Memories Of The Rain

by SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan

It was Natsu who fought Juvia, not Gray this time. However, Juvia is not all she seems to be. The Rain Woman unknowingly has a secret, although what is it and just how does it relate to Natsu, who after his fight is suddenly feeling very odd, seeing flashbacks of events he can't seem to recall. In time, Natsu will come to learn that Juvia is much closer to him than he ever thought.

12. Restructuring

Previously:
Natsu singlehandedly destroyed the Tower of Heaven, and Jellal along with it. Following this, Natsu and Erza would escape the tower and Natsu would regroup with his team. With the Tower of Heaven destroyed, the Magic Council mobilised quickly to reduce the fallout of using Etherion. Ultear would lead the new council as Chairwoman, with many others retiring, to bring about a new council. Elsewhere, an apparition appeared over the remains of Jellal's body and took it away.

Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Fairy Tail anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.

'Talking'

"Thinking"

*expression*

Flashback

'Dragon or E.N.D. talking'

"Dragon or E.N.D. thinking"

Techniques

Chapter 12 – Restructuring

'So, what do you think the Council will say?' Asked Mira.

'Well, after I told them off, they are either going to be sour grapes, or kissing my butt asking for forgiveness.' Said Natsu, his head encircled in a dome of water, as he sat on the train.

'Juvia thinks it is unlikely they will have anything negative to say given you saved everyone.' Commented Juvia.

'That seems like the smart thing to do, but they don't seem very smart to me right now.' Said Natsu.

'What about that nice council lady?' Asked Happy.

'Oh, who is this nice council lady?' Asked Mira teasingly.

'She's going to become Natsu's girlfriend, and she is going to ban selling winged fish forever!' Said Happy, pointing a finger at Mira.

'Oh Happy, what makes you think I need to buy the fish? I know how to go fishing you know.' Teased Mira.

'I'm doomed.' Whimpered Happy, sitting down on the seat.

'Anyway, what's this about a girlfriend, Natsu?' Teased Mira.

'You know Happy, he is good at being dramatic, apparently now I have a thing with Lucy, drank Juvia's fluids and Ultear is my girlfriend. Next thing you know he will find someone on the train and declare her my long-lost wife.' Said Natsu.

'Is any of it true?' Asked Mira.

'I mean, I did drink Juvia's fluids that one time.' Said Natsu, only for Mira to laugh and turn to Juvia.

'Well Juvia, how was it when Natsu drank your fluids?' Asked Mira, only for the blue-haired girl to be frozen in both shock and embarrassment.

'Juvia needs time to process things before responding.' Said Juvia, causing Mira to giggle.

'Well, I guess based on that, Happy is up to his old tricks again then.' Said Mira.

'How can they be old, I'm only six?' Protested Happy.

'So what should we do afterwards?' Asked Mira, ignoring Happy's question, much to his irritation.

'What do you mean, don't we have to set up for the Fantasia Parade?' Asked Natsu.

'Oh that is still a few days off, but I did just remember that a reporter from the Weekly Sorcerer Magazine is coming to visit the guild later this week.' Said Mira.

'Those guys are always badmouthing me.' Said Natsu, crossing his arms over his chest.

'What do they say?' Asked Juvia, finally entering the conversation with a clear mind.

'That I destroy everything.' Huffed Natsu.

'But Natsu, you do.' Pointed out Happy.

'Well not anymore I don't! If they say one more thing about me destroying things, I'll destroy their newspaper.' Said Natsu.

'Wouldn't that then be proving them right because you destroyed something?' Pointed out Mira.

Natsu grumbled to himself at this before adopting a sullen expression. A brief silence passed between the group for the next few minutes, before Juvia spoke up.

'Juvia is wondering what happened on the tower. Juvia had a strange experience.' Said Juvia.

'That's right, I heard you were mind controlled by one of Trinity Raven.' Said Mira.

'Well, I don't know about the others, but I just knocked some sense into Erza and then knocked the life out of Jellal, before knocking over the tower.' Shrugged Natsu.

