When Worlds Collide

Chapter 31

"Poor child, what a tragic turn of events."

Juvia was startled by the unexpected voice of a stranger. She swiftly turned around and saw the eel slowly approach her from the shadows.

"Who are you?" She asked. "What do you want?"

"Now don't be frightened, I only came to deliver a message."

"A message? From who?"

"An old family member of yours. Your dear Aunt Selene."

"The sea witch? What does she want?"

"She knows all about your terrible situation and she knows your fondest dreams and desires. And she wants to help. She's asked me to escort you to her lair. That is, if you're interested?"

"Why would she want to help me?" Juvia asked suspiciously.

"Well she is a rather charming creature, one who knows very well how painful it is to be misunderstood and outcasted. And she'd hate to see a member of her family feel the same."

Juvia wasn't sure about that though. Because if that was case, how come Gajeel banished her? How come no one was allowed to even speak of her? It just didn't sound right. Still she couldn't help but wonder...

"I don't understand." She said. "What could she possibly do?"

"She has great power. Her magic is capable of doing impossible things, even bringing you and your prince together."

"Now he had Juvia's attention. Was it really possible? Could Selene really bring the two of them together? But what if it was a trap? What if Selene did something terrible to her? Then again, she couldn't imagine how her life could be any worse than it is now.

"I guess I could meet with her." The words flew out of her mouth before she could think.

Nebaru looked pleased, then proceeded to lead the way. As she followed him, Conlan started coming from far behind, looking for her. The little water horse could sense that something was very wrong about that eel and worried for the mermaid's safety. He swam off to the palace to get help, but the only person he could find at the moment was Panther Lily who felt even more guilty about spilling his gutts after over hearing the conversation held between brother and sister.

Had he really screwed things up this time. Despite how difficult and frustrating it was dealing with Juvia, Lily would never want to hurt her. He loved her, he loved Gajeel, he loved the entire royal family as if they were his own family. But now he had caused a terrible rift between them and he'd never forgive himself if that rift was never mended.

"Hello Conlan." He greeted the water horse with a tone of remorse. "How is she? Does she want to talk to anyone?"

Conlan just grabbed Lily by his tail and started to swim in the direction that Juvia had gone.

"Hey! Put me down! Where are you taking me?!"

But he would know soon enough.

...

Bucking up her courage, Juvia followed Nebaru to a most frightening place where neither flower nor sea grass bloomed along the path, where the sand was grey, and where almost no living thing could be seen or heard. At last they reached a cavern that was made from the bones of unfortunate humans who had drowned in the sea. It was so dark and murky, surrounded by bones and serpents. When Juvia arrived at the entrance of this cave she felt a twinge of fear and hesitation. She was beginning to rethink her decision.

"I don't know about this." She said.

"Now, now, mustn't get cold fins." Nebaru said ushering her inside the tunnel.