Author's Note: I don't really write much stories, so I apologize if I have a lot of areas to improve. Also, English is not my first language… which is why I am apologizing again. I know you'll find a lot of grammatical errors, but I do hope you enjoy this story. Have fun reading! By the way, reviews are highly appreciated. *wink* In this story, Juvia is both an ice mage and a water mage in this fic… yeah... I know what you think.

Warning: Different character personality (in a cute way)!

Disclaimer: Do I really have to put this? It's pretty much obvious that FT is NOT mine.

Whole Summary: As Ul stared at her three apprentices, she thought they were the weirdest combination. Her first student was head over heels to the youngest member of the group, and for the other two… let's just say they would grab any opportunity to kill each other. "You're just jealous because I'm obviously better than you." "In your dreams! You can't even fix your manner of speaking." "Hey, don't talk to Juvia-chan like that!" Even with all the altercation, the faint blush on the tsundere boy's cheeks did not go unnoticed by their master.

As happy as they are, wonderful things do not last long in a world full of darkness.

( o-o)

. . .

.

Okay, she did not know what had gotten into her to accept another child under her wing. Perhaps it was the way her big blue eyes stared at her pleadingly, or the way she looked at her as though she had been searching for a home… for acceptance? Well, whatever…. With a sigh of defeat, she finally accepted the fact that her endurance was weak against children's cuteness.

Fine. "Alright, you can stay," Ul said, ruffling the little girl's beautiful, wavy blue hair. Her pink lips slowly formed a huge smile as she processed the woman's decision; a smile that could melt the thick snow surrounding every bits of their surroundings.

"Yay!" Of course, he was completely happy about it. "I can be with Juvia-chan forever!" The girl was obviously taken aback by the white-haired boy's bear hug, seeing that her eyes widened even more than before. I thought her eyes could never get any bigger. Ul smiled at the sight of the two children.

"J-Juvia is really g-g-grateful, Ur-sensei," she beamed at her… while pushing Lyon away.

"Lyon, stop harassing her." Her voice was so full of authority that the said boy immediately let go and stood up straight, knees buckling and face sweating even in the cold environment. Ul tried her best to stifle her laugh, but it was proving to be difficult the more she stared at the constipated-like expression on her student's face.

"Anyway, we'll start training tomorrow morning." With those words said, the three made their way to their home. A pretty small house yet treasured in all ways.

"Oi, baka, wake up." That voice…

"Oiiii~ you're drooling. You think you look cute when you're sleeping?" That awfully familiar laid-back tone…

"Well, NO! You should be starring in a horror film!" That despicable personality…

"Let me give your movie a title." The only person I know this stupid is…

"The Hag on Elm Stree–" THIS IDIOT! Before he could even finish his sentence, she punched the intruder right at the chin, instantly dragging her foggy mind out to reality. The bang echoed throughout the entire house, causing some decorations on the wall to sway. "Gray Fullbuster," she spoke through gritted teeth as she glared at the boy who was sprawled on the floor like a rag doll.

A small groan escaped his lips while he attempted to sit up cross-legged. It was painful, although somehow, it didn't sting much than the first time. Perhaps he was getting quite used to her punches– but really, she hit like a man!

"Do you have to do that?" He grumbled, scratching the back of his head. His words only made the girl intensify her glare, and saying Gray was nervous was a huge understatement.

To his surprise, the angry female plopped her face down on the mattress once again, having her voice muffled by the pillow as she spoke, "Why are you even here, rival?"

Speaking of...

"Hey, today's lesson is Ice Make! I swear I'm gonna defeat you this time!" He pointed at her.

She was sure as heck he did not hear her groan, but then thought otherwise when a pillow hit her head.

Just like what he said, he won the round…

And seeing him smirking at her wasn't helping her temper at all.

"Good job, Gray." Ul ruffled his hair. He gave the woman a small smile before glancing down at their moping companion. Her arms were crossed while she pouted at the ground. She was indeed adorable in their master's eyes. "Juvia, come here."

