Summary: "Who makes you moan? Who makes you scream in pleasure and joy? I. Fucking. Do. What's mine is mine and sharing isn't an option I'd even have the idiocy to consider."
After the Grand Magic Games, Juvia Lockser took time to reflect on her life – including Gray Fullbuster. Something she wouldn't have done on her own since she was always caught up in her fantasy. It hurt like a bitch to realize that a one-sided love would never be returned, it truly did. And moving on was even harder to do. But still, Juvia swore to do so. Somehow, there's a way for everything.
Genre: Drama/Friendship.
Disclaimer: To say that Fairy Tail belongs to me is pure fantasy. Hiro Mashima remains the creator and has all the rights.
/!\ Warning: This fan-fiction has tons of smut and I won't tell when and where you'll read them in those chapters. I'm unpredictable, huh! Minors have been warned and if you're caught off guard...remember that this fan-fiction is rated M. Read the summary carefully before launching yourself on this story.
… In which drama takes form and friendships seem to be fatally severed.
/!\ Warning: This chapter might be violent. Scratch that, it is physically, mentally violent and full of drama because of Gray, just like you've wanted it. You asked for it, you got it.
[Am I right to think that you guys know Attack on Titan, right? Have you listened to the magnificent soundtracks? So I've been listening to two of them while writing this chapter: Vogel im Kafig & Call Your Name. Ah, and there's also Powerless from Linkin Park. Enjoy.]
Chapter Six: Clarity For You (Part Two)
"Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man? Really? Aren't you supposed to be in a relationship with Laxus? Does he know that his woman is whoring around with another man?"
Woah. Incredible. She slammed shut the lid of the toilet with such force that the noise seemed to reverberate all over the guild and even over the whole area. Outside, the thunder rumbled loudly not too long after – the perfect and terrifying echo of the uncharacteristic, cold fury Juvia Lockser was feeling right now. Even though it was just a natural thunderstorm. Because hell, who could have thought that such words coming out from the mouth of someone she treasured as a very close, special friend despite his coldness could have such impact? Woah. She still couldn't believe it. Those words just kept repeating themselves into her mind, just as cold, meaningless and heartless as the man was when he pronounced them two weeks and a half ago; as much as she wanted to convince herself that Gray Fullbuster couldn't possibly mean them and had talked out of anger, it still had wrecked something inside her chest. It still had shocked her to such level. It still had left a deep mark in her mind. It still had triggered her wrath. And Sting's, above all. Woah. She had no other words to describe such disrespect and behaviour from that man. Juvia gritted her teeth, her fists tightened under her chest as she crossed her arms and walked out of the bathroom of the guild, making her presence known from those – was that courage or foolishness? The blue-haired Water Mage couldn't decide which would suit them better, since they all had been warned to stay clear of her path for the next days. Or weeks, depending of her will to cool down or not. – who had dared to come all the way to Fairy Tail despite the shitstorm that had been raining down on Magnolia since the last confrontation between Gray Fullbuster and Sting Eucliffe. Fairy Tail against Sabertooth. Once again. The Water Mage narrowed her eyes to those who dared to sneak a wary glance at her as she walked toward the doors, intent on taking her leave. Just as she had expected she was now being judged because of her relationship with Sting Eucliffe, for it was no longer a secret due to his unexpected fight with Gray Fullbuster; Titania Erza Scarlet, as dutiful as ever, had revealed everything she had learned from Sting's explanations since Juvia hadn't been able to provide anything due to her shock. Master Makarov had understood the predicament, of course, but that certainly didn't mean that Juvia Lockser, Gray Fullbuster and the guild master of Sabertooth would be excused. Besides fighting one another, they had forgotten something very important: "Whatever the reason, whatever excuse you have, you just can't and don't hurt a friend. Intentionally. He may have deeply hurt you with words that you certainly don't deserve, but he still remains your family. Find the strength within to forgive him. A family cannot function properly when there is unrest and negative intent between members."
Goddamn it. She still couldn't believe that she should find the will to forgive the man she had grown to love for years after such disrespect. Whether Master's orders were absolute or not, she didn't know if her heart would be able to forgive this.
Her master's words had reached her ears, her mind – and Juvia knew she had to try, with all her might, to forgive the Ice Mage for his harsh and unacceptable words. Also, she was aware of the edge that had taken everyone else in the guild since her relationship with Sting Eucliffe had become public knowledge in Fairy Tail; the details of her mate and Gray's fight in town had been described as both violent and merciless from both sides and Juvia, because she was always the kind of woman who would look for the others and find a peaceful way to calm things down, had just taken one's side. As much as she hated doing this kind of bullshit, because it only served to create more drama and unrest.
"What – what are you doing?" Gray Fullbuster's whisper was dripping with stunned disbelief because of the sight presented in front of him. He wasn't the only one to be muted in silent stupor; both Erza Scarlet and Lucy Heartfilia were staring at the blue-haired Water Mage with widened eyes, too bewildered to say something coherent. Because Juvia Lockser was doing something that seemed so surreal and contradictory that the only emotion they could feel was astonishment.
Indeed, one would wonder why the lovely Juvia Lockser, also called the 'Stormbringer of Fairy Tail', was standing between Gray Fullbuster and Sting Eucliffe with her arms raised on each side of her body in order to protect and prevent someone from being hurt – the Ice Mage had fallen into a battle stance, his hands fisted in one another to use his magic, and Sting had done the same; he had activated the White Drive, which would allow him to go faster should he strike. And from the feral, murderous look plastered on his face, the blonde was ready to rip the older mage to shreds after hearing his comment on his mate. His blue eyes, usually soft, intense and enamoured when they looked at Juvia, mischevious and almost child-like when they looked at Lector, Frosch and Rogue (Yukino sometimes, because she had become a friend. A good one.), admirative and competitive when they looked at Natsu Dragneel, now looked like two icy, shiny pools of striking blue orbs that promised one hell of a bloody beating. The killing intent coming out of the guild master was strong, very strong – so strong that the Fire Dragon Slayer himself was slowly backing off, his features contorted in angry horror.
Horror for his rival Gray, who had just insulted a Dragon Slayer's mate in front of said Dragon Slayer, horror for Gray because he couldn't tell if he was going to come out of the incoming bloodshed unscathed and in one piece – horror for the Water Mage because she, long before she and Sting met and bonded, was just accused of cheating on someone she had never dated and insulted by the man she had loved for years. Natsu was no medium, he wouldn't be able to know if the blue-haired woman would find the strength and will to forgive such words coming out of Gray's mouth but he was sure of one thing.
