Good morning, dearest readers!
I'm really happy you chose to have this chapter on April 18th; because today is my dad's birthday. So I'm considering it sort of a birthday gift for him. (he always supports my love of writing even though he doesn't understand my stories. Such a great dad.)
Also; I think that I should apologize for leading you on. There is a certain question which I posed in the last chapter and I realize now that it was misleading.
I'm sorry about that and for getting you excited about something that won't actually happen. (I can't specify which question right now, but you'll understand once you've finished reading the chapter.)
Now; to the shoutouts:
KassfromVenus: lol I should've known that you all would want this chapter as soon as possible. It's a pretty big one. Also; I'm glad you like my portrayal of Gray. I always love writing him as a sweeter; more loving guy.
MasterGildarts: I'm glad you liked the sexy Stingyu; this chapter includes the sweeter side of the couple. I loved writing the reactions to Juvia's reveal and of course Gray isn't going to let her go. Why would he? You'll see about FT vs Sabertooth in the next chapter.
Guest: Alright.
Guest 2: Sting is finally becoming important, but not in the best way. Poor boy has become nothing more than a tool in Zeref's plan to bring Juvia back. And yes; the tension will be high in this chapter.
I'm glad you loved the Mavis stuff since you're the one who made me decide to write it.
Volcomix13: Poor Sting has become a pawn in this dangerous game that Juvia and Zeref are playing. Well; at least he finally got to be important.
I feel you about Gray being affectionate. Juvia deserves a lot more than he's usually willing to give, but I have a feeling that when these two are alone he's much more affectionate.
KarinaLockser: Me alegra que te haya gustado la gran revelación y Zeref tiene un plan inteligente para recuperar a Juvia. Él realmente quiere casarse con ella y nunca debe ser subestimado.
Tienes algunas grandes teorías, pero tendrás que esperar y ver si se hacen realidad. Pobre Mavis por cierto; ella sigue enamorada de Zeref y ahora él se ha ido con otra persona de Fairy Tail.
Juvia23: I'm glad you think the reveal was perfect. Sting's getting his chance to shine in this chapter and will continue to be important afterwards.
godavariflowsby: First option it is.
Star197: You'll see what happened to Sting in this chapter. My boy's finally getting a chance to shine!
Snowwaffles: You've got it!
Guest 3: Hmmm...I'm not sure how to reply to your review without giving spoilers...Loved all this new info you just gave me about how Gruvia's story was supposed to end.
It's really sad, but I wouldn't have absolutely hated it if Mashima had killed BOTH Gray and Juvia off during the Alvarez Arc. Like; the Angst Queen in me sorta loves this idea of them dying together and even more so if it was Romeo and Juliet style.
introvertedlover2: Thank you! I missed writing Gruvia too after so much Zervia/Angsty Juvia.
NataliaRavenX: lol I see last chapter got you right in the feels. Yep; it was very packed and I think this one is even more!
Happy Reading!
Alvarez, October 15th
After they got out of the lake and quickly redressed themselves, Sting guided her towards the same place where they had had their anniversary dinner. A table with lunch already awaited them there, so they enjoyed a delicious meal while chatting about princess Hisui and whether to tell her the truth.
Once the servants brought dessert; a giant cookie cake; Yukino's eyes widened. "You remembered."
"Of course." He'd never forget that it was her favorite dessert.
"Thank you." Smiling; she cut a slice of the cake and started to eat while he watched her; thinking over what he would say.
"Yukino…" Sting took her hand; making her drop the fork.
"Yes?" Taking a deep breath; he began.
"This past year that we've been together... It's been awesome." Her smile brightened. "I had so much fun going on adventures with you; coming here and joining this crazy royal life."
"I had fun too, Sting." Yukino squeezed his hand.
"When we got together, I told you that you made me happy and I meant it." A smile came upon his face. "So; all I want is to make you happy too."
She was a bit confused; but once he got out from his chair before kneeling down; his intention became clear. "Sting…"
"You've changed everything and helped me become a better person, so I'll always be grateful." Happy tears welled in her eyes and she stood up.
"I love you so much." He rummaged through his pockets; searching for the ring.
