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VOID SOUL: IT'S A PROCESS

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So comfy… she snuggled the comforter and pulled it tighter around her. Her arm wrapped around a warm, fuzzy bundle that started to purr. She opened one eye lazily and saw a blue cat in her arms. Surprised, she jumped ever so slightly. She'd tried to contain herself so as not to wake the cat up, but to no avail.

"Ah, gomen'nasai neko. You scared me," she whispered and pet his back soothingly. She closed her eyes and started to drift back to sleep, she was having the most wonderful dream.

"It's ok!" both of her eyes opened as he looked down at the tiny cat.

"N-neko?"

"What?"

"You can speak?"

"Aye!" he smiled as his tail swished back and forth.

"Uh…"

"I'm Happy! You don't remember? I saved you!" he puffed his chest out heroically.

"I sort of remember… vaguely"

"Aye Floraly,"

"Hm? Oh, it's Auralie,"

"Ora… Oranie…"

"Aura-leee,"

"Auranee!"

"Leee,"

"Auralie!"

"Mmhm!"

"What a long name!" he said and put his paw on his head, "I'm gonna forget, I know it,"

"Just call me Aura then," she smiled.

"Aura… Aye!"

She sat up and looked around, this house was a mess. Dishes piled up in the sink, clothes and knick-knacks were strewn across the floor. Something smelled as well. But she shouldn't judge. After all, someone was kind enough to take her into their home. Who knows if she would've lasted the night in the rain?

"Does someone else live here?"

"Natsu!"

"Natsu… oh!" she clapped her hands together, "I remember!"

"Aye!" the cat came over and sat on her lap, "Hey Aura,"

"Hm?"

"You talk in your sleep. Do you get nightmares a lot?"

"Sometimes, I suppose,"

"Well you kept saying someone's name, who's William?"

"…" her heart faded out, and the terrible events she'd momentarily forgotten were upon her once more.

"Aura?" Happy peered up at her face, "Stop it! I'm sorry!" the cat scrambled and ran away. She pulled her knees to her chest and wiped away her tears. Not a day could go by that she wouldn't mourn them and feel the keen sting of their leave. She felt something light upon her knees.

"Take this, it's the best one!"

She looked up into the cat's tiny, determined face. He held out a fish to her. Was he serious? Their eyes locked for a moment, both a little confused. The side of her mouth pulled into a smile, Happy was sincere.

"Thank you," she took the fish, slime and all in her hands. He raised his own fish to his mouth, then stopped. She hadn't taken a bite yet, he raised her hand to her mouth.

"You know how to eat right?" he asked, she nodded, "Then eat!" she didn't want to be rude, she opened her mouth to take a bite. She'd never had raw fish with the scales and all. Even though she was terribly hungry, the thought made her queasy. The smell didn't make it any better, oh well, she'd just have to stomach it. She'd nearly taken a bite when the front door opened.

"Yo!"

Aura dropped the fish and realized it must look like she had gone through his fridge.

"Aye Natsu! Aura's awake!"

"Oh, you're finally up?" he turned to the side so he could see her past the pile of groceries.

"Yes, thank you for letting me sleep here," she gave the fish back to Happy, who'd already finished his and didn't think twice, "Please, let me help you with that," she stood to make her way towards him. She hadn't taken even one step when her muscles seized, she yelped in pain as her legs gave out. Natsu dropped the groceries and ran in an attempt to catch her, but she brought them both down in a rather un-graceful manner. She landed atop of his chest and felt the heat rise to her cheeks.

"I-I'm so sorry, I thought—"

"You must've really done a number on your legs if you can't even walk," he laughed, then sniffed, "Ugh, you stink," he pulled a sour face.

"I'm sorry!" she pushed herself off of him as fast as possible and crawled over to the groceries to pick them up. She frowned, the eggs had broken in their casing.

"No, not like you're a terrible person!" exclaimed Happy, "We just mean you smell really, really bad,"

Her face deepened in color as she continued to pick up the fallen items.

"Don't worry about it, I'll get this," Natsu said and took the things she'd gathered, "Why don't you clean yourself up, Happy will show you to the bath," he smiled painfully, no doubt to refrain from clutching his nose.

"Aura, you're really stinky," said Happy, "Come quick!" he jumped from the couch to her shoulder, then sniffed and fell dramatically to the floor.

"Happy," said Natsu.

"Aye sir!" he said as he got up and walked towards the hallway, "Follow me!"

