The sound of gushing water provided a soothing backdrop to the idyllic scene. A cozy nook had been formed naturally by a stream bordering one side, and lovely old willow trees surrounding a portion of the soft riverside grass in a semicircle. The willows bordering the stream dipped their hanging branches into the crystal clear water, the entire network of trees providing ample shade to the eclectic collection of younglings gathered beneath its boughs.
Levy, Lucy, Gray, Natsu, Happy and Erza loitered in the shady lagoon, each one growing slightly restless as the minutes ticked by.
"Gajeel asked you to meet him here?" Erza asked Levy for the umpteenth time.
With a resigned sigh, Levy endeavored to smile. "Yes, Erza. He requested us to be here by high-noon - I told you we would be early."
Lucy bounced in place, barely able to contain her excitement. "Oh, that's fine! I couldn't possibly miss even a moment of time with this new magical being! The fact that Gajeel has given you so little information, Levy, has only served to pique my curiosity! I'm dying to meet them!"
Erza threw her a disapproving look. "Yes indeed. So eager, you even insisted we cancel your morning training session just to be here well before time…"
Lucy pointedly ignored her scarlet haired slave driver and instead turned to her bored dragon friend and his disgruntled cat.
"...Aren't you excited too, Natsu? Happy? Oh… Gray? What's wrong?" Lucy paused mid-bounce to regard the ice mage curiously.
Gray had frozen in front of the stream, his eyes wide and his expression one of panic.
"Levy…" He began in a stressed tone, "Did you say Gajeel specifically asked you to meet him here? By this stream?"
"...As you've heard me reiterate multiple times to Erza… Yes. This is the spot."
"This fresh water stream?"
"Err… I'm not sure how the type of stream makes any difference…"
"This fresh water stream that is cool to the touch and that is probably glacial in origin?"
"Impressive, ice princess." Natsu snickered, "Since when did you become a master of cold water bodies? I know you like cold things but this is ridiculous…"
"Aye! What's next Gray? Will you share with us the ancient wisdom of snowball creation?" Happy sniggered.
"Ohhh, don't forget his masterful knowledge of icicle formation!"
Gray didn't respond, his face becoming paler by the second as he looked around the grove frantically, searching for an escape. The howling dragon-exceed duo paused their mirth to examine the ice mage curiously.
"What's wrong, ice breath? No witty comebacks?" Natsu probed, a hint of concern in his voice.
Before he could retort, the willow's branches to the right of the grove parted and in stalked a familiar face and figure.
"Gajeel!" Levy cried, her eyes lighting up and her entire being shining.
The stoic metal dragon disregarded the rest of the lagoon's occupants, his solemn gaze locking on the pretty, petite fairy-girl.
"Shrimp."
Levy's beautiful smile transformed into a scowl. "Really?! We meet after a year and that is the first word you have to say to me?"
Gajeel smirked, answering her with a casual shrug of his broad shoulders, but his eyes betrayed his warmth and affection for the little fairy.
"So, you are Gajeel?" Erza regarded the ore dragon critically.
Gajeel's gaze snapped to Erza, his good-humor vanishing in an instant. "Yea… And who are you?"
"I am Lady Erza," Erza said drawing herself up to her full height - which surprisingly matched that of the tall dragon-lad. "The battle companion and confidante of Lady Lucy. Whom I believe you've met before?"
Gajeel glanced around the grove, spotting Lucy hovering a little away from the others, watching him tentatively. He nodded in her direction, his look somehow gentle and gruff at the same time.
"Aye. The rabbit and I are friends."
"Rabbit?!" Lucy sputtered, forgetting her timidity and marching forward to glare imperiously at the metal dragon. "Honestly, of all the things to remember, you choose to memorize that little detail?!"
"Gihee. You admit you're a bunny then?"
"... I didn't say that, you hooligan!"
"Huh. Hooligan is the best comeback you've got? Even after being in the company of my moronic cousin for so long? Either you're a poor student of insults, or he's getting soft…"
"Them's fighting words, Gajeel! FIGHT ME!"
"Later, Salamander. Can't you see I'm talking to your lover?"
"LOVER?! Eeeep"
Lucy's high pitched squeal was lost in the sound of the scuffle that a pink cheeked Natsu began with Gajeel, both falling to the ground in a mass of flailing arms and legs as they tried to viciously punch and kick the other. Happy hovered over the pair, shouting encouragement to his dragon companion.
Erza blinked. "Err… I'm confused."
A low chuckle sounded from the spot Gajeel had first emerged from. The girls stared curiously at the foliage, as the dark figure of a small creature emerged from beneath its shadowy boughs.