"I love you too, babe." Cheering once he found it; Sting presented it to her. "So, will you…" They were interrupted by a shout. Looking around in confusion; the couple spotted many guards rushing in their direction.
"What?" Yukino whispered while he frowned; upset at being interrupted yet again.
"Seriously?" Behind the guards; Invel and Emperor Spriggan appeared; both looking serious.
"What's happening?" The celestial mage asked; fearful.
"Now; Invel." Spriggan whispered and the ice mage used his magic to create two handcuffs around the dragon slayer's wrists; making him drop the ring.
"What the hell, man?" Sting protested while two guards grabbed him and forced him to stand.
"Sting Eucliffe; you are under arrest for treason against his majesty." Invel declared while they began to lead him away.
"But he didn't do anything." Yukino tried to come to her boyfriend's aid, but two more guards stopped her.
"He aided Fairy Tail in kidnapping my fiancée." Spriggan told her.
"I did not!" Sting protested; but was ignored as the guards took him away. All he managed was a reassuring glance towards his worried girlfriend before he disappeared from her sight.
"You can't do this." Yukino shook her head.
"I just did." Spriggan replied before approaching her. "Of course; I'm willing to consider forgiving him if you do something for me."
"What?" She asked; uncomfortable now that he was right in front of her.
"Get Juliet to come back." He told her before leaning to whisper in her ear. "And don't even think about telling Hisui or Toma about this unless you want him to be executed."
These words were stuck in her head over the next few days as she tried; to no avail; contacting Juliet. A moment of desperation had her even asking Sabertooth for help; indirectly putting all of her friends in danger.
Fairy Tail, October 17th
Gray was so relieved when Juvia agreed since he had thought it would take a lot more to convince her. After thanking her; he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug; ignoring the chatter of his friends.
"What do we do now, master?" Lucy was asking.
"I'm not sure." Makarov replied; concerned.
"What if Zeref sends someone after Juvia?" Levy supposed and many people grew tense.
"You mean; sending one of the Spriggan 12?" Lisanna's face paled.
"It's very likely he would." Erza concluded.
"If he does; we'll have no chance." Lucy whispered; remembering their encounter with Brandish.
"Do you really think he cares that much about the wedding?" Natsu frowned.
"Yeah, why does he even want to marry Juvia… I mean; Juliet?" Gajeel wondered.
"No; I believe that he knew who she was from the start." Makarov said and Juvia immediately removed her head from Gray's chest; face devoid of color.
"What?" Zeref knew? How? Had the spell not worked on him?
"He told me that nobody would stop him from getting the Fairy Heart if the wedding happened." Makarov told them.
"Why does that make you think that he knows?" Gray asked; tightening his arms around the water mage.
"It got me thinking and I realized that this made no sense if he was referring to princess Juliet." Fairy Tail's master frowned. "However; if he was referring to Juvia Lockser; a member of Fairy Tail; then his words would be true."
Juvia might not know exactly what the Fairy Heart was; but judging by Zeref and Makarov's conversation; it must certainly be important.
"I still don't get it." Laxus frowned in confusion; as did many others.
"How does marrying Juvia help him get it?" Gajeel asked.
"Because a wedding between two mages has huge consequences." Mavis began explaining; trying to keep her tone neutral.
Having just told hers and Zeref's backstory brought up memories and feelings that were intense and overwhelming; and it was even harder to ignore them once she realized that he had moved on.
Being an observant person; Mavis had quickly realized that the reason for Juvia's sickened state; as Wendy had mentioned; could only be Ankhseram's curse. While she wasn't sure how the bluenette could possibly still be alive; it was clear that Zeref deeply cared about her.
Maybe; even; loved her.
Mavis wasn't sure how to feel about that; but now wasn't the time to dwell on it. "For one; it would bound two people together for all eternity."
"What does that mean; exactly?" Gray frowned; loosening his arms around Juvia so that they could turn to face everyone.
"It means that the two mages would be able share everything; including their magic." Makarov explained; looking worried.
"So this means Juvia could possibly use Zeref's magic?" Natsu's eyes widened.
"That wouldn't be so bad." Elfman remarked; but Mavis shook her head.
