"Look, you can't tell anyone what you just witnessed, okay?"

Gray was a bit embarrassed that Juvia had seen him in his pathetic state. Okay, he was a lot embarrassed. Not only had he cried, but he had also hung onto Juvia for support. All the things he'd been through for the past twelve years came crashing down in that moment of weakness. His terrible longing for his lovable sister, the pain his dad gave him, the pain he brought on others for the sake of his father's love. It all came crashing down, in the form of tears.

He did not know what he would have done if Juvia was not there. It was Juvia who whispered nice things in his ear, who rubbed his back supportively, who gave her handkerchief to him so he could wipe his tears, who was just there for him. Only two people had done that for him before; his mother and his sister, both of whom hadn't done that in a long time.

"Oh, alright," Juvia agreed, pretending to be disappointed. "But only if you safely escort me away from this forest, to the kingdom of Purity."

"Very well, Princess," Gray gave a slight bow, making Juvia giggle. She smiled warmly at him, her sapphire eyes shining. He returned it, and Juvia glimpsed a bit of shine in his dark eyes. It only lasted for a few moments but Juvia had seen it.

From the way Gray broke down in front of her, she could tell how terrible his life must've been. She could see the lingering sadness inside him the moment she looked into his eyes. He craved a mother, a listening ear, someone whom he could love and who would love him. Perhaps his sister had been that someone. But, now his sister was in the forest. And because of his father too. Just how messed up was his relationship with his family?

But, Juvia wasn't one to talk. Her father was the king and her mother was but a mere mistress. Juvia's mother had been very young when she was asked to marry the king. At that time, the king was above forty while Juvia's mother was seventeen. Since it was the king, Juvia's mother had no choice but to agree. A few years later, Juvia was born. However, Juvia's mother died soon after as the proper care was not given to her.

You see, the king married a couple of other young women soon after Juvia's mother conceived. He soon forgot about her and went with his other wives. Soon after Juvia's mother's death, the king came back to his senses and made sure to employ good maids to take care of Juvia. So, Juvia was raised in the left wing of the castle. She rarely saw her father. She was taken care of and was given many luxurious items to use. However, the one thing she yearned for was never given to her; love. That was why, when she was asked to marry the prince, she ran away. She wanted a family in which she could love her husband.

Though she had to admit, living with Prince Gray would not be such a bad choice.

"Is what you said true?"

Natsu had just finished explaining the state of the kingdom. He avoided Lucy's chestnut eyes. If he looked at them, he could never say the truth out loud. But, she had to know. If she did not know the true nature of her father and brother, well, Natsu didn't know what would happen exactly, but it wasn't right. After he had finished explaining, Lucy asked that question. Reluctantly, he looked at her, his onyx meeting her doe eyes.

He nodded.

Lucy inhaled sharply. She did not cry, nor burn with fury. She merely looked ahead at the water rising, slowly killing them. After a few seconds, she took a deep breath and faced Natsu.

"Thank you," she said.

Natsu stared at her. "Huh?"

"It must've been hard," Lucy leaned against the rock, looking up at the grooves of the rock above her. "And yet, you told me. That takes courage. And I'm glad I know the reality of my kingdom." Her face turned serious, her brown eyes burning. "I have been neglecting my kingdom. I cannot die yet. I must make it out of here and make my father abdicate the throne. I am the princess of this kingdom!"

Natsu was staring at her open-mouthed. He was not expecting this reaction from her. He was expecting Lucy to start crying, to curse herself for being born of her cruel father, or, to not believe him. But, Lucy was a true princess. Even though her family was the one at fault, her kingdom was more important to her.

"I must find a way out of here," she said, turning to look at Natsu. "And, for that, I will need your help."

Natsu stared at her eyes for a few seconds. There was only one woman he had seen with that same look in her eyes; Erza. He never thought someone else like Erza could exist. He grinned widely.

"Command me, Princess."

Lucy looked taken aback by the formal title, but she shook it off. Instead, she focused on getting out of there. Natsu had told her that there was a rumor that Acnologia used dark magic. It was only a rumor but... Lucy's mind drifted back to six years ago when Acnologia made her hair grow longer. Surely, that was magic? She had not thought much of it before, but now, it all made sense.

Lucy brought her hand up to her hair. The water was up at her neck. She desperately wished that she was right. Lucy exhaled and calmed her heart. "Glow. Please." She said to no one in particular. She could feel Natsu's questioning gaze on her. But, she trusted her instincts. She knew this would work.

And both Natsu and Lucy took a deep breath as the cold and dark water rose above their heads.

And Lucy's long hair magically began to glow.