"I apologize for his behavior," The handsome black furred exceed said, his voice a deep timbre, "But I've found that my dragon companion shows his affection for those he cares about with nicknames and baiting words. Rather foolish, as I've told him many a time, but his heart is in the right place."
Levy stepped forward, her hand extended and a shy smile upon her face. "Well met, sir exceed. You must be Pantherlily, Gajeel has told me so much about you in his letters! It is a pleasure and an honor to finally make your acquaintance. My name is…"
"Levy, the last spirit fairy? Gajeel has told me much about you as well, and I assure you the pleasure and honor is all mine."
Levy smiled at the exceed, but before she could form another syllable, a blue and white blur hurtled into Lily, nearly knocking the older exceed down.
"LILY!"
Lily smiled down at the younger, blue furred exceed. "How do you fare, Happy, companion of Natsu?"
"Great, now that you're here! Carla is going to be so pleased!" Happy paused, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "Queen Shagotte as well…"
Pantherlily just chuckled, rummaging through a pack that had been slung on his back. After a few moments, he pulled out a small rectangular wooden case.
"I believe this belongs to you."
Happy wordlessly accepted the case, slipping it into his own knapsack. "My seal! Thanks for finding it, Lily! I had no idea where it had disappeared too…"
Lily shook his head, a smile of fond exasperation on his face. "Indeed. It is I who must be grateful for 'finding' it Happy. Although I honestly do not know if I should be cross with you for the immense risk you took, or proud of you for the courageous and kind exceed you are growing up to be."
Happy merely waved his paws in a casual gesture of dismissal, pausing as he observed a long thick rope attached to the older exceed's wrist.
"What's that, Lily?"
Lily frowned, tugging on the rope a little harshly. "As Gajeel and I approached this meeting spot, I observed this young man trying to flee in a hasty and suspicious manner. I cornered him and bound him, just in case he is a threat…"
"GRAY?!"
"Weren't you just here with us?" Lucy exclaimed with a frown, glancing around the grove for good measure, "Why in the heavens are you trying to run away?"
"You look almost the color of your moniker." Levy said cooly. "Are you ill?"
"Something is bothering you. Speak up, Gray." Erza's stern tone almost masked the worry in her voice.
"She's coming…" Gray whimpered, eyes still frantically darting around the grove for his escape route.
A bubbling sound from the stream was the only warning the group had.
"We meet again, Gray, my love!"
The girls turned around to face the stream and instinctively gasped. There, before them, was one of the most beautiful female beings they had ever seen, her long blue locks rippling down her back and her magnificent dark blue tail shimmering in the sunlight as she sat majestically upon a waterspout.
"A MERMAID?!" Levy screeched, transforming into her smallest fairy form in a poof of glittery smoke and hiding behind Lucy's shoulder.
"What are you so frightened about Levy?" Lucy whispered to her friend, mystified, "We haven't read anything dangerous about mermaids, right? And didn't Gajeel mention what type of magical being she was in his letters?"
"No he didn't, the brute!" Levy hissed back, "And as for why I am frightened, you will see soon enough!"
The pretty mermaid seemed oblivious to the existence of the three girls, her whole attention focused on the handsome black haired mage who was gaping back at her with the expression of a mackerel gulping for air. The dragons paused their scuffle, just as the exceeds who had both been trying to restrain the now frozen ice mage released their quarry and stood back a bit, opting to observe the unfolding drama instead.
"Oh Gray-darling! I've missed you so!"
Gray gaped, a strangled whisper escaping him. "Juvia?!"
At the sound of her name on his lips, the ecstatic mermaid nearly melted into a puddle of gooey bliss. She whimpered and fluttered her eyelashes at the raven haired boy, oblivious to his panicked and glazed expression.
"You've grown even more handsome, Gray my love! And your deep manly voice is simply divine!"
Gajeel, Natsu, Happy and Lily raised their brows and threw skeptical looks at the slowly thawing ice mage. Gajeel cleared his throat, addressing the mermaid directly.
"Err… Juvia, I got this prissy icicle to meet you, but I still don't understand why you wanted to meet him in the first place. And how do you know him?"
Juvia glanced in Gajeel's direction, her brow furrowing as if noticing his presence for the first time.
"Oh. Yes, Juvia thanks thee, Sir Gajeel, for your kind assistance. And has Juvia not told you the tale of our meeting? Juvia was so sure she had… Very well, now is a wonderful time to tell you our love story!"
Juvia beamed at her friend as Gajeel gagged and gawked at a red-faced Gray. Her gaze automatically drifted back to Gray, who was furiously glaring at Natsu and Happy as the impudent dragon and his exceed shook with repressed laughter. Rubbing his face with one hand to lessen his raging blush, Gray addressed Juvia.
