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crookedmoonlight123 · 5 years

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The Rain Woman - Chapter 17 -The Last Raindrop

A/N: Thankyou for the reviews of last chapter and all the follows and favourites! This is it! The last one! Enjoy 😊

Beads of sweat descended off the icemages forehead, rolling down his cheeks and chin, dripping its salty solution onto the floor. His bare chest rising and falling with each exhausted breath. Gray had been trying to brake or squirm out the chains that bound him for what seemed like forever. The door across the room creaked open and three silhouettes entered the dark space. A ball of flame appeared slightly illuminating a wizards face before it fired off into the sconces on the walls and the candle chandelier on the ceiling in the middle of the room, throwing the whole area into colour, well colour being the dreary gray brick and green moss that lined both the walls and floor.

“Your time has come little ice wizard.” The middle one smirked his voice velvety smooth, his dark blue hair stuck out at odd angles almost as if he had been dragged through a hedge backwards and his lime green eyes stuck out like a sore thumb against his tanned skin.

“Yeah and don’t try anything funny.” The one on the left spoke with rough, grating tone of voice, he was built like a tank with short, close cut light green hair military style, they moved towards the icemage in a line, the fire wizard reaching out towards Grays feet with some more restraints, Gray shoved his shoulder back against the wall feeling the cold, damp of it on his hot sweaty skin, before kicking his unbound feet into the fire wizard sending him stumbling back a few paces groaning in agony.

“Why you little…” His right hand clutched at his abdomen, the left aimed a fire ball at Gray who was helpless to do anything, the fire burned a sharp but short searing pain through his body as the icemage closed his eyes to take the attack, he opened them again briefly only to be met with a punch squarely in the face and one around his head causing him to smack his head back on the wall behind him, the metallic taste of blood filling his mouth where he had bit his tongue and they had busted his lip. Gray felt the shackles fasten around his ankles, as he let his body go limp, one eye creeping open as he was dragged out the room in the bright light and a sea of unfamiliar faces.

Juvia sunk back on her knees once she was alone, tears streamed down her face dripping onto the floor as anger made her blood boil;

“STUPID! STUPID JUVIA!” The watermage pounded on the floor repeatedly, why did Juvia not tell Gray-sama about the letters from the very beginning? Juvia let out a sob remembering the threat which had been made against him. Juvia watched her teardrops amounting on the floor, could Juvia turn herself into a puddle and seep through the bars? She was sceptical after all it could be an electrical forcefield and not just the bars themselves, but still, she had to try, her beloved’s life was at stake.

“Waterbody.” Juvia whispered feeling her cells change as the door opened once again and hurried footsteps could be heard, they pounded urgently on the floor and Juvias eyes grew wide at the sight of the person in front of her; Mitch.

“Need a hand?” Mitch smiled that crooked smile at her, hitting a button on the opposite wall as he stepped closer.

“How are? Why are you?” Juvia was lost for words. “How does Juvia know she can trust you.” Juvia already knew the answer, he had always been looking out for her.

“We don’t have time for all that, Gray is about to be killed!” He didn’t shout but he raised his voice in a matter of urgency, as he opened the lock with a key and let her out.

Juvia made a run for it her heels clicking on the floor only pausing when she got to the door way, was she to go left, right or straight on? She chewed the inside of her cheek.

“Hold up a minute!” Mitch shouted catching up with her, “you don’t know the way.” Juvia stared at him, her eyes narrowed but Mitch could see clarity and purpose in them now, no, he could see life.

“Well then let’s go if you are going to assist me.” Juvia said in a low, impatient voice.

“This way.” Mitch led her off to the right at a run, it wouldn’t be long before guards were swarming the place and surrounding them. They went straight at another cross roads before taking another right straight into four wizards completely blocking off the corridor.

“Water nebula!” Two columns of water took out two of the wizards, sending them flying back and through a large metal door.

“I’ll handle these last two and anymore that have followed us up behind.” He locked his eyes on Juvia, “Gray is through those doors.” Juvia wasn’t sure whether he was leading her into a trap or not, but he had opened her cell door and had led her this far.

“Thanks.” She nodded at Mitch before launching herself through the metal doors into a room full of people and her Gray-sama, head bowed, knelt and bloodied at the centre. Was she too late? “GRAY-SAMA!” Juvia hadn’t even known she had spoke let alone shouted until she heard her own voice echoing off the walls back at her.

Gray could barely make out the faces and he struggled to regain the focus in the left eye, he could open it now, but everything was blotchy. He was jeered and spat at as he was dragged through the crowd like an animal carcass on parade, a lamb to slaughter, a sacrifice. The icemage was pulled up onto a platform and forced to kneel. His mind wandered to Juvia, her beautiful smile, her loving eyes.

“Fellow wizards!” Juvias father bellowed, silencing the gathering, the icemage remembered the first time they had met on the roof of phantom lord one rainy day, how he thought she was beautiful even then, sad, but beautiful, the prophecy which had been spoken to him not so long before about “water and women” she was ‘the rain women’. “You are all here to witness the death of a pesky Fairy Tail wizard, one that has foiled my- “He cleared his throat, “our plans. He has led my daughter awry and with his death she shall follow us once more!” The crowd cheered and clapped, Gray still remembered dying for her at the Grand Magic Games, a secret he kept to himself, he didn’t know the extent of his feeling back then. He thought of the missions they went on together, the pool table they had been given as a gift. The background noise stopped, the crowd had stopped cheering, am I dead?

