was fading away into a light; my arms were outstretched, trying to bring him back into my arms.

"Just wake up Juvia…wake up…"he called his voice fading along with him.

"What? My beloved please" I tried leaping to grab his hand, but I couldn't reach.

"Just wake up….wake up Juvia…wake up and come to me…"

….

"Aah!" I screamed, I woke up in a cold sweat, breathing heavily. Just a dream…it was only a dream…I looked out my window to see that the tonic Erza gave me did as she said it would, I had slept through the night and was greeted by a miserable rainy morning.

I buried my face in my hands and wept, his words resounding in my head. Wake up Juvia…wake up and come to me..

It was such a wonderful and awful dream, I had him in my arms again, and he told me he missed me. But the rest was cryptic and hard to understand. I couldn't figure out what kind of dream it was.

I steadied my breathing, then I heard a gentle tinkle, I moved my hands down from my face, to my throat and then to my chest. Something was around my neck but I don't recall ever wearing any of my necklaces. I looked and saw something horrific.

It was Gray's cross, the same one he gave me in the dream…the same one he had been buried with! It was with me…but how? How did I get this?

Is…Is Gray alive? Is he just trapped somewhere? I have to find him or join him in the afterlife whilst trying!

Thank you for reading! Please let me know what you think.

Mirsanxox