From the Ashes, Part 8

Juvia had made good time, making use of her abilities where ever possible. The capital city laid before her. A huge wall separated her from her beloved. The best way in would be the same way she'd gotten out Magnolia - through the sewers. It was dark and generally awful, but she had a terrible feeling in the pit of her stomach about Gray. She needed to find him. Blending into the restless crowd outside the gates, she was amazed to see the gate actually open. A troop of guards spilled from the city, making a perfect walkway for their superior. A horn sounded and man called, "Make way for the new prisoners!". The far side of the crowd parted, letting a jail wagon through. She watched helplessly as the people inside were shoved to the ground. One of the guards bowed as someone approached. "These ones were harboring fugitives, sir", she said. The man strode into the light. Her eyes grew wide in recognition and disbelief. His uniform was sleeveless, clearly showing the mark of Sabertooth overrun by glowing orange lines. "What shall we do with them, Sir Ryos?", asked the guard. Rogue looked over the cowering citizens coldly. "Dispose of them", was all he said before turning back for the castle. One of the captives spat at him. Stopping dead, without turning, a shadow sprang forth and decapitated the man. "Continue", he ordered, taking his leave. "You heard him!", shouted a guard. Juvia covered her mouth in horror. How? How could Rogue be turned after everything at the games? It didn't seem possible. The crowd dispersed as the prisoners were killed. A lone small girl stared at her with sadness. Before she knew it, the girl was beside her, holding her hand. "Come on, nee-san!", she said with a wink. The child tugged, trying to get Juvia to follow her. Sighing, annoyed, the girl paused, made sure no one was looking, then made the tell tale Fairy Tail hand symbol with her finger and thumb. Snapping out of it, Juvia nodded and played along. The girl brought her into the city through gate, chiding her that mother would be cross if they were late from watching those 'filthy mage sympathizers'. It made a good enough cover. No one seemed to notice them. At least until Rogue stared coldly at the pair. "Something wrong, sir?", asked a guard. He grasped his head with one hand as if in pain. "No, nothing." As the guard left, the lines inside his guild mark pulsed and burned. When he glanced back up, he was glad to see that the girls had gone. He wasn't sure how long he could fight for them.

Further into the city, the girl lead Juvia through the slums with caution. Eventually, they reached their destination. A woman called out, "Who is it this time?". An older lady came from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. "Gabby, you've brought another friend." The girl beamed. "Look, mama, she's got the mark!", she said excitedly, yanking Juvia's skirt aside to show it. The smile on the mother's face fell. "I see. Welcome. My name is Anna. Please, come in. There's someone I want you to meet." After being led to the basement, Juvia struggled to focus as her eyes adjusted to the dim light. "I'll leave you two for now", said Anna, shutting the door. "Who's there?", called out a familiar voice. "Juvia. Who are you?" A form shifted in the shadows. Juvia stepped closer. The person fell forward in front of her, startling the mage. Helping her up, it took a moment to sink in. "Evergreen?", gasped Juvia. Her stubbed hands tried to grasp at her comrade, relieved not to be alone. Juvia held her in shock. "What have they done to you?", she asked. "The castle...In the dungeon...So many people...", started Ever, a nervous wreck. Assisting her guild mate toward the fire, they sat and spoke. Ever told Juvia all about the horrors of the dungeon and what they had done to her and the others she had seen. "But why?", inquired Juvia tearfully. "Because I wouldn't join them. They wanted my eyes", explained Ever. "The woman, that horrible woman...She clipped each finger one knuckle at a time, trying to make me agree, but I held out...Oh god! It was because of me...", she stammered, tears steaming. "What was?", asked Juvia, confused and concerned. "Elfman", cried Evergreen. "When hurting me wasn't enough, they...", she couldn't continue, the memories far too painful to endure. Juvia was terrified. What kind of people could do these awful things and why? What about Gray? What were they doing to him right now? His name escaped her lips as horrified whisper. Ever ceased her tears. "He's there? Dear god...You have to help him!", she pleaded. "Please, go. Save whoever you can, These people here...They're good people; They'll look after me. A wretch in my condition will only hinder you. Go!" Juvia nodded and silently, but determined, made her way back up stairs. Standing at the stove, stirring a pot, stood Anna. "I suppose nothing I say will stop you", she sighed. "Juvia has to go", said the mage. Anna nodded with a kind smile. "God speed."

It took almost three hours to navigate the sewers into the castle, but no one could stop Juvia now. She eventually emerged in the bath. Sensing no one near, she stalked from the water to get her bearings. As she approached the steps, the steam cleared, revealing a woman sitting at the edge of water, wrapped in towels. "I'm impressed and that doesn't happen often", she said, picking at her nails. Juvia swallowed her fear and stood ready for a fight. The woman waved her hand and the steam dissipated further, showing her pale pink eyes. A quick look over and she said, "I knew you would come, little fairy." "Where is Gray-sama?", demanded Juvia. The woman chuckled, amused. "You must mean my knight. He was difficult at first, but he's become quite the loyal servant." Standing tall, she stared Juvia down. "I might be persuaded to give him back for the right price." Juvia was furious. The hot water was at her command and she struck quickly and without mercy. At least, she tried to. She looked to her hands in terror. Nothing happened. "Don't be afraid. Your magic won't work in my presence. It's perfectly normal. Now then, let's speak somewhere a bit more comfortable." Two guards seized Juvia's arms, appearing from nowhere. Moments later, she stood before the throne.