"Err… Juvia, I am sure you've had a long and tiring journey. Wouldn't you like to rest? This tale can always wait for later…"
"Gray-darling is so considerate!" Juvia cooed, hearts swimming in her eyes, "Oh, Juvia almost forgot! Before the story, Juvia must show you an amazing feat she learned thanks to the metal dragon!"
Juvia threw a saucy wink at her lover, before closing her eyes, and settling into a meditative state. In a matter of seconds, a shimmering light encased the mermaid, hiding her figure from view. When the light slowly faded away, instead of being balanced on a water spout by her tail, Juvia stood at the edge of the streambank, her long legs covered by the elegant form fitting gown she now adorned. She gazed eagerly and expectantly at Gray's face. The young ice mage unwillingly lifted an eyebrow.
"That was… impressive…"
With an exclamation of delight, Juvia launched herself at Gray, half strangling him in her exuberant embrace. As the weary ice mage tried to pry the mermaid turned human turned octopus off of him, the sweetly oblivious meregirl addressed her dragon friend again.
"Here is the tale Juvia promised!" She chirped to Gajeel.
At the heart of glacial plains, in the frozen lakes of that vast forsaken tundra, a lone race of mermaids thrived. For generations they had been isolated, cut off from the other tribes of their kind and all magical and non magical races. A lone pair of these beautiful and mysterious creatures sat on the edge of an icy lake one day, casually discussing the recent coronation of their latest tribe leader. Their new queen had promised to dutifully follow in the footsteps of their forefathers, vowing to keep their tribe secret and safe along with upholding all the strict traditions that their matriarchal society demanded. The pair gossiped on, blissfully unaware of their surroundings. No one ever braved the icy plains thanks to the snow storm that constantly ravaged it. There was no need to be alert. Or so they thought.
As the pair giggled and chattered, a troop of Alvarez soldiers that had illegally crossed the border in pursuit of refugees, came across the pair. The unscrupulous men tried to take the lovely maidens by surprise, a tiny crackle of ice the only warning the two meregirls had. The pair were no warriors, but they fought the soldiers bravely - all merfolk were trained in basic warfare, from the lowly mating males to the highly esteemed healing mermaids. However, the battle soon became too much for the girls, and the terrified pair looked to the heavens and cried for their salvation.
"Juvia!"
The mournful appeal rent through the air, and the answering call unerringly struck fear into the hearts of all the battle hardened soldiers.
"No filthy humans will lay a finger on the tribe under Juvia's watch!"
The ensuing tempest that swept the first wave of men to their deaths finished in a flash, leaving the survivors stunned and wary. The men regrouped, eyeing their new foe with caution and calculation. They tried to use battle tactics to subdue the new threat, and would have still failed miserably had not one of their own resorted to trickery to quell the furious mermaid. The wily soldier shot an arrow dipped in concentrated lumenaire, designed to paralyze any magical being it came in contact with. Distracted in battle, Juvia could not block the arrow, and it struck her in the arm.
"That was the most cowardly act I've ever seen." A cool voice snarled, startling the warring factions. The jeering soldiers turned to observe their new opponent, barely containing their guffaws when their gaze landed on a young human boy, barely older than the mermaid they were fighting. The boy flashed the snarky soldiers a smirk, and proceeded to raise the very ice they stood upon into a huge prison, trapping the remaining men in an icy, uncomfortable cage.
"I am Gray, an Ice Master and protector of Icegard." The boy stated imperiously, "You have trespassed upon our land and tried to harm one of the denizens of our kingdom. Our court will decide your punishment… Unless you die of frostbite before we hold trial." Turning away from the pale, pleading mass of men, Gray focused his attention on the injured mermaid. With his hands raised, he approached her cautiously, as one would approach a wild beast.
"I wish you no harm, noble mermaid," He addressed her softly, his eyes conveying his sincerity, "I know the poison they used upon you, and I have upon my person the antidote. If you would accept it, I know it would help. I have often used it on myself - the stray soldiers I encounter during my patrols are quite predictable in their attacks. Please accept it."
Juvia could not respond. Her breath caught in her throat as she gazed upon the handsome human lad, her heart hammering in her chest and her stomach erupting with butterflies. Beyond these simpler signs, she felt a shift within herself as her gaze locked on his - an immensely strong yet unrecognizable emotion filled her, overwhelming all other emotions that swam within her beautiful form.
"Juvia thanks you." She whispered, accepting his offering with trembling fingers. The ice mage smiled at her, his eyes drifting over her head to something behind her.