'Guess we will see if it sticks. I just fought one of Trinity Raven before joining Natsu and holding off Jellal for a bit.' Shrugged Mira.

'I watched, then I rescued Mira.' Added Happy.

'So what happened with you, Juvia?' Asked Mira.

'Juvia remembers fighting with one of Trinity Raven before everything went fuzzy. Juvia thinks she was dreaming before the Etherion. Juvia had a dream of being alone, but also of being told Juvia was special, but Juvia can't remember when this happened.' Said Juvia.

Natsu gave Juvia a curious look, which the water mage didn't notice.

'How did you feel in this dream, was it a good dream, or a bad dream?' Asked Mira.

'Juvia thinks the first part was bad and the second part was good, but Juvia doesn't normally have mixed dreams.' Said Juvia.

'Well, dreams are sometimes a way to work through things. The things you can't say or don't fully remember are easy to do and understand in your dreams. You should try and figure out what they mean.' Suggested Mira.

'Aye, I dream of fish, so I eat fish when I wake up.' Said Happy.

'What do you think, Natsu?' Asked Mira.

Natsu had been surprisingly silent and didn't appear too excited to involve himself in the conversation any further.

'I usually dream about the past.' Said Natsu, turning his head to look out the window.

'So does that mean you dream of the fish you ate before?' Asked Happy.

'No, I usually dream of my past days with Igneel, or Fairy Tail when we were kids. Everything was easy and fun back then… and I didn't have to worry about not destroying things.' Said Natsu seriously.

'So you never dream of the future?' Asked Mira.

'I can't remember having dreamed of the future for a while now.' Admitted Natsu, turning back to match Mira's gaze.

'Juvia is unsure of dreaming of the future as well. Juvia doesn't dream very often.' Said Juvia.

'Well, dreams don't always need to have a problem to them, sometimes they are just memories and are a way to reframe situations.' Said Mira, sensing the shift in tone of the conversation.

'Exactly, sometimes I dream of fresh fish and sometimes steamed fish, there are many different ways to eat fish.' Added Happy.

'Either way, I think we can pick this conversation up another time since we are here.' Said Mira, as the train started slowing down.

Juvia reached over to Natsu and absorbed her water bubble back into her form, but didn't miss the complicated expression Natsu had on his face, which disappeared by the time the water had vanished.

'Let's get going then!' Exclaimed Natsu, standing up and heading for the doors.

The rest of the group followed Natsu's lead, disembarking from the train in no time at all. Curiously, one of the amphibious workers of the Magic Council was waiting in the train station ticket reception and as the group exited, their eyes moved to them before their body did the same.

'Wizard Saint Natsu Dragneel, I have been sent to retrieve you, please follow me.' Said the worker, before making their way out of the station.

'Hey, did any of you call ahead?' Asked Natsu, turning to his companions, only to get a round of head shakes.

'How did you know I was coming?' Asked Natsu.

'Of course it was to be expected that you would return after completing your mission.' Said the worker.

Natsu gave a knowing hum but didn't press further, seeing how nervous the worker was, which they were trying to hide valiantly.

'Ok then.' Said Natsu, causing the worker to exhale in slight relief.

The group walked in silence after this until they arrived at the chambers of the Magic Council.

'The rest of you will need to remain behind, this is a meeting intended for only Wizard Saint Natsu Dragneel.' Said the worker.

'Actually, they are needed as well, I'm sure if you go in and speak with Councillor Milkovich, she will confirm this.' Said Natsu.

'In that case, please wait here momentarily.' Said the worker, before entering.

'What do you mean we are needed as well?' Asked Mira.

'I'm not going in there alone without witnesses.' Said Natsu.

'Do you think you will be in trouble?' Asked Juvia.

'Like I said, they are either going to want to kick, or kiss my butt, so better to go in with backup just in case.' Said Natsu.

'Don't look at me, I'm just a cat.' Said Happy.

'Please, all of you may enter.' Said the worker, opening the doors and then stepping to the side, allowing the group passage.

'Wow, it is a mini council!' Exclaimed Happy.