“GRAY-SAMA!” His raven eyes shot open wide, his heart pounding hard in his chest as if trying to break free, he’d know that beautiful voice anywhere. There she was, Juvia, his Juvia, standing tall, a sudden look of relief on her face as he had lifted his head.

Juvia flew into action the second she saw that black mop of hair rise and those coal black eyes bore into hers, she would save him, she could save him, she still had time. Wielding her water magic Juvia attacked any and all, conjuring up dark water nebulas and cyclones, water clawing any who came too close. The watermage managed to wipe out the top two rows of ‘spectators’ in the semi circled seating area. Panting hard she looked up towards the platform where her father stood enraged, a look of pure evil and anger across his face, teeth gritted together hard.

“Why you!” He roared across the room as he motioned to the two wizards either side of Gray, who nodded to one another, one used his wind to tear bit by bit at the icemages skin, Gray grimaced, why couldn’t they just kill him already if that was their intention. He looked up to see Juvia making her way over as fast as she could, he had to act now.

Juvia didn’t have to think as jumped and leaped over the rows of seats knocking the opposing wizards sideways and blasting them with jets of water, her one goal, her one path was to get to Gray-sama before the two wizards could harm him further.

Gray bent his legs up so only his bottom was on the floor and used his shackled hands to spin himself around 360 degrees, sticking his legs out straight, he took the two wizards by surprise sending them toppling over and off the platform edge, before he to, jumped up and half hobbled half jumped off the platform himself only to be caught mid-air in a water noose.

Juvia had almost made it all the way down to platform, her eyes locked onto her Gray-sama, only a few metres to go. Juvias eyes went wide as the ground suddenly rose up in front of her blocking her way.

Juvia glared at the offending wizard, “boiling water cyclone!” The watermage shouted as the boiling cyclone melted through the column like a hot knife through butter. Nothing would get in the way of her getting to her beloved. The watermage lurched forwards just as Gray threw himself off the low platform, he almost hit the floor but what happened was worse. Her father had him in a water noose, dangling in the air in front of her, taunting her.

“Gray-sama!” Juvia shrieked, looking suddenly to Jimquin. “Release him!” Desperation in her voice, “Please!” The watermage begged, clasping her hands in front of her, even though she knew it was futile, her father was beyond reason now.

“Pah!” He shouted, “look at you, begging for your ‘beloveds’ life.” He paused, a twinkle in his eye, “just like your mother did when I had my men dispatch her on the road.” Juvia threw her hands to her face in horror. Her mother! Had been murdered? Under her own fathers’ instruction. Tears filled her eyes, spilling over the edges and sobs escaped her mouth. Grays heart twisted in sympathy, but anger crackled through him. “She would have only spread alarm, of both my plans for you and the whole of Fiore.” He gloated, “she had to be dealt with accordingly…” Jimquin almost sounded sad as he trailed off, seeming lost in past memories, maybe of their happy days.

“Water key.” Juvia whispered, not breaking her fathers eye contact, she had never tried to make a water key before, but clearly Gray-sama was unable to use magic otherwise Juvia was sure that he would’ve broken free by now. The water key floated towards the shackles that bound Grays hands in front of him.

“But I am sure that once this bump in the road is dealt with, you will join us again. I’m sure Jose will be happy to see your improvements.” The water wizard sounded proud, it sickened Juvia to think she was his pawn as she had been Joses’ pawn but this was worse, he was her father he was meant to protect her.

“Water key.” The watermage conjured up another water key, both Gray-samas restraints would have to be released at the same time.

“Juvia will never join you.” She glared at him, as the keys slotted into place.

“Fine.” The noose tightened a bit and Gray choked. “Have it your way!” A clicking sound could be heard, as the shackles came undone, crashing to the floor in a heap.

“Gray-sama!” Juvia shouted, “Water slicer!” Juvia added some dark magic into the water, overpowering her father noose and cutting Gray-sama free.

The icemage fell to the floor, only for a few seconds as Juvia raced to his side, before his devil slayer magic took hold, the black mark covering half his body, “Let’s get outta here.” He smiled at Juvia, taking in the smile and slight blush in her cheeks.

“Yes, my love, let’s.” Juvia turned to her father, who was stood in shock. She is stronger than I thought, the dark magic has more of an impact on her water magic than I thought possible.

“I think you’re outnumbered.” He smirked at the two Fairy Tail mages, straightening his suit.

Gray and Juvia glanced around them, they were surrounded, would they be able to take on her father and the room of wizards? Or would they just escape with their lives and leave Juvias father behind?

The watermage turned to Gray. “My love, what are we to do?” The stood arm to arm, a warmth and power flowing between them.

“Damn it.” Gray groaned. “I think we’re going to have to just make a run for it, I’m pretty low on magic.” He paused. “But I have enough for this at least.” The devil slaying magic tingled at his fingertips. “Ice-make Hammer!” Gray took Jimquin by surprise as a devil slayer ice hammer landed on his head, knocking him unconscious.

The room of wizards closed quarters on the pair of mages. “Now let’s go!” Gray grabbed Juvia by the hand and began to pull her away.

“Lightning dance!” Someone shouted as random bolts of lightning rained down striking both Gray and Juvia with a strong current.

“Wind slicer!”

