It's been a year and a half since I last updated skfjskfj aside from writer's block, school happened huhu but im back now. I'll try to update more frequently as well, since the storyboard for this is already done! reviews make me warm and fuzzy huhu so plz leave some if you have some spare time!

Chapter II: she who is unable to speak

Juvia had never heard of clothes. In fact, it was a term deemed foreign to her, along with forks, and spoons and cups and curtains. Clothes, however, were introduced to her by a couple of girls who cowered as they stared at her nearly naked frame.

"What is this?" she had asked in disgust, eye twitching as she glared at the garment they had presented to her. "Juvia will not succumb to your human ways, she is perfectly fine with what she has."

"But Lady Juvia," a green-haired girl started to protest, and Juvia narrowed her eyes at the girl, making the former flinch, "Captain Erza and Duchess Mirajane have orde—requested, us to clothe you, and—"

"Well, then you can tell the both of them that Juvia will not allow such disgusting material to grace her skin. Should you push through, Juvia will make sure that your heads will come off your bodies—"

It's not that bad.

The light, airy voice that spoke in her head made the water mistress stop short. Her sudden halt made the maids-in-waiting back away, scared of what the blue-haired mermaid was capable of doing. Juvia turned around.

She turned around, trusting her intuition, and she was met by a yellow-haired girl who smiled at her in response, her hand waving in greeting. She was dressed in pink, pearls adorning the magnificent gown she was wearing, and a beautiful pin rested on her bangs, keeping them away from her pale face. Her eyes were a soft brown, and Juvia nearly scoffed as she recognized the memorable eyes that had become well-known throughout the kingdom because of the kind-heartedness of its owner.

"Selfish girl," Juvia said in greeting. "Princess Lucy," the title was said in spite. Juvia crossed her arms over her chest, watching as the blonde reddened in guilt. "You're going back to the kingdom. Your father's looking for you."

You can't take me back! Her expression was that of horror, and Juvia rolled her eyes indifferently. My father—

"is a person you can't defy. Now go home, Heartfilia."

The princess was unable to speak.

Small price to pay, Juvia thought, as she glanced warily at the blonde beauty in front of her. The princess was gesturing to her mouth, painted red with a material she raised her eyebrow at—it greatly enhanced the princess' beauty, she observed.

"I'd rather the two of you have a decent conversation regarding the matter at hand," Erza told the both of them. Her gaze, however, was fixated on Juvia. "At least put this on." Juvia stared at the material Erza handed in her direction, her eyes darting from the clothes to the scarlet-haired captain. "Come on, I'll help you."

After a lot of fumbling and adjusting, blue garments covered the porcelain skin of the mistress of water, her eye twitching in irritation.

"Now, let's get down to business," Erza said, letting Juvia sit in front of a chair and gesturing for Lucy to sit opposite her. She moved to sit between them, her eyes alert as she shifted her gaze from one girl to the other.

"Juvia Lockser," the mermaid said, crossing her arms above her chest in a manner similar to irritation, cocking an eyebrow at the princess opposite her. Her curt reply earned her a smile from the blonde, and various attempts to relay her name through—admittedly—hilarious acts. "Lucy Heartfilia, I know of your existence. You don't know of mine." Her features hardened. Lucy bit her lip in nervousness.

Flashes of a cunning sea witch entered the princess' mind, and she shuddered at the familiar memories. Her fingers entwined with each other, trying to offer her body comfort as she watched the blue-haired mermaid glare at her, sapphire eyes holding back a fury that resembled the rage of the sea. Lucy winced inwardly; fear passing her amber eyes for but a moment.

Why? She asked telepathically. It was an ability she had used in the presence of sea creatures, passed down to her from generations upon generations. Surprisingly, she was unable to use it to communicate with humans, and she rendered it worthless the very moment she failed to communicate thoroughly with a certain pink-haired human.

Juvia's eyes barely lost their cold flame, the passion kindling her sharp tone as she spoke—her eyes were dull and void, two endless orbs that had seen death, and blood, and tears.

"You are to come home to your father," the mistress of the sea replied, barely flinching as she spoke. "He has ordered me—us—to return you home immediately."

Who else is here? Lucy asked, her mouth falling open in surprise. No sound escaped her painted lips. Erza's eyes narrowed suspiciously at the both of them, aware that there was a conversation occurring behind the silence that surrounded Lucy Heartfilia. Her mind slowly began to patch the conversation, trying to connect Juvia's answers to the emotions that played on the blonde's face.

Before Juvia could reply, however, the door opened loudly, and the rambunctious sound of the salmon-haired prince's shout echoed throughout the room as he declared without respect, "There's a man causing trouble down the street! Erza, let me come beat up his ass!"

The blunette raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, curiosity replacing stoic fury. Is this the prince? She thought inwardly, barely contained disgust playing on her features as she eyed the raging man at the other end of the room. Erza stood up whilst sighing, her scarlet hair swishing behind her back as she walked slowly towards the prince, hands curled into fists.

"Natsu," Erza stated darkly, brown eyes gleaming. "How many times have I told you that it is not your job to beat up townspeople? This is why we have the royal army. Besides, it's nearly sunrise, and—"

"Come on, Erza! You just wanna beat up that man by yourselves. Give me a little credit."