When she refused to do so, Gray approached her; however, instead of looking at him, she suddenly found the snowy ground more interesting than her beloved sensei, especially than the person standing in front of her. "What does Gray want with Juvia now," she asked, still avoiding eye contact. It was until she saw a faint light did she turn her head to look at him. Her eyes widened upon seeing the small ice tiara on his palms.

She stared at him in disbelief. He made this for Juvia?

Everything was just like those love stories.

"I want to rub it on your face. My Ice Make is obviously better than yours."

But he just had to be an ass and destroy the moment.

Unsurprisingly, the brawl started in a blink of an eye. Gray and Juvia were rolling on the ground, attempting to strangle one another– of course, with Lyon shouting his moral support for the latter. "Juvia-chan is so cute even in a catfight!"

"Aho! What do you mean catfight, huh? What are you trying to say?"

Soon enough, it was the two boys fighting. Juvia watched them with amusement evident in her eyes, observing the dark-haired mage. She could clearly see the change in his demeanor from the time they first met to the time he joined their small family, and that was what? Two years ago?

It was in the middle of the night when they saw each other.

"Juvia can't believe it's her last week in the forest. Just five more days, and she's outta here! Ul-sensei will be so proud!" The lass squealed in delight, but her happiness immediately vanished as soon as she thought of the upcoming troubles she'll be experiencing on the remaining days.

"Why does it have to be a forest?" Eyebrows knitted in annoyance.

That was when she heard it… little sobs coming from the trees.

Who could be wandering around the forest in the middle of snow season?

Wait a minute...

Could it be?

She suddenly felt the hairs on her back stand up on edge.

Slowly, she approached the source of the noise, searching the surrounding area. The voice gradually became louder as she went deeper into the forest.

"L-Lyon?" She tried to call out, expecting her friend to answer back.

But nobody did. It only managed to make the crying sound stop– which was bad news– and it frightened her to a much greater degree.

There were movements.

A flash of black.

Her head snapped to her right to follow the object– if it was an object to begin with, and clearly, it's not.

Before she know it, she was on the ground, tackled by a creature whose black hair glimmered under the moonlight. Dark blue eyes glaring at her through short, thick lashes. Pearly white teeth baring at her like she had become some kind of an intruder.

The grip on her collar loosened the second light shined down on their tangled form. The attacker seemed to have realized it was a girl under him….

Um… that didn't sound right.

A gasped escape his lips upon comprehension. The lad pushed himself away from her as though she would eat his flesh anytime, although she wouldn't mind doing just that if it's with this cute boy.

The bluenette stood up rapidly.

"Whaaaaaat?" She blurted out loud, causing her to cover her mouth in shock.

The lad, in response, eyed her warily before deciding on breaking the ice. "What are you doing here?"

"Juvia thinks she should be the one asking you that. What are you doing here?" She poked his chest.

"And why should I tell you?" His frown deepened from frustration, also confused of her manner of speaking.

"Because– were you crying?" She cut her sentence the moment she saw his puffy eyes, concern washing all over her. He was taken aback by her question, completely forgetting about his mourning. The atmosphere around them quickly dropped, and it was suffocating the confidence out of the bluenette. She tried her best to prevent herself from shaking, and it was proving to be difficult with the stranger looking as if he was ready to kill.

Something wet touched the ground.

Her eyes instinctively followed the trail where it came from, landing on his very sorrowful eyes. They were glistening in his tears, cheeks red from the overwhelming emotion of misery.

The image in front of her filled her with sadness. No one deserves to feel that way.

"They're… gone… he… he killed them." He sobbed, running his hand from his mouth up to his forehead.

She bit her lower lip as she slowly approached him.

When she was finally standing before him, close enough to touch him, she placed her arms around his neck and pulled him against her, enveloping him in a warm hug. He could feel her tiny hand drawing circles on his back. He had no idea why he let her, but for now, all he could think of was that he needed a companion.

Gray had never felt so lonely in his entire life.

He cried.