“Earth hammer!” More attacks came flying in, as they struggled to dodge them, Juvia dress coat being sliced open to reveal a green corset, and Greys trousers ripping down the legs.

“That’s enough!” Juvia shouted stripping down, her dark water magic rising inside her, “Water lock!” Gray looked surprised as Juvia focused on only allowing a certain amount of the dark magic to be used as each and every person was encircled in their own water lock. “Go my love!” Juvia gritted her teeth in concentration. “I’ll be right behind you.”

“No way!” He replied, “I’m not leaving you! You can’t keep this up.” Juvias hand wavered as Jimquin stirred behind them.

“Go!” Juvia pleaded, Gray just took her soft hand in his, the other turning her face to meet his.

“I said, I am not leaving you, Juvia.” The waterlocks broke as tears brimmed in Juvias eyes.

“Gray-sama…” She trailed off awash with emotion.

“We’re getting out of this together.” Gray paused as the wizards in the waterlock began to pull themselves up off the floor and regain their breath. “I’ve been meaning to say…” his eyes frantically searched hers. He had practised this a million times over, but now, looking into the vast sea of her navy-blue eyes he felt lost. “I…” He craned his head, his hand still cradling her cheek and placed a soft kiss on her lips, feeling the soft plumpness of them, the sweat scent of a fresh spring morning, meadow flowers and that lavender shampoo she always used, he felt like putty but at the same time strong. They say action speak louder than words.

Grays lips met Juvias and at that moment she felt like the world had simply fell away, that it was just the two of them, she felt whole, light and joyous, like all her wishes had come true at once, she felt strong but at the same time vulnerable. The icemage pulled away slowly. “Love you.” Her eyes shone at those words, her spirit renewed as Gray-sama still held her hand.

“Let’s go home.” He smiled at her as their magic grew, melding and sparking, wind whipped from nowhere, water rose and span around them mixed with shards of ice as they stared at their foes, feeling joined in more ways than one.

“Gahhhhh!” They both shouted leaning forwards and throwing all their magic, dark and good at the enemies who stood in their path to happiness and freedom. All the mages went flying into and through walls screaming as a huge tidal wave of water and ice hit them hard, Juvia and Gray didn’t waste any time in making a run for the doors.

“STOP!!!” A loud booming voice that could only belong to Jimquin resounded through their very core.

The pair made it through the threshold and straight into Mitch. “You guys made it!” He exclaimed.

“Yes, but Juvias father has regained consciousness!” Juvia blurted out quickly. “We must go!”

“Wait a sec, isn’t he bad?” Gray folded his arms staring at Mitch.

“No, my love, he actually helped Juvia, he helped me not lose control of myself and my magic.” She paused, “he also broke me out of the cell to come rescue you.” Gray glanced at Juvia then back at Mitch.

“Well then let’s all get out of here!” The icemage pulled Juvias hand again.

“You two go, I’ll keep Jimquin sealed in here with my shielding magic.” Mitch spoke not looking at the pair, “I work for the magic council and sent word to them just before we left to come here.” Juvia was shocked. “They’ll be arriving any minute.”

As if on cue a large group of magic council members stormed the corridor, their white cloaks gliding majestically along behind them. Juvia looked at Gray confused then back at Mitch.

“But… if you were a council member all along then why didn’t you stop anything from happening?” Juvia enquired, head cocked to one side, half annoyed, half curious.

“I…” Mitch ducked his head as the council members poured into the room Jimquin was in, “I wanted to Juvia,” he looked at her apologetically, “I was told to wait, to find out Jimquins grand plan… he started to keep close tabs on me when I started asking more questions… you were falling deeper and the last thing I wanted was to be killed or forced to leave when you were in danger from yourself, and a danger to everyone else.” Mitch bowed his head and Juvia chewed her lip.

“So, you were playing both sides then.” Gray wanted to punch him and thank him both at the same time.

“Yes… I wanted to contact the council sooner but we didn’t stay in one place long enough, when I knew we were headed here, when I saw Juvia lose control of her powers in the bar, when we chased the old man, I contacted them then, Jimquin was far behind me and you were too far ahead to hear me speaking, and then again when Jimquin went upstairs to talk to you about your mother’s death.” He finished, his pale blue eyes almost ghostly in comparison to Juvias.

“Murder.” Juvia spoke coldly. “My mother was killed.” Those last words wavered and Gray squeezed her hand gently.

“That bastard.” He muttered, as Jimquin was escorted out bound in a strait jacket and the same anti-magic shackles he had used on Gray, flanked on each corner by council members.

“Do you two need an escort back to Fairy Tail?” A blond-haired council member asked.

“No, we’ll be fine thank-you.” The icemage glanced at Juvia, “there is somewhere I want to stop off first.” Juvia looked up questioningly but she remained silent.

The two mages walked hand in hand, as Juvia relayed to Gray the story of her mothers romance with the real father, she also spoke about he abusive step father and how she joined and moved up the ranks of the Element 4, Jose’s connection to Jimquin, her mothers kidnap, the machine which injected her with dark magic and finally about how when his name was mentioned a little spark grew stronger. Gray listened intently the whole time as the sun beat down on them, warming their bodies and their souls although the ground was still sodden underfoot, birds were tweeting and flittering about.

The icemage stopped as Juvia continued her story, it was all confusing, but it all added up at the same time, he had always known she had more power than she knew herself and it made him angry that others abused it, abused her very nature, tried to twist and kill her goodness.