'Happy, that was rude.' Chided Mira.

'Your friend is not incorrect.' Said Crawford, approaching the group.

'I am saddened that our working relationship will end here, Natsu Dragneel. I feel that you and I would have had an excellent working relationship together and achieved many good things. Alas, due to the actions of my colleagues, many of our positions have become untenable. In other words, luck has not been on our side, but I am sure my replacement will be sure to work well with you going forward.' Said Crawford, placing both of his hands on the Dragon Slayer's shoulders.

'Who is your replacement?' Asked Natsu.

'Why none other than Councillor Milkovich, I will briefly remain to ensure the restructuring goes smoothly and stay on as an advisor briefly, but she will be the new Chairwoman.' Said Crawford, gesturing his hand towards the small group of council members left.

Ultear gave a small wave from her position at the head of the table, with Yajima to her right. Sitting across from Yajima was another older gentleman that Natsu couldn't remember the name of, but they were the only ones there. All the others were gone, and it had to be assumed, had quit.

'Is this really enough people to make a council?' Asked Natsu.

'A council is not dependent on numbers, if anything, a smaller council would be more decisive and productive.' Said Crawford.

'I agree, there would be far less squabbling.' Commented Ultear, causing Crawford to snort in amusement.

'I think we needed a bit more squabbling recently, but there is no changing the past.' Said Crawford, unaware that this made Ultear's smile tighten.

'So, am I still your golden boy then?' Asked Natsu, wanting to get down to business.

'Still? Whatever made you think otherwise?' Asked Crawford.

'Well the nasty tongue-lashing he gave the council might have engendered some hostility, but I doubt anyone still here has any hard feelings about those remarks, isn't that right, Councilman Org?' Asked Ultear, addressing the old man Natsu hadn't known the name of.

'Of course not. We were wrong and should have heeded the words of the one we decided to entrust our reputation to.' Agreed Org.

'Oh my, such a level-headed council, perhaps we are in safe hands after all.' Commented Mira.

'I should certainly hope so, I doubt we can reform another time without some heads actually rolling.' Said Crawford.

'Juvia would hope it doesn't come to that and that the council would make the right decisions.' Said Juvia.

'That is an interesting statement from a former mage of Phantom Lord.' Commented Org.

'Former Master Jose had two faces, the Council never knew of his second, the Element Four and Gajeel did. The Council could not know they were wrong in their decision without knowing of the second face.' Said Juvia.

'I think the same can be said of everyone here. All of us have a second face in some form or another.' Said Ultear.

'So what face are we putting on this story then?' Asked Natsu, getting to the point of their visit.

'Our best of course, with our newest Wizard Saint helping to cut off the bad branches of the old Council, allowing for a new one to thrive.' Said Crawford, with the remaining members nodding in agreement.

'Fine, I'm happy enough with that.' Said Natsu, before turning to leave.

'Not so fast.' Said Ultear, causing Natsu to pause.

'Since you came all the way here, we would like to give you something which is long overdue.' Said Ultear.

'A big cooler of fish?' Asked Happy.

'I'm afraid not.' Said Ultear, standing up from her seat at the head of the table and making her way to Natsu, before offering what was in her grasp.

'It is long overdue, but here is your Wizard Saint Medallion.' Said Ultear, holding the object out with both hands.

Natsu made to take the medallion, only for Ultear to open her hands, letting the medallion fall into his grasp, her fingers briefly brushing against Natsu's palms, causing a tingle to shoot down her arms. Natsu held the medallion and noticed Ultear's reaction, briefly locking eyes with the girl whose eyes widened, before schooling her features.

'I'm not sure if I should say thank you, or it's about time, but I guess since I'm supposed to set an example, I will go with thank you.' Said Natsu.

'Isn't this a nice change, I'm sure Makarov will be happy of at least one more level-headed mage in the guild.' Said Yajima.

'Juvia wonders if this will be a problem for other guilds, having two Wizard Saints in the same guild.' Said Juvia.

