Synopsis: AU. They needed a girl that was pretty enough, smart enough, and immune enough to the 23-year-old hockey superstar's charms. Juvia was anything but the latter; the benefits alongside the offer, though, were too good to pass up, especially at her current predicament. So…pretending to be Gray Fullbuster's girlfriend wasn't that hard, right?
Italics – one person's singing
(Italics) – (second voice)
Bold italics – more than one person's singing
(Bold italics) – (second voice/s and main vocals sing together)
I suggest having the song accompany you as you read through the song part. You'll be able to tell when it'll start.
I hope you enjoy the read!
Proceed with caution.
Standard disclaimers are applied.
Act 5: Music 123; Her Fairy
In the days that've passed, Juvia did nothing but coop herself up in her music room – experimenting on the instruments and settling for which to use in the song. She would only emerge from her lair when the stomach or the smell warns her – or when it was anything about Evere. Also when Gray calls as she'd been aware and prepared of the time he promises to talk with her.
Making time while delving in your obsession, Gray? Well gee, what an attack.
When her clock and calendar told her that it was a few good minutes before they enter the fifth day, the bluenette was slightly panicky. The song was complete – technically speaking. But she felt that there was still something missing in the melody.
While Lucy had heard the upbeat tune from a few hours ago when she visited, she said it was already fantastic. But Juvia begged to differ – it needed to be more than that, this was for her friend's movie – a movie that just so happened to be about all of them.
She needed some sugar, she decided and leaped for the glass doors. Juvia ruffled the enthusiastic Evere who had been busy playing with its snowball before making her way to the fridge.
Anything cold and sweet. She thought as she looked through the freezer: but all it had at that moment were Gray's untouched beers.
Lightly sulking because she wasn't in the mood for anything bitter and that she needed the confection to fuel her brain, she decided to buy some at the local convenience store a few steps away. She changed into knee-length baggy shorts and an oversized shirt that belonged to Gray – probably not that huge for its previous owner.
There.
She thought, something unworthy of prying people's eyes. Before she could step out though, she heard a little one bawling behind her. Juvia turned around rather surprised when she saw the object the puppy had placed down in front of her: a dog leash.
Everest had been aware of Juvia's plan on going out and being prompted of Gray's reminder, the husky wasn't going to leave Juvia out of its sight. Not in the dead of the night.
"That'll be 10 jewels."
Juvia fished out an exact amount and thanked the cashier before heading out with her pupper. Happier that she managed to get her and Gray's favorite flavor. "Let's go home!" she beamed and placed the puppy so it could walk along with her.
The walk back was a quite one. One more turn and they'll be able to see the huge building she'd been staying for a good month.
A month.
The thought made her smile. She'd been through a lot for the past three years and it had only been a month with friends and family to make it all feel like a distant past she can finally let go of.
"Juvia?"
The said name had to stop from her musings as she heard a very familiar voice. "Mrs. Mikage?"
The older woman smiled. "You still remember me. I hope in a better way, that is."
Juvia was quick to reassure her. While it did hurt to be fired and understood all at the same time, she knew it at the beginning that if there were people who'd been looking out for her during her stay at Phantom, it was Totomaru and this woman.
"What are you doing up and about at this time?" she suddenly asked, worried that her ex-boss might get into trouble somewhere.
"Oh shush. I live nearby. I'm actually with my grandchildren; they wanted some ice cream, like you, so we're heading out to the convenience store."
Juvia frowned. How old were these grandchildren of hers to leave her behind like that? She looked at the plastic she was holding and was about to offer it to her when the older woman politely declined.
"I know what you're about to do, dearie and I think it's sweet of you. You've always been like that. But you're also a woman like I and alone at that – well, except for this cute one right beside you. You should head home. I'm glad to have met you again – minus all the formalities in the office."
"Oh. Wow. Thank you so much." Juvia found herself bowing lightly at her words. She only straightened when she felt a light tap on her shoulder. She looked back to the woman, still smiling at her.
"By the way, I can't wait to hear more of your songs. Keep it up, dearie." The older woman cheered, even imitating a teenage iconic action for boosting one's confidence.
Juvia felt floored and amazed. She nodded and returned the gesture before heading her own way. That had felt amazing. It felt good to be able to talk to someone who treated you with respect even in their own roundabout of ways.
Hearing the iconic chime of the condominium's entrance, she was about to make a run for it when she bumped on to someone, stumbling back lightly.
