It's Monday!
So there's actually another reason for my taking away Juvia's ability to speak. I don't know about the manga, but Juvia is a little grabby in the anime. I kind of wanted to let her get away with that in this universe (I'll point out specific moments later, if I remember), using the excuse that now she has no other way to get her point across, because she can't talk.
While there's nothing wrong with being physically affectionate, it comes across as needy and desperate if that affection isn't somehow reciprocated. This is true whether it's coming from a girl or a guy (Edolas-Gray, anybody? Ugh.) And, no, I don't buy the excuse that the other person's just shy. They might express their feelings differently if they're shy, but if they do absolutely nothing, they may be taking your affections for granted. Clearly, this is a pet peeve of mine, but I'll quit ranting now. XD
Guest: She's such an expressive character and she was a lot of fun to write this way. I appreciate the sentiment!
Darling spider: Thanks a bunch! :)
Waffels: You totally should! I think you'd have fun with it. Of course, I'm being a little bit of a hypocrite here. Even with two accounts (my personal one, and this one I share with the rest of the R011ingThunder crew,) I still post most of my reviews as a guest! Thanks again!
- K. Chandler
Juvia was awakened by a strange pull. A sensation. She wasn't quite sure what was causing it, but whatever it was, it wanted her out of bed.
Juvia padded over to the window. It had taken her a few days, but she was finally starting to get used to these human legs. Stairs still gave her a little bit of trouble, but for the most part, she was able to move around on her own now.
Poking her head out the window, Juvia peered out at the water. Gray had arranged for her to stay in the castle, and Prince Lyon had been good enough to agree. He had even been nice to move Juvia to a room that overlooked the ocean after Levy had noticed her starring at the sea.
All of the humans she had met so far had been so kind to her, treating her as an honored guest. Cana and Natsu had visited twice. Levy would eat lunch with her most days. Even Prince Lyon had come to see how she was settling in.
Gray had been particularly sweet. He had been over nearly every day. They would go for walks around the castle and he was patient with her as she tried to figure out how to get her new legs to work correctly.
Juvia wasn't sure why she had been so nervous about her wager with Master Jose. After a week, it seemed like she would win easily. And after that, Juvia would even consider staying here.
True, she missed her powers and not being able to speak was inconvenient, but she was getting used to it. If anything, she rather liked being human. Spending time with Gray and his friends was much more fun than fighting with Totomaru and Sol and the others. This was something she could get used to.
Although, Juvia did have to admit that she missed Meredy.
"Juvia! Is that you?"
And now she was hearing things. Juvia could have sworn she had heard Meredy's voice.
"Juvia! Down here!"
Juvia looked straight down at the water below, her heart soaring when she saw her friend. She could hardly contain her excitement.
Meredy!
But of course, she couldn't shout a greeting. So Juvia contented herself with waiving gaily.
"It's so good to see you!" cried Meredy. "I'm glad you're okay."
Juvia nodded, blowing her a kiss.
"I was scared for you after you said you were off to visit the Phantom Lord," admitted Meredy. "Are you sure you're okay? Why won't you say anything?"
After a week of using non-verbal cues to communicate, Juvia was getting to be something of an expert at it. She placed her hands on her throat and shook her head. Then she shrugged, raising both hands to emphasize the gesture.
"You can't talk?!" gasped Meredy.
Juvia started to raise her hand in response, but Meredy cut her off.
"I can't really see what you're trying to say, but I've connected with you using my Sensory Link magic." She raised her hand to show Juvia something glowing pink around her wrist. See if you can show me what you're feeling," suggested Meredy.
Juvia looked down, recognizing the chain of glowing hearts that had wrapped around her own pale wrist like a bracelet. This must have been what had woken her up.
"What happened to your voice? Did the humans hurt you?" asked Meredy.
Sensory Link magic couldn't transmit thoughts, so Juvia wasn't able to think up a response like she would if Meredy was telepathic. Strong feelings seemed to be able to make their way over the link, so Juvia focused on feelings of calm and comfort.
"You don't seem bothered by any of this," said Meredy. "You're not still on about this whole good-in-humans thing are you?"
Juvia pictured Natsu and Cana and how much fun they had.
"That's surprising," said Meredy. "So how's your human captain? Have you run into him again?"
Juvia couldn't keep from blushing as she thought about Gray. He seemed to be the shy type, but he had been so sweet over the past few days, taking her on walks with her and visiting often.
"That's good!" said Meredy excitedly. "I have no idea what you're happy about, but happy is good."
Juvia giggled silently. Then she propped her chin in her hands, looking up at the sky and giving an exaggerated sigh. She wasn't sure if Meredy could see, but she made a little heart with her fingers.
Meredy laughed. "So you've made progress then! Good for you! I'm glad everything's okay. I was starting to get worried and so was Gajeel."
Juvia was startled. Gajeel was always so short-tempered with her that Juvia wasn't always sure how he felt about her.
"Don't be so surprised," said Meredy. "You know that Gajeel only gets cranky because he's worried."
Juvia had missed talking with Meredy like this. And if she were honest with herself, she missed Gajeel a little, too.
"We miss you too," said Meredy. "I'll stop by and visit you again sometime. And I'll bring Gajeel next time, okay? Take care, Juvia!"
Juvia could hear the smile in her friend's voice. She smiled back, hoping Meredy could see it.
She couldn't wait to see what her second week among the humans would bring.
What will the second week bring? Nothing good for our poor Juvia...
Next chapter, I'm going to start setting up the Nalu subplot in earnest. I kind of need both ships to reach the end at the same time. (Correction...I need both ships set up so I can put them on a collision course, and have them reach the end at the same time.)
Next time, in Silence, Jude Heartfilia has plans for his daughter: Lucy shook her head. "I won't do it," she declared. "You can't make me."
Stop back next Monday for the next installment, or just follow me, Karine of R011ingThunder.
