*Gray plays "Fairy Tail Main Theme (Piano Version)" by Yasuharu Takanashi. There are essentially three parts in this song, so if you've got it on your playlist, cue it up, and enjoy the soundtrack in the background. Also, please let me know if my descriptions of each part seemed plausible. It's hard to describe the tone of music without lyrics*

Gray sat there in thought. Something slow, huh? He knew some slow pieces. When he used to play with his parents, they'd often played more upbeat tunes, just having fun. But everyone started with slow songs upon learning a new instrument.

Ever since the night they'd cast Milky Way, he'd had a resurgence of memories come upon him at times. Often bad, but some of them good. Things locked away for the longest time, to protect himself, he'd always thought. But among the sad recollections during the day, and nightmares at night, he'd found those few inklings of happy memories, and determined they'd been secured in his mind for safe keeping, tucked away for when he'd need something to remind him that it hadn't all been tragedy in his youth.

Among them was a tune he did remember. Nothing special. Just something his mom had set aside for beginner students, a slow piece to let them perfect their finger movements, and gain some practice in using both hands at once. He remembered adding to it as he'd gotten bored with its simplicity. He'd kept it slow at first, but sped up the second and third parts when he'd found the way the other kids had played them too slow and boring. His mom had praised his creativity, and he had smiled so proudly that day. That was one song he'd kept with him for a while, but even that one had faded along with the others, when his life became more and more embroiled with magic and adventure.

That tune came to him now as he slowly raised his hands again, feeling along the keyboard for the right placement. Even as a kid, he'd been able to play without having to look at the keys. But would his hands cooperate after years of losing so much muscle memory, or with the poor sensations his fingertips afforded him now?

Taking in a deep breath, calmly letting it out, he played.

It felt odd, foreign, and as with his violin, he found he couldn't spread his fingers as far, or move them as quickly, as before. He had only the soft, metallic twang of each string to confirm he'd struck the keys. But he's lived with these numb, scarred hands for so long, he's grown used to forcing their movements. He didn't need to raise his arm uncomfortably high to play the piano, and for this simple song, the dexterity needed wasn't as demanding as that of the violin.

The moment that first chord sounded, all around him disappeared as he got lost in the memories this song evoked. Just as he'd remembered, it started slow, a few high notes joined by their accompanying harmony.

ooooo

"Mama! Snow? Is snowing?" asked the young babe, not yet two, staring in awe at the crystalline flakes gently drifting from the sky.

"It is!" she answered, smiling brightly, indulgently, "Do you want to go outside and feel it?"

"No no snow! Cold snow! Cold, cold, cold!"

"*Giggle* It is cold. But look how pretty it is. Soon, everything will be covered in white, and the trees will look so shiny and bright, like they're made of glass. Everything slows down when it snows. It's quiet and peaceful. It feels like the whole world has been renewed."

"And cold?"

"Yes, and cold."

"Want feel?"

"I do, but only if you want to."

The young babe thought and thought. This was a very important decision. Then—

He held his hands up, fingers grasping in the "pick me up" pose.

"With you!"

"Okay. You and I, together."

ooooo

His play was hesitant, unsure at first, as he got a feel of the motions, and grew encouraged by the familiarity of the tune, hearing it in his mind as it flowed into his hands, given life after so long. His friends began to notice, pausing in their tasks to observe the unexpected sight.

ooooo

It was magical.

His father's flute could rival any songbird's call, while his mother's hands moved with such grace and skill across the keys of that old but well-tuned piano. Even as they were playing a children's song, one more suited for the nursery than for the sold-out concerts they were used to, it very well could have been a grand waltz with how passionately they played.

"Do you need us to slow down?"

"No, mama. I can do it," the child assured.

He appreciated their choice of song. Though not nearly as skilled as them—he'd just been given this new violin that very morning, and had spent the day getting used to how different it was compared to the piano—it was a song he could easily follow along with them. The flutist, the pianist, and the violinist. As he glanced out the window, he could swear the wind swept snow was dancing to their melody. Dancing for him. Though discordant now, with time and hard work, he'd be well harmonized with them one day.