“You’re safe now Juvia.” Gray cupped her cheek as her blue orbs seemed to grow larger and softer, a small blush spread over her cheeks, she was safe, he would keep her safe, even though Jose who knew of Jimquins plans was out there still.

“Gray-sama…” She whispered as his mouth closed in on hers, “did Gray-sama mean what he said earlier?” She tilted her head slightly, her blue waves cascading down one arm, “that he…” her face went crimson, “loves Juvia?” The watermage cast her eyes down completely abashed.

“Yes,” Gray lifted her chin up gently with one finger, “I love you Juvia…” A red blush spread across his cheeks now as Juvia let out a squeal and leaped into his arms, feeling his muscles contract and relax as they embraced, she could feel his heart beating hard and fast in his chest but revelled in the moment.

The watermage pulled back slightly, “Juvia…” She pursed her lips, “I love you to Gray…” His eyes filled with delight, she had dropped the “Juvia” (even though he thought it was secretly cute) and the formal “sama”. Her lips met his first this time, the kiss deeper than before, their bodies touching in every place, Juvias hands wrapped around his neck and his settled around the small of her back comfortably.

“I thought I had lost you…” The icemage rested his forehead on hers staring deep into her eyes wanting to dive down into them.

“Gray-sama never gave up.” The “sama” was back, old habits die hard.

“I never will.” His eyes steeled and Juvia felt safer than ever there in that moment.

“Where did Gray…sama,” she blushed “want to stop off before we went back to Fairy Tail?” Juvia asked holding her hands behind her back wondering what Gray-sama had planned, her mind drifting for the first time in a long time into Juvia land.

“Here actually.” He scratched the back of his head, snapping Juvia immediately out of any romantic overnight hotel stay fantasies she had. “Close your eyes.” He instructed and Juvia obeyed, placing her delicate hands over her eyes. Gray wandered off towards a hollow in a tree where a destroyed red tote bag lay, covering a Juvia plushie. He gentle picked the plushie up with his rough hands and walked back over to Juvia. “Okay you can open them now.” Juvia swiftly moved her hands, the biggest smile on her face.

“Oh Gray-sama! Juvia knitted that for you!” She grinned, “Juvia was meant to give it to Gray-sama but then she had to….. OH!” Juvia went bright red. “Has Gray-sama been in Juvias room?!” Smoke may as well as been coming out of her ears with embarrassment.

“NO!” Gray waved his hands in front of her shaking his head, “no the girls retrieved it when they found your letters.” Juvia let out a sigh of relief.

“Does Gray-sama like it?” She teased poking his arm and putting on her best puppy dog eyes.

“What sort of a question is that?!” Gray looked away, “and also I want to stop and say thankyou to Mary and Mr. Squiggles if that’s okay?” He changed the subject but took Juvias hand in his.

“Yes! Juvia would love to! You met Mr. Squiggles? Isn’t he the cutest?” Juvia cooed over the little black kitten as they walked hand in hand into the sunset.

A/N: Well that is it! I hope you have enjoyed reading this fanfic even with the huge delay in chapters at one point, thankyou to everyone who reviewed especially Juvia.hanks, all the reviews are such good inspiration and motivation to keep going forwards.

I am especially happy that I have now finished this fic, I used to get so annoyed reading Juvia backstory ones that never got completed!

Read & Review ---> https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12261807/17/The-Rain-Woman

CrookedMoonlight

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crookedmoonlight123 · 5 years

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The Rain Woman - Chapter 14 - Melted Ice Makes Water

Yay! The next chapter is up! Please read it below, then follow the link to read and review!

The Rain Woman- Chapter 14 – Melted Ice Makes Water

A/N: So sorry that I haven’t updated this in such a long, long time. I was going through a really bad time! Please enjoy nonetheless.

Juvia awoke with a start; someone was having an argument in the corridor. Bleary eyed, Juvia glanced at the clock on the nightstand, it read 3:30pm. She hadn’t really fallen asleep until near 5am tossing and turning about what Mitch had said to her, what did her father have planned exactly? Juvia felt a tingle in her veins as her magic burned at her fingertips, the shouting grew louder annoying the watermage. Puffing her cheeks and throwing the duvet off furiously, Juvia made way to the little wooden door, grabbing the knob and twisting it violently, before storming into the corridor to see a man and a woman staring offensively at each other but they were facing Juvia who had come storming loudly from her room.

“You alright lady?” The brown-haired man asked aggressively, Juvia glared at him. “You might wanna try putting some clothes on.” He spat the words his fists still raised.

“Oh, as if you don’t look at women all the time Hugh!” The blonde girl spoke now spitting her words at Hugh.

“Juvia wouldn’t need to get dressed if your shouting hadn’t woken her up.” The watermage spoke with a bitterness that rivalled a lemon.

“It’s 3:30pm, what are you, a lady of the night.” Hugh scoffed fuelling Juvias fury, her navy-blue orbs narrowing, her mouth turning into a thin line.

“Water lo-“The watermage was cut off as someone shoved her into the wall. It was Mitch, his forearm pushing her back against it, his body turned to Hugh and who appeared to be his girlfriend.

“What’s all the commotion about?” Another broader figure appeared from behind Hugh, it was Juvias father, he strolled casually into the scene.

“Well I was having a conversation with my girl and that crazy woman came storming out her room accusing us of waking her up, it’s 3:30 in the afternoon it’s no crime.” Hugh looked Jimquin in the eyes.