'All the more reason to follow the example of Fairy Tail. The time of scorn is over, Fairy Tail will be a shining example of what a guild should be.' Said Crawford.

'I believe some of our more destructive members may not be the best role models.' Said Mira.

'Well, you say that, but your most destructive member is now the face of your guild, I'm sure things will not be as bad as you think.' Said Crawford.

'We'll see.' Said Mira.

'Is there anything else I should know about?' Asked Natsu.

'No, that is more than enough, enjoy your trip back to Magnolia.' Said Ultear.

'Then we should get going.' Said Natsu, turning his back on those gathered and heading for the exit.

'Give Makarov my regards.' Said Yajima, to which Mira nodded.

'Of course, I will be sure to update master on the recent series of events, I am sure he will be able to rest easier knowing we will not need to walk on eggshells anymore.' Said Mira.

'I just think next time there should be some fish appetisers.' Said Happy, before walking away.

'Juvia does not have anything exciting to say, but having known at least one previous Wizard Saint, Juvia knows you will not be disappointed with Natsu as one.' Said Juvia, before she and Mira also followed after Happy, who had just reached Natsu, who was waiting at the door for his team.

'Well, all things considered, I think that went quite well.' Said Crawford, after the door shut behind their visitors.

'It could have gone worse.' Agreed Org.

'Well then, shall we start with restoring things now that we know Natsu is on our side?' Suggested Ultear.

'Yes, it would be prudent to not waste any more time.' Said Yajima.

'Very well then, what is our first order of business?' Asked Crawford, looking to Ultear to lead the meeting.

'In order to shift from our old reputation, we will need to start fresh and what better way than through something the old Council would have never done? I suggest we organise a group of mages to go after those who would go against the Council.' Said Ultear.

'You can't mean going after the Dark Guilds?' Asked Org.

'That is exactly what I mean, but not just any guild, we should go after the Balam Alliance themselves and I believe Oración Seis is the most suitable target to test our new Wizard Saint with.' Said Ultear.

'Surely you don't mean to suggest sending him alone?' Asked Yajima.

'Of course not, but I also think that we should consider others for the rank of Wizard Saint as well, seeing that we have now lost two but only appointed one. It would also seem Natsu's rank should be updated.' Said Ultear.

'Hmm, a wise decision, I do believe there was another candidate shortlisted a short while ago, not to mention, someone outside of Fairy Tail being appointed would further show we are not promoting favouritism.' Said Crawford thoughtfully.

'Then we are in agreement, I will draft a letter after we conclude business here.' Said Ultear.

'Is there anything else to discuss?' Asked Org.

'I have one more topic of discussion, if no one else does.' Said Ultear, getting those gathered to nod.

'We will need to start recruitment for new Council Members as soon as possible, especially if we are to lean into this rebranding.' Said Ultear.

'That may be difficult given our unpopularity.' Said Org.

'All the more reason to start sooner rather than later, I doubt many will respond to a job application to work with the Council.' Said Ultear.

'I agree, the sooner we get our numbers up, the sooner we can move past things, but we will need a more rigorous screening process.' Said Crawford.

'Do we not already have the most efficient analyser?' Questioned Ultear.

'Who did you have in mind?' Asked Yajima.

'I believe we have an exceptional mage named Doranbolt who can make a person's memories his plaything, surely he would have been able to catch something like a secret past as former Councilmember Siegrain had?' Questioned Ultear rhetorically.

'Hmm, an interesting decision. The man in question is possibly even suitable for a position himself, but let us see how recruitment goes first. I will reach out to him myself.' Said Crawford.

'Very well then, I believe that concludes our business.' Said Ultear, as the meeting closed.

-line break-

'Well, glad that is over.' Said Natsu, as they disembarked from the train.

'Should we head back to the guild?' Asked Mira.

'Uh, I'd really rather not, especially if you are going to tell them about this thing.' Said Natsu, flicking the medallion now resting along his chest.

'Fair enough, but that just means they will be even more excited tomorrow.' Cautioned Mira teasingly, only for Natsu to shrug.

'That's fine, at least I would have had a good night's sleep by then.' Said Natsu.

