Hello, everyone!

Well, it sure took me long to finish this chapter. I had some trouble coming up with a certain explanation and figuring out the last scene.

Finally I was able to complete it today, so I'm posting. Thankfully the next one will be easier to write, though it will be posted in 2 weeks because my next update around next week will be Dangerous Games.

Now, replying to your comments:

FbFlame94: Wow your comment was just wow. Loving your analysis of the story and such great theories you have there. You actually figured something out which I was not expecting, so well done! :) You'll see what Future Lucy has to tell Juvia here and in the future too.

Also thank you for being understanding and supportive about updates. I wish I could post more often, but sometimes it takes longer to come up with chapters. Especially in such a complex story as this, I really need to think things through in order to avoid plot holes.

Scselmayahoo . fr: Glad you do :)

Alfys-World: I'm glad ch 2 was worth the wait. Hopefully this one will too.

Roll24k: I'm really glad you enjoy my stories despite not being a Juvia fan. To be honest, I can't say I love canon Juvia either. It feels like she's a case of missed potential and misused for comedic purposes. That's why I like giving her a bigger/more interesting role in my stories and exploring her relationship with other characters than Gray. I'm happy you like my writing style too, so it seems complicated and confusing is your thing too. ;)

Lucy H Lover: Good theory why they decided not to arrest her. I thought it was a good idea to introduce them now instead of later on. This lets me build them up you'll enjoy the Gruvia!

Amanny: Glad you enjoyed it. Good question about Juvia's father, you'll learn more about her parents soon. And your last question will be answered here.

Happy reading!

July 4th X791

Once Juvia recalled that Lucy was at the infirmary hopefully being healed, she quickly realised this couldn't be her. "Who are you?"

"I'm Lucy." There was a certain sadness to this woman which Juvia knew too well.

"Lucy is currently at the infirmary." The water mage raised a brow.

"I'm another version of her." Before she could ask, Lucy explained it. "From the future."

This detail would shock and confuse many people, but not Juvia. "How far into the future?"

The celestial mage seemed surprised by her reaction. "A few days."

"Why did you come back?" Juvia assumed something horrible must've happened. Her stomach churned at the thought of what it could be.

"I can't tell you yet." Lucy sighed. "I don't want to interfere with the Games."

The water mage raised a brow. "Then why are you talking to me?"

"Because I know who you are."

Now this had her shook. However, she quickly recomposed herself, offering a deadpan look. "That being?"

Lucy's pain and anger were clear as day. "I know you're from Alvarez and you've been lying to everyone."

Not good. "I see." Juvia took in a sharp breath. "Did Doranbolt tell you that?"

The celestial mage seemed confused for a moment. "No, Zeref did."

Zeref? Tell her the truth? The water mage shook her head. "That makes no sense."

Lucy sighed. "He helped us when…." Her frown deepened. "I still don't understand why."

"He was probably playing you." Juvia bitterly said.

"Like you were playing us?" Anger returned as the former glared at her.

The latter didn't have an answer for this. "Did you tell anyone else about this?"

Lucy shook her head. "No."

"I won't blame you if you do." Juvia frowned, dejected. "But I'd appreciate it if you didn't."

The celestial mage watched her for a moment once silence fell upon them. Her expression changed from angry back to sorrowful then to sympathetic. "I won't tell them."

Juvia was surprised again. "Why?" Why protect me knowing what she does?

"Because I know what happens if I do." Lucy's expression made it clear this wasn't desirable.

The water mage took in a long breath, relieved. "Thank you."

They talked for a while about other things and Lucy did give further information about the future, but not an explanation of the horrible thing that was meant to happen. She made it clear that her intention was to tell everyone soon.

Their conversation was interrupted by a shout coming from a guard. Lucy suddenly fled, leaving Juvia with the promise of meeting again soon. A promise which would be broken, but they didn't know that yet.

Meanwhile

The wait for Juvia to return was tense, to say the least. Each person came up with their theories on what this was about and all worried for the water mage. That's why it was such a relief when Porlyusica came into the room to tell them that Lucy had been healed. "She's going to be okay."

Their worried expressions briefly turned into relief. "She is?" Natsu asked, hopeful.

"Thank goodness." Mirajane whispered, taking in a deep breath.

"Is she awake?" Erza wondered.

"She should be soon." The healer answered.

There were cheers and hugs as everyone celebrated the good news. One, however, was not as excited.