Jimquin spoke with such mad calmness. “Well that would be my daughter, if you would excuse her behaviour, we got in late last night from our travels.”

Juvia pushed Mitch away still glaring at Hugh. “Juvia is going to get dressed.” The watermage stalked back into her room making sure to slam the door shut.

About half an hour later Juvia heard a light rapping on her door, pulling her thigh high boots on she walked over, opening the door more calmly than she had earlier.

“Hey, Jimquin wants us to meet down the lobby now.” The familiar green haired wizard gave Juvia a weak smile as she closed the door behind them to make their way down to the reception area. “I uh, wanted to apologise for how cold I was to you last night, I was just tired.” Mitch chuckled but it sounded strained.

“Juvia doesn’t need an apology, it’s fine.” The watermage kept her gaze ahead as her father came into view.

“Ah, perfect timing. We need to get going.” Jimquin rubbed his hands together as the two wizards descended the last few steps and followed silently out the inn.

“Where are we going?” Juvia asked walking side by side with her father, giving him a sidelong glance.

“I have some information on a man who I need to pay a visit to, he is a slippery guy he keeps getting away everytime I get some information on him.” Juvia nodded as they strode fiercely through the village like a storm.

“We think someone is tipping the guy off when they see us coming, or overhear our guy telling Jimquin.” Mitch filled in some details.

Juvia nodded slightly, as they proceeded forwards through the town, the uneven cobbles making it slightly trickier than normal to walk in high heeled boots. All the houses had a similar likeness to the inn, being white washed stone, the newer ones made of yellow bricks, they had almost the same size gardens to Rhodonia, the noticeable difference was in the grass; in Rhodonia is was soft, lush, springy grass, here it was darker, spiky, dry grass, it appeared like it needed the rain she had brought with her.

The man her father had a quandary with, was allegedly in a small bar in town, as they neared the wooden run-down bar, the smell of cigars and alcohol filled the watermages nostrils, making them burn in protest. Jimquin led the way in, the door creaking as it opened into a dark hazy room, full of raucous voices. Male testosterone filled the air here, most of the faces weather beaten, unfriendly, with cruel, twisted smiles, beers in one hand and a thick cigar in the other.

Scrunching her nose up, Juvia walked inside, Mitch walking closely behind her, their footsteps on the dusty wooden floorboards now echoed loudly in their ears as silence fell over the bar, each and every one of those alcohol dazed faces staring as they went by.

Upon reaching the bar Jimquin immediately had the barmans attention, the whole room had his attention. Juvia and Mitch flanked either side of him like bodyguards as the elder water wizard proceeded to ask the whereabouts of a name Juvia didn’t quite hear.

“What do you mean he is not here?!” Jimquins voice enraged his tone a low growl.

The barman responded, quivering “H-he left just minutes ago.” The blonde-haired male put the glass down he was drying, clearing his throat as if to settle his nerves.

Jimquin straightened up a bit, tugging the edges of his suit-which seemed very out of place in this sort of bar. “Did he say where he was going?” Jimquins strained to maintain his temper as the barman shook his head. This guy must have really annoyed father, Juvia thought blinking her navy-blue eyes, fingers interlaced in front of her. Jimquin turned to face the harrowed onlookers, some fidgeted uncomfortably in their seats as they met his all powerful gaze. Arms held out high to the side of him he spoke to the crowd. “Does any know where that bloody bastard Greg Greendale has gone?” Jimquin roared, “I know he is a regular here, so do not lie to me.” His gaze would have been terrifying if Juvia could feel terror.

No one spoke, either through fear or loyalty. “Mitch.” Jimquin nodded at the green haired wizard on his right.

Mitch merely shut his eyes, but a heavy weight could be felt all around the building. “If you don’t cooperate then I really will give you something to be scared of.” Some people started running for the door only to be met with an invisible barrier. “You have 30 seconds to give me an answer.” Jimquin almost spat as he eyed each and every human being in the room. Juvia glanced at Mitch, his brows were furrowed, his eyes still tightly closed. “Fine then.” Jimquin paused, now smirking. “Let’s have some fun.” His eyes shot to Juvias. “Juvia. Would you please suffocate….” He paused again his eyes scanning the room for a victim. “That one.” It was a scrawny old man, who seemed like a farmer, a poor farmer who had only come in for a quiet drink, he was the only man who didn’t look greedy or cruel. His old grey eyes were kind, his heart honest.

Juvia looked to her father questioningly. “Go ahead Juvia.” The watermage looked back at the old man something irking in her brain.

“NOW JUVIA!” Jimquin shouted that little inkling out of her brain as the magic surged through her veins, taking over her thoughts, her feelings, she had to release the pent-up power.

Juvia twisted her hand as if she were opening a door, “water lock.” The words calm and collected, a trait she got from either Jose or her father. Wind billowed her navy-blue hair around her, wind she had created herself from the release of her power, her victim ensnared in a suffocating sphere of water, hovering off the floor for everyone to see, a spectacle.

The man tried desperately not to drown, but in doing that he would only suffocate, a voice spoke up. “OK enough!” A horrified male voice rang out, many others had their hands over their mouths in shock. “Michael goes to another bar up town after this one.” He pleaded with Jimquin, his hair also blue. “It’s the only other one in the town, he had friends there.” The water wizard still stared at him, as the man in the water lock was fighting his last moments, Juvia still held on mercilessly. “Ok, it’s out of here, turn right, walk past 6 streets on your right, it’s the 7th one down half way down that road. Dear god just let that poor man go!” He shouted for mercy on his knees.