And they could play like this together, always.

ooooo

Juvia was mesmerized as he continued, increasing the tempo, growing more confident as every note, every chord, joined in this beautiful melody. The others approached, keeping a short distance away, not wanting to do or say anything that would break his concentration. They too felt that sense of being given a rare gift. Most of them knew of his upbringing around music, and of his deep sense of loss in being unable to bring his parents back through that special bond. So what was happening now was nothing short of amazing.

It wasn't perfect. They could tell he struggled with certain parts; perhaps unable to keep up with the required tempo, or maybe there was some discomfort from the movement his hands were no longer used to. There was frustration, and sadness, but overshadowing all of that was something pure and raw. Something undefined. Whether this would prove to be something he had needed for a long time, or will later on be discovered to have cost him in some way, they could only wait, and hope.

The tune had transitioned to what they suspected was supposed to be a faster beat, judging by how jerky and forcefully he tried to play it. He seemed disappointed in his failure to keep up, but resigned to finish regardless. The tone of the song itself had changed; not slow and meditative like the beginning; then later upbeat, and instilled with a sense of adventure; but simple, still upbeat, almost suspenseful in the wonder it hinted at, but with a sad sense of finality. He played that same part again, this time a bit more slowly, though it seemed intentional this time. With the change in speed, it seemed to convey a sense of something well loved coming to an end, and what was to follow was a great unknown.

ooooo

It didn't take long for a small drift of snow to collect atop the wooden post.

The two stood silently as the young boy tried in vain to wipe it away, only to wait in silence as he remained there, fixated upon the new snow replacing the old.

Soon, the names would be obscured once more.

As he looked around, he tried to remember the quiet peace he'd always associated with the vastness of the wintery landscape, but beyond where he stood, all he saw was emptiness and ruin, where once stood all he'd ever known.

"We have to leave soon. Please come with us. We can't leave you here. It's not safe, and you shouldn't be alone."

His body tensed, while his shoulders shook in held back grief.

"… No… I shouldn't be alone… I'm not supposed to be. We were supposed to be together!"

He broke down then, his grief filled cries sounding all the more haunting in their being the only sound in this now desolate wasteland. That was wrong. There had always been others to add to the song, to harmonize with him, to accomplish side by side what he could never do on his own.

The older one knelt down, pulling the young boy to herself, offering what little comfort he would receive.

She gave him time to scream, and rage, and mourn. He wept openly, unashamedly, shaking more from the pain and weariness in his body, now tapped out from all the grief he'd been releasing, than from the cold.

Breathing raggedly, steam billowing from every exhalation, he blinked his stinging eyes into the harsh whiteness before him. The snow was coming down harder now, the wooden post now veiled behind a frozen curtain. He reached his small hand out, allowing errant flakes to collect upon the pale, unblemished palm.

"… It's cold."

She knew he wasn't talking about the snow. Closing her cool hand over his own, the woman replied, "It is."

Wanting to pull his hand away, but needing to hold onto something when everything else had left him, he grasped the larger hand with his own, pleading, "I don't want to feel it anymore."

A spark ignited in the woman, something very familiar as she turned her eyes to the older boy's, meeting his gaze, decision made even as she hadn't yet calculated all it would entail.

"Come with us. We can't take the cold away, but we can help you overcome it. To take mastery over it, and find strength in it. You won't have to go through this on your own. You won't be alone."

It was as the names were completely hidden in the blinding white that the boy squeezed the woman's hand in acceptance.

"Okay."

ooooo

The final note continued to reverberate into a low hum, then stilled. Looking around, Natsu and the girls could see others had heard the music, and were nodding or smiling in approval, thoroughly impressed and appreciative at the unexpected show. Thankfully, they'd also seen who was playing, and kept a distance as they showed their surprise and quiet admiration.

