HELLO EVERYONE! IT'S BEEN AWHILE. NOW I'M REALLY EXCITED TO WRITE THIS CHAPTER AND I REALLY CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR WHAT YOU ALL THINK. I'VE BEEN TO THE MOON AND BACK SINCE I BEGAN WRITING THIS AND I CANNOT EXPRESS IN WORDS HOW MUCH YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU'VE GIVEN MINDLESS AND TO ME. I'M SO LUCKY TO HAVE NOT ONLY MY READERS...BUT MY WATTPAD READERS AS WELL. I JUST WANTED TO TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO TELL YOU ALL HOW MUCH YOU MEAN TO ME. *INTERNET HUG* THANK YOU ALL! NOW! LET'S MAKE HASTE! REMEMBER THAT FAIRY TAIL IS OWNED BY HIRO MASHIMA AND FUNIMATION! PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW/FAVORITE/REVIEW! NOW I'VE DECIDED TO GIVE YOU ONE MORE JUVIA CHAPTER AFTER THIS ONE JUST SO I CAN GIVE RATHAL'S RETURN TIME TO FESTER. I REALLY HOPE YOU LIKE THIS CHAPTER OF MINDLESS!
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE; JUVIA'S TRIAL! JIN'S PAIN FILLED HEART!
GRAY'S POV;
Boots sunk deeper into the mud as a small group of wizards trudged on through the marshes of Yemma, a hog-drawn carriage between them. Gray, Natsu and Gajeel pushed the cart from behind, spraying mud over their already soaked clothing. Gray spit, hoping to remove some of the mud from his mouth. He hoped the rain would let up soon, if they didn't hurry, they wouldn't get to Yemma before nightfall. The nights were cold this time of year and he knew that even though he had no problem with lower temperatures, others were not. Low hanging tree branches snapped as the carriage pushed against them and Gray grimaced as the copious amounts of rain water that had collected at the top of the cart sloshed down and onto his face. Lighting flashed and thunder crashed, it was if the skies themselves were at war with each other.
Jin was in front of them, scouring ahead to gauge the easiest routes. Levy was driving the carriage, surprisingly, Yemma was her hometown so she also knew the area. Though it seemed like the solid script mage was hesitant to return to the town she was born and raised. Regardless of her restlessness, she pushed forward, determination shining bright in her eyes. Gray was confused by this. Maybe her and her family were on bad terms or something? Resting inside the carriage was Juvia, Pantherlily, Happy and Lucy, who were completely exhausted. Until recently Juvia had been wailing, flailing for freedom inside the cart, Lucy managed to hold her down and knock her out, but the poor girl was covered in scratches. He and Gajeel had to hold Natsu back when they discovered Loke and Capricorn holding Juvia down and Lucy barely standing covered in gashes and lashes from Juvia's water whip. Pantherlily and Happy had been knocked unconscious but had not been harmed, but Lucy was in bad shape. They had no clue why Juvia attacked her friend, but Natsu was pissed. Though it only took a hug from Lucy to calm the dragon slayers fiery spirit. This was something the ice mage never understood, how could just one persons touch give his pink haired rival such calm? Was love really that powerful? If that was true...then why was it his embrace could not still his beloved stormy heart? Gray shivered. Juvia needed help, and he hoped Jin Ushio would be able to keep his word and fix whatever the hell was happening to his friend before she drove herself mad.
"Man I'm starving! I hope we get there soon." Natsu said, stopping to pat his stomach and interrupting the dark haired mages thoughts. Gray's stomach growled in agreement. It had been around twelve hours since the small group had began their long journey to Yemma.
"We're almost there!" The white haired man shouted.
Gray poked his head from behind the carriage to see Jin a few meters ahead waving his arm so he could be seen through the rain. Did Jin hear Natsu from all the way over there? His hearing must be as good as any dragon slayer.
"It's just over this hill here!" He pointed, long hair clinging to face and neck. Gray couldn't help but notice the excited glint in the mans eyes as they approached his hometown. It was obvious that unlike Levy, Jin was excited to be back home.