'Suit yourself then.' Said Mira, giving the group a wave, before heading towards the guild.

'Oh man, I just remembered, we never got you a bed in the end, did we?' Said Natsu, turning to Juvia.

'A bed? Oh yes, Juvia had forgotten since things have been so busy.' Said Juvia.

'A bed?' Asked Happy curiously.

'Juvia's been staying over for a few days while she looks for a place to stay, but we need to get her a proper bed, we were going to one day, but that was the day I found out I had been made a Wizard Saint and things have just been non-stop since.' Explained Natsu.

'You should get a water-bed and fill it with fish, that way everyone will be happy!' Suggested Happy.

'Juvia does not think a water-bed would be a good idea for Juvia, it might be a problem.' Said Juvia.

'Yeah Happy, what if she falls into the bed and gets stuck in there, then the next time someone jumps on the bed it would be like jumping on Juvia.' Said Natsu.

'Juvia wouldn't mind if Natsu wanted to jump on Juvia.' Muttered Juvia, only for Happy to start snickering, having heard the comment.

'Besides, fish should not be kept in a bed, but should be kept in the fridge.' Continued Juvia.

'Hmm, maybe that is why Lucy doesn't like the fish in her underwear drawer?' Pondered Happy.

'Underwear drawer!' Exclaimed Juvia in shock.

'Happy likes to leave fish in there and says they are a present, but he ends up eating all of them anyway.' Explained Natsu.

'Well she needs something, there is barely anything in those drawers, even the underwear is barely underwear!' Exclaimed Happy.

'Why are you looking at her underwear anyway?' Asked Natsu.

'We all were, even Gray and Erza, we were looking for Lucy, but she had gone back home at the time.' Explained Happy.

Natsu bit back his retort at this, still knowing his recent forced distancing by his friends was still a sore subject.

'Well people aren't going to be found in underwear drawers. Anyway, we were talking about a bed before, not underwear.' Said Natsu.

'We can talk about both, ne, ne, Juvia, what underwear do you wear?' Asked Happy, turning to the woman of blue, who was quickly turning red.

'Why are we still talking about underwear, we need a bed?' Interjected Natsu.

'Fine, let's go find a bed.' Said Happy, floating up to land on Natsu's shoulder.

'Finally, come on, Juvia.' Said Natsu, grabbing the stunned water woman and dragging her along until she came back to her senses.

'Where are we going?' Asked Juvia.

'To a mattress store, I can make a frame myself, but I need an actual bed.' Explained Natsu.

'Natsu is very industrious.' Commented Juvia.

'Yep, I can destroy, and I can build, although I haven't been destroying for a while now.' Said Natsu.

'That's true, Natsu and I make the best pillow and blanket forts when we go to hotels. Oh, and ninja outfits!' Added Happy.

'Juvia is surprised, those don't sound like hobbies Natsu would enjoy.' Said Juvia.

'I can have fun doing anything, the point is having good company.' Said Natsu with a smile, before returning his face to a neutral expression.

'Natsu, are things going to be okay with your old team?' Asked Juvia, as the pair entered a store.

'I think so. I'm not sure how they are going to take me having this thing now, but I think after the tower they might think a bit clearer now. I doubt Erza will cause any problems and that means Gray will probably go back to competing with me like we did before. Things with Lucy are also pretty much back to normal now.' Said Natsu, looking at a selection of mattresses.

'Why have you forgiven them so quickly? Sorry, Juvia doesn't mean to pry.' Said Juvia, only for Natsu to wave her off, before pushing down on one of the mattresses.

'I know I am a pain to deal with sometimes. All the destructive stuff aside, I am also competitive, loud, pushy and always want to have some fun. They are the same. I can't blame them for wanting a bit of space. I'm probably the kind of person that you need a bit of a break from every now and then, but I think that applies to a lot of people at Fairy Tail, even Erza and Gray.' Said Natsu.

'Juvia does not agree.' Said Juvia, causing Natsu to quirk an eyebrow as he turned to face the woman.