Gray remained unnervingly still, hands still resting atop the keyboard, outwardly calm except for how shallow and controlled his breathing came. He looked contemplative, unsure of something, though no one could dare fathom what it could be. Juvia wished he'd give some clue, so they could at least prepare a response, if they even could.

Wendy rose from where she'd been crouched beside a discarded set of handbells, leaving them to lay at her feet as she tried to approach, able to hear the near silent sniffling sound he made with every inhale. Natsu grabbed her, giving a slight shake of his head. He knew Gray was trying to either control his emotions, or hide them, and wouldn't appreciate someone pointing out whatever he was feeling amongst so many who weren't part of his inner circle of friends.

Soon, he'd gathered himself enough to take in a deep breath, releasing it with an audible sigh as he clenched both hands into fists. He sat up straighter, bringing his hands down to rest in his lap, and methodically opened and closed them a few more times.

Concerned, Juvia, mindful that he may have been so lost in thought, he'd forgotten she was near, cleared her throat to gain his attention, before asking, "Gray? Are you okay?"

So fixated was he on all the thoughts running through his head, he hadn't noticed her slip of calling just his name. He wasn't even sure what she was really asking for. Okay in what sense? Was he still with them? Had he drifted, even though he hadn't in over a month, and no one knew if he even could anymore? Did his hands hurt, or any of his other pains? Was he satisfied with his performance? Disappointed? Could he answer any of those queries, or did she even have something else in mind?

He wasn't sure how to put anything he was really feeling into words, but something did stand out enough to make him form a coherent thought. Distractedly, he answered, "They're not so stiff anymore."

Confused, Juvia took a moment to think on what he was talking about, before moving her gaze up and down, pausing at his lap.

"Your hands?"

He merely nodded, considering. That was a good place to settle, something tangible and easy to speak about. Not the maelstrom currently taking up residence in his head.

"Then playing the piano is easier for you than the violin?" wondered Lyon.

"No."

He didn't elaborate. Yes, he'd found it was easier on his hands, though still required a great deal of effort. But was it easy for him? No, not at all.

But still, he couldn't deny the small part of him that was grateful he had tried. Perhaps, when he'd sorted out his thoughts and emotions on the matter, he'd try again one day soon.

"That was beautiful," came Lucy's voice. He heard soft agreements from others around him.

Shaking himself from his self-imposed stupor, he eased the lid down over the keys, before bearing his weight upon it to rise, slowly and carefully turning as he sat back down to face everyone.

"Thank you… So, it sounds like you're all done. We're all here now," he paused, feeling Joy hop into his lap. Yep, all here. He grinned softly as he petted her, then continued, " What's the plan to continue your search? Will Sting and Rogue come by before you head out again?"

He acted like he'd just been killing time as he waited for them all to finish cleaning up the mess. In any other situation, that'd be true. He was most definitely trying to evade probing questions, and Lyon was willing to let him, for now.

"We were discussing getting the rest of the guild involved. I think maybe even get Warren to send a guild wide bulletin for everyone to search, starting from wherever they are now."

Yuka observed how everyone took Lyon's advice so readily. He had no idea who this Warren was, but Lyon seemed knowledgeable enough to have considered his powers necessary. He's really inserted himself seamlessly among these people, like he was one of their own.

"That's a fine idea, Lyon," said Erza, "Then if no one has anything else—"

"—Don't you mean 'we'?" interrupted Natsu.

All eyes on him, it was apparent he wasn't talking to Erza, his gaze fixed on Gray. He didn't even raise a brow in answer, but looked towards his voice in a bored fashion, waiting for him to clarify.

"You said 'your' search, not 'ours', and you asked about Sting and Rogue coming back before 'you' head out, not 'we'. You're not coming with us?"

Gray now looked a bit surprised, then amused as he replied, "Natsu, such great deductive reasoning. Didn't know you had it in you."