"It looks like we have company."
"Get away from Juvia, human!" The voice of Juvia's commanding officer rung out in the crisp, icy air.
Gray hastily stepped back, turning around to face the imprisoned soldiers once he was a good distance away. Juvia watched in wonder as the boy proceeded to fashion ice wheels on the makeshift ice prison which he used to cart the men away, presumably in the direction of his kingdom. So lost in contemplation of the boy, Juvia did not notice her fellow mermaid's presence until a heavy hand dropped on her shoulder. Hastily stuffing the vial she had been given by Gray away, she turned, with difficulty, to face her superior.
"Are you well, little one?"
Juvia shook her head in response. The poison was not as potent as it could have been, thanks to the surrounding icy conditions, but it had still managed to paralyze her right arm, the right side of her torso and most of her tail. She knew well that the healing mermaids, although talented, would not have an easy cure for her affliction.
She was solemnly escorted back home underwater, straight to the healing grotto. As she had predicted, the healing mermaids were fretful and unsure of a cure, an elderly mermaid going so far as to suggest contacting the humans who had more skill with poison before she was swiftly shot down. Finally she was offered a glass of liquid to digest, being warned that it may not be a complete cure and that there could be side effects. When her healer's back was turned, Juvia dumped the contents of the glass into a nearby seaweed pot, and swiftly consumed the contents of the vial Gray had given her instead. The relief she felt was instantaneous. The paralysis vanished and she could feel some of her old strength rapidly returning, but nowhere near the level she used to possess. But for that she did not blame her affliction or its cure. She knew well what had happened, and that she would never be able to return to her former glory. For after recent events she had realized… She was cursed.
It was a few days later, that she chanced upon him again. She was patrolling a safer part of the plains when she spotted the lad arguing with a few older men.
"Please don't be stubborn, sir, solo patrols are frowned upon by your father for good reason…"
"I am fine! I work best alone, without distractions, and I will not cater to my father's whiny demands if it makes me feel caged in!"
With a huff he turned away from the men, quickly disappearing from view in the vast icy tundra. Juvia discreetly followed him. Suddenly the boy whirled around, sword drawn.
"Who goes there?!"
"It is Juvia," the mermaid whispered softly, rising from the icy depths she had been concealed under. "Juvia wished to thank you for the medicine you so kindly gifted her. It worked well."
Gray's brow knit. "Juvia?! Is that your name?"
She beamed at the boy, conveying her undying devotion in her look. The boy flushed and squirmed under her intense gaze.
"Err… I am glad I could help. Well… Good luck then! I'll just be on my way…"
Before he could escape, he was cornered by the mermaid.
"Oh, Gray-darling must not leave so soon! There is much we need to discuss… Such as all your likes and dislikes, what your favorite foods are, when our wedding will be…"
"I have to go Juvia, I'm on patrol… Wait, did you call me 'Gray-darling'? WAIT, DID YOU JUST SAY WEDDING?!"
And thus began the story of the mermaid and the mage.
Juvia concluded her tale, wrapping herself even more firmly around the defeated looking ice mage.
"Why the hell do you want to marry ice breath?" Natsu regarded her with scepticism.
"Yea Juvia," Gajeel frowned, "I'm your friend, so I don't want to see you throw your affection away on this useless snow turd."
Juvia glared at the dragons, the intensity of her look forcing both dragon lads to take a hasty step back.
"Juvia loves him, and that is final!" The mermaid declared haughtily.
"I, for one, think Juvia's devotion is charming." Erza smiled at the mermaid, "Your tale of love is inspiring."
Juvia's gaze snapped to Erza, her eyes widening as if noticing her existence for the first time. The mermaid did a slight double take as she observed Lucy standing next to Erza, and Levy's diminutive form still hovering in terror behind Lucy.
Eyes narrowing, she focused her attention on Erza once more.
Erza continued, oblivious to Juvia's reactions. "Gray," She said, her tone turning stern, "Treat her well. If you dare take advantage of her… I will ensure your punishment will be swift and painful."
Gray gulped, visibly paling as he shook his head vigorously.
"N-never Erza! I'm a gentleman! Besides, we're not a cou…"
"Good. You have my blessings then."
Juvia relaxed as she observed their exchange, glancing between her beloved and the scarlet haired beauty. Her gaze drifted to the females beside her, her sight first locking on the pretty little fairy still endeavoring to hide.
"And who are you, little fairy?" She addressed the creature curiously.
"M-my name is Levy…"
"Oh! Levy, the last spirit fairy? Gajeel has told Juvia much about you."