For the love of… she thought as she began to crawl after the cat. How much more embarrassment could she take?

"O-oi! Let me help you!" Natsu said as he remembered she couldn't walk and watched her crawl away pitifully.

"No! I've got this, really! Thank you though," she said, terrified of Natsu coming any closer lest he smelt what she dealt.

She caught up to Happy, who turned around and showed her the door to the bathroom. He gasped.

"What… you racist! Are you walking like that because I'm a cat?"

"What? No! My legs hurt!"

"I thought better of you, Floraly," he lifted his chin in the air and stomped away. Aura looked at the ground in defeat, could their impression of me be any worse? She thought.

She sighed and crawled into the bathroom, which was as messy as the rest of the house, and shut the door behind her. She shed her clothes and threw them in the corner. She hadn't noticed the blood stains spattered over her dress until now and cringed.

Aura climbed into the bath with much difficulty, then turned it on. She endured the cold water for a few moments before the luxurious heat kicked in. The water felt nice on her wrecked body as she allowed herself to float. She wasted no time roughly scrubbing away the dirt and stains from the past couple of days. In the entire process she washed herself about four times over, to completely eliminate any lingering odors. But she wished the cleansing water could go more than skin deep. She lay in the bath, content even after she was done, she tried to relax and figure out what was next. The door flew open, interrupting her thoughts.

"Floraly! What's taking you so long?"

"Happy!" she immediately covered herself. He raised his hand to speak but fell to the ground.

"It's…so…terrible," he gasped rolling over, "The smell!"

"It's not me!"

"The culprit," he wheezed, "must be burned!" she looked at him strangely, but saw that his beady little eyes were fixated on her clothes. He crawled to the doorway and took a deep breath. He looked back at her and their eyes locked, she shook her head sternly.

"No," she pointed her finger at him sternly, to which he nodded yes, "No!"

"Wahh!"

"HAPPY! NO!" she yelled, "I need those!" but the little tyke ignored her and streaked across the room.

"No! No one deserves this kind of misery! Not even a racist like you!"

"Dangit Happy! Get back here right now!" she nearly chased after him, but her legs were too weak and not to mention naked. Surely, she'd never be able to look them in the eyes if that horror were added to her how-to-be-a-terrible guest list. How was she going to get out of this one? She allowed herself to soak a moment longer before she drained the tub.

She let her mind wander and thought about tedious things that seemed small to her now, she laughed at how silly they were. What to wear, if she'd have enough free time to paint after her chores were done… she'd been such a fool. Siccari totaliter, she liked the way the words sounded as they drifted through her mind.

"Siccari totaliter," she said thoughtfully, wondering what it was or meant. She felt a familiar warmth within her chest as her entire body gently glowed momentarily. She was completely dry, surprised, she ran her hands through her hair. It was silky and smooth. Amazed, she tried again, "Siccari totaliter," but nothing happened, "Siccari totaliter!" nothing. How strange, she thought as she reached for a nearby towel.

She fumbled out of the tub, landing painfully on the ground. She struggled to sit up and made sure she was covered. A knock came at the door and she froze.

"…who is it?" she asked.

"Is everything ok?" it was Natsu.

"Yeah! Sorry if I worried you, I just fell,"

"Oh…" he lingered a few seconds to be sure she was ok, then turned to go.

"Wait, Natsu?"

"Yea?" he turned on his heel and came back.

"You uhm… didn't happen to see where Happy put my… clothes… did you?"

"Just a sec'," she heard his footsteps fade away and waited, "Well… the smell kinda drove him crazy and he burnt them,"

"Ah," they both sat in an awkward silence, was she just supposed to wear this towel? Natsu left again, when he came back he opened the door a crack and threw in some clothes.

"Here, you can borrow these for now, sorry if they don't fit," he grumbled the last part.

"T-thank you!" he'd given her a sleeveless black, gold trimmed waist coat along with white, knee length trousers. She inspected the waist coat and noticed there were no buttons or zippers to close it with. She looked around, hoping to find an old t-shirt… tank top… something! Her eyes settled on some surgical tape. I guess this will have to do, she thought as she wrapped up her chest.

She ran her fingers through her hair a couple of times and attempted in vain to look in the mirror above the sink. She could barely see the top of her head, she gave up and crawled back into the main room.

XXX

"Stop right there!" Happy flew down in front of Auralie, his hands held out to keep her from coming any closer. He waddled towards her and made an audible sniffing noise, "Hmm," he squinted at her, "I declare you… despite still being a racist… stink free!"