"It would be very bad; because by using Juvia's magic; Zeref could reach beyond the protections surrounding Fairy Heart." She told them; fearful.
"What?" Not good. Why hadn't she figured out sooner that this whole engagement had just been a plot to use her?
"How so?" Gray asked and Makarov answered.
"Her guild mark. All of your guild marks are spelled so that only someone who has it will be able to go near the Fairy Heart." Their eyes widened.
"It was Hades' idea to make sure that only Fairy Tail members would be able to reach it someone ever tried to take it." Mavis added.
"So you're saying that our friends in Lamia Scale, Sabertooth and the other guilds wouldn't be able to go near it?" Lucy wanted to clarify.
"They would be sent back by the protections and even Zeref would have a hard time reaching it." Makarov replied before grimacing. "However; should the wedding be finalized; he could get it without any of us realizing."
"He'll use me to get it; won't he?" Juvia felt her heartbeat speeding up and she could barely breathe.
Before this day; the choice between marrying Zeref and running away hadn't been clear; but at least she had believed that the best option was to protect her friends and her kingdom.
However; with this new information; there seemed to be no way out. Who would pay the price for her decisions?
Alvarez
"He's talking to Invel again?" Dimaria frowned while watching from the window as Zeref and Invel took a walk.
"They're probably discussing Brandish." Ajeel; who stood near her; shrugged.
"I can't believe she was sent after Juliet." She shook her head.
"Why?" He frowned; confused.
"Randi's such a weakling. No way she can handle it if Juliet resists." Dimaria scoffed.
"So are you saying that you should've been sent instead?" Ajeel raised a brow.
"I would've done it without complaining." He chuckled.
"Brandish sure likes to complain about things." Dimaria's frown deepened.
"Besides; after the stunt she pulled with Gray Fullbuster; I'm surprised the Emperor trusts her at all." His laughter stopped as he turned to face her; serious.
"I'm more surprised that he still trusts you, Dimaria." When she merely raised a brow in confusion, he crossed his arms.
"You've made your opinion regarding the wedding abundantly clear." Shrugging; she resumed watching the Emperor.
"The Emperor knows that my loyalty is not to be doubted." Ajeel rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, right." Dimaria glared at him.
"Do you have a problem with me, Desert King?" Magic started emanating from her body and he found himself unable to move.
"This is precisely what I'm talking about." He met her gaze; unafraid. "You can't even be trusted around the 12; much less the princess."
"Shut up!" She neared him until they were face to face.
"Make me; then." He taunted; smirking once she tensed before glancing out the window. Zeref was almost reaching the palace and soon enough he'd arrive in the meeting room where they had been waiting.
"I would do it." Dimaria declared before releasing him from the spell. "If the Emperor wasn't watching."
"How dare you betray your own allies like this?" Ajeel shook his head and walked away from her.
"You betrayed me the moment you agreed to this stupid plan." She angrily retorted.
"It is the Emperor's plan." He reminded her, but she merely laughed.
"He's a fool for believing that he could get the Fairy Heart like this." Her tone was mocking and he hoped the Emperor was close enough to hear it. "This…wedding will only ruin our chances of taking over Ishgar."
"So is that all you want?" Ajeel raised a brow. "To go to war?"
"I am the Warrior Queen." Dimaria replied. "And I'm going to win this battle."
"There will be no battle." He told her; but she smirked.
"Of course there will. Just be patient; because soon enough we will be in Ishgar; purging the world of humanity just as our Emperor truly wants."
Not long before
"Juvia?" The familiar voice of her friend made her eyes widen.
"Yukino?" Juvia was thankful for telepathy; or else she'd have to explain Yukino and Sting's involvement as well.
"Thank goodness! I was so worried I wasn't able to contact you." Burying her face back into Gray's chest so no one would see her expressions, she continued the conversation.
"Are you okay?" The answer she received was expected; but not the reveal that came next.
"No; I'm not." Yukino sighed. "They've taken Sting, Juvia."
"What do you mean?" The water mage frowned. "Taken him where?"
"He's been imprisoned for treason against the Emperor." She held back a gasp.
"I am so sorry." Was this her fault? Had he done this because she was gone?