Jimquin nodded, “Thankyou for your cooperation. Mitch drop your shield. Juvia release him.” Jimquin looked to Juvia, her eyes, they were fixated on the fly caught in her web, the power didn’t want to let go, it wanted more, more and more, she was more than he could have asked for. “Juvia you have to let him go.” Jimquin spoke more assertively but the watermage didn’t seem to hear him.

“Juvia!” Mitch grabbed her shoulders, shaking her violently, breaking her power-hungry daze. The watermage snapped to attention, releasing the water locks hold on the man as he fell, limply to the floor in a wet heap. “You almost killed him. That wasn’t the point.” Mitch stared down into those empty navy pits knowing that his words still meant nothing. Jimquin had created a monster. No one moved or dared speak as the three mages walked out the bar to their next destination, leaving a bar of dread and misery behind them.

Gray had been up early the following morning, he had rested that extra day as promised to Mary. The icemages tote bag was now full of food and potions, courtesy of his host, as he walked the familiar forest path back from the mansion in the afternoon sun, the wet mud still squelching with every step. Juvia wasn’t at the mansion anymore, that was made clear by the wizards who were still recovering from their fight with him, Sparky hadn’t recovered. Gray had overheard that they had moved on to Allium town to settle some sort of business on their way to Midi, the smallest part of Fiore.

Gray sighed as his coal eyes glanced up at the iron sky. Just a month ago Juvia had been a bubbly, smiley friendly face around the guild, always trying to get him to go out alone with her. Some of the times Gray had accepted, he couldn’t always say yes, he didn’t know exactly how he felt about the watermage and decided it was in her best interest if he rejected the offer a few times. The outings they did have consisted of them going on evening walks around Magnolia or sat in a Café talking. One particular occasion, the most recent, the pair had gone on a walk one sunny afternoon, the sun beating down on the hot stone streets on Magnolia, Juvia had worn a light pink summer dress with red roses patterns, coupled with a straw hat which she had fiddled with when she had become nervous at times. Somehow, they had found them right on the outskirts of town, stood on a bridge looking down at the little stream that wound its way over the rock’s underneath, the water so clear and cool despite the blistering heat. They had chattered idly about missions on the request board and Gray could feel Juvia pining to ask him on one of them as she fiddled with the hem of her dress, her long lashes dipped, he hadn’t noticed how close their faces were to each-other as the cool air became thicker, his fingers lightly brushed against hers, a blush framed her cheeks the same colour as the roses, Gray had felt his heart beat so fast he was sure that it was going to fly off with him, just as he leaned in Juvia had stuck her finger against his lips and had said;

“Gray-sama!” She had giggled closing her navy-blue eyes, “Not until Juvia has her answer.” She scolded him playfully, he knew very well which answer she wanted. She wanted to know how he truly felt about her, he could’ve given it to her right then, but his throat had closed up, partly from the rejection and partly because his head was swimming with the answer he knew he now held.

But now Juvia was a completely different person, and it hurt to see her that way knowing that he might have been able to save her from herself and whoever was pulling her strings.

The bar was the completely opposite of the wooden shack the three wizards had not long been to, some wrong directions later they have found this place, a suave upmarket building, instead of wooden walls there were big glass windows making the place seems bright, airy and spacious, blue lights shone down from the ceilings around the bar which was paired with tall red bar stalls, screaming elegance and class. Cosy dark wooden tables hugged the outskirts of the room with two small armchairs per table.

The watermage glanced up at Jimquin whose face was beet red, fists shaking at his sides. The place was deserted. Except from the bar staff, a large round man with hair a similar shade to Mitchs’, he was drying a martini glass looking at the trio uninterested.

Mitch walked forwards first as he seemed to sense his boss’ ever-growing temper. He glanced sidelong at Juvia as he passed, partly for her sake. She had lost control back there and he worried if she used her powers so soon after would anyone be able to stop her? “Excuse me.” Mitch cleared his throat as the man looked up at him crinkling his podgy nose. “We’re looking for Greg Greendale, our acquaintance said he would be here at this time, you see, we’re old friends of his.” Mitch spoke smoothly trying to sound friendly even as Jimquin steamed behind him.

“Yeah you not long missed Ol’ Greg.” The barman slurred, he obviously didn’t find any of the wizards imposing. Jimquin ground his teeth. “He has gone out of town, but he’ll be back by tomorrow assured.” Juvias father remained silent as Juvia just observed the scene, a random image of her mother popped into her head, her navy-blue eyes full of happiness smiling.

“Thankyou sir.” Mitch finished as he turned back to the two water users. Juvia was for some reason smiling, a genuine smile. His eyes travelled to Jimquin who was already turning to leave, he and Juvia followed suit as they walked in completely silence although the air was thick with tension. “So, what now boss? It’s around 6/6:30pm.” Mitch broke the silence.

“We find out where he lives. We wait for him to come back. That barman said by tomorrow, so he could be back tonight.” Jimquin looked at his two pawns his brown eyes hard, their faces almost expressionless. “Although an early dinner might be in order. You will need your energy after all.”