You just don't insult a Dragon Slayer's mate and get away with it. You may talk out of anger, you may say that it was a slip of the tongue, you may try to say sorry over and over, you may cry for forgiveness, you may say whatever you want – this is something you fucking shouldn't do, for your own sake. And Sting Eucliffe wasn't going to forgive Gray Fullbuster for insulting his mate. Whether he was a friend of Natsu Dragneel or not.
And a Dragon Slayer's mate was just as protective and jealous – Igneel had told him this. Should Natsu find his mate one day, he wouldn't know if he'd react the same way Sting was certainly about to. He would bring hell and pain on the people who would dare to harm his life mate for sure... but kill? With this killing intent his fellow Dragon Slayer was exulting? This would be too much for him, he hadn't been raised like this – Fairy Tail never raised him like this. Igneel didn't either. Fairies never took one's life. They protected, fought together and vanquished all obstacles in their path while raising hell – never strayed. Never. Strayed.
And Juvia... Juvia... always protecting what was dear to her and whom she cherished with all her might.
"Why are you protecting him, Juvia?"
Gray Fullbuster was the one who voiced this question, the anger slowly returning. His eyes flashed dangerously at her, unforgiving and still full of this incomprehensible, cold fury that pulsed through every fiber of his being. Because he couldn't understand why she was doing this. Because he couldn't understand why she wasn't by his side. Because he couldn't understand why she wasn't looking at him right now, about to give him an explanation for this damn, fucking scene he had been a witness to. Because –
Because he couldn't understand why she was standing in front of Sting Eucliffe, arms poised as if she wanted to protect him. Because she looked like she was doing the right thing – determined and confident.
What the hell was going on? Gray was lost here – just what in God's name was going on?
"You..." Her voice sounded broken. Sorrowful.
Sting's eyes shifted on her and tremendously lost their murderous look as he listened to her voice; it sounded awful, wrecked by an emotion that made him uneasy and restless. Sadness, he realized as he felt his heart throb painfully in his chest. Her emotions were tormenting her, just as they felt horrendous as they were powerful because the White Dragon Slayer could feel them as well; her sadness was the strongest in her heart, voiced out by her incredulous, yet broken tone. Juvia was more than upset – and Sting had no real words to describe all these feelings overwhelming her at great speed but it spurred his desire to hurt the Ice Mage. He was terribly itching to hurt.
Her blue eyes – wide, sorrowful and full of bright tears that caused Lucy to gasp in horror, her own brown eyes tearing up because she could feel the bluenette's intense pain. – still looked determined as they stared hard at Gray Fullbuster. The one who had sounded like a complete stranger, even though he had spoken out of anger. The one who now appeared like a complete stranger, even though he could say that it was out of line.
"You won't... you won't do anything. I w-w-won't let you touch Sting." Painful pants. Painful breaths. Painful tears streaming down her cheeks, enhanced by the rumbling above their heads. Then, one shout out of sorrow, out of fury, out of sadness – out of burning determination. "I WON'T LET YOU HURT ME OR MY MAN!"
Juvia Lockser's scream was accompanied by roaring thunder. A promise. This was a promise.
And she hadn't been kidding when she had told Gray that she wouldn't let him hurt Sting, because he had done nothing wrong to her – absolutely nothing. She had done what she thought was right in her opinion, protecting the man who had been giving her happiness for more than a month; by becoming his mate, Juvia had truly discovered what it meant to matter to someone who wouldn't play with her heart and let her taste a piece of heaven. Ever since she saw Sting's tears of utter relief at seeing his Exceed alive and well in the cat lady's arms, Juvia had been wondering if she would be able to know a little more about the White Dragon Slayer – thus she had painted him to, in her own words, to immortalize him because he intrigued her so much. She hadn't realized how much her bond with Sting Eucliffe would change so many things in her life as a Fairy Tail mage.
Juvia Lockser may have consciously known that something like this would eventually happen but had she known about the consequences? Her secret relationship with the White Dragon Slayer would have gone public one day, that she had been sure of it once they were comfortable enough to tell the world of their union, but the Water Mage hadn't foreseen the damages it could cause because of the rivalry between their two guilds – Sabertooth had become Fairy Tail's strongest rival and ally (only when the sake of Fiore was at stake.) since the Grand Magic Games after Lucy's cruel and merciless beating, so the tensions were still alive. In fact, she had a glimpse of that hostility from Gray's part – he still wasn't over the fact Sting's former guild fellow member had tortured the Celestial Mage out of 'strategy' and he didn't like her mate, she had realized with a dark frown. Forgiveness wouldn't be given so easily.
That had brought Juvia to wonder why Gray Fullbuster had given her a chance after hurting his own friends back when they still were enemies. Back when the old Juvia Lockser had no qualms to hurt in order to succeed. Back when she would have had no qualms in eliminating him on the spot, had she not started to feel something for him. Really, if he was still holding a grudge toward Sabertooth and couldn't consider its master a friend or her lover, why had Gray Fullbuster given her a chance to become his friend? Didn't Sting Eucliffe, Rogue Cheney and everyone in Sabertooth deserve another chance as well?
Just as she was about to reach the guild doors she heard something – a whisper that suddenly awoke something very primal in her guts.
"Do you think she's gonna apologize to Gray after what she did to him?"
Juvia stopped dead in her tracks, which also succeeded in making the whole hall quiet as several stares flew to her frozen form. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath, waiting for Juvia's reaction as she processed the words in her head. Since nobody could see her face, her expression remained a mystery, but Mirajane and Cana could feel the anger seeping out of their friend like small blast waves; the rumbling outside seemed to increase a little bit just as the blue-haired woman turned around slowly, her long hair following the movement, to look at Jet and Droy. Her glare had always been deemed as scary before but, right now, 'scary' wasn't the right word to use to describe the emotion swirling dangerously into those dark, cerulean eyes. 'Murderous' would be more appropriate as they gave both members of Shadow Gear a terrifying, chilling sensation trickling down their spine.
Her voice was just as chilling as calm. "Well, Jet? Droy?" she 'gently' pressed as she also started to approach them in a very slow pace. "You seem to be having an interesting conversation and I couldn't help but overhear some words so... please, do carry on and talk to me."