"There you are."
Oh.
Oh god.
Of all the people she could run into.
"What are you doing here?" Juvia sneered and stepped back when the man in front of her went to grab her hand.
"What's with the attitude? Can't visit a dear friend?"
"How are you even capable of having a friend in this area?"
"Probably not as capable as you, Juvia."
Juvia felt a stab on her chest at the obvious blow and stared him down. "What the hell do you want, Bora?"
"Ohh. Is this how the famous hockey player deals with you? Your manners are all over the place."
"Don't you dare bring Gray into this. My manners are expensive. Something you can't afford."
Bora bit back a manic laugh before folding his arms. "Look, sweetie. Sorry. I just thought you might be tired of the limelight and the bashing and wanted to run back into my arms."
Juvia gawked but had to settle the seething puppy behind her, aware just how criminal the being in front of them was.
Did she really date this sorry excuse for a human?
A cold hand grab onto her wrist and Juvia frantically struggled from the hold, shooting the man a disgusted look. "I'd rather drown in people's bigotry. Oh wait. Let me rephrase that in a way you can understand, I don't plan on ever getting back with you, you ass."
She had said it with so much hostility that Juvia knew it hit a nerve in Bora's ego-filled head as she felt his grip tighten on her wrist. Shit. She needed to get out.
Juvia looked around. People have been staring; but they weren't doing anything. It made her relieved even though she shouldn't be.
She can't act selfishly anymore.
The condo's guards were probably changing shifts right now because she couldn't see anyone from where they were. If they saw her, they'd know who she was and would probably assist her in this predicament.
She wanted to give this animal another taste of her roundhouse, but she was different now; she wasn't on her own anymore.
Juvia just couldn't risk roping Gray into any of her past.
"I've just about enough of you, you –"
Her breath hitched at the increasing pain from her abused wrist but realized she'd been let loose as the culprit let out a shrill scream.
Everest had charged in and bit the man on the leg.
"Evere!" She shouted and immediately picked up her rescuer before storming off. She ran as fast as she could, knowing full well the man would trail her.
Bora was a few good inches away from gripping her hair before a small cry came from Juvia's direction.
"Officer! Here! There's the harasser!"
Juvia who felt relieve she'd never felt in her whole life but then, found herself leaning on one of the light posts as she caught her breath, later checking on the puppy.
The suspect immediately stopped before he could grab a hold of Juvia and muttered curses before limply running off.
"Are you alright?"
Juvia looked back to her other savior and couldn't help a sigh that escaped her lips.
Wendy found herself looking through Juvia's music room in admiration. She's heard from Natsu and Lucy before of this legendary room and had always wanted to visit but her shifts at the hospital always hindered her from doing so.
Speaking of shifts. It was a good thing she covered for a co-worker's night shift the other day, letting her have the night off. Else, Juvia… well, she decided it shouldn't be something to think about. She found her before anything graver could happen to her, her father's trick of calling for imaginary officers doing its job.
Juvia was okay. A bit pale at first but other than the bruising on the arm she'd treated, there were no other things to be worried of. The woman seemed to have even forgotten her previous predicament when she placed the warm tea in front of her.
Was she used to those kinds of confrontations? But Wendy couldn't find herself to ask.
"You have an awesome room, Juvia!" she beamed, thinking that it would be good to divert her attention to somewhere else.
Juvia nodded lightly and turned to get her laptop. "I was actually in the process of making a song, but I feel like there's something missing."
Wendy couldn't help the glint in her eyes as she leaned on to the woman. "Can I hear it?!"
The older bluenette blinked before giving her a warm smile. It was supposed to be a secret, but it was the least of things she could do for her savior, right?
The younger bluenette beamed at the affirmative gesture. She knew Juvia was a rising name in the music industry – but she was aware of her music since the woman jammed at FT before. She was always looking forward to her performances.
Juvia placed the headphones on her, adjusting the volume. When the nurse gave her the confirmatory, she pressed a button from the keyboard – playing the melody of the song.
Wendy soon found herself nodding her head at the beat, clearly enjoying it much to Juvia's relief. She knew the tune had ended when Natsu's sister took off the headphones. "How was it?" she asked.
But Wendy wasn't answering, which made Juvia rethink if she really saw her enjoying a few minutes ago. "It was awesome!"
Juvia felt relieved. "What do you think it's for?"