Levy coughed nervously, flitting forward a little to greet the mermaid.
"He-he has?"
"Oh yes," Juvia's eyes twinkled with mischief, "He is quite in love with you, almost as much as you seem to be with him."
Levy turned beet red, but for once, did not protest. "Oh… err… If that is how you feel, who am I to argue? Ha ha ha…" Levy trailed off nervously.
With another radiant smile at the mini sized fairy, Juvia turned to Lucy, eyeing her far more critically.
"My name is Lucy." Lucy piped up, eager to greet the suddenly aloof looking mermaid. "It truly is a pleasure to meet you! And I simply adored your tale! I'm quite cross with Gray now, for not telling us this lovely story before…"
Gray pouted. "It's not that big a deal… Didn't think it was worth recounting."
"Oh, come now Gray," Lucy giggled, "There's no need to be shy! I think the way you saved Juvia was quite romantic and sweet…"
Gray's cheeks pinked slightly as he shot Lucy an appreciative look - the gesture not going unnoticed by the sharp mermaid.
"Love-rival!" Juvia hissed under her breath, openly glaring at Lucy. Discreetly, the mermaid flicked her wrist at the stream, causing a sudden wave of water to rise high into the air and come crashing down solely on Lucy, drenching the poor human maiden.
"WHAT IN THE HEAVENS?!"
Natsu and Happy erupted with guffaws at the indignant and shocked look on Lucy's face. Lucy threw a glare at them before narrowing her eyes at Juvia.
"You did something, didn't you?"
Juvia raised a brow, her pretty lips falling into a pout. "Why are you so quick to accuse Juvia, love-rival? Besides, it was wrong of you to flirt with Juvia's Gray-darling - can you blame Juvia for protecting him?"
"Juvia…" Gray sighed, throwing an exasperated look at the mermaid still clinging to him.
"I have to agree with Juvia, Milady." Erza said solemnly, "Flirting with the intended of another is highly improper. Juvia's retribution was justified."
"She's not my…"
"Be careful how you finish that sentence, ice boy. Juvia's akin to a sister to me, and if you hurt her feelings…"
"I still can't believe any being can actually like you this much, popsicle pants."
"Aye! But if you get to choose, go with the pretty mermaid! Lucy's too fat."
"Now Happy, be nice. As proud exceeds, we must always be polite."
"I'd heard legends of the jealousy of mermaids from my pixie elders, but it's much more fascinating to see it in action…"
Lucy just gawked at her friends for a long moment. And then she exploded.
"I WAS NOT FLIRTING WITH HIM! HE IS MY FRIEND, AS ALL YOU UNGRATEFUL, CRUEL BEINGS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE! I CAME HERE TO BE NICE AND MAKE A NEW FRIEND TODAY, NOT TO BE LABELED A LOVE-RIVAL AND UNFAIRLY DRENCHED IN WATER! IF I CATCH COLD AND DIE, ON ALL YOUR HEADS BE IT! AND NATSU AND HAPPY, ONE MORE CHUCKLE OUT OF YOU TWO KNUCKLEHEADS AND I'LL DRENCH YOU IN THE STREAM MYSELF!"
The impish pair in question ceased their mirth, giving the irate human girl innocent looks.
"But what did we do? Since when is laughter a crime?" Natsu retorted, failing to suppress a grin.
"Aye, you're mean Lucy. And you can't die from a cold." Happy intoned sagely.
Lucy's shoulders slumped in defeat. She plunked down on the grass, head in her hands, muttering dark promises of pain and punishment to all her supposed friends.
Erza cautiously stepped away from the brooding maiden and approached the mermaid who was still wrapped around the exhausted looking ice mage.
"While Milady Lucy… err… Collects herself, would you like to accompany us to Fairy Tail?"
"Juvia would love too! She has heard so much about it from Sir Gajeel."
"I've already got details from the Master about how to let her in." Gajeel interjected gruffly.
"Would it be okay to leave just now?" Levy added softly, flitting to Gajeel's side and returning to her full form in a puff of glittery smoke. At Pantherlily's questioning look, she nodded her head in Lucy's direction.
"She'll be fine." Erza said softly with an affectionate glance at Lucy. As explanation, she gestured to the fire dragon and the blue exceed who had already plopped down on either side of the human maiden, their former teasing looks replaced with fond and tender smiles. Natsu discreetly raised his wing behind her, enclosing her form as he raised his body temperature to dry the young maiden's hair and clothes. Lucy peeked out at her friend from between her slender fingers, a reluctant smile creeping upon her face as she saw his visage light up with a dazzling grin.
"She's a dragon's treasure after all."