Before Natsu could deduce whether he was being made fun of or not, Lyon stepped in.

"That's fine. I think that's a good idea. You can stay here and rest for a while. Hopefully, with the rest of the guild's help, we won't be long searching for Frosch, and we can all gather back here before the colors change tonight."

"Actually, I think I'm gonna head back home now."

"What?!—"

"—No, please don't!—"

"—But you're gonna miss the show—!"

"—If it's about your sight, it should return in time before—"

Letting out a loud, shrill whistle, Gray waited for everyone to calm down, before he explained, "Look guys, I appreciate your concerns, but I'm completely spent. Magically, physically, mentally, and everything else you can throw in there. I can't join the search anymore, and I'm not gonna be able to relax out here, alone, out in the open, not being able to tell who's coming or going. And before anyone offers, I don't need a babysitter, not when all eyes ought to be out there searching. Go on without me. I know how to get home from here."

"No, Juvia will go with you—"

"—Not necessary!" He knew he'd spoken harshly, and could tell by her stunned reluctance to persuade him otherwise that she'd taken that the wrong way.

"*sigh* It's nothing personal. And it's not you, not really. I was fine with you throughout the day. It's just… it's different when there's no one else there. Today we were always surrounded. We can't go anywhere without festival crowds walking about. But at home… I'm just not… comfortable… being alone with a woman."

He pleaded mentally for her to understand without having to go over more details, and was rewarded when she answered, "Of course, Gray-sama. Juvia remembers, and she understands your feelings. I will work hard to look for Frosch with everyone else."

"I feel better knowing you're helping with the search. You know how much I adore him."

She smiled brightly at his display of confidence in her. She just wouldn't mention how she'd be searching a few blocks removed from his route home, at least until he'd reached his neighborhood. If she was not mistaken, Lucy had mentioned sending Loke and Virgo to be on guard duty tonight. She'd make sure to remind her of that shortly.

"What about how sore you were earlier? Will you be able to make it all the way home on your own?" asked Wendy.

"A little movement helps, actually. If I take it slow, it's not that bad. I should make it home before sunset. I'll be okay."

"But what about the house itself? Like you said, it'll be dark before long," reminded Lyon. He had a point. Gray had, on the rare occasion, been able to stay home on his own, usually while Lyon ran a quick errand. He was always back within half an hour, and Gray had been very pleased at such progress. But just as being alone with a single woman was too much of a reminder of his time alone with "Not Her"; so too would being home alone after sundown be too similar to the night he was taken.

"I think I'll be fine. Besides, I'll have Joy to keep me company. We'll just stay in the backyard until you get home. Call me if you think you won't make it for dinner. I'll walk to the cafe and grab something to eat. Don't worry. I'm good on my own. At least for a while. It's about time you all started realizing that."

Erza and Natsu wanted to argue, but before either could respond, Toby stood before him, a manic glint in his eyes as he first regarded Joy—who returned the gaze with a curious sniff in his direction, and a yawn, before curling back into her daddy's arms—then focused his attention towards Gray. Juvia, having seen the hostility he's been sending towards Joy all day, narrowed her eyes and lowered her stance just a tiny bit. Erza noticed, and was about to put a stop to whatever childish rant, or worse, Toby was about to spew, when he dropped to his knees, face flat on the ground, and yelled, "I'm sorry for blaming your cat!"

What?!!!

Totally confused, and too tired to sort out whatever this was about, Gray merely blinked and said, "Okay?"

Yuka came forward and explained.

"What he means is, he's sorry for taking his frustrations out on your cat." Seeing how everyone was still confused, he started from the beginning. "Look, before you leave, and in case we don't make it for dinner, we need to apologize. We had a long talk with Lyon while we were out. I'm afraid we both have been unfair to you, and while you hadn't done anything to warrant our disrespect, we've been acting less than cordially today. It's just that, it's been a while since Lyon's been home. We haven't gone on any jobs with him in months, and we miss having him around. Before we realized it, we were blaming you for Lyon's absence. And Toby, for whatever reason, was channeling his grievances towards your cat. We know our actions were putting Lyon in a bad spot, and we're really sorry for hurting you in any way."

