Ghosts of the past

Chapter 10 : Little flower

Event though her heart was pounding in her chest because of the anxiety and the run into the dungeon of the palace, Juvia was profoundly relieved to have found Gajeel. She knew they weren't out of the bush yet, but the young woman had been so worried!

** A couple hours earlier **

"Hey! Where are you going?" Asked a voice behind her back.

"Gray..." She let out when she turned to him.

It was not that Juvia was disappointed by his presence, she would never be disappointed to see him. However, she was reticent to involve him in her misfortune. And if he would be accidently hurt only by being with her... or worst. That simple idea made her heavy-hearted more than she could have imagined. Never could she be by Gray's side. Never would she allow herself to put him at risk. She was a fugitive who could be slayed anytime by the organisation in which she grew. He simply didn't deserve such a faith.

Even if she was sad for Levy, the young woman was a little jealous of Gajeel. Her childhood friend, him, could have the young woman who seemed to be herself condemned to exile by his side. "No, no, no Juvia" she reprimanded herself. Even though it was obvious that the young interpret had caught Gajeel's eye, Juvia was certain he would prefer to know her safe.

"Earth to Juvia" said Gray, trying to get her attention, shaking his hand in front of her face.

"Yes, my love?" She finally answered.

The young man made a funny face at the way she had called him but quickly put back on his natural expression and acted as nothing happened.

"Where are you going?"

"Gajeel and Levy are nowhere to be found. Juvia is sure they went to the palace.

"The palace? What for?"

When Juvia told him about her suspicions, Gray frowned and started to walk with a firm step towards the train station.

"Gray! Wait!"

"We don't have time to waste, if something bad is happening, we should act fast".

Juvia played with her fingers.

"Juvia doesn't, doesn't want... Ah! Juvia can't lie to her love!" She started to think out loud. "She wants him to come with her..."

"Juvia..."

"But she wants him to be safe!" She continued. "What must she do?" she added, her hands on her cheeks"

"Juvia!" He barked, grabbing her wrists, pulling on them to take her hands of her face. "Explain. Clearly. With coherent words" he specified calmly, making a pause between every short sentence.

"Juvia's worried for Gray" she managed to summarise. "She would never forgive herself if something bad happened to him".

"What about me?" Said Gray, his tone calm as ever. "Do you really think I could forgive myself if I would let you go all by yourself while Phantom's after you?

The young woman's face was now scarlet. Despite her fears, she simply couldn't resist him. Then they left for the palace, getting there a few hours later. Once there, they made sure to say covered. If thing would get bad, it was important for Gray and her to not attract any attention. Even if Levy managed to obtain the king's help, it would do no good to signal their presence this soon.

Of course, they didn't have this much luck and overheard a discussion between two soldiers about Phantom's arrival within the hour to take back a fugitive. She was so worried for her best friend that she didn't, or almost didn't, felt joy when Gray placed a hand on her shoulder to reassure her.