"He's excited to see his mama." Levy snickered, snapping the reins a bit to get the giant purple hog moving. Gajeel let out a laugh as well, throwing his head back in a hearty chuckle.
"Mommy's boy huh?" Gajeel smiled a toothy grin, a certain glint in his eyes. He must be thinking of Metalicana. From what Natsu had told him, the only family the dragon slayers had were their dragons and when they all disappeared, everyone of the slayers felt like they'd been abandoned. It must be exciting for them to hear about a parent who's still around to spend time with their child. Gray himself was feeling a bit sentimental, thoughts of his own family, Ur and Lyon clouded his thoughts for a moment. Maybe he should visit the ocean soon. The beach wasn't that far off from Fairy Tail.
"I'm was a mama's girl when I was little." Lucy croaked from inside the carriage, poking her head out of the front of the bed cover and joining Levy on the drivers bench. She was clutching her stomach and favoring her left arm, but she looked relatively fine. Natsu grinned up at her, grabbing her hand.
"I'm glad you're up Luce. You had me worried."
She laced her fingers with his, staring deep in to his onyx eyes. It was like they were in their own little world. Completely unaware of the world around them. God damn idiot couple. They may have not come right out and admit it, but everyone in the guild noticed their shift in behavior. It was subtle, a sideways glance here or a lingering gaze there but it didn't take very long for their guild mates to notice and now it was like they were holding up a huge neon sign.
"We're here!" Jin shouted and Levy halted the carriage in front of a giant building. It about two stories, red brick covered in green ivy and rusted iron bars covered the windows. He could see scorch marks along the walls. The building was on fire at some point. It looked as if the building used to be a run down hospital or lab, and from what he could read from the moss covered sign hung above the redwood double doors it was more likely the latter. McG..RD.. AND U..HIO APPENDAGE GROWTH CENTER. Wow...what a rundown dump. He could see Levy visibly shaking in her seat. What was up with her?
"Jin...Jin you didn't." She gasped, hands coming up to pull on her coats collar and scrap her nails against the skin of her neck. What was disturbing her so much about this place?
Jin spread his arms a grin plastered on his face...but it seemed forced.
"Isn't it great Levy? My very own secret laboratory! Remember when dad said an evil scientist is no evil scientist without his very own secret laboratory? Well what better place to do dastardly experiments then this place?"
Levy buried her head in her hands, sobbing happened? What was wrong with this place? Why was Levy so scared?
Gajeel stepped forward, his fist coming in full contact with Jin's face...but the white haired man didn't move an inch. He glared at the dragon slayer with glowing gold eyes, fangs poking from his mouth. Gajeel took a step back, watching in confusion as he became more and more beast like. Silver fur began to coat his arms and face, his nose and mouth elongated in a canine snout. His shoes tore to reveal clawed paw-like feet and a silver tail swished back and forth. The smell of wet dog penetrated the ice mages nostrils and he had to cover his nose to avoid the stench. Levy cried harder, climbing from the carriage and approaching the beast-man. Gray didn't understand...was he a takeover mage like Elfman and Lisanna? Or was he some sort of demon like they'd experienced on Galuna Island?
"Jin...Jin what did you do to yourself?" Levy whispered, reaching her hands out to touch the transformed man. Jin rested his head again hers,opening his mouth to speak. His voice was much much deeper and more monstrous than the normal elated and excited tone he usually spoke with.
"Do you think I would I would experiment with DNA manipulation and not use some on myself. I needed to know how to suppress the monster inside of him and the only way was to become a monster myself."
"Oh Jin..."
Jin looked to be smiling...at least what Gray thought was a smile.
"Look on the bright side Levy, you always wanted a dog!" He barked a laugh.
Gray was getting more and more confused. DNA manipulation? Him? Who was him? He needed some answers before he exploded. More importantly, what the hell did this have to do with helping Juvia?!
"Ahem. Look guys, this all really confusing and interesting and everything...but I think my wounds opened up and Juvia needs help. Remember?" Lucy pointed out, not seeming to be fazed by the man sudden change in appearance. Though to be fair...they were relatively used to seeing strange things. A wolf man was nothing more then a regular Tuesday night.