Well, it's nice to see Lyon and they had taken advantage of their team up this afternoon. Gray was quite pleased with that, and having grown into a rather forgiving person in the past year, had already brushed away any grievances from their behavior. He understood their position perfectly.

"Apology accepted. I get where you're coming from. He's a good friend, the best to have in your corner when you need him. I don't know how I could have made it this far without him. I know he misses you, too. You have every right to feel the way you do. I'm sorry for taking him away from you for so long."

"You needn't be," Lyon interrupted. Turning to his friends, he added, "I'm not about to let him take the blame for circumstances beyond his control. Even though it couldn't be helped, I'm sorry I haven't been able to take more time away from here. Believe me, it's been difficult accepting the way things have been. But I'm grateful for your understanding and patience so far. I can't tell you when things will go back to normal. In fact, I'm not sure they ever will, not completely. But we're optimistic about how things are going, and though I won't be returning to Margaret Town anytime soon, I will eventually."

"To stay?" Toby asked, hopefully.

"Remember what we talked about earlier?" Yuka whispered, referring to their conversation from earlier, when Lyon had revealed his plans to them about making Magnolia a semi-permanent home.

"Oh, yeah... But you'll be around more, so that's great! That's all we ever really wanted!"

Lyon felt glad, and relieved to have that unpleasant mess behind them now. Spending time alone with them had been a great idea, reminding him of just how much he had missed being home as well. He felt guilty for having neglected them all this time, but their bonds had weathered the many storms throughout, and would continue to do so.

By that point, Toby was still prostrated on the ground, and Yuka had to nudge him with his boot to remind him to stand. Scrambling to his feet, he righted himself, dusting himself off, before looking up, finding everyone staring at him.

"What? Is there dirt on my face? It's rude to stare! What the Hell are you looking at?!!!"

Instead of Yuka admonishing him for yelling like he'd expected, his friend was trying but failing to hide a chuckle behind a fist. The others were in similar states, looking absurdly amused over something.

Gray was using the piano to push himself up to stand, when he noticed Joy had climbed out of his lap at some point. Giving a few soft clicks, he waited for her response, hearing a squeaky mew from somewhere in front of him.

Toby paused in trepidation, having heard that tiny squeak. It'd been awfully close.

"If someone can hand me Joy, I'm gonna head out now."

More snickers were heard, then Wendy stepped forward.

"You'll have to ask Toby-san if he'd be willing to part with her."

Gray smirked, wondering, "Toby?"

"What do you mean 'Toby'?! I don't have your stinkin' cat!"

"Toby," Yuka said, still amused, "look down."

Blink

Pause

Consider

Blink again

Scratching his head, Toby looked down, only to come nose to nose with the previously misdirected source of his vexation.

Joy had crawled into his sock.

She licked his nose.

He screamed and ran throughout the park, crying about the crazed cat who wouldn't stop chasing him, the thought never occuring to simply remove the sock.

The first part of this series, "Rescue", was nominated for The Guild Awards on Tumblr for best Action/Adventure. Voting starts on July 18th and ends two weeks later. I'm not sure if you even need a tumblr account to vote, but I'd really appreciate your support nonetheless. You'd have to sign into your Google account to cast a vote, and can do so anonymously. Winning would certainly be a boost to my morale, and having this story acknowledged would be a great motivation to continue writing it without fail.

Also, I've recently discovered "Akatsuki no Yona", and I'm in love with it! I'm also really getting into a Korean web novel called "Under the Oak Tree." My favorite characters are Hak and Ruth respectively. I may take up writing fan fiction for them soon. Already got some ideas, mostly short stories. Nothing that would take too much time away from this grand opus.

Next Chapter: Rainbow Sakura. Also, where the heck is Frosch?!