Only In a fairy tail

The life of a slave left him battered and broken. Perhaphs if he took her hand, it may be possible to relight the warmth he had lost ten years ago. This is the story of a love found only in a fairy tail.

Chapter 1: Once upon a fairy tail

In the country of Fiore, there was a kingdom named Magnolia. A large population of approximately 17 million inhabited this country of Fiore. Out of this number, a small percentage of people were born with magical abilities; where one could control powers unexplainable to mankind. These people were looked upon as dieties and worshiped due to their unique abilities. Accordingly, many of the royal families of Fiore gained their status due to their long blood line of mystical talent...

"Princess Juvia, please wake up!"

The curtain blinds opened to let in the bright morning sun's rays, into the bedding chambers of Princess Juvia De Heredera Loxar. The maid bowed once and then left the room in a haste.

Her blue hair was a mess, spread out in knotted bunches on her pillow, her eyes slowly adjusting to the stinging sunlight. She looked around groggily and mused to herself; her plans for the day. The blue haired princess swung her quilted blankets off and skidded into her private bathroom, which was only a jump, hop and skip away from her bedroom.

As the water trickled down her body, Juvia began to ponder. It was her 17th birthday, and the kingdom was in an uproar as of late. Juvia raked a hand through her thoroughly drenched short, cobalt hair and sighed. The torrent of water let from the shower head washed her body free of foam and grim. Her eyebrows knitted together as her thoughts ran through the day's proceedings. The thought of enduring all the birthday greetings from the other royal families throughout the week was enough to induce a headache.

Her father called it royal duties and he liked to stress how vital it was to act like a princess.

Frankly it was just another opportunity for him to persuade other royals into an alliance negotation.

After grimly turning the shower off, she wrapped herself in a towel and then collapsed on her bed. The springs of the mattress let out a complaining squeak as she did so. Juvia closed her eyes and buried her face into her blankets. What she needed at a time like this was a friend, someone she could relay all her troubles to, someone who would treat her as an equal. Unfortunately as stated by her father previously and so many times after; commoners weren't allowed in the castle unless they were a maid or servant. Even after all the countless urging she'd done, maids were still maids and she was nonetheless still treated as the princess. She wasn't a tyrant like her father. Her father…

There was a knock on her door interrupting her thoughts, and she turned around gloomily until she was facing the door. The maid from earlier gave a small cough and announced that her father requested her presence at the dining table as soon as possible.

"Would you like me to help you dress?" she asked timidly.

Juvia stared deadpanned at the maid.

"No thank you, Juvia can do it herself." She forced a smile, and dismissed the girl.

As soon as the doors closed, Juvia hoped off her bed and then promptly went to her large and luxurious inbuilt cupboard. She opened the twin doors and strolled inside, greeted by colourful fabrics and patterned materials.

Juvia decided to put on a traditional full-skirted gown which reached her ankles. It was made of luxurious light blue silk, delicately and exotically trimmed. It was virtually sleeveless, straps cut off at the shoulder with a shallow décolleté neckline. The bottom of the dress had trimmings of lace and ruffles. She especially liked this dress, belonging to her deceased mother.

She stared at herself in the mirror and her features turned into a frown upon looking at her reflection. Juvia began noting all the flaws on herself. Her eyes were so narrow it made her look gloomy all the time, and she hated how her short hair tended to curl upwards.

Accepting herself as suitable for the king's prescence she went downstairs to her father in the large dining room.

"Father you called Juvia?"

The bearded man frowned as soon as she addressed herself in third person.

"How many times must I tell you, you're seventeen already."

Juvia looked ashamed at the ground, she began fidgeting nervously with the fabric of her dress. "Yes, Ju- I'm sorry father..."

A maid ushered her to a seat on the enormous dining table. It was long length wise, usually to cater large parties. During her meals in the castle, Juvia usually ate alone, or if her father was rarely also dining with her the air would be thick with silence. Her eyes flickered over to the mouth watering breakfast laid out in front of her. The breakfast was tempting, but she dared not stray her eyes away from her father. She expected him to pick up his utensil and they would commence eatting with the usual tensed atmoshere.

"Today we're going out."