"Zeref told me that he'd only be released once you came back." Yukino confirmed.
Thus the dilemma continued and it only got harder to decide. Should Juvia go back to Alvarez and endanger all of her friends? Or could she bear to sacrifice one to save all?
"I'm sorry for involving you in this after you just escaped; but you're the only one who can help." There was a pause and she could hear a sob. "Even Hisui or your father don't have that power over Zeref."
Juvia's face paled. "Hisui...my father... Are they in Alvarez?"
"They arrived a few days ago." Yukino confirmed and the water mage took in a sharp breath.
Her family was there; with Zeref. He could hurt them; or even kill them and no one would be able to stop him.
No one except for her. If she went back; she could protect them.
"I'm so sorry!" Yukino's voice broke. "I didn't want to force you to return, but he said he's going to kill Sting if you don't." Her pain and anguish were so clear. "I can't lose him!"
All this time Juvia had tried to keep the people she loved safe; but now it was clear that she had only managed to put them in even more danger. Because of her; Yukino might lose the person she loved most and the water mage couldn't allow that.
Not when she knew what it was like; having once watched as Gray died while she couldn't do anything. She wouldn't have wished that pain and heartbreak upon her worst enemy; even less one of her best friends.
Yukino had been there for her when Juvia had needed most; had followed her all the way to Alvarez and put her own life at risk to help her search for a way to defeat Zeref.
Now that she knew just how dangerous this game truly was; Juvia wouldn't let Zeref use Yukino and Sting to get to her.
"I guess I know my choice, then." The water mage sighed; closing her eyes and breathing in Gray's familiar scent. The thought that she might never smell it again broke her heart; but her mind was made. "I'm coming back."
"Thank you." Yukino's relief was clear.
Once Juvia removed her head; Gray glanced down at her; worried. "Are you okay?"
She didn't reply; instead taking his face in her hands. Leaning in; she kissed him again and he replied just as eagerly; momentarily distracting himself from their friends' conversation.
Upon pulling apart; her face was regretful as she removed his arms from around her and took a step back.
"Juvia?" Gray called and she shook her head.
"I am so sorry." The others stopped talking and turned towards the couple.
"What's wrong?" Gajeel took a step forward.
"I have to go back." Juvia stated; causing many eyes to widen.
"Did you not hear what Master said?" Natsu asked; incredulous.
"If you got through with this, you'll only be putting all of us in danger." Erza reminded, but the water mage knew that the people she loved were already in danger.
"You must protect the Fairy Heart. Don't let him take it." Juvia began taking steps towards the door; but Gray was quick to catch up with her.
"I already said that I'm not losing you again." He grabbed her hand and she turned around briefly; eyes sad and remorseful as they stared into his dark ones.
"I didn't want to lose you either." She began using her magic; not that anyone noticed. The spell was discreet, but quick and efficient.
"Juvia…" Erza tried calling her, but Juvia shook her head.
"No. Nothing you say will change my mind." Not when the image of Sting's dead body was engraved into it.
"Why…did you change your mind?" Gajeel coughed; feeling the effects of the sleeping spell she had cast.
Many people had already dropped to the floor, but it wasn't until Lucy fell that they realized what was happening. "Don't do this." Natsu pleaded.
"I have to." It was the right decision. If Juvia went back; there might still be a chance that they could be saved. She could persuade Zeref to spare them and stop him from declaring war.
She wouldn't let him use her to take the Fairy Heart. She would erase her own guild mark and sever the connection with the family she loved; if that's what it took to stop him.
She would do anything to keep them safe. All of them.
So, thoughts?
This was quite a revealing chapter, wasn't it? I hope you understand the reason why Zeref proposed to Juvia now.
What did you think of his plan to use Sting as bait? I thought it'd be nice to give Sting and Yukino more spotlight; they certainly deserve it.
Lastly, what did you think of Juvia's struggle and her final decision?
Next chapter: Wedding. After months of preparation, the time has finally come. While Fairy Tail and Sabertooth come up with a plan to stop the wedding, Juvia is faced with questions that she can't answer. Is this the end of the line?
Are you ready for even more drama?