"N-no, w-we...," Jet and Droy were sweating, trying hard to control the trembling of their limbs. Somewhere near them Gajeel frowned, wincing a little. He knew Juvia wouldn't hurt them voluntarily but still, he didn't let his guard down; Jet and Droy weren't being mean but those two idiots should have known better than playing gossipers over some perturbing event that had scarred his best friend deeply. The Iron Dragon Slayer had never seen such frightening look over her features and that was what struck him hard: Juvia Lockser had never worn such look back when they were both in Phantom Lord.
"Tell me, do you think that Gray Fullbuster truly deserves apologies for my behaviour and actions toward him these past weeks? Do you sincerely think that I should be the one apologizing to him after what he's told me five weeks ago when I was just spending some time with my boyfriend and some friends over fishing?" By the last word Juvia was now in front of the two mages, looming over them like a threatening and dark shadow with murderous eyes. Gajeel's red eyes widened, his jaws tightened and all the nerves in his body suddenly chilled as he sensed her killing intent – it had increased. And even Mirajane couldn't pretend to clean the bar anymore, since her eyes were watching Juvia intently. Waiting. "We weren't doing anything wrong, we weren't hurting anyone, we weren't even fighting – we were just relaxing together, for God's sake!" she yelled the last sentence, slamming her fists onto the wooden table where Jet and Droy were sitting, making the two friends jump in fright.
"Sweet o' Mavis, but that day had started just fine. It was just between friends trying to catch all the fish we could because they wanted me to cook a feast, how could everything go from heavenly to an incredible, hellish nightmare once the man I used to love suddenly barks some nonsense about me dating a friend I've never dated and 'whoring around with another man'? Had he even thought before telling me those horrible things? Has he even expressed his apologies during those three weeks, Jet? Has he," Juvia almost flung herself at the brown-haired man, her eyes cold and merciless. He flinched, terror written in his sweating face. "Has he respected me at all as a woman when he directly insulted me of being a whore? A cheating whore, no less? By the Gods! Answer me, Jet? Droy? All of you!" She straigthened herself back up, glaring harshly at her audience and uncaring of the raging thunderstorm outside. If anything, it just enticed her fury. "All of you, come here and tell me where I've done wrong to be insulted in the worst way a woman could ever be, especially when this woman hasn't done anything to be insulted! You can recognize a whore when you see one, but you can't even recognize a woman when she's finally moved on with her life and decided to give a chance to a man who can introduce her to love and happiness? Pathetic!" She had spat the last word with such venom in her voice and such a vile stare that many looked away, having gone pale.
Juvia took deep breaths, her fists tightened on her sides. She knew she wasn't finished because she was really far, far from finished, but she needed to take all this shit out once again since her friends were obviously still hung up about the deadly, bloody beating she had given Gray four weeks ago. But again, Juvia couldn't really blame them; they've known Gray Fullbuster ever since he was a kid while she was still one of the youngest – and still a stranger to most of them. So witnessing Juvia Lockser, formerly deemed and called 'Gray's girl' because she was deeply enamoured with him, beating the shit out of the resident Ice Mage by only using her legs had shocked them all. And all the blood she had drawn from the barrage of kicks she had rained down on him...
"Destroying a city block, this I can forgive. But attacking a guild member – moreover, your friend? – out of free will and attempting to fatally hurt him? While I completely understand that Gray's words have deeply affected you since he has been misguided for quite a long time, your behaviour over the whole situation cannot be overlooked, Juvia. Hiding your relationship with the Sabertooth guild master Sting Eucliffe from us was both your choice, and we respect that. I respect that, for Fairy Tail and Sabertooth have had issues that may have more or less been solved and trusting has become the hardest thing to do for everyone. Gray was terribly wrong to insult you and even though he was the one who has brought up the tensions between the two guilds, you still acted willingly and wounded him. This is something that I, as a guild master and a father figure to all of you, cannot let go unpunished. Gray will be punished, that is for sure, but you will be as well..."
She gritted her teeth, violently wrenching her arm out of Lucy's hand and backing off to avoid being comforted by Lisanna. The two girls gulped audibly, their eyes wide and tearing up from Juvia's obvious hurting behind her fury. They both had tried to stay by her side after accepting Master Makarov's punishment – two comforting presence the Water Mage had grown to appreciate and love despite her suffocating urge to be alone and avoid the guild at any cost. But since her emotions sometimes tended to go overboard, Juvia had willingly rejected them and had thoroughly refused to see anyone for a long time. Nine weeks, she thought with an angry snarl as thunder roared in synch with her cold fury, is a long time to learn about forgiveness and rekindling.
"... Master Sting Eucliffe and I have agreed on one decision concerning your punishment, since you are his mate. He tried to show fairness as much as he could considering the situation you've all put us in with the Council – that's what he wanted you to know. And if you want to have a word with him about it, you are free to do so. Know that this wasn't easy for him to agree on this decision, Juvia. This was the very last thing he wanted to happen to you, you have to believe me. He is as pained as you will be and doesn't take it very well. However, it is his duty as a guild master to act as such. You may be his mate but that doesn't mean he will overlook what has happened. But as a consequence of your acts on a fellow comrade of Fairy Tail, your own guild..."
"Apologize, huh?" Juvia bit her lip so hard that blood was starting to trickle down her chin. But she didn't care. "Sure, this is something I'm so accustomed to do. I did apologize to Lucy for hurting her seven years ago back when I was still part of Phantom Lord, because I've been in the wrong. So did Gajeel-kun. We've grown to forgive ourselves from our past felony issues because of you and for that, I will be forever grateful. But..."
"... you, Juvia Lockser, will from now on wear an anti-magic collar for nine weeks. You are forbidden to take it off until it's due. You... you are also hereby forbidden to see guild master Sting Eucliffe for four weeks straight. And thus you won't be able to use your magic and go on missions. Nine weeks straight. This is an order and... this is your punishment."
I'm deeply sorry, my child. I truly am.
The Water Mage snapped, grabbing the the turtleneck of her shirt and pulling at it harshly to reveal the horrible device that had been tormenting her for the first two weeks. Her eyes were wild and mirroring her emotions – those horrible emotions that had been bubbling up and boiling under that barely controlled facade. Hurt, sorrow and sadness all mixed up in one happy and loving woman's mind who had just wanted to protect her man. "... HE DOESN'T HAVE TO WEAR THIS ABOMINATION! AFTER ALL, HE WASN'T THE ONE WHO HURT A COMRADE BECAUSE HE JUST WANTED TO PROTECT SOMEONE ELSE, WAS HE?!" she bellowed. "SO FUCK YOU AND YOUR APOLOGIES, BECAUSE HE CERTAINLY DOESN'T DESERVE THEM!"