"Happy, I'm not a racist!" she insisted, her voice was much more pleasant to the ears now that she'd had time to rest.

"Then why do you CONTINUE to mock me!"

"Guys! Soup's ready!" Natsu interrupted. Auralie looked up at him in awe, humbled by his kindness. The heat rose unwanted to his cheeks when he noticed her stare, it was probably the first time he'd seen her fresh and clean, not to mention that she wore his clothes. She quickly tore her eyes away as she realized she'd gazed upon him a moment too long.

"Well don't just sit there, get over on the couch, I'll bring you a bowl," he said and looked away indifferently. She nodded and made her way to the couch, which she was sure smelled as vile as she did before, while Happy jumped on her back. She let him stay. She was right, the couch smelled disgusting.

"Delens," she said absent mindedly, the couch and blankets glowed softly and the smell disappeared. Whoa… when did I learn—?

"Wow! I didn't think you could cook Natsu!" Happy enthused.

"Tch, of course I can!"

"Well you never cook for me!"

"You like raw fish!"

"Yeah but what about desserts? You never cook for yourself either!"

"Shut up," Natsu said, thoroughly irked. She supposed Happy got on everyone's nerves, his nature was so candid it was bound to happen. He never seemed to notice though.

"Thank you," she said as Natsu came over and held out a bowl to her. Her mouth watered, it smelled delicious.

"Aye, Natsu! Why aren't you sitting at the table? You never let anyone eat on the couch!" said Happy. Aura looked at Natsu.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I can move!" she started.

"No! If you try to stand up you'll spill everywhere!"

"I can crawl?" she didn't like the thought of continually crawling around a strangers home, she felt like a creep.

"Tch, nah, you'd look ridiculous,"

"Aye," agreed Happy, "Natsu I'm eating my fish on the couch then,"

"Fine," said Natsu, sitting on the opposite end of the couch.

As they all started to eat, she hardly noticed their stares. She'd downed her meal in seconds. When she did notice, she bit the inside of her cheek and looked at them sheepishly, "I'm sorry about that… I just can't remember the last time I've had a meal so good,"

"All right! See Happy, I'm a good cook!"

"I bet you just bought canned soup,"

"Nuh-uh!" Natsu said proudly. Auralie laughed, enjoying their light quarrel.

"So, how did you get here Aura?" said Happy.

"I…" her mind wandered, searching for the appropriate answer, "I ran away from home,"

"Why?"

"Just some bad circumstances,"

"What circumstance?"

"Just… I needed to leave,"

"But why? Don't you have a fam—Ow! Natsu why'd you hit me? Aura help!" Happy ran into her side and looked up at her with pleading eyes. She pat his head, another little person used to do the same thing. Oh…

"N-Natsu, Happy. Someday I will pay you back the kindness that you've shown me so freely. And I will return your clothes as soon as I can find something else to wear. But I must leave now. Thank you for everything," they stared at her. She stared down at her empty bowl and put it on the side table, she felt selfish, like she'd taken advantage of their hospitality. But she needed to be alone. They'd taken care of her physically, to ask any more would be imposing.

She stood, with much difficulty. Her legs trembled even as she leaned for support on the couch's edge. She knew she was a hairs length away from falling over with each step. She reached the front door and couldn't bear to turn and meet their gazes. She opened the door and a cool breeze embraced her, brushing her hair behind her shoulders. She stepped outside, shutting the door behind her, and collapsed to the ground. She was sure they'd heard, and started to crawl away towards the town lights. Eventually she met with the bridge from the previous night. This shelter would be enough.

As she sat under the bridge, she let herself unfurl, not withholding anything. There was nothing to hide from herself. Thunder started to roll in as rain started to tick on the bridge above. The louder the storm grew the more she unraveled in a grand crescendo. At the storms peak the water came through the slats in the bridges walkway. She was soaked and cold again. But like the first time, the apathy she felt prevented her from discomfort.

XXX

They cringed as they heard her fall outside the door. Happy tried to aid her, but Natsu pulled him back.

"She needs time,"

"Aye,"

Sometime later, Natsu and Happy fell asleep in their beds. But their rest was anything but peaceful. Natsu awoke to the rumblings of thunder, how annoying, he thought. He kicked off his covers and rolled out of bed, being sure not to bother Happy and left.