The woman in question held an index finger on her chin. "Hmm… I think it's about adventure! The tune's very cheerful."
"Really?"
"Mhm!"
The older bluenette smiled. Wendy knew what she was talking about, she might have an idea to complete the whole melody. "Hey, Wendy. You know I was really going for an adventure-type tune."
"Really?!" Juvia had to suppress a laugh at the obvious shine in her eyes, it felt similar to Natsu's beaming ones. Then again, they were siblings. "Well like I said, it did give off that vibe!"
"Mhm. But I feel like I'm missing something."
"What's that?"
"I want it to be more than just adventure – more than just the booms and strings. Adventures tend to be exciting, right? They tend to be a one-shot deal and then poof! End of story. But what if it's a string of quests? Like you do it for a living? That going out on missions feel like something normal in your life – so other than being excited all the time, you also tend to feel like a part of you belongs to the thrill of it and it soothes you… Am I…making it clear?" Juvia sweat dropped at the dazed expression she elicited from the younger woman.
She did not mean to ramble. It was just her honest thoughts on what was missing.
"Hmm. Then why not add another instrument?"
Juvia turned back to her, a hint of hope flashing in her eyes. "What do you have in mind?"
"If you want it to be soothing, probably like how the wind feels, right? Wouldn't a flute do nicely?"
"A flute?" she absentmindedly repeated
A flute.
A flute?
A flute!
"OMG, Wendy! You're absolutely right!" she beamed as she shot up from her seat, but immediately sitting back down as she realized one thing.
Wendy, who had been floored one more time saw the instant change and tilted her head lightly in confusion. "What's wrong?"
"I just realized…I don't know how to play the flute." But Juvia didn't want to brush off the idea of adding those gentle sounds. Her mother knew how to play the instrument, but she was too far, and it was too late and too inappropriate to ask her the favor. But she also didn't want to let the wonderful inkling slide.
"Umm…if it can help, Grandine – my Mom, taught me how to play the flute." A shy voice spoke, snapping Juvia and saving her from her reverie.
Wow.
Really? How many times did Wendy saved her butt that day?
"Say, Wendy."
"Yeah?"
"Want to finish a song with me?"
"I'm all fired up for that!"
Phoning in the Marvel-Dragneel's residence that she'd be staying at Juvia's for the night, they went to Juvia's lair and completed the magic.
A certain Raijuu Records CEO leaned on his leather swivel chair, arms crossed and a finger tapping lightly as he studied the hard drive placed on the table.
He looked back between the obviously nervous owner and the drive for a few times before asking, "You finished the song in five days?"
"Yes."
"You wrote the lyrics?"
"Yes."
"And did the melody?"
"Yes. Well, I had help with one instrument but yes."
"All in five days?"
A skeptical nod was the last reply Laxus got before settling his inspecting eyes back on the small black storage device.
Juvia felt two pairs of hands hold onto either side of hers; one belonged to the novelist that started all of this and the other to a nurse that helped her complete the mission. They pulled out an all-nighter to rearrange the melody, adding in Wendy's tunes. By the time they finished, they only had three hours before the scheduled time.
They made it, that being rather clear as they saw the man across them stand up, getting the drive from the table and making his way towards the door.
A shorter and older man followed suit while the other three stayed on their seats.
"You got a minus one here?" Laxus asked, before leaning back and gesturing for the drive.
Juvia stiffly stood up straight before answering, "Y-yes!"
Laxus grinned and opened the door. "Let's head over to studio F."
Juvia didn't know what was happening until Laxus instructed her to enter the live booth while the others came with him on the control room.
"We're changing your little game with Gramps a bit and try it out live. Got that?" Laxus clarified as he gestured for her to put on the headphones.
Juvia, still panicky probably from lack of sleep, obliged. She heaved a breath and recalled the lyrics of the song. While she was at it, she caught a glimpse of the girls from the other side and while she wasn't able to hear anything, she knew what those big heart gestures and air-fist punching meant.
"We're playing in 1…2…"
Hearing the click, Juvia turned back to the mic, eyes closed as she sang the first few lines
Fairy, where're you going?
We'll gather the light along the way
And make it shine upon a brand new day.
The soothing sound enveloped the whole studio room, Wendy's flute dominating the intro earning her a jeering elbow from Lucy and a thankful glance from Juvia as she sang through the first verse
(Oh yeah)
Can you hear the voice that's calling you yeah?
