(AN: Thanks so much Guest reviewer! You made my day when I read your kind words and predictions! I love it when people tell me what they think may happen, because it may lead me in that direction with inspiration! I'll say again that I would love some questions of what you want answered! Anywho, back to what many of you have been desperately waiting for...)
~~~8~~~
Mira stood by the bar as per usual and studied the master of the guild sitting uncomfortable atop the counter as he sometimes did. She could sense there was something wrong and questioned, "Was it the council again, Master? What's got you in a sour mood today?"
The old man replied, "No, I'm just concerned for… The newcomers, is all. They haven't returned for a few days now. Do you think you know why?"
Mira answered, "Not so sure. Ariana was crying three days ago and they never returned."
Erza added, "No one knows why, Master. It doesn't make much sense. We were talking about how Gajeel and Juvia had been gone for a little longer than they should have. When Juvia arrived, they just broke down and left."
"Where are they staying?" Makarov inquired seriously. "Do any of you know?"
"I know. What do you want to do, Master?" Mira returned.
"I'd like you to take me there. I want to make sure they are alright," Master responded and so he and the white haired maiden made their way to the residence of the two newcomers.
The next day at the guildhall, Ariana and the ravenette walked into the guild to draw some attention. They had made quite the scene the last time they left. The man questioned, "You okay?"
"Yeah, I guess so," she replied.
"Good, 'cause I'm not," her uncle joked. They walked up to the bar and sat down, greeting, "Hey, Mira."
"Hello you two! You're usual?" Mira winked, grabbing a mug already. He'd been grabbing the same drink every time he came to the bar so it was obvious to her that it was his regular.
"Something a lot stronger than that, Mira. If I wanna make it through the day, that is. Surprise me. And a juice too, while you're at it," the ravenette returned.
"You got it!" Mira nodded, mixing up his order. "I'm glad you came. You know who hasn't met you yet and is quite concerned about your disappearance. Crying off at her arrival was not the best of first impressions."
The ravenette tched, taking his mug gladly and downing a quick swallow. He responded, "I bet. Wouldn't be the first."
Mira guided, "She's over by Gajeel right now. It might be your best bet."
The ravenette looked over towards the bluenette and looked back stating, "I'm not gonna approach her. I don't even know if I'll talk to her today. Being this close is hard enough as it is."
"Suit yourself," Mira sighed, obviously disappointed. She was always for dramatics and the lack thereof was not exciting to her.
"Uncle? Can I play with Natsu and Lucy and Happy?" Ariana asked smalley.
"Sure, kid," he responded, taking another gulp of his drink as she slid off the chair with her juice and met with Lucy at her table. He mumbled towards himself, "She's too good to be goin' through this crap, damn it. The kid's got too much to live for. I'll be damned if I let the darkness reach her light. She was right, I gotta face myself before I can face what stands in front of us."
The ravenette decided to go into a side room to be alone for a while when a voice he knew very well called out to him. He quickly stopped in his tracks. She approached him in seeming to be slow motion. On the third time she called, he turned to face her standing but a few feet away from him.
"Hello, I'm Juvia. Do I know you from somewhere? You look very familiar," the bluenette began.