After heading back to the inn to ask the timid receptionist the best place to eat and if she knew of Greg Greendale which she had replied that she was new and had no idea who he was, the wizards had found the restaurant, the speciality was seafood caught from the ocean fresh every day. Jimquin ordered a huge seafood platter with bowls of vegetables to for the three of them consisting of; mussles in a white wine sauce, chilli, tomato or garlic butter, king prawns, sea bass, swordfish, fried squid, chargrilled octopus and some creatures that Juvia didn’t recognise. The two males dug right into the food, the watermage just sat staring at the platter trying to figure out why she wasn’t joining in, she knew she liked seafood, but it was something about being here in this restaurant, she felt edgy, like a big pressure building up inside her.

“Juvia are you not eating?” Jimquin studied her, noticing the trance like state she adopted. Juvia looked up as a cracking sounded making them all jump. Juvia unfurled her hands to find a chunk of the table in it, dropping it on the floor Juvia met her fathers judging eyes.

“Yes, Juvia is eating.” The blunette put some squid, swordfish and octopus on her plate, overfilling a plate was seen as bad manners, so she was accustomed to eating a small plate full at a time. The food was exquisite, definitely fresh.

“Ahh yes Greg is back later this evening.” As if their ears were tuned into hearing the word ‘Greg’ Mitch turned around to the people sat behind them.

“Excuse me. Are you talking about Greg Greendale?” Mitch flew the blonde a swooning smile, well as swooning as Mitch could make it with his scarred cheek and missing tooth.

She replied, “Yes we are.” Batting her eyelids, she had fallen for his ‘charm’.

“May I ask where he lives? His Granddaughter is here as a surprise. She hasn’t been here for years so she can’t remember where he lives you see.” Juvia nearly choked on a piece of octopus at the word ‘granddaughter’, she looked over at her father who winked at her. Juvia sighed in relief, it was a ruse.

“Next street over house number five.” Her red fingernails gripped the back of the chair as she leaned closer to Mitch enticingly as her female friend watched from the other end of their table.

“Thankyou so much, please do enjoy your meal.” Mitch smiled at her again as he turned back to his own meal, Jimquin smiled at him approvingly.

As the meal came to an end Jimquin paid the bill before prompting them to leave the dining area. As they exited the building the cool air hit the watermage as an image of a bridge on a hot summers day floated into her mind making her stop as she walked, her heart fluttering, a feeling she hadn’t felt in a long time. Almost as quickly as it had happened it had gone and Juvia found herself catching up with her father.

“So, the house should be down here, number five.” They stopped at a small narrow house, no fence surrounded the small lawn and a straggly leafless tree jutted up into the sky. As they neared the house Juvia noticed that the house lacked serious care, the white net curtains appeared yellowing in the light from the room behind them, the paint on the wooden front door was all chipped and eroded away – probably partly from the salty sea air. “He must be home; the light is on.” Jimquin sounded almost excited as he stepped up onto the cramped porch which had empty plant pots on it. The water wizard knocked three times on the door. What felt like forever later, the door opened wide to reveal a short middle-aged man holding a walking stick, whose brown hair was streaked with grey, his face weathered, upon seeing Jimquin his grey eyes went wide, his body rigid in recognition.

“J-J-Jimquin…” He sounded breathless and almost seemed to age before Juvias eyes. Suddenly, Jimquin had staggered backwards falling back off the porch onto his arse with a thump, the little man running. He had slammed his walking stick into her father stomach before dropping it and sprinting off.

“GO AFTER HIM NOW!” Jimquin roared, spurring them on in the direction of Greg. Juvia was faster than Mitch and managed to make out his figure darting left into a wide open green.

Juvia fingers tingled, the pressure building back up inside of her. “Water whip!” Her arm turned into a flexible stream of water which grabbed at Gregs leg sending him face first into the ground, he turned to face Juvia angrily, his face contorted into fury and pain as red blood poured out of his now broken nose.

“You bitch!” He snarled at her.

“Water lock.” Juvia twisted her hand as an orb of dark water magic enveloped the old man just as Jimquin and Mitch rounded the corner behind her.

“Good job Juvia!” Jimquin praised, “Release your water lock but keep him bound so he cant run.” He joined his hands behind his back.

“As you wish father. Water rope.” The water lock disappeared soaking the grass as rope bound Gregs legs and hands, he was trapped like a mouse.

“Now Greg, who have you spouted your crap to!” Jimquin roared at his old collegue.

“No-one! I swear!” Greg was trembling.

“My informants tell me otherwise. You are lieing, and you know how I feel about liars. Juvia tighten those ropes.” Greg cried out at the ropes of water bit into his skin like water slicers.

“I haven’t told anyone I swear.” Greg stuck to his guns, Juvia didn’t believe him, her father wouldn’t have gone to all this trouble for someone who hadn’t done anything.

“Stop lying.” It was Juvia who spoke as she used a water whip to knock him awkwardly to the ground with a sickening crunch as he landed on his elbow at an odd angle breaking his arm.

“Add a noose to the accessories Juvia dear.” A noose of water appeared around Gregs throat as Juvia lifted him up by it, so his feet just touched the ground, he spluttered and gagged as it squeezed his oesophagus.

“Okay!” Greg squeaked as his face started to turn a dark red. “I told a few of the wizards in Pregrande, Ministrel and Stella, but they didn’t believe me, told me your research your ideas were all impossible feats.”

“Hm.” Jimquin seemed to ponder as Greg hung struggling for breath in his noose. “Kill him.”