O Fortune,
variable
as the moon,
always dost thou
wax and wane.
Detestable life,
first dost thou mistreat us,
and then,
whimsically,
thou heedest our desires.
Juvia snarled in disgust, hiding the dreading device under her white turtleneck. "If that is the punishment for protecting the man I lo – treasure so much from a threat, then I shall accept it with my head held high," she said coldly, her voice hoarse from the yelling. "That is Fairy Tail-like. What I did to Gray afterward doesn't even equal something akin to apologizing, I just needed a good release." Her eyes narrowed darkly as she backed away from Jet and Droy, heading for the doors of the guild. "And what do you know? He just happened to be in my way..."
Most of her friends recoiled from the implied comment as if they had been badly burned, recalling the memory that was still fresh in everyone's mind. He just happened to be in my way. Those words were as sharp as a knife cutting someone's throat in a swift movement and, coming from Juvia's mouth, it sounded just as merciless and cruel as the brutal, violent barrage of kicks she had rained down on Gray. It had been twisted. To think that Juvia Lockser had been crazy in love with the resident Ice Mage for so long and, to everyone's unpleasant and unexpected surprise, would have the guts to lay a hand with the firm intention to hurt him was the surprise of the century. Who knew that becoming a Dragon Slayer's mate would definitely change her whole life and the perspectives? It changed everything – Sting Eucliffe changed everything. While Juvia was still a loving woman and this selfless, kind woman who would give her whole life to her family, she now seemed deeply committed to the Sabertooth guild master and she assumed that fact with her head held high, daring anyone to challenge her devotion and love toward him. He just happened to be in my way. Had she not become Sting Eucliffe's mate, she would have never dared to hurt Gray Fullbuster – the man she had loved. Used to love. Would never love again.
"... and I still don't regret clarifying my new feelings toward him," she finished, as cold and calm as she first was before Jet's comment, and then promptly left a quiet Fairy Tail behind her.
Juvia knew the meaning of the sentence 'It was as if the world has just stopped' all too well but, somehow, it seemed to have oddly become a haunting, more than terrifying meaning she was now bound to discover as Master Makarov proceeded with the task. Her eyes, having first of all widened in absolute disbelief, then dulled due to the announcement of her punishment for attacking Gray Fullbuster willingly, followed his movements and watched as a hawk. His expression was grim and pained – the tangible proof that he was loathe to proceed with this. The old man really looked like he was about to burst in tears, just like he must have when he had excommunicated his beloved grandson Laxus due to the consequences of the Battle of Fairy Tail. And though Juvia wanted to scream in protest, yell out of outrage and her fury, the words were boldly constricting her throat. Again, they were failing her.
… Master, this is...
Just some words and maybe, maybe he will drop that horrifying idea. Maybe she wouldn't have to wear this dreadful device specifically created to render all mages powerless and unable to use their magic – what was part of them. Juvia didn't realize she was breathing hard, her knuckles turning white because she was squeezing the chair she sat on with so much force that she couldn't feel the pain. At least there weren't shards in her fingers and palms that would have to be removed, since going to the infirmary while wearing this. But her instincts were telling her – screaming at her – to evade the punishment at all cost, to run out of the room. Juvia had always trusted her instincts. Always. Right now, they weren't lying to her: her magic would be sealed.
… Don't do this... You can't...
He could. And he will. She saw him nod, an almost imperceptible movement that she would have missed if she hadn't been paying attention to him – since he was now the threat according to her senses and instincts. – and before she knew it, Juvia felt her arms being restrained by two strong, firm hands. Her dark cerulean eyes ever so slowly widened as she lifted her head to stare at the one restraining her. The short blonde locks were easily recognizable. The lightning bolt scar on his right eye as well. But that dull, saddened expression on his shadowed face, however...
… Laxus... Not you too...
… she didn't recognize it. Laxus. They had just become closer friends. She had figured he must have tried to talk his grandfather out of this, that he would have fought with him about this dreadful decision to seal her magic and forbid her to see Sting for four weeks straight – four weeks. She would have to try hard not to scream her sorrow and wreak everything in her path out of frightening anguish and fury, because that would only add to all the growing despair that was overwhelming her whole being right now. Juvia watched dumbly as Laxus' lips moved but she couldn't hear the words, somehow deaf to the world after listening to her punishment. What he was saying? Was he saying he was sorry? Deeply sorry? For what? For having to restrain her while his grandfather put on the device that would crumple, cripple and reduce her to next to nothing? Oh, the irony.
… Wait, we can...
It was cold and alien when Master attached it around her neck. A stark contrast with her warmth. But she instantly felt the change within her body; her magic somehow disappeared, blasted away like dust in the wind. Gone with the wind. The familiar, peaceful swirling of her water magic was gone, far away and sealed. Impossible to reach. Couldn't be broken out of the seal by her will – her hardened, steel-like will. As if sensing the sudden and unexpected loss Juvia's body started to convulse uncontrollably and she jerked, a wrecked and broken sob escaping her dry lips. Laxus' arms tightened around her on reflex and the Lightning Mage brought her struggling form against his powerful chest, his teeth gritting together. Anger? Maybe.
Surely.
Because her pride had just been taken out – her water magic, which she controlled so well, was now out of her reach for nine weeks. Nine weeks during which she would never be Fairy Tail's Juvia Lockser, the loving Water Mage. Nine weeks during which she would cry her sorrow and shout her fury. Nine weeks during which she would start to claw at her own skin to get the dreadful device off.
Nine weeks during which the skies won't express her emotions.
They say that when the world stops, time also seems to freeze and remains still until reality comes crashing back into your brain and mind. And when it does, it's more than just painful.
Juvia Lockser didn't know how long she had been staring at her hands – those slender, beautiful hands that had once hurt and learned to protect. Maybe it had been minutes, an hour or more. She hadn't counted, she hadn't noticed anything since that familiar, peaceful swirling of her magic had disappeared from within – there was nothing. There seemed to be no trace of her powerful water magic. She blinked, very slowly, then flexed her fingers. She tried to feel, tried to summon.
Nothing. No water.
By the Gods. This wasn't a very bad nightmare. This wasn't even an illusion in which she had to escape from. This was reality. And as Master Makarov had said, she would have to deal with it for nine weeks. Juvia exhaled weakly, finding her throat dry and painful. Nine weeks, he said.