Unexpectedly, Levy barely reacted to it. Instead, she kept the same pensive look that hadn't left her face since they had returned to the infirmary. It was clear that something was wrong, but her state went unnoticed by most, even as she made her way outside the infirmary.

Gajeel, who had realised this, followed her outside. "What's wrong, shrimp?"

Levy turned around, fresh tears in her eyes. "I'm fine." She sniffled.

He raised a brow. "You don't seem fine."

"It's nothing, really." She dismissed his concern, but it remained.

"Are you worried about Lucy?" The dragon slayer suggested. "Cause you heard she's going to be okay."

"No, it's not Lucy." Levy frowned, but didn't elaborate.

"Then what is it?" Gajeel pressed..

She snapped. "Why do you even care?"

Clearly taken aback, he took a moment to respond. "Isn't that what friends are supposed to do?"

Her face softened. "I saw how worried you were about Juvia too." She offered a small smile. "You're a good friend, Gajeel."

"Thanks." He watched her for a moment. "Does that mean you'll tell me what you're hiding?"

"I'm not…" Levy's protest was ignored.

"I know when someone is keeping a secret." At least that's what he believed.

She sighed deeply. "It has nothing to do with you."

Gajeel offered a charming smile. "Then what's the harm in telling me?"

Levy watched him, doubt clear on her face. Time passed. Silence. Then she nodded. "Okay."

"Okay?" He raised a brow.

"But you have to promise that you won't tell anyone." She quickly warned.

It became clear that she was serious, so Gajeel nodded. "I won't."

"Especially Juvia." Levy reinforced, which surprised him.

"Wait…" Gajeel frowned, concerned. "Is this about Juvia?"

She glanced away, but the look on her face made the answer clear. What does she know about Juvia?

1 hour later

Juvia arrived back at the infirmary about an hour later, having decided to take some time to think about what she had learned. Though she desired more than anything to tell everyone about Future Lucy, the celestial mage had made it clear the truth must not be revealed yet.

Understanding that better than anyone, Juvia decided to keep it a secret. It's not like it made a difference anymore when she was hiding so many.

Most important of all, what passed between herself, Doranbolt and Lahar needed to stay hidden. She needed a good lie to keep people from asking too many questions that could not be answered.

"Are you okay?" Gray immediately asked once she had entered the infirmary, and he stood from his chair.

Everyone stared at her in curiosity and worry, understandably. "I'm fine." Juvia reassured with a smile.

"What did the Magic Council want?" Master Makarov went straight to the point.

Everyone stared at her in expectation. She prepared to lie some more. "They wanted to talk to me about Master Jose."

This perked Gajeel's interest. "That's interesting. Isn't he imprisoned at ERA or something?"

"Yes." Juvia nodded. "They wanted to know if I wished to see him."

"Why would you even want to?" Gray asked, incredulous. "After how he treated you while you were in Phantom Lord..."

"I don't." She immediately reassured. "I just want to move on from that, so can we forget this?"

Silence. Everyone shared glances, then some nodded. They seemed to believe her, which was a relief.

"We can do that." Erza spoke.

"You're a Fairy Tail mage now." Natsu told her with a wink.

"Gajeel too." Levy said, glancing at the iron dragon slayer. "You're one of us."

He smiled at her. "That's good to know."

Gray turned to Juvia, still worried. "So everything's okay?"

Looking into those dark eyes, she found herself wishing to tell the truth. If only that was possible. "Everything's okay."

His face broke into a smile before he approached her. Ignoring the fact that everyone was staring at them, he asked her. "Would you like to go outside now?"

Before she could reply, Porlyusica came from the other room since she had been healing Lucy. "She's awake now."

Natsu and Happy immediately rushed towards the door, with others following them. Gray waited for Juvia to approach him before they entered the other room. Noticing how worried he still was, she took his hand and held it.

Expecting him to pull away as he usually did, she was surprised when he actually squeezed her hand. A simple gesture which gave her hope that they were on the same page and he also wanted to pursue a relationship.

They would need to discuss this later, but for now their priority was making sure that Lucy was okay.

Their talk had to be postponed again because of Natsu and Gajeel's fight against Sting and Rogue. Juvia cheered on her best friend and was upset when Natsu sent him away, choosing to battle Sabertooth himself.

After that, she didn't pay that much attention to the fight. There was too much on her mind to be thinking about such trivial things. Again she worried about the future and whatever disaster they might have to face, but came to no conclusion.