'Juvia thinks that Natsu is like everyone else, but is also different in his own way. Very few people can both create and destroy and Natsu's energy is infectious, that is true, but Fairy Tail seems like a very destructive guild even without Natsu. It would not be fair to say others need a break from Natsu since the same can be said of anyone in Fairy Tail it seems.' Said Juvia.

'Wow, that's kind of funny. You really have gotten to know the guild pretty quickly. Yeah, I guess we are pretty rowdy.' Said Natsu in amusement.

'Natsu! What about this one?' Asked Happy, pointing to a Queen-sized bed.

'That's huge!' Exclaimed Natsu.

'But this way we can watch movies together on it as well and have proper sleepovers, besides, shouldn't we make Juvia comfortable?' Said Happy with a smirk.

'N-no, don't worry about Juvia, Juvia would be happy with any size of bed.' Said Juvia quickly.

'But if we get you a bad bed you might want to leave sooner, if we get a better one, we can have more sleepovers, right?' Said Happy.

'Well I guess that settles it then, we need to make sure Juvia feels comfortable.' Said Natsu, causing Juvia to smile.

'Thank you, Natsu.' Said Juvia.

'Of course, it isn't a big deal anyway, I'm just thinking about how much extra wood I'm going to need to make a frame for a mattress this big.' Said Natsu.

'Oh, Juvia didn't think of that… we can get a smaller one.' Started Juvia, before Natsu waved her off.

'Nah, it's fine, besides, like Happy said, you should be comfortable. Especially since if it wasn't for you, there would be such a mess we couldn't even fit this bed in anywhere…' Said Natsu, trailing off at the end.

Natsu made his way to the counter and spoke with the cashier, after a brief conversation, Natsu walked over to the two.

'We can't pick it up until Friday, but they said they can throw in some pillows for free because of the delay. Guess it gives us some time to start working on the frame.' Said Natsu, before giving a big yawn.

'Juvia thinks it might be time to have a bit of a rest instead.' Said Juvia.

'You know what, I agree with you there Juvia, I didn't realise it before but I'm exhausted.' Said Natsu, giving another yawn.

'Why don't we go get you some rest then?' Offered Juvia, only for Natsu to sleepily nod, looking as though he might fall asleep at any moment now.

'Happy, you lead the way, I can barely keep my eyes open here.' Said Natsu, giving another yawn.

'Aye sir!' Said Happy, before floating off, prompting the pair to follow.

As Natsu walked, his eyes steadily started to close to the point that every few steps he was actually walking with his eyes closed for a moment.

'N-Natsu, are you going to make it home, okay? Would you like to rest on Juvia while we walk?' Offered Juvia shyly.

'Nah it's fine, I know this town like the back of my hand.' Said Natsu, narrowly sidestepping a mailbox.

'Natsu you are going to get hurt, at least let Juvia lead you.' Said Juvia, offering a hand to Natsu.

Natsu had to blink a few times until he noticed the hand and realised what Juvia was doing, before taking the hand.

"Natsu took Juvia's hand!" Exclaimed Juvia internally, but schooled herself at seeing that Natsu was actually quite vulnerable at the moment and really did look quite tired.

'Thanks… Juvia.' Said Natsu slowly, letting his fate belong to the water mage as she led him through town, following Happy to their home.

Entering the humble dwelling, Juvia coaxed Natsu out of his jacket and sandals before leading him over to the sofa where he had been sleeping, before helping him lie down and positioning a pillow under his head.

'Thanks… Juvia… I don't regret…' Mumbled Natsu, before the rest of his words became incomprehensible.

'Natsu… what were you saying?' Asked Juvia quietly, leaning towards Natsu's face to hear him better.

Natsu exhaled and tilted his head downwards before turning on his side, pulling Juvia along. The water mage awkwardly tried to avoid falling on top of him, but this resulted in her straddling his side, with one leg resting against the back of the couch.

'Um, Natsu, can you let go of Juvia's hand?' Asked Juvia, as her face turned red.

'Not… letting… Juvia… go.' Said Natsu sleepily, punctuating the end of his sentence with a yawn.

