In Secret (Sequel to Behind the Scenes)

First Experiences

"What would the children like to do first?" Juvia clasped her hands in front of herself, smiling happily at the four kids bouncing around her. She had agreed to take the youngest children, Kasai and Saki both only being eight years old. Kyle and Kel were a little older, and surprisingly antics free, for being twins. They skipped ahead of the others, their chocolate brown hair bouncing with their movements. Kel kept hers short, and could still pass for her twin if they dressed the same.

"RIDES!"  The two exclaimed, causing Juvia to laugh. She looked at the smaller of her charges, waiting for their opinions. Saki simply nodded, looking up at the Rain Woman with wide eyes and a slight smile. Kasai threw a fist in the air, shouting his agreement with the suggestion.

"Very well! Juvia will take the children on rides. Juvia has always enjoyed the Ferris Wheel, if the children wish to try that?" There were squeals in response, and the children took off running towards the tallest ride with Juvia in their wake, laughing at their exuberance. The five of them piled into one of the carts, the children sliding across the round car and gripping the metal bar in the middle, their chaperone sat in the seat closest to the small gate that secured them. Juvia squeaked a little in surprise when she felt tiny arms around her. Looking down, she saw Saki burying her face into the older woman's stomach, clinging to her as if her life depended on it.

"It's alright, Saki. Juvia will not let anything happen to you." The cart started moving, eliciting a squeal from the twins and Kasai as they craned their heads around to see the view. "Betcha Sam'd love this!" Kel called out, letting go of the bar she gripped and turning in her seat. They'd been one of the last carts to load, so they didn't have to stop every few feet to wait. The big wheel simply rotated, slowly raising and lowering its riders. As the ride progressed, Juvia noticed Saki's grip loosening slightly, and eventually the small girl lifted her head, looking around. Her bravery didn't last long before she hid again, causing the Water mage to chuckle and pat her head.

After the Ferris Wheel, the children were fearless, dragging Juvia to every ride they could find. By the second or third, Saki had lost her fear as well. "Can we ride the swing again?" Kasai grabbed the Rain Woman's hand, tugging her towards the ride in question. "Alright, Kasai. One last ride and then maybe some games?" She inclined her head towards the little healer, her energy level clearly starting to flag. He caught her suggestion immediately and nodded, the little group joining the line for the massive swing set. They settled into the seats when it was their turn, the chains rattling as the attendant went around to strap them each in. He stepped over to the controls and the ride started, gradually picking up speed as it spun. Saki squealed grabbing the chains of her seat with a death grip, the twins one row in front of them starting to laugh. There were only two seats in each row, so Kasai was sat next to a stranger, but the boy was remarkably outgoing, so he didn't mind.

Around and around the swings went, the force of their movement pushing them further away from the pedestal they were attached to. The children all squealed and screamed, Juvia laughing at the pure joy coming from them. Even little Saki. When the ride ended they all stumbled breathless from the exit, the children giggling uncontrollably. "Shall Juvia take the children to the games now?" Holding her hands out to Saki and Kasai, the Rain Woman headed in the direction of the booths that housed contests for the carnival goers to enjoy. She nodded her head at Levy as she passed her, the Script Mage's own gaggle of children bouncing around excitedly with cotton candy and popcorn in their hands.

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"THUNK. THUNK. POP!" There was a slight growl heard between the sounds coming from the knife throwing booth. The game was simple. Pick up one of the three knives you were given, throw it at the wall covered with balloons, and pop a balloon. Jo had stepped up to play, her natural talent with throwing knives boosting her confidence greatly. She'd paid for her turn, picking up one of the mostly blunt knives that was laid out on the stall's counter in front of her. She turned it over in her hands, considering it carefully. It didn't feel as well balanced as the ones Gajeel had made for her, but surely she could still hit a few measly balloons.