Before the captain could reply, Gray Fullbuster—hair disarray and half of his buttons undone—came barging in, a smirk on his lips as he positioned himself beside the salmon-haired prince.

"Erza, there's an emergency, we'll—"

"Stay right here just as King Makarov had ordered," Erza said sternly. Gray and Natsu opened their mouths to protest, but the captain flashed them a glare that sent chills coursing through their spine, forcing the two to keep their mouth shut. "I'm glad the two of you understand. You're flames have caused enough destruction in town already, Natsu."

Natsu looked away, crossing his arms and mumbling as if he had just been scolded by a mother. Gray sneered at him.

"Don't think you're a good example, Gray, it took six men to thaw the robbers you had frozen last week."

Juvia watched as the edges of Gray's eyes twitched as if he wanted to contradict Erza's statement, but he kept his silence. "Juvia does not understand what is going on," she announced, and all eyes turned to her.

"It's nothing to worry about, Juvia. You and Lucy just. . ." she paused, eyeing the both of them. ". . . talk." She turned around, facing the two princes and lowering her voice. "The two of you watch them. If a fight breaks out, try to intervene without using force." Natsu and Gray stared at her blankly, both heavily disappointed at the fact that they were to sit out on a battle. Erza sighed. "If the both of you are able to accomplish this one simple task, I will try to convince King Makarov to allow you to fight; given that the both of you are able to understand the responsibility that lies on your shoulders."

This made the two mages a little more fired up, and Erza patted both their shoulders as she exited the room, praying to Mavis that nothing bad would happen.

Natsu. . .

Lucy put her hand over her mouth instinctively, as if she had blurted the name out loud. Juvia rolled her eyes.

You exchanged your beautiful, royal tail for a disgusting pair of legs for this?

It was her first telepathic response. Lucy beamed at her, grateful that the blunette didn't reveal what she had been thinking to the two men watching them intently.

He saved my life from people who wanted to kill me.

"So, we're just supposed to stare at the two of you?" Natsu asked, running a hand through his hair. "That seems easy enough. Bet I can observe them more than you, Gray."

"Shut up, I'd be able to—"

"You wanna go?"

"Why I oughtta—"

"If the two of you wish to fight, please do so," Juvia piped. "That would be the perfect opportunity for Juvia to snatch away Lucy Heartfilia and take her back to where she has to be."

"Why are you taking her back if she doesn't want to leave?" Natsu turned his gaze on her, glaring angrily. "Who are you anyway?" He was walking towards her, his right hand showing the beginnings of a flame.

Juvia narrowed her eyes at Natsu, as if daring him to strike her. "Juvia is Juvia. Juvia needs to take Lucy back to the sea. There is nothing more you should know."

Natsu opens his mouth to retort, but before he can, a bare back meets her line of vision.

"Oi, Natsu, this isn't the time," Gray said indifferently, crossing his arms above his chest. "Remember what Erza told us." He glances behind him, eyes meeting Juvia's, and she flinches, a light tint of red crossing her cheeks at his gaze.

Trying to remain calm, she looked away.

I'll give you three days, Lucy Heartfilia.

The chair screeched as Lucy stood up, beaming in Juvia's direction. Thank you! She shouted in her mind, and the blue-haired girl flinched.

She flashed Lucy another glare. "Don't shout."

"No one shouted," Natsu told Juvia, cocking his head to the side in confusion.

"Juvia was not talking to you. She was talking to Lucy-san."

"But she didn't say anything. She can't speak. Right, Lucy?" Lucy flinched as Natsu stared at her, expecting an answer. She shook her head and opened her mouth, but no sound came out.

"Then how'd you hear her?"

"A question I'll answer for another day, Natsu-san." With grace, she stood up, the chair making no sound as its legs slid against the shaggy carpet. Her legs were throbbing, and her head was starting to hurt for a reason she did not understand. "Goodbye."

Exiting the room was kind of a bad idea, Juvia concluded.

To say "the castle is huge," is an understatement. It was different kinds of humongous, and was probably larger than Lucy's home back in the sea. In an attempt to find water, she had blatantly disregarded the fact that she knew nothing about anything on land.

She clutches the wall in desperation, breathing ragged as she clenches her fists, trying to ease the pain in her newly acquired legs. It felt like her legs were still being split apart. Her vision was starting to blur, and the hallways were starting to look as if they were slowly being transformed into a whirlpool.

"Why is it hurting?" she hissed quietly, closing her eyes as she attempted to ease the pain.

A silent scream exited her mouth as she fell on the ground, tears beginning to stream down her cheeks. She held her legs closer to her, pushing her garments up to see if there was anything wrong. Pale skin stared at her—her legs looked fine and still resembled the anatomy of a normal human, but the pain coursing through her system told her otherwise.

I want to go back to the sea.

Gajeel wasn't anywhere near her and she was in a place she didn't know. Anyone there could be an enemy—humans were not to be trusted.

The smirking face of that prince flashed in her mind, and she exhaled. He had shown her kindness. He was a human. He was considerate and selfless. Humans are evil. He was dashing and brave. Humans are—

"Oi, what are you doing on the floor?"