Juvia looked to the blue companion of the one currently holding her, only to find him snickering.

'Good night.' Sang Happy, before going to sleep on the hammock.

Juvia sighed, knowing she could get out of her current predicament by turning into water, but there was a chance it would wake and possibly drench her clearly tired companion. At least, that is how Juvia rationalised her decision, to bring her other leg across and lie herself down between Natsu and the back of the couch, leaving her tightly wedged in.

'Good night, Natsu.' Said Juvia pleasantly, before feeling Natsu pull her even closer.

-line break-

As Juvia woke the next morning, she felt as though she had fallen asleep by a warm fire, which led to her keeping her eyes shut for the next hour, smiling pleasantly. Once that hour was up though, Juvia opened her eyes and noticed she was resting beside Natsu, who appeared to still be sleeping deeply. Not wanting to wake Natsu, Juvia was content to sit there and wait, watching his content expression.

'Juvia, do you want anything for lunch?' Asked Happy, snapping the girl out of her pleasant activity.

'Lunch? What about breakfast?' Asked Juvia.

'It's already two in the afternoon, I think you've missed breakfast.' Said Happy.

'But Natsu's still sleeping.' Said Juvia.

'Hmm, I know, I'll get someone from the guild to help.' Said Happy, causing Juvia to panic.

'Happy, please wait. If you bring someone here, they will get the wrong idea about Juvia.' Said Juvia, causing Happy to pause and think.

'Oh, then I know who to get, I'll get Mira, she'll know what to do.' Said Happy, before flying out a window and leaving an aghast water mage behind.

'Juvia is so embarrassed.' Mumbled Juvia, nuzzling herself into Natsu's neck to block out the light and let the heat in her face die down.

It was only minutes after that that Mira arrived back with Happy, only they had another guest.

'Well Juvia, I know you said you don't want Natsu to be alone, but isn't this a bit much.' Chortled Makarov, only for Mira to whack him on the head.

'Master, be nice. Besides, it looks like Juvia didn't have much of a choice.' Said Mira.

'She could always turn to water.' Said Happy.

'Then Natsu would get wet!' Protested Juvia.

'Well, it would wake him up.' Said Mira.

'I suppose it is worth a try.' Agreed Makarov.

Juvia sighed before letting herself turn into water and sloshing over Natsu, before reassembling herself so she was now standing beside him, taking all of the water with her.

'He's still sleeping.' Said Happy, which caused Makarov to narrow his eyes.

'Mira, you said Natsu fought Jellal after you left and came back transformed, is that correct?' Asked Makarov.

'Yes, he looked fine before I left so something must have happened, but it was only Jellal, Natsu and Erza up there.' Explained Mira.

'Go and get Erza, we will meet you at Porlyusica's hut.' Said Makarov, enlarging his arm and picking Natsu off the couch.

'Is something wrong with Natsu?' Asked Happy.

'We'll see, it is probably nothing after all.' Said Makarov, causing Happy to give a hesitant nod, but Juvia could tell he was just saying that to make Happy feel better.

The three and their cargo made their way into the East Forest in the outskirts of Magnolia Town. The group waited a short while and were joined moments later by Erza and Mira.

'Master, what is going on?' Asked Erza.

'That's what we are here to find out.' Said Makarov, before exiting the cover of the surrounding trees and approached a building embedded into another tree.

'What are you doing here?' Snapped a pink haired woman, who had wrenched opened the door just before Makarov could knock on it, before going silent when Natsu's body was placed in front of her.

'He isn't waking up.' Said Makarov.

'Bring him inside.' Said the woman, before turning and heading back inside.

Makarov nodded, indicating for the others to follow him. As the others piled into the room, Makarov placed Natsu down on the bed.

'So what happened?' Asked the woman.

'Natsu hasn't woken up this morning.' Said Makarov.

'And? Maybe he wants a sleep in.' Said the woman.

'Porlyusica, would I really bother you for nothing?' Asked Makarov, causing the woman to huff.