Nine weeks to spend without being able to use her magic. Four weeks during which Juvia Lockser and Sting Eucliffe were forbidden to see each other due to their involvement in the fight with Gray Fullbuster in Magnolia two days ago. If she counted, that was sixty-three days without magic and twenty-eight days without Sting. If she wanted to be specific, that was six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. If she wanted to conclude these frightening calculations, it was asking her to give in to madness and never fight it.
Damn. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Damn. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Damn. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Nine weeks, four weeks. Sixty-three days without magic, twenty-eight days without Sting, six hundred seventy-two hours without Sting and one thousand five hundred and twelve hours without magic. Goddamn it.
She truly had no other word to describe this. So... so...
A chuckle. A broken, humourless one. Another one escaped her lips, similar to the first one. A third one. A fourth. A fifth. Then...
Juvia Lockser screaming. Finally screaming. Reality has finally settled in and had come crashing back into her mind, just as cruel and merciless as the fact that she wouldn't be herself for the next nine weeks. All this because she had wanted to protect someone she loved dearly.
All this because she had wanted to protect from a fellow comrade.
She didn't see the black blurr near her, she didn't notice the red eyes surveying her with this unspoken, so sincere and deep apology that he would only say to her because she was family. His first family after Metallicana. He knew she wouldn't hear him in her state but, as the one who would always have her back no matter what, he needed to say this. Despite her screaming and anguished state.
"I've always known he would never be good enough for you, Juvia. Always..."
Even though she was still far away, disturbed, Juvia kind of registered the feeling of muscled arms around her lithe frame, embracing her tightly against a powerful chest. It was meant to be comfortable, to comfort her... but that didn't stop her from expressing herself in this sorrowful scream.
It took hours – long hours to accept the harsh, cruel reality of the consequences – but Juvia had finally settled down; she could no longer scream and her voice was failing her, she had her wrists bound together by Gajeel to stop herself from clawing at her neck even more. Bright streaks of red adorned her slender neck, oddly contrasting with her pale skin, which were now covered with bandages and bound to heal in a few days. Of course she would have tried to take the collar off, even if that meant she would eventually rip her skin off in the process – it was a reflex all panicked mages had when they knew what that meant to have their magic forcefully sealed. Juvia hadn't been an exception. She would try that again. Again and again, again and again. She was lying in a bed, eyes closed, in a foetal position, but wasn't asleep. The Water Mage looked peaceful, but she was just fighting the aftereffects of the sedative Porlyusica had injected her after much struggling from Juvia, who was way too feral to be touched by anyone.
The Iron Dragon Slayer gazed at her silently, unable to find words – anything. It was yet another failure for him because he hadn't been there to prevent the holy massacre; Gajeel had promised himself to have her back no matter what, she always had his in any situation. Always. He gritted his teeth, silently seething. Once again, he failed to have her back. He hadn't been there to stop her in her attempt to hurt Gray when the Ice Mage had attacked her mate, he hadn't been there to restrain her from hurting him any further and while his desire to shred him for insulting and accusing Juvia of being a whore – never. Never in his life he would have seen the day when someone would accuse Sprinkler of 'whoring around'. His desire to hurt Gray was consuming, like a blazing fire inferno that would never calm down until he was satisfied. Had Juvia remained the old Juvia Lockser from Phantom Lord, she would have ensured that Gray Fullbuster would never see the light of day ever. Again. Not after such insult.
How was Sting coping with all this? Gajeel frowned as he looked down. Since he was her mate, the White Dragon Slayer also felt all her emotions and since he had agreed with Master Makarov on Juvia's punishment and the stripper bastard's, he must be a mess right now...
[A few hours earlier, at Sabertooth...]
"Sting." Was that his partner's voice? Was that Rogue? It must be. The blonde tried hard to glance at him – just one little glance to see if he could take it. Just to see if he could handle the consequences. Because what was choking him and clutching painfully at his chest were his own guilt for having to punish his mate and Juvia's anguish over the situation. He breathed hard, having fallen to the ground due to the pressure of his lovely beloved, his eyes wide and full of tears. Lector was beside him as well, his face contorted into an expression of worry (only for Sting originally, then later for Juvia because she had grown on him. And he liked her.). "Sting," Rogue's voice sounded once again, somehow far away. "It's gonna be alright."
And how? Just how would anything be alright after what he's done? To her, the only person in the world he shouldn't hurt? Goddamn it, everything was going so smoothly, so well...
"She will pull through this and you as well," his best friend assured him in a firm voice. "Fate hasn't brought you a weak woman, you know she is stronger than this. And from this experiencce she will learn something."
Wild, blue eyes looked up at the dark-haired man. "Like... what?" Sting managed to wheeze out, clutching at his chest.
Rogue's red eyes were confident as they stared at his blue orbs. Confident and firm. Just like his trust in the Water Mage.
"To protect her mate without being forced to resort to violence if words can be enough."
The Shadow Dragon Slayer really believed it. Just like that. Juvia Lockser truly looked like the type of woman who could overcome anything that would be thrown at if her willpower was strong enough, she showed him a glimpse of this when he had wanted to test her the last time they had seen her. Strong-willed as she was, Juvia would take the world by storm to live her happiness with Sting, whether Gray Fullbuster or many of Fairy Tail were opposed to it or not.
Rogue squeezed his shoulder and nodded at him. Sting nodded back, albeit weakly.
Gajeel perked up and slightly tilted his head toward the closed door of the infirmary, listening. Soon his face grew darker and darker as his teeth grounded together. Hn. So, the troublemaker had returned. And with him the desire, the urge to hurt and strangle something until asphyxia. Juvia's dull eyes, albeit half-closed because of her dazed state, caught his movement and blinked ever so slowly. But her face never changed: both pained and emotionless at the same time (only he could see that because he had long learned to describe her expressions and tell if she was upset or ready to cry her eyes out.). She was curious.
"...what?" she rasped out.
"Nothing," her best friend snapped. Panther Lily glanced at him, inquiring and his look sharp. Gajeel either ignored it or pretended not to see it. "Nothing of your concern, Sprinkler." Then he rose from his seat, walking briskly toward the door.
Juvia had trouble rising from her lying position on the bed but she did manage to sit up, wincing slightly because of the pounding headache attacking her from every side of her head. When Gajeel wrenched the door open, he snarled without a care in the world at the person who was about to knock and didn't hesitate to growl at the shocked face of Erza "Titania" Scarlet. Had he been in a clearer state of mind, Gajeel Redfox would have never done such thing. Yet, he had a very good reason to.
"What?" he growled-barked out.