Her scent lingered where she'd been in the halls, near the kitchen and draped over the sofa. Why did that idiot have to leave in the middle of a thunderstorm? He growled and walked over to the front door, throwing a blanket around his shoulders.

He strolled outside and smelled her scent, even though it'd rained. He followed it back to the bridge and found her slumped against the wall, frozen and cold. But she didn't seem to mind. The clothes he'd given her were soaked through.

"You crawled here, didn't you," she looked at him, not saying a word. But her golden eyes were tired and beaten, "I thought so," He knelt down beside her, "Take the vest off, it'll only make you colder," she complied, taking it off and ringing it out. Natsu took off his blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders, attempting to dry her skin as much as possible so she could warm up. She looked at him, brow furrowed as he picked her up in his arms.

"I can stand," Her voice was wispy and thin, she tried to move her legs, but he held onto her tighter.

"Are you stupid?" he gave her a pointedly annoyed look.

"No I—"

"Just shut up,"

She relaxed, too weak to fight and let herself melt into his warmth. As ashamed and pathetic as she was, she was thankful. She tried to stay upright, not allowing herself to rest her head on his shoulder. Every comfort she sought from him in this moment would surely bury her deeper into his debt. That, and she knew he would be too kind to stop her, she couldn't impose on him like that. No matter how… sleepy… she became…

XXX

Auralie's eyes opened. Above her stood a very stern woman looking to be in her fifties. Her pink hair was pulled back into a tight bun. Her demeanor was very grim and business like.

"She's awake, Natsu. My work here is done,"

"Thanks, I owe ya one,"

"Right you do, you can repay me by never showing up on my door again!" she slammed the door behind her.

"Floraly!" Happy wailed, crashing into her neck and hugging her with all his little might, "We thought you were dead!" she consoled the cat, petting him reassuringly.

She sat up and rubbed her forehead while Happy slinked down into her lap, "What happened?" her voice was husky.

"When I brought you back you had a fever, it got really high and your body went into fits of seizures from malnourishment and exhaustion," Natsu explained coolly, "You shouldn't have gone outside in your condition, unless you're trying to make more work for me," he drummed his fingers on the counter.

"I'm sorry," she looked to Natsu, whom she'd been nothing but a hindrance to, "Forgive me, I have no way to pay for your troubles," she looked down in her lap. He looked at her incredulously.

"Payment? We don't need any pay—" Happy interrupted Natsu and grabbed her face with his paws.

"You have to go fishing with me," he said matter-of-factly.

"Ok," she smiled, "It's a promise,"

"Natsu did you hear that?" Happy sang, flying into the air.

"Yea, yea. Anyways, are you feeling any better?"

Aura placed the back of her hand on her forehead, then checked the status of her legs. They'd completely healed.

"Absolutely!" she stood up gleefully, Natsu ran over ready to catch her. He'd placed his hands on her shoulders, his chest inches away from her face. She looked up at him and they both blushed, "I'm alright," she smiled as he stepped back, "whoever that woman was, she's completely healed me… what was her name?" she inquired.

"That was Porlyusica. She's a hermit that lives in the woods and hates people,"

"Oh…"

"Well, now that you're all better, I guess you-"

"Yeah…" she said, feeling awkward.

"Do you know what you're going to do?"

"I'll try and find work I guess," she smiled sheepishly.

"Work," he seemed to be pondering something, "Oh! Are you a wizard?"

"I don't know, maybe,"

"What do you mean maybe? Can you use magic or not?"

"I uh… if I can it's a very new development," she looked at her hands.

"Well what can you do?"

"Clean?" she guessed.

"Clean? Honestly though,"

"Well, I suppose… I don't know, whatever it is, it's warm and light,"

"I've got it!" said Happy, raising his paw and dashing into the air, "Defend, Floraly!" he cried as he dive-bombed at her.

"Ah!" she tried to dodge but Happy rammed into her arm, "What the heck?" Natsu laughed while Happy was gearing up for round two, "No! Happy!" she ducked just in time and he hit the door.

"Owwy, Floraly!"

"It's Auralie!"

"Cat racist," Happy muttered.

"Oi, guys, I've got it! Let's experiment!" said Natsu.

"Aye!" chimed Happy.

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Soooo what'd you think?! I tried to make this chapter a little more humorous to establish Natsu and Happy's characters (: Also, just a disclaimer, in this story Natsu isn't as goofy/silly/slow-witted as in the actual anime. He's more stand-offish and cool. Anyways, did you enjoy? I hope so!