"Oh right," Jin slapped his forehead, changing back almost immediately. "Come one in. I just wanted to show you guys what I was working on so you wouldn't freak out when you saw the lab." Jin opened the double doors to reveal a brightly lit room that stunk of chemicals. Surrounding every wall...were giant test tubes. Some contained dogs or other such animals...but others were filled with birds and reptiles. It made Gray absolutely retch. He never liked how wizard scientists experimented on animals. It just never sat well with him. Gajeel was carrying Juvia in his arms, he was far more equipped to knock Juvia out if she were to wake up and start a frenzy. Gray just couldn't bring it to himself to strike her. Natsu took Lucy, Lily and Happy to a nearby cot, laying them down to rest after their injuries.
"I know it's a bit gross. Believe me...I don't like it either. But I will do anything to find what's been lost and being part wolf...well I have a pretty good sense of smell."
"Why did you bring us here?" Gray demanded, getting a little impatient. "How are you going to help Juvia?"
Jin shook his head.
"Lets not talk about that right now. I want to see my mom." He stated suddenly, heading up the stairs to the second story. Levy, who had been in a state of shock until now, finally smiled.
"I want to see Auntie too. It's been a long time and I miss her." She sniffed, following the scientist in suit. Gajeel set Juvia down in the cot next to Lucy, asking Natsu to watch over her while he and Gray drag that white haired bastard back by the hair. They marched upstairs stopping short when they heard Levy's quiet sobs from one of the rooms. They entered the room silently, surprised to see an old woman, her gray hair tied back in a whispy bun. Her eyes were lifeless, but the small rise and fall of her chest indicated she was still alive. She sat propped in a cushioned rocking chair, her hands placed neatly on her lap. Jin was crouched beside her, a sad smile painting his pale features.
"Levy's here Mom. She's finally come back."
The old woman made no indication that she could hear or even see her son in front of her. She said no words, just continued breathing softly. Levy knelt beside them, grabbing the woman's withered hands.
"Oh Auntie...I'm back...I'm finally back." She cried, taking the old woman's limp hand and pressing against her tear streaked cheek. "Auntie..."
Jin stood, exiting the room with sigh. The two men followed in suit, not sure of what to say.
"How long has she been like that?" Gajeel asked quietly.
"Three years. She had a stroke I think."
Gray watched solemnly as the man headed down stairs and began to gather chemicals and all kinds of things he didn't understand. The poor guy didn't have any family except for his mother...and now all that was left was her empty shell. He wanted to give his condolences...but it seemed like Jin didn't really want to talk about it.
"What are those for?" He asked, deciding to change the subject.
"Your friend Juvia...she's consumed by fear and death and if we don't get rid of the fear in her heart...then she'll go mad. I'm going make her face her fears with a mixture of chemicals and little magic of course."
Gray grabbed the mans arm, halting the scientists busy hands.
"What exactly does that mean?" Gray demanded.
"It means that Juvia will face every one of her fears and if she cannot take it...then she'll die. It's the only the way that she can move on from her near death experience. I did it and let me tell you...it isn't easy. But the way my life is...I need to be fearless. Now let me do my work."
"So if Juvia faces her fears...she'll be okay?"
"Possibly. But her fear is so deep I estimate only a 52% success rate."
"So they'res a 48% chance of her dying huh?" Gray asked quietly and Jin nodded.
"Okay...I'm in."
Jin's head snapped up.
"You're in?" He inquired, confusion evident on his face.
"Give me the test Jin. I'm not letting Juvia do this by herself."
"What do you mean?! If you take the same test as Juvia you have as much as chance of dying as she does! Do you really want to kill yourself over this?" Jin shouted bewildered.
"As soon as Juvia lets out her last breath...I'll already be dead."
BOOM. DRAMA FOR DAYS. OKAY...SO CLIMAX IS COMING GUYS! ALRIGHT! TIME FORE SHOUTOUTS;
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