If the guild had already been quiet for hours following Juvia's unsettling breakdown over the consequences of her punishment, then it had reached a new level of silence. It was the kind of dumbfounded silence you would never want to hear because most of the time, it promised so much pain and a beating so you would remember your manners very well around the most respected people. He caught sight of Levy not far from Bunny Girl, noted her worried and scared face, and should have calmed down a bit – he should have. But not this time. Not when his best friend was in this near-vegetable state due to her breakdown.
Right now, Gajeel didn't give a shit about manners: he was beyond pissed and if Erza did mind that he was being disrespectful and rude, then so what?
"Gajeel, we've heard from the others that Juvia is –" Erza started but she cut herself off, biting her inferior lip in a deeply conflicted expression and the Iron Dragon Slayer could tell that she was seriously afflicted by whatever had happened to Juvia, since she didn't know what sort of punishment she had. Nevertheless, her mentioning his best friend's name in such a way made him snarl once again and it took him all his might not to fling himself at the red-haired woman on the spot. "Is she alright?"
He narrowed his red eyes at her, his look darkening even more. "Oh that's right, Team Natsu wasn't here to hear her screams of anguish like the others," he growled in a snarky way, making the knight perk up. He ignored her inquiring gaze as he addressed everyone else. "So how was it, shitheads? Enjoyed it? Why are you still here anyway? Don't you all have anything else to do?"
"Gajeel..." Levy.
But he thought he should ignore it. Or so he thought. He couldn't, so he turned toward her, making her flinch because of the haunted, enraged look in his eyes. "What, Levy? WHAT? What do you wanna say, that you care? Do you think I don't know that?" He snorted, the anger not even decreasing one inch. "But that won't solve the situation here: what matters here is Stripper fucking Fullbuster and his goddamn part in Juvia's punishment. Since she wasn't ready to tell everyone about her relationship with Sting, they had both kept it a secret because they knew it would cause this kind of reaction from those who still haven't forgotten or forgiven Sabertooth or that black-haired bitch for hurting Bunny Girl over here. She knew you wouldn't have approved, so she didn't say anything. But of course, there were some who thought that she was going out with the lightning dude – what a total load of bullshit!" he spat mercilessly as his blazing gaze fell on Cana, Lucy, Erza and Mirajane, who all looked away in shame and guilt.
Laxus, who hadn't moved away from the infirmary door since he had to restrain the Water Mage when his grandfather moved to attach the dreadful anti-magic collar around her neck, groaned in annoyance as his glare intensified and he scowled harshly. Now he understood why Gray had lashed out on him several days ago – that was because of these four she-devils who couldn't have minded their damn own business instead of playing spy on one of their friends! While he secretly admitted that he wouldn't have minded a relationship with Juvia – he wasn't going to lie, he did think about bedding the lovely blue-haired naiad –, the fact that Cana, Lucy, Erza and Mirajane had first thought that he was secretly screwing Juvia enraged him.
Gajeel was about to close the door to the infirmary when small, soft hands rested on his shoulder and he looked back to see cerulean hair, dull blue eyes that had lost their spark and her ashen face. Behind her, Panther Lily stood in his hybrid form, his eyes never leaving the weakened Water Mage.
"Sprinkler –"
"Home," was her answer in a whisper as she cut him off. "I want... home..."
Where she wouldn't be subject to all the stares. Where she would be trying to let all this sink in.
The Iron Dragon Slayer felt his wrath deflate despite him and he sighed, knowing he couldn't refuse that. "Fine, let's get you home, Sprinkler," he relented, snaking an arm around her waist to help her stand and walk.
Erza was the first to recover and her brown snapped back up to look at the blue-haired woman, worried once again. "Juvia, are you –" she cut herself off once more and this time, she could be found baffled and horrified at the device around her neck. And of course, she knew what it meant and the consequences of having this god-forsaken thing around the neck.
The red-haired knight was speechless, just like all the others who could now see and understand the cause of her screams earlier; many gasped in horror, some tried hard to look away from the offending sight but couldn't bring themselves to, others had tears welling up and some girls even tried to reach out – mainly Lucy, Cana and Mirajane. Even Lisanna, Bisca and Wendy ran up to the Water Mage – but one look and a growl from Gajeel was enough to stop them dead on their tracks. Juvia either ignored them or simply didn't notice that she was the center of attention, she just held on the wild, black-haired man to steady herself as they started to make their way through the guild toward the doors.
Unfortunately, it would seem that even leaving would be a problem; the last obstacle between them and the doors happened to be a certain Ice Mage, whose dark, wide eyes held a disbelieving look as they stared at the seemingly broken Juvia Lockser, who slowly lifted her head to gaze up at him. Gray visibly stiffened when he noted the dull, lifeless look in her eyes – those same eyes that had looked at Sting Eucliffe with so much passion and love. They now looked so... empty.
Anger seemed to fill Gajeel's body once again like a boomerang coming back in full force at the sight of the Ice Mage. "You. Move away before I snap your spine," he snarled, a dangerous growl rumbling in his chest. "And I won't even care if it will cost me to lose my magic, as long as you steer clear from Juvia's sight. At least I'll have you as my release since I didn't get to give you the beating you deserve for this fucked up situation."
Everybody seemed to tense around them, all eyes glued to the trio at the doors. Gray gulped down whatever words he had intended to speak and focused hard on Juvia, whose gaze sent him a dead look; she seemed so far in her mind, obviously trying to forget about the weight of her punishment. He also choked on his saliva when he noticed the bloodied bandages around her neck, just above her anti-magic collar and Gray immediately understood that she had tried to claw it off in her panic, scratching her skin in the process. A very bitter, painful sensation clutched at his guts as he tried to choke down the bile that had gathered in his mouth.
Gray Fullbuster had never thought that guilt could be this painful to someone. He had thought that since he'd been responsible for Ur's demise at the hands of Deliora, he would never experience such feeling once again. When he had fought Sting Eucliffe the other day after seeing that cocky, unnerving White Dragon Slayer of Sabertooth, he had let his resentment, his anger and his possessiveness take over his reason – just like Juvia had suspected, he hadn't forgiven the tigers for torturing Lucy and Gray honestly felt like he wouldn't (just because the blonde Dragon Slayer was Natsu's number one fan-boy didn't mean that this guild would instantly rise from being trash to being a respectable one like Fairy Tail. No.), so seeing the blue-haired woman embraced in Sting's arms, looking at him with such burning eyes full of heated passion and him looking at her with his own eyes mirroring her emotions had made him snap. Gray hadn't even thought about asking Juvia if she was indeed going out with Laxus – he had directly insulted her in the most hurtful way possible, thus triggering Sting's wrath. And hers. Which had led them into that crapsack.