'And what is so special that sleeping in warrants a visit to me?' Asked Porlyusica.

'Natsu was fighting with Jellal on the Tower of Heaven which was a large collection of lacrima. Etherion struck the tower and was absorbed by the lacrima and then Natsu ate some of it.' Said Erza, after Mira pushed her forward.

'Hmm.' Hummed Porlyusica, before walking over to Natsu and slapping him in the face.

'What are you doing?' Exclaimed Happy, only to get a stern look.

'He's really out. How long ago did this happen and when did he fall asleep?' Asked Porlyusica.

'He ate the lacrima in the early morning, around six.' Said Erza.

'And he fell asleep around six in the afternoon.' Added Juvia, getting a sideways glance from Mira.

'It hasn't even been twenty-four hours and you already came to bother me?' Asked Porlyusica in disbelief.

'Natsu isn't the type of person to sleep in.' Said Makarov.

Porlyusica hummed at this before assessing Natsu a bit closer.

'You say he ate Etherion infused lacrima?' Asked Porlyusica.

'Aye, Natsu is a Dragon Slayer, he can eat fire.' Said Happy.

'Is that all he can eat?' Asked Porlyusica.

'Natsu can eat Juvia's water.' Said Juvia.

'Eat?' Questioned Porlyusica.

'Natsu said Juvia's water was like fire to him.' Said Juvia.

'He also tried to eat Laxus' lighting in the past once as well.' Added Erza.

'But normally he prefers to eat meat.' Joked Mira.

'That is not normal for a Dragon Slayer. Eating other magic would overload them. Did he end up passing out after consuming these other magics?' Asked Porlyusica.

Both Erza and Juvia looked to each other and gave a small nod.

'I see. He just needs time then. He will wake up in time.' Said Porlyusica, causing those gathered to breath in relief.

'Now, get out, all of you!' Said Porlyusica, swinging a broom at them.

'All right, put that broom down before you hurt yourself.' Said Makarov, gesturing for the others to leave with him.

While Erza, Mira and Happy followed, Juvia stayed.

'Juvia, are you coming?' Asked Mira.

'I will stay with Natsu.' Said Juvia, causing Mira to smile.

'Okay then.' Said Mira, with the group exiting after that.

'Why didn't you leave with them? Do I need to get the broom?' Asked Porlyusica.

'Juvia is worried for Natsu and Juvia does not have anything better to do. Juvia… was also wanting to ask for some help. Juvia was also affected by the Etherion and Juvia's mind hasn't gone back to normal yet.' Said Juvia, causing Porlyusica to raise an eyebrow.

'Your mind? Is that why you are speaking in the third person?' Asked Porlyusica.

'No, Juvia has always spoken like this.' Said Juvia.

'Then what is the problem?' Asked Porlyusica.

'Juvia is seeing and feeling things Juvia has never seen or felt before. It is as though Juvia has memories of another person, but that person is also Juvia.' Explained Juvia.

Porlyusica hummed at this.

'And you say this happened after the Etherion; you didn't have this issue before?' Asked Porlyusica.

'No, Juvia was always a bit odd, but Juvia knew she was Juvia.' Said Juvia.

'And was there anything else happening at the time?' Asked Porlyusica.

'Juvia was under the mind control of a mage from Trinity Raven.' Said Juvia.

'That is kind of an important detail to omit!' Snapped Porlyusica.

'Sorry, Juvia didn't think it was related as Juvia feels the change is internal.' Apologised Juvia.

'While the change may be internal, it sounds like you had many external factors affecting you. If you are concerned of losing sight of who you are, then you need to make an effort to remind yourself of who you are.' Said Porlyusica.

'I see. Thank you.' Said Juvia, before seating herself next to Natsu on the bed.

'This isn't a hotel!' Snapped Porlyusica.

'You told Juvia to remind herself of who Juvia is. Juvia wants to be a person who is happy and Natsu is the one who made Juvia happy.' Said Juvia, causing Porlyusica's face to relax.

'In that case I want complete silence while you are here.' Said Porlyusica, to which Juvia nodded.