Juvia tensed at the instruction as her magic raged inside her, she had never killed anyone.

“DO IT JUVIA!” Jimquin screamed at her impatiently. “NOW!!”

Juvia felt overwhelmed as her magic burned through her as the noose tightened around Gregs neck drawing blood.

“NO!” A voice roared from the side, “JUVIA!!” Juvia recognised the voice, so did her heart. “STOP, JUVIA!” Gray appeared, running at Juvia, ice magic forming in his hands, his devil slayer mark emerging on his skin, eyes cold and hard. There was only one way to stop her. “Ice make arrows!” Gray fired arrows of ice at the watermage who seemed startled by his sudden entrance.

Juvia made no move to stop or resist the attack as she kept a hold of Greg in the noose, the arrows piercing her skin and tearing at her clothes. She winced but still did not let go of her magic hold.

“You can’t do this Juvia!” Gray tried to plead. “You’ll never forgive yourself!”

Juvia twisted internally at the emotion in his voice, the way his head hung low as the rain began to pour, something gnawed away at her.

“Would you just kill him already!” Her father roared, “you know the magic wants you to!” His eyes were fearful, why does this stupid Fairy Tail mage keep showing up! He is going to ruin everything.

Juvia gritted her teeth as the magic surged through her blood, almost taking complete hold, “Water slicer!” Juvia shouted as the slicers caught the edges of Grays arms, waist and leg as he tried to dodge it quickly. Without having enough time to recover Juvia was already on her next attack, “water cane!” She whipped his legs from under him before hitting him skywards, sending him up into the sky before she struck him down again. Gray let out a cry of pain as he felt some ribs pop and his chin graze. “Water noose!” Juvia encircled Grays neck with a noose lifting him off the floor like Greg, he hung limply in front of her, her smile venomous.

“I… wont… be… finished off… that easily.” He choked weakly, “ice make lance!” Gray shot lancers flying towards Juvia now as he moved in closer behind them using them as a shield, “ice make knuckles!” Juvia was now hurtled up into the air, being struckles by both knuckles and lancers, forced to release the noose on Greg, she grimaced as she hit the wet grass feeling blood beginning to run from where the lancers and arrows had struck her, her head dizzy.

“Water cyclone!” She retaliated as purple water magic gushed towards Gray in the form of a powerful cyclone, purple water magic just isn’t right.

“Freeze!” Gray shouted freezing the cyclone in its tracks, luckily, she hadn’t made it boiling.

“I won’t make that mistake again.” Juvia spoke coldly now standing upright although shaking from her injuries. “Hot water –“

“Ice-make Gungir!” A huge chunk of ice rose up encasing Juvia, freezing her solid in the ice.

“Should we cut in?” Mitch asked Jimquin, looking worried.

“No, this is Juvias fight. Once she dispatches him, she will be mine.”

“But Sir, she is frozen solid.” He ran a hand through his wet green hair, Had he missed something?

“Just watch.” Jimquin smirked as the ice began to melt.

“Impossible.” Gray stared wide eyed as his Gungir attack melted infront of him.

“No way.” Mitch exclaimed.

“She has raised the temperature of her waterbody, the molecules, thus allowing her to be immune to his ice attacks.” Jimquin let out a villainous laugh. “There is nothing you can do to stop or save her Gray! Mwahahahahaha”

Juvia fell from the melted ice landing on her feet in a crouched position. “Gray…..sama?” Her eyes became wide and soft, the ice freezing her had also froze the dark water magic momentarily allowing her to think clearer.

“Juvia?!” Grays heart clenched and unclenched as he began to run towards her, his feet squelching in the mud.

“Wait!” She shouted, now sounding half torn. “Don’t come any closer to Juvia.” She held her head in her hands, fighting herself. Gray ignored her warning and kept running, if he could just reach her in time. “Boiling water nebula!” Juvia shouted, Gray had no time to react, he felt the searing burning pain before he felt the attack hit, sending him flying back across the park, his skin searing hot as the devil slayer mark disappeared off his skin, his face and body sunk into the sodden mud, the only saving grace being Juvias cold rain on his burning hot back.

Gray glanced to left to see most of his bag had been destroyed, the plushie thankfully unharmed, the blue hair visible against the dark evening light.

“Well done Juvia.” Jimquins greedy voice rang out clear and proud, although it could have been better, you beat him in the end, again. Let’s hope he stays gone this time.

Jimquin walked away as Juvia stared at the crumpled, steaming mess on the floor which was Gray, his skin was badly burned, blood running out of cuts all over, his face turned to face left, his eyes lifeless yet fixated on something. Juvia followed his gaze to a tote bag which had been scalded by her water nebula, something blue caught her eye and she decided to walk over to it.

Without thinking Juvia picked up the soft object, her eyes widening, it was her, a happy her, she had knitted this for him, he had brought it with him. A spark grew in her heart, joy, a spark of joy, she held the plushie close to her chest.

“Come on Juvia!” Jimquin shouted angrily.

Juvia placed the plushie down, it would only be destroyed with her. But little did she know those few moments with that plushie, the feelings she felt from the memory and the fact Gray-sama had brought it with him, had released a part of her from the dark magics hold.

A/N: Only 3 more chapters to go! Please review, it really keeps us going!

R & R ---> https://www.fanfiction.net/story/story_preview.php?storyid=12261807&chapter=14/

CrookedMoonlight

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