He gulped down once again, taking a step forward. "Juvia –"
"Shut. The hell. Up!" Gajeel grounded, a vein protruding on his temple out of anger. "Don't even think about it!"
"Gray, I-I think y-you should back off," Lucy stuttered, feeling worried for her blue-haired friend. Not only she hadn't demanded to see him for explaining why she hadn't told him right away, but she was still out of it. Lucy could see that: those dead eyes of hers were frightening.
Juvia Lockser was forced to have her magic sealed – that was hurtful enough. But she was also forbidden to see the man she loved and vice versa and though Lucy didn't really know Sting Eucliffe that much, he must also be in pain not to be able to be by Juvia's side right now; after getting explanations from Natsu, who had revealed that Juvia was Sting's mate and that all Dragon Slayers had one mate for life and constructed an unbreakable bond, the Stellar Mage couldn't help but feel sympathy and sadness for him. The Sabertooth guild master must have it hard by now. But Juvia right here was the problem; Gray trying to talk to her might end up in another shitstorm. One wrong choice of words, and she might snap. Violently.
Juvia's voice, just as lifeless as her eyes, quieted everyone. "It's... alright."
Red eyes snapped at her, disbelieving. "What?" Gajeel asked, at a loss.
But she remained emotionless, repeating her words. "It's alright, Gajeel... really..." Her dark, cerulean eyes never left Gray's. Her tone sounded so far away.
Did that mean that she was willing to forgive his harsh words? The Ice Mage was strangely suspicious about it but even he couldn't prevent that thought from giving him small hope – small, but definitely there. Gray didn't dare trying to reach out to take her hands in his, for he was sure Juvia would just recoil as if his contact would burn her more than his earlier words. However he, like everyone else, was left speechless when Juvia extended her shackled hands toward him.
Did she...? Did she really...?
In Juvia's head, Master Makarov's words echoed once again:
"Whatever the reason, whatever excuse you have, you just can't and don't hurt a friend. Intentionally. He may have deeply hurt you with words that you certainly don't deserve, but he still remains your family. Find the strength within to forgive him. A family cannot function properly when there is unrest and negative intent between members."
No matter what, Juvia could forgive. She truly could do it. It would take her a lot of willpower and energy but, in due time, maybe they could reconcile. Maybe. Eventually. That was what Master wanted, anyway. A family who worked out just fine, without any kind of rift or hatred toward one another. He wasn't looking for an idealistic family, no – but a family who wouldn't give up on one another and would keep loving every member. That Juvia can do. Yes, she could do that. So she was relieved when Gray grabbed her hands.
Really, really, relieved.
Because he, like everyone else (except Gajeel, maybe. Juvia didn't really dwell on that.), certainly didn't expect the Water Mage to pull him down until he was on his knees before her. And they certainly didn't expect her to kick Gray so hard in the left side of his face that the sound dragged in the hall, reverberating in the shocked silence. In fact, nobody had seen her strike – that had been too fast. Way. Too. Fast. Gray's face followed the brutal movement and his body, though he was heavier than Juvia was, also flew to meet the floor in a crash.
"Juvia! What on Earth –" someone shouted, stunned.
"Gray, you alright?" she heard a girl wail – was it Lucy? Ah, of course. The caring, sweet blonde. Juvia will deal with her sneaky friend later. In due time.
Juvia's eyes still looked emotionless, like her expression, but what made her move and spring to life was this unknown urge boiling under that dazed state of hers; the screaming was one thing – it hadn't helped. Not really. And when she had found out that her tears hadn't brought up the rain like it should have, that had been the last proof to make her realize that her magic was locked. Sealed. Huh. She moved toward Gray with fluidity and swiftness – something that brought the Iron Dragon Slayer to gawk, since she hadn't looked strong enough to walk on her own earlier –, who was slowly picking himself up with a painful grunt, ignored the shouts of protests from everyone else and slammed her foot on his head to prevent him from rising. His surprised and painful grunt echoed in her mind and for once, which truly both stunned and pleased her at the same time, Juvia found herself feeling thrilled at the idea of bringing pain to the man she had once loved with all her heart. After all, if her painful screaming hadn't helped her...
"You know, Gray," Juvia's voice was clear this time, so that everybody could hear what she was saying as she looked down on him. The position on itself was impressive: it showed who was dominating the other and, surprisingly enough, the one who looked like a lifeless woman who had been robbed of a part of her was the dominant – her foot firmly in place on Gray's head to prevent him from rising on his legs, the blue-haired mage didn't look like a defeated woman anymore, but more like someone who was about to bring intense, severe pain as she stared down at the Ice Mage with an unfamiliar glint in her dark, cerulean eyes. "Gajeel had always wondered what was so fantastic and amazing about you when I kept talking about how much I loved you, and I would always answer that you were the first one to show me the light – a bright light I've never been able to see before because I was always surrounded by a world of darkness. Now that Fate has brought me Sting in my life after the Grand Magic Games, clarity has befallen me. And you..." She slightly narrowed her eyes, putting more pressure in her foot on his head a little more, which made Gray groan. "... how about some of my clarity for you?"
… then Juvia Lockser might as well make some use of her powerful footwork she was working hard on. Period.
The hall was silent as she decked him hard with the same foot, aiming where it would hurt the most, except for Gray's grunts and (occasionally) screams of pain and Juvia's barrage of kicks. She was deeply focused on him, on her prey at her feet, and she didn't care about their audience. But she still could feel the stares. Those horrified, stunned stares. Oh yes, she could. And she didn't give a shit about them, for the sound of his broken bones was much more satisfying – somehow. Juvia didn't know why, but it must be because Gray had managed to hurt her mate despite her trying to shield him from the attacks made of ice. Because she had felt that it was right to protect the man she loved from someone who had had intentions of hurting him. Could someone blame her for protecting Sting Eucliffe from someone who shouldn't have reacted the way he had – a.k.a the very man she had loved with all her might but had constantly brushed her off?
It almost seemed like an eternity has passed when someone finally shook herself or himself out of the horrified stupor and shouted. "Juvia! Hey Juvia, stop it! STOP!"
The blue-haired woman, who had Gray's bloodied face held by her right foot so that everyone could see how beaten he looked (Lucy and Levy gasped in horror at the sight, their hands flying to their mouth to muffle the screams.), turned her head toward the person who had just interrupted her. Erza. "What is it?" she inquired, her tone expressionless. "I'm in the middle of teaching Gray what it means to respect a woman when she's innocent in a web of rumors."