The empress took her time coming to meet her. A tall, muscular man entered first. "All bow before the empress", he demanded. "That will do, Gobi", said Fathiyya, casually strolling to her throne. Seating herself, she smiled at Juvia. It was definitely the woman from the baths, but now her brilliant orange hair was visible. It struck Juvia. She'd seen that color before. It was the same as the lines in Rogue's guild mark. "Now then", sighed the empress, "Where were we?" She paused, coyly tapping her lips as if in thought. "Oh, yes, my knight", she said, pleased with herself. "What have you done with Gray-sama?", asked Juvia, slightly afraid of the answer. "I know who you are, child. I've seen you in his thoughts. You did decent work with Phantom Lord, but look at you now...Playing children's games with fairies", sneered Fathiyya. "I can restore you to your former glory, though. Work for me and everything you've ever wanted can be yours." Juvia eyed her cautiously. "Why Juvia?", she inquired, skeptic. "Let's just say I have my reasons for elementals like yourself", replied the empress. "Do you need more incentive?" Turning, she nodded to Gobi, who in turn nodded to the doorman. In walked Gray, fully decked out in royal uniform. Upon setting eyes on Juvia, he darted forward, hugging her tightly. "Juvia, I thought I'd never see you again!", he said. Juvia blushed, both surprised and confused. When he released her, he quickly tuned and bowed to the throne. "Forgive my rudeness, Highness." She smiled serenely. "Is this what you want? I can give him to you", repeated Fathiyya. "Gray-sama, are you all right?", asked Juvia, touching his shoulder. "You may rise", said the empress. Finally standing, he faced Juvia with pink cheeks and warm eyes. "I'm glad you're unharmed", he said, gently cupping her face in his palm. She stepped back. This was not Gray-sama; Not HER Gray-sama. She looked toward the throne, her eyes moist. "What have you done? Gray-sama would never join your side", she said weakly. "He was persuaded, but enough about him. What I want now is you and I always get what I want", stated the empress, grinning maliciously. Gray, or whoever that was, simply held a warm smile and watched everyone around him.

Changing tone, Fathiyya stood and said, "Here's the deal. You have power I need to reach my goal. You'd make a wonderful addition to my chess pieces. The price is simple. This boy has been one of my prized knights, but I will trade him for your loyalty. You have one night to decide. Until then, my sweet Gray is in your service. We'll meet again in the morning." She left, ignoring Juvia's questions and pleas. When she was gone, Gobi said, "Sleep well", and departed. It was all so strange. Here she was, all alone with Gray, in a castle, like in a dream, but it was really a nightmare. She was an unbound prisoner and Gray...He wasn't really there. With a courteous bow, he said, "This way to your chambers, my lady." She had little choice. She'd come all this way to save him, but where was he now? Sure, this man looked and sounded like him...Even smelled like him...But the light in his eyes was gone. All mannerisms had ceased. He was a doll, a being with no soul. She followed him solemnly.

Lost in her own thoughts, she ran into him when he stopped. "This will be you room for tonight", he said, unlocking the door. The room was beautiful, but somehow hollow. She grasped Gray's sleeve as he headed for the door. "What is it?", he asked, that same fuzzy expression on his face. "Who are you?", inquired Juvia. He chuckled. "What do you mean?" Holding her hands tightly, he looked into her eyes and said, "It's me." Tears forming, she shook her head. Everything was wrong. Pulling her hands free, she looked at him as if her heart had been ripped out. Stepping forward, he embraced her warmly. "Don't cry. I'm fine." Slowly pushing him away, she said, "Show Juvia your guild mark." Slightly amused, he sighed, "Okay." Removing his fine garments, he bared his chest. It was as she feared. Those orange lines infested his guild mark, like a choking vine. Collapsing backward onto the bed, she wept into her hands. He truly was gone. Kneeling before her, Gray gently pulled her wrists down to see her face. "What's wrong with you?", he asked with concern. He seemed completely oblivious to the marks that decorated his torso - Cuts, bruises, stitches, staples, and those horrid orange lines. Juvia's entire being was shaking. She could only imagine what they had done to her beloved. Carefully wiping her tears, he assured, "You'll make a fine warrior for the empress." Unable to control herself, Juvia slapped him hard. Her hand stung from the force. He slowly met her gaze, shocked. "Do you really think that's what's making Juvia cry?!", she shouted. He seemed at a total loss for words. "Wake up! Gray-sama is still in there!", she pleaded. That golden light shot across his eyes again. He shook his head, as if in a haze. "Juvia? No...You can't be here!", he started. The lines in guild mark glowed bright, making a hissing sound as if flesh were being seared and he collapsed to the floor. She stared breathlessly. Had she reached him? Sliding down, she grabbed his shoulders and shook him gently. "Gray-sama!" He slowly opened his eyes. The golden glow returned, blocking out the light inside him. Resolutely, she said "It's okay...Juvia will save you."

To be continued...