They stayed in the same position for several minutes; unfortunately, the young lad did not show any sign of stopping. He continued to mourn for the death of his family, and Juvia could very much feel its effects on her.

Think, Juvia. Think!

Then it hit her.

She gently pulled herself away from him before slamming her right fist on her left palm.

A small light came out of her hands, earning her companion's full attention. He watched them glow with wander until it faded. There, on her palm, was a necklace which greatly resembled a sword. She handed it to him with a huge grin on her face, while he, on the other hand, took the item with hesitation.

He scrutinized it, seeming astonished for a moment, and when he looked back at her…

He felt his cheeks burn.

The petite girl was giving him the most affectionate smile he had ever seen.

"Now, why don't you stop crying and let Juvia teach you ice magic." Her palms found their way to his cheeks, cupping them while she giggled playfully. This only made his blush intensify ten folds.

Damn, she's pretty cute!

Alright! Change topic!

He coughed, waving her hands off of him.

"You're an ice mage?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "I promised Ul-sensei that I'll be the best among the best!"

"Ul?" Recognition struck him like thunder.

He can't believe it! In the midst of him giving up on his search for this certain ice mage, he stumbles upon her student in the forest? The least place he expected to find clues for her whereabouts! It had been a long time since he went searching for the perfect teacher. The master who would make him stronger. He wanted to become stronger so badly after going through his darkest days.

"Take me to her." He demanded, leaving no room for refusal.

"Well, at least tell Juvia your name first." She rolled her eyes.

Just like that, they travelled together during her remaining weeks of training at the forest. They would usually argue and fight all day, but what did you know? Both secretly enjoyed each other's company.

At the end of the week, Ul got herself a new child, but with the consequence of Lyon whining the entire month.

"I've heard enough of you! ORYAAAAAA!"

A giant block of ice flew past the two females, followed by a strong gust of wind that messed their hair. The next thing they knew, Ul had bumped the boys' heads against each other.

"You troublesome brats! I taught you that not to hurt but to protect. Hey! Look at me in the eyes."

. . .

.

"Oi, that's my share!"

"No, it's not!"

"Juvia-chan, you can have my share!"

"Give me that!"

"Hey, you're not Juvia-chan!"

Ur couldn't help sighing in exasperation. Seriously, do they always have to fight? Can't they stay in peace and let her rest for the day without hearing them argue.

"You idiot!"

"Says the one who speaks in third person!"

"Oh, stop joking around. Juvia knows you like her manner of speaking."

"I DO NOT!"

Guess not… Juvia and Gray can't live a day without a fight. It's inevitable if someone would ask her. Although, even with all the altercation, the faint blush on the tsundere boy's cheeks did not go unnoticed by their master.

She knew the boy was pretty much as head over heels as Lyon when it came to the young lass. If he wasn't so prideful, he could have been acting exactly like the albino, but that was where the two differ.

After their dinner, they slept in their respective futons: Ul was on the farthest left, followed by Lyon, Juvia, and Gray being on the farthest right. Their sleeping arrangement can sometimes be satisfactory, troublesome, and adorable at the same time. Satisfactory if she slept peacefully the entire night. Troublesome by means of Lyon crawling into Juvia's bed, and the latter would kick him back to his own futon. However, there were times when she would let him be, leaving Gray all grumpy the next day. And by adorable, she meant waking up in the morning and finding the three cuddling each other on Juvia's bed.

She just hoped it was the "adorable" one, but the "satisfactory" will do, too.

Awfully, something more unexpected happened.

Ul woke up at dawn, feeling the strangest sensation of losing a family. It was like when she lost Ultear… that feeling.

Sitting up straight, she looked at the two children sleeping soundly on their bed.

Wait, two?

Her eyes widened in realization. Her shaky legs forced themselves to stand up in panic as she searched for a certain bluenette. The rushing footsteps seemed to have woken up the other two when they groaned and sat up lazily,

"What's wrong Ul?" Gray watched her stumble around getting dressed for unknown reasons.

The older woman bit her lower lip, contemplating whether to inform them or not. I guess it's best to have help.