(Oh yeah)
It's raw and hoarse from screaming after you.
(Oh yeah)
But it won't give up until you can answer it.
Juvia smiled nostalgically, recalling the scenes from Lucy's book as she sang through the refrains – a certain celestial mage and dragon slayer's meeting filling her mind. Later replaced by her favorite ice-make mage and she couldn't help the smile forming on her lips.
It feels so strange when you are not here with me
I need your smile just to keep me going
The girls and even Makarov found themselves nodding their heads as Juvia sang through the chorus.
Slowly, it's warming
As faith is linking your heart with mine
Juvia repeated the first three lines from before as she sang through, flashes of the adventures of the characters in the book making its way to her mind one by one. She found it quite melancholic and nostalgic when the rainy confrontation scene was the last to resurface.
The water mage back then was a real pain in the butt, even for the ice-make wizard that later on saved her… and eventually made her fall for him.
(Oh yeah)
Breaking like the waves on the shore of the ocean
All my feelings have been flown away
The orange sunset fades to white and grey
Lucy had to roll her eyes at the obvious signature word Juvia had left there but wasn't the least bit disinterested from every word she was hearing. It was as if Juvia was making them feel that they really did once, in their lifetime, became mages of a magical land.
It's strange, but when you smile I feel much stronger
But when you laugh it lifts me so much higher
Lucy would forgive her for that tad bit, right? It was her fault for making the water wizard swoon at everything the ice-make mage did. She found a smile graze her lips when she saw Lucy grinning, an affirmative, maybe? Plus the fire dragon slayer totally had the same effect on the celestial spirit mage.
So now fairy, so lonely
But surely, you're walking your way.
Oh-oh
Just hang in there
As Juvia hummed and sung through the interlude, more images and memories from the book hit her – the main characters' first mission, the Galuna Island arc explaining Gray's scar and Lyon's entry to the story, her character's little 'ex-guild' and finally meeting the ice-make wizard, Loke's tear-jerking entrance, Erza and Jellal's sorrowful encounter at a certain tower, even a certain CEO was there and had caused mischief. She didn't know why it felt so overwhelming, as if all of it and many more were true.
She heaved a breath, feeling herself tearing up before she sang the bridge. Maybe it was the lack of sleep? But she needed to overcome whatever overwhelming feeling this was.
You could change the world, I know
'Cause you've surely changed mine
A certain hockey player's image overlapped with the ice-make wizard in her head, she smiled.
You are my fairy
It felt more than what it should have and Juvia found herself unregretful for realizing it.
Slowly, it's warming
As fate is linking your life with mine
Everybody felt the rise of the anticipating melody along with Juvia's voice as they soon found themselves humming along.
Shine on a brand new day!
In my heart, it's snowing
I'm trying my best to smile
Because it was you!
Because, my fairy, it was you!
Ah. Juvia thought. That was another declaration, right?
It felt so right singing it – singing what it meant to have amazing friends and family by your side as you go along with your day, with your life.
She wouldn't be anywhere else anymore.
She was home.
FT – Fairy Tail, the home of her fairies – is, inevitably, her home too.
Don't say goodbye!
Juvia felt herself back to reality the moment the music faded. It felt all the more real when she heard Laxus' voice.
"This song…what's it called?" came in from the live booth's speakers.
Juvia paused for a moment, why did she forget the title of all things? Bad habit, she thought. She needed to answer that one question which seemed like it was still part of the 'mission'.
And then her breath hitched.
It wasn't that she forgot.
It just felt that it was evident in the song.
It could only be named that, right?
Finding another smile form on her lips, Juvia faced the people behind the glass with a confident answer.
"Snow fairy."
Laxus slowly nodded in contemplation before getting the hard drive and walking out of the booth.
"Gramps."
Makarov, who had been anticipating that tone from his grandson, turned to look up. "Yeah?" he was replied with an assured grin and the words that would start the bluenette's 3-year delayed career.
"Get me Freed."
End of Part 4
Here's another update and somewhat a tribute to funkist's flutist, Yōko Kasugai.
Credits to AmaLee's version of Snow Fairy for this one!
Let me hear your thoughts!
Keep safe, everyone!
So Mashima said it's fun reading what fans say about his work and I think every author's like that, too. You don't know how much your reviews mean to us. It really keeps the fire burning! So don't hesitate on letting us know if you're still there, our avid GrUvia shippers! Much love.
-nakneknik