Tear-stained orbs looked up at the sound of the deep voice. Ironically, Gray Fullbuster stood beside her, eyebrow raised and arms crossed above his chest. He blinked as he caught sight of the glittering drops of water on her lids and lashes, but his face remained impassive.

"None of Gray-sama's business," she replies stonily, wiping her eyes with as much dignity as she could muster, trying to stand up.

The pain worsened as she managed to get both feet on the ground, a thousand invisible needles prickling her skin and her knees buckled, giving way as she fell for the second time.

Gray caught her elbows before her behind hit the floor. "None of my business, right," he said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. He lowered his voice then, "are your legs okay?"

He was staring at her intently, and Juvia felt as if the life had been knocked out of her. His face was emotionless, but his eyes held concern—an emotion she didn't know humans could feel. Clenching her fists, she nodded.

He sighed audibly. "See, this is what you get for coming out of the sea."

"Juvia has to—"

"Yeah, yeah, bring Lucy back, I get it. I don't see why you have to risk your life for it, though. Lucy seems perfectly happy here." She looked away, unable to respond. "Do you want to go back to the sea?"

She shook her head again. "If Juvia comes back to the sea, her tail will return."

"Then just go back."

"She can't." Her head was beginning to throb as well, and she held on to Gray unconsciously, closing her eyes as she began to inhale and exhale deeply, trying to maintain consciousness.

"Oi, stay with me," Gray said, tapping her skin, the edges of his fingers brushing the sleeves of her dress. For a moment, he wondered what the mermaid felt with the material. He was uncomfortable with clothes, so someone who has never tried them before should feel uncomfortable too, right?

'Stay with me forever, Juvia,' was what the mermaid heard. She had to mentally slap herself—Humans are evil, humans are evil.

"Wa—" she started, coughing. Water.

"What?" he asked. When she didn't reply, gasping for air, he cursed. "Damn it Juvia, get yourself together." He took the girl in his arms, heaving her upward as she struggled for breath.

Searching the castle, he located the nearest bathroom—which coincidentally, happened to be his room—he had just come out of it after all.

Juvia stared at him through half-lidded eyes. Despite the searing pain and the nauseating, throbbing ache in her head, she felt comfortable in his arms. For someone who controlled ice, he felt—warm.

"Breathe," she heard him tell her, and she tries to; there is nothing but dry air.

Gray kicked the doorknob to his bathroom open, reminding himself to fix it later on, and places her gently in his bathtub, dress and all. Her head lulled to another side and her fists were clenched. She was turning deathly pale.

He turns his shower open, and the minute the fresh water touches her skin, her eyes jolted open—only to immediately close again. Gray turned on his faucet as well, the clear drops circulating around the mermaid.

For a long time she sits there, reveling in the feel of her element. Juvia felt a little relieved, for her feet remained feet and didn't turn back into her beautiful tail.

"For a second time, you have saved Juvia, Gray-sama," she says without looking at him. Her garments were soaking up the water as well, but she didn't mind.

He shrugged, sitting down at the edge of the tub. "You still alive?"

"Juvia is."

The silence returns. Her fingers are playing with the drops subconsciously, and Gray watched her. A light smile was playing on her lips. Gray opened his mouth to speak.

"You know, you could not return Lucy back to the sea. As much as I hate Natsu, he seems happier with her here. Even though, you know, she can't talk."

"I have to do my job as an S-Class mage."

"I thought you didn't know what mages were."

"It's called lying, Gray-sama, in case you didn't know."

"Are you lying now?"

She looked at him, the rosy hue to her cheeks slowly returning, blue orbs shining with life. He blinks in surprise, his own cheeks turning a light shade of red.

"No," she told him. "Juvia is not lying."

"Why does your job require the capture of Lucy Heartfilia?" he asked interrogatively.

"Her father's looking for her. He needs her back in the kingdom."

"But why?"

"I can't tell you."

For the first time, she speaks in first person. He stops, unable to continue. "Fine," he answered against his will. "You were told that you can stay in the castle as long as you behave."

"Juvia won't touch Lucy for three days, Gray-sama," she said. "Juvia is a mermaid of her word. After three days, she really does have to come home."

"We won't let you."

"Why do you care about her so much?" she spoke before she could even stop herself. "Lucy Heartfilia is—is—"

Lucky, she thinks. Well-loved by the sea and her people, by the land and its people. Juvia Lockser, the mistress of water, who brought despair wherever she went—

"She's a friend," he replied, raising an eyebrow quizzically at her tone. "What's wrong with that?"

"Don't worry about it, Gray-sama," she says, diverting the topic. She shouldn't reveal her true emotions to a man—a human she barely knew. "It's none of your business."

"The last time you said that you almost died," he told her. "In case you don't remember, it's why you're sitting in a tub full of water."

She didn't reply to that.

"Anyway, Juvia," He was standing up to leave, hand running through his hair, "just take off those clothes. If you can't do it by yourself, someone'll come by here and take it off for—"

A pale arm emerged from the water, reaching for the edge of his coat.

"Please stay, Gray-sama."