The Shadows of Tragedy

Chapter 26

Friday night Gray and Juvia took Romeo to a drive in movie while Erza was on her date. It was a horror film about a werewolf. Juvia was worried that the movie would scare Romeo but he ended up being very enthralled by it. Gray was also enthralled. Having been born and lived for twenty-three years in the 18th century, he had never seen an actual movie before. He had seen plenty of plays and live theater productions but no movies.

"This is a very interesting play." He said as he watched the human protagonist transform into the monstrous werewolf on the big screen.

"It's not a play Gray it's a movie." Romeo said. "Oh boy here comes the really scary part."

In the next scene the werewolf was killing and devouring a random guy who was walking in the woods. Juvia covered her eyes, unable to watch the carnage.

"You okay?" Gray asked her.

"Yes I'm fine it's just that blood makes me a little nervous." She said. "Romeo are you sure you're not frightened by this?"

"No." He said before stuffing his face with popcorn.

Most of the scenes were violent or scary but there were some where it showed the main character going through depression, guilt, and self loathing. Something that Gray could easily relate to. Then there was a scene where the protagonist shared a romantic moment with his ingenue love interest, complete with a passionate kiss scene.

"Eww! Gross!" Romeo said. "I hate it when they kiss. Why do people do that?"

"Trust me kid you'll understand once you reach that special age." Gray said.

The movie was two hours long and it ended with the werewolf getting shot with a silver bullet and dying in arms of his heartbroken lover. By the time the movie was over Romeo had fallen asleep. Gray and Juvia carefully buckled him up in the backseat without waking him and covered him up with Gray's jacket. Then Juvia drove the car back toward the house.

"Well this movie thing was actually very entertaining." Gray said.

"So you liked it?" Juvia asked.

"Yes I did. Though I don't think I liked as much as Romeo did." He said looking back at the sleeping boy.

"It was very sweet of you to take him to this movie." Juvia said. "Not only for his enjoyment but so Erza can have a night out."

"Hey this wasn't a solo act. You took him out too."

"Yes but the fact that you did it probably means more to him."

"I don't believe that. The kid loves you."

"I know but he pretty much admires you. He thinks you're one of the most amazing people in the world."

"Can't imagine why."

"I think it's because he hasn't really had much of a male role model since his father died. You really do so much for him. Him and Erza."

"What can I say? I'm very fond of them."

"So am I. I didn't really have a big family growing up and I know they're not really my family but they feel like it, you know? Does that make sense?"

"Yes. It does." He said. "So tell me what did you think of the movie?"

"I'm not a big fan of horror movies but the ending really made me sad. To love someone so much and then lose them so suddenly. l can't imagine how awful that must be."

"My mother used to say that when a man and a woman love each other above everything else in the world they can't be separated. At least not forever. I believe that if two lovers are parted by something or someone." He seethed on the last word. "They'll always find a way back to each other. One way or another."