The red-haired knight ignored the last jab as she stared at Juvia dead in the eyes. She had a sword drawn in her left hand, which she squeezed so tightly that her knuckles must have turned white under her gauntlets. Her gaze was both threatening and solemn, which was a sight to behold on Erza "Titania" Scarlet. "More kicks, and you might kill him," was all she said.
And you're certainly not a murderer. Isn't that right, Juvia? She also seemed to mentally imply.
Somehow, Juvia got the hint. She even seemed to understand what Erza had silently said in her head. Blinking slowly she looked down on Gray; the Ice Mage was still breathing, but barely conscious. His strength had failed him when he could have stopped Juvia in her tracks but the barrage of kicks she has just rained down on him had him drained, powerless. Weakened. Overpowered. Juvia doubted he could make out something with his blurred vision. Blood drops fell on the wooden floor, staining it.
The Water Mage let him drop on the floor and, almost immediately after she started to walk past the doors of the guild, everybody rushed to Gray's side, Wendy being the first upon him.
"I'll assume my punishment with my head held high." Her voice got to those who were listening and also those who were tending to the Ice Mage. "I'll bear the consequences of hurting someone from my own family out of free will, but all of you should remember that I only did it because I was protecting someone I love." The word came out so easily, so fluidly. Because she meant it. "I may have been wrong to do so, but don't you all forget that Gray had been the first to hurt Sting. I just retaliated in order to protect. If you want to me to apologize, then you'll have to wait for Gray's first. I'm... done. All I've done is protecting Sting and Lector from him, that's what a mate is bound to do."
The last words would be imprinted on Erza's mind for a long time.
"And... isn't that what Fairy Tail does? When one of their own is hurt by someone? Don't we protect?"
And everyone else should remember those words, because they were what made Fairy Tail.
Juvia exhaled as she stared at her drawings in her workshop, feeling rather tired. Usually, just looking at all of them managed to calm her nerves so she would be in a more peaceful state of mind for the rest of the day but, today, she couldn't bring herself to remain calm; she could drink more tea and hot chocolate all night but that would do little. The blue-haired Water Mage rubbed her eyes, gazing at her maps then at one particular drawing of Sting and Lector. The blonde was smiling cheerfully, taunting his Exceed with a grilled fish she had cooked one time when they were in Crocus – hidden somewhere from prying eyes and a certain reporter. Her heart constricted and she bit her lip. Two weeks and a half already. And she missed them so much, especially because she hadn't been able to cook last time; she still remembered Lector's and Frosch's disappointed gaze when her mate had declared that Juvia wouldn't cook their fish after what had transpired between him, the Water Mage and Gray Fullbuster – the fight had spoiled the friendly atmosphere and as much as he just wanted to get Juvia and get the hell out of Magnolia with her, the White Dragon Slayer of Sabertooth had acted like any guild member should have, which had led to this bloody situation.
Master is right about one thing, Juvia grudgingly thought as she scowled, nuzzling her pillow. He couldn't overlook this, that would have been favoritism. At the very least, Gray Fullbuster had his magic severely limited due to his actions: though his own punishment didn't seem as cruel as hers, she still felt content. The Ice Mage couldn't go on dangerous quests on his own, thus having to ask his teammates to go with him – his injuries from Juvia's barrage of kicks had done quite a number on him but since he was way too stubborn to be off the hook for some time and heal, he was always annoying the hell out of the Fire Dragon Slayer or Lucy for a job request (Erza, he preferred to avoid asking. The red-haired knight was still way too angry with him and he didn't want to be mauled.).
She blinked as she made her way back into her kitchen to make herself another hot chocolate, dragging the pillow behind her. Juvia nuzzled herself in her white, woolen sweater as she put the milk into the micro-wave and turned the device on to heat up her beverage. Once it was hot enough she got it, poured some honey and chocolate powder, then grabbed a spoon to stir everything in her mug before making her way toward her cobalt blue couch. She sat up with a sigh, tucking her long legs under her, and took a sip of her treat. Two weeks and a half. Without Sting or Lector by her side. Without seeing them. Huh. And Juvia still had to wait for one week and a half to set out to Sabertooth – although she still could defend herself pretty well in hand-to-hand because she used her legs and foot more than her hands, magic was just too essential. The likelihood of her being attacked by mages wasn't very high on the road but she truly needed to be cautious. Maybe she could get Gajeel and Panther Lily with her – the former would have insisted and gone with her anyway, even if she didn't ask. The Iron Dragon Slayer had a knack to know what she wanted and needed, especially in her current situation.
Slender fingers brushed her neck and felt the coldness of the metallic device, a reminder of the weakened state she was put in. They slowly traced the scratches on the creamy white skin – the more recent ones, that is. She had created them last night out of fear while sleeping, which had finally woken her up to being stopped by a worried Erza –, caressed the red streaks with care. Her eyes darkened considerably. The urge to try and claw at the anti-magic collar was still there, haunting and strong, because her body knew it wasn't used to having her magic sealed for so long. Nine weeks would be a horribly long time to get used being someone... normal. Without magic. She shuddered as she took another sip of her hot chocolate. It wasn't that she held a special grudge toward people who didn't use magic but having been exposed to it ever since she was a little kid made Juvia think that she was special; she had learned to control her water magic to this level so she could be someone powerful enough to stand out between a throng of people and protect herself. She had mostly been all alone due to her being orphaned after something tragic happened to her uncle – her parents... Juvia had very vague memories about them but the more she tried to remember, the more they seemed to escape.
To protect first, then to defend. And she had done that. It may have been the man she loved but still: she had protected and defended.
"Family comes first, huh?" Juvia muttered to herself, glancing at the visible guild stamp on her bare, left leg.
Family first, lovers came second. Always. Hm.
If that means getting hurt and being thrown into such crappy situation... then no. Not always.
Author's Note 1: … Hum... have I been too harsh in this chapter? BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE I HAVE! Between Juvia's punishment for attacking Gray to protect Sting and all these emotions, I feel like a criminal. But anyway: hoped you've had a great Christmas and a damn New Year night, because if I'm gonna start the Tartaros Arc soon enough. =D
Author's Note 2: See Juvia's legs? They're gorgeous! Let's put them to work – like a certain master chef in another manga I happened to love. Gihi!
Next Chapter: Ira Invicto.