*Juvia's POV *

That's how Lyon found me, sick and broken. He took us back to their guild head quarters and we stayed there. I got better after a day full of rest.

I woke up and went down stairs to look for Wendy and Carla and find out if there are any news about Natsu-san and the others. However, to our dismay, they're still on the mission to get Gray.

I strolled around and went outside the guild. I sat on one of the fountains and subconsciously played with the water. I didn't notice that some people were actually watching and a man approached me.

"Miss, excuse me... Are you... a water mage?" I heard the man asked.

"Yes. I am," I answered and turned around to see who was talking to me.

Then he smiled warmly, like he was relieved... Like he finally found what he's looking for. Then he handed me a piece of paper... Like a request job and I took it.

"Wanted: Water Mage. Experiment for Water Dragon Slayer Lacrima."

I read the request and I did not see any rewards.

"We've been looking for a water mage. We found a water dragon slayer lacrima and we don't want to test it on anybody who does not posses any water magical ability. The lacrima is supposed to amplify a person's magical ability, so it has to be a water mage. And you guys are rare, that's why I was surprised to see one around," he went on, "I know there's no reward, or that I am a stranger who does not have any right to ask you to do much, but I don't want the lacrima to be put in a waste or to be placed in the hands of a dark guild. You seem to not be that kind of person so I did not hesitated to approach you."

"I understand. I'll think of it. Where can I find you?" I asked him.

"There is the address of the laboratory, at the back of the paper. If you changed your mind, you can come to us. However, I don't mean to rush you, but you have to hurry a bit before other mages or guilds find out about this," he said in a quiet voice.

"Okay. Don't worry, I won't take long. I just need a little time to decide on this," I answered him, "I should be going. Thank you for the offer. I will greatly consider this."

"If ever you agreed to do this, I will be forever indebted for allowing me to perform this kind of operation or experimentation on you," he bowed.

"Thank me when its done sir," I told him, then I left to talk to Carla and Wendy about the matter.

"Are you sure Juvia-chan?" Lyon asked me, "It might be dangerous, it might be a trap."

"I thought of that Lyon, however, it is true that water mages are a bit rare. I never met anyone, aside from Aquarius-san, who happened to be a celestial spirit," I told him, "Its a big opportunity for improvement... To be stronger."

"Ne, Juvia-san, how can we be sure that he's telling us the truth... That he is not just luring you or something?" Wendy asked.

"Juvia- I mean... I used to be a member of the Element Four and we do a lot of interrogations back then... We can see beyond the eyes of our victims and we know if they're telling us the truth. That's how we tracked Lucy... being one of the last celestial mages and as a part of her father's job request" I went on, "We lie a lot so we pretty much know if people are lying towards us. We're known to be cunning and conniving,"

"If you will do that, we'll come with you, Juvia-chan," Lyon suggested strongly, "I can't let anyone hurt you," he said and I smiled at his intentions.

"Thank you Lyon-san. But I think I should go alone," I told him with a weak smile.

"Do you think we'll let you do that?" Carla looked at me and said this in the most motherly tone I have ever heard her.. The kind of tone that uses when she reprimands Wendy.

"Well that's decided then Juvia-chan. You can't do anything about it, "Lyon coolly dismissed the argument.

I sighed in defeat, knowing that they're as stubborn as I can be, "Thank you guys. We leave tomorrow morning," I said, leaving the room.

"Wait Juvia-chan," Lyon caught my wrist, "Why do you want to do this? You are already strong on your magic alone... Why do you want this?" He asked me with a worried tone and look on his face.

"I... I was left. I got sick when Natsu-san found me... And I can't do anything to help them. I guess they have found Gray-sama by now... And I need to be stronger..." I looked at him, voice breaking, tears threatening to fall," I promised Silver-san that I will take care of Gray-sama... But I f-failed..." I finished.

"Don't blame yourself on this Juvia-chan. I know that you did your best, its his decision... His shitty decision and an ass one... However knowing Gray, even if he's too fucking stubborn... He has a purpose on this... I don't know but I'm pretty sure that I would definitely beat his ass over this for leaving you behind," he told me, tightening his grip on my wrist, "I hell don't care about his reason... Because you got hurt and I will never forgive him if something bad happened to you, so please reconsider this decision before we leave tomorrow," with that he let go of my wrist, "Good night Juvia-chan."

I can't help but smile at Lyon's words... After a long time... After I turned him down, he never gave up on me... He just backed down, but he seemed to not lose hope on me... He's helping me, supporting me at the time that I needed someone the most. So I just hugged him.

"Thank you Lyon-san..." I whispered, "For everything. Don't worry, I am sure about this. Even if it costs my life... I have to try. Natsu-san did his best and he's always giving up his life for us... I know Erza-san and everyone else will, just to save one nakama. Gray-sama needs us now."

He just nodded in silence and understanding and hugged me back, tight... As if I am disappearing anytime.

He lets go of me and I went to my room. I want to think about this whole new decision, but I decided not to. I know the man is telling the truth.