"Do you know where Juvia went?"

Gray and Lyon glanced at the empty spot between them before staring at each other with questioning looks.

The white-haired boy gazed at her and spoke hesitantly, "Perhaps she went for a walk?"

Getting the woman's message, Gray stood up to grab his jacket. "Right, at three in the morning, You of all people should know she hates waking up this early," he said sarcastically.

Sensing the beginning of altercation, Ul decided to cut them off. They had wasted enough time.

"Let's go."

. . .

.

There are many who don't wish to sleep for fear of nightmares. Sadly, there are many who don't wish to wake for the same fear

Everything happened so fast.

First they were searching for Juvia, and the next thing he knew, Buildings and other vicinities were destroyed. Ul was in the front line, fighting a massive dark blue demon. He had horns that were pointed upwards and large, sharp teeth which were ready to claw out their master's flesh.

It scared him.

"Gray!" Ul called, making his head snap up to her approaching form. "Gray," she repeated, crouching down to his level. His dark blue orbs gazed at her fearfully, and it torn her apart. They were her light in her darkest days. The children who filled the empty spaces in her heart after she lost the only daughter she had. Ever since trio entered her life, she clung to the hope that she'd manage to live in the dreams she always wished for. To be a mother.

To be love unconditionally.

To love and be love by the children she raised wholeheartedly.

But she was clinging on false hope, she presumed.

I guess having them alive without me is good enough… as long as they're safe.

"Gray, I want you to listen to me." She was breathless from the battle, and it was proving that she had little time left.

"Ul–"

"No, listen to me, Gray!" She shook him vigorously. "You have to get away from here. Take Lyon with you and escape. Search for a new home, a family who will love you as I love you–"

The sound of Deliora's roar boomed, interrupting her in the midst of her sentence. She looked back at her opponent in panic, making sure it wasn't attacking at their direction.

Her sight landed on Gray once again as she continued, "Whatever decisions you do, as long as it's for the good, I will always support you. After you find a new family, look for Juvia, and promise me to make her happy. Protect her by whatever means necessary. If ever something happens, stay by her side. Don't you dare leave her! And lastly," she kissed his forehead before she gave him her final words, "I love you, Gray. Don't forget to tell Lyon that I love him as well."

After those were said, she ran back to the battlefield with a dreadful plan formulating inside her mind. Adding to her fright, she saw a flash of blue as she neared the massive demon, and it was in that moment that she hated herself most. I'm sorry Juvia, but I have to do this.

Gray could do nothing but watch her retreating figure. He didn't know why… he just knew he'll never see her again after; however, like what she said, he had to leave. Restraining himself from running towards his "mother," he grabbed Lyon and pulled him up, hooking his arm around his neck. He gave one last glance at the event, tears flowing down on his pale cheeks, and then left as fast as his exhausted body could.

"ICE SHELL!"

Gray heard her voice loud and clear, followed by a blinding light which engulfed the entire arena. He didn't dare look back, because he knew that magic too well. As he got farther, the noise slowly faded. They were so far away that the last thing he heard was almost indecipherable. The sound was so faint, so he wasn't sure if he heard it right.

"SEAL!"

In the end, nobody knew what happened to the demon known as "Deliora." There were rumors saying that an elder saw a woman ran head on towards the monster before a bright light appeared, and the giant creature was engulfed by ice, freezing it from head to toe.

Nobody knew how the giant block of ice suddenly vanished from people's sight, and the reason why the woman was never seen again. In the place where they last saw them though… lay a little girl who would forever be followed by the tears of the sky.

Some said she was cursed by a witch.

Some said it was the monster inside her that was causing the rain.

But when asked, the child would simply say it was the tears of the mother who failed her.

.

. . .

( o-o)

Next chapter will be events ten years later where Gray is already part of Fairy Tail and Lyon of Lamia Scale. He's taking missions in hopes of finding Juvia's whereabouts, but like the first time they met, they'll meet again at the most unexpected place in the most unexpected situation.

Again, reviews are highly appreciated! And I need a beta by the way….