Once everyone started cheering, her attention returned to the battle and she managed a smile upon realising that Natsu had been victorious. This is good, but Gajeel didn't deserve to be sent off like that.

Juvia started following the rest of her friends once they started making their way towards the stadium to congratulate the dragon slayer. However, Gray soon stopped her, asking if she wished to talk now.

After she nodded, the two of them walked away, choosing to go to the square where they had first met in Crocus. It was currently empty since everyone was watching the Games, thus the couple comfortably sat down on the fountain.

"So…" Gray started.

"So…" Juvia looked at him in expectation.

"I...I'm not sure how to do this."

She noticed he was nervous again, which was honestly adorable. "Well, you don't have to do anything."

He frowned. "But aren't we supposed to be talking about…"

"Our kiss?" Both blushed at the memory.

"Yeah." Gray looked down, avoiding her gaze.

"Gray…" Juvia took his hand again, squeezing it gently. "I know you're uncomfortable discussing this, but I need to know that we are on the same page."

He took in a deep breath and his shoulders relaxed. "We are."

"So does that mean…" Looking at her, Gray answered the unasked question.

"That I want to kiss you again."

Juvia smiled. "Well, what's stopping you?"

Nothing. There was no one there to interrupt them and no reasons why he shouldn't kiss her. Gray took action, wrapping his free arm around her shoulder to bring her even closer while keeping their hands intertwined.

They stared at each other for a moment, searching for reassurance, before leaning in for another passionate kiss, forgetting about all of their problems if only for a moment.

Unbeknown to neither Gray nor Juvia, they were being watched by a long figure sitting atop a building not too far.

"So he did it." The man with spiky, black hair and dark eyes just like his son smiled genuinely. "That's my boy."

He thought back to the moment he had discovered that Gray was still alive after all these years, how he had been filled with joy and hope. It was strangely relieving knowing he wasn't the only one who had been suffering from loss after Deliora's attack and spent years yearning for revenge while trying to adjust to a life without the people he cared most for.

Silver could only imagine how much the young ice mage had suffered over the years. Thankfully, it seemed he had managed to find happiness in the Fairy Tail guild and the friends he made. The older man had watched his interaction with some and was pleased that his son had developed such strong bonds. Especially the one with the water mage who seemed to make him happy.

Silver had watched them have their first kiss earlier that day before Juvia had been taken by the Magic Council. He'd hoped that this meant that Gray did reciprocate the love she clearly felt for him. Now, it seemed the answer was positive once the couple's relationship blossomed before his very eyes.

"I only wish that they didn't have to suffer." Looking down, the older man frowned.

Suddenly, there was an eerie, familiar voice in his head. I see you're already getting distracted, Silver.

Tensing, he sighed. "Keyes. Of course you're watching me." Did you really believe we'd leave you alone now that you know your son is alive?

"I don't know what you're expecting me to do." Keyes chuckled. Do not think I'm a fool, Silver.

"I'm no fool either." Looking back at the couple, he affirmed. "I know you must have plans for Gray if you kept him a secret for so long." That is none of your concern. You are not here to reunite with the boy.

"No, I'm not." Silver dejectedly said. Is there a reason you are waiting so long to complete your mission?

"I've had trouble tracking her down after she left the palace." He lied, hoping that the demon wouldn't be able to tell. Well, you know where she is now.

"Look, I understand why you want to eliminate her, but I don't believe she's a threat." That's not for you to decide. You need to remember your place, Silver. He sighed. "Trust me, I am well aware."

Good. The demon's tone showed satisfaction. Now...leave the boy and finish your mission.

Taking one last look at his son, Silver turned around and jumped to the next roof. He ran for a while, following the magic trail leading to the palace. Standing before the majestic building, he prepared to go in as Keyes gave a final warning. Do not forget to ensure that the girl doesn't survive.

So, thoughts?

Was the conversation between Juvia and Future Lucy what you expected? If it feels incomplete, that is because I decided to save the rest for later.

What did you think of the Gajevy scene? I decided to give Levy an important role in this story, so expect more scenes with her in the future.

Also, what did you think of Juvia's excuse? Took me forever to come up with an explanation that wouldn't raise too many questions. (Btw, it's not really important why Jose is in jail. He won't be a part of this story.)

Lastly, who do you believe Silver (and Tartaros) are after?

Next chapter will have more Gruvia moments, another Future Lucy scene and a moment between Irene and August which I assume will peak your interest.

In the meantime, I hope you have a great day and stay safe.