Her eyes regarded her father inquisitively. Her father never 'went out' with her.

"Well to be precise, you're going out with some servants."

Her face slightly fell, but she was still curious to know why.

"You'll be going to the slave markets to acquire a slave for yourself."

Juvia blanched and she looked at her father in horror. She absolutely hated going there. Watching all the people in such poor health, living in such sullied and filthy conditions made her heart ache. If her father had allowed it, she would buy them all free and ban the selling and buying of another human being.

"W-w-why?" she managed to choke out after the initial shock.

"I believe you'll be needing a personal servant soon. You're now at the age where you can take the throne. Many people will be after your life, so you'll need someone who can be there to watch you." She laughed humourously to herself, he actually sounded like he cared. He gave her a serious glare when he spotted the slight sarcasm in her eyes.

"I'm leaving the choice up to you, seeing as he or she will be yours."

She hated when her father referred to another person as a belonging but she said no more.

"That will be all."

He cleared his throat and a servant came rushing in and dabbed his mouth with a handkerchief. The king stood up and walked off, leaving Juvia to eat her breakfast alone. She looked at the lavish breakfast, her appetite lost, and she jabbed a fork at the morsel in front of her. Her eyes darted around the enormous dining room. The chandelier hanging above them looked cold, the white walls lacked any warmth and the maids and servants scattered against the walls did not look inviting with their blank stares and bleak expressions. Juvia, her lips were set in a stright line and face stoic, dived into her breakfast deprived off any enthusiasm.

Her thoughts were occupied with the thoughts of gaining a companion to fill her life with more colour.

Juvia moved subtly through the crowd gathered at the slave markets. Her father's servants trailed after her for a while, before she lost them in the sea of people.

Good riddance. She thought to herself.

She made sure she dressed herself as prudent as possible for the sole purpose of blending in with the cluster of people. It was a simple dress and she made sure she wore browns and shades of greys that wouldn't stand out. It was decorated with a single ribbon tied around her waist, and a simple corset hugged her curves. Juvia wore a large brown, flimsy coat consisting of a hood and a few pockets, for extra measures. It would be such a hassle if people found out she was the princess. She could only imagine that the slave traders would try and suck up to her, demanding unimaginable prices.

She made her way through the small isle.

Juvia's eyes saddened as she passed the many people handled together in the large cages. They were bound by constricting chains, which were locked around their limbs. Cages were stacked up on top of another, some slaves she passed were roped to a metal post to put them on display. Once you were branded and caught as a slave, waiting for a buyer was the only option available. Those who have attempted escape and caught were dealt in the most inhumane way possible, to serve as a reminder of the consquences of chasing freedom.

She really wished that she could liberate them from their confinement.

Unfortunetly slaves weren't cheap for even her, the princess to free them all. Her father also refused to hear of her complaints. Juvia opened up her tiny string bounded pouch and stared distainfully at what was in it. She had been given such a small amount of money, only enough for one slave. Even if her father paid no heed to her, he still knew enough to keep her in line as the princess. Juvia kept her head down, hands clenched, and made her way to the slave trader knowing that her father's servants weren't far behind.

He couldn't remember the last time he's had a decent meal.

His messy, black hair shone in the bright sun, as he stood in line to be displayed to the audience. He was Gray Fullbuster, or that's what his previous masters called him, honestly he couldn't remember. Since his last master died, he couldn't care less about his name, all he cared about was freedom.

He craved freedom, like the people in front of him, or the very least, he prayed for a decent master. He hoped he wouldn't have to deal with a master like the last one. His eyes darkened as his memories of his last master plagued his thoughts. She tried to violate him, so he had no choice but to… dispose of her, despite the consequences. Gray winced as he remembered his punishment for harming such a high class lady.

Despite everything that had happened he made up his resolve to escape. He didn't care who his next master was, he was going to break free, using whatever methods he could possibly think of. Even if he had to reveal his secret or if he had to live like a fugitive for the rest of his life. After all he was forever branded as a servant, unless his master liberated him and gaining a master who was even half that considerate was very slim. Gray looked down and placed a hand over his right chest, touching the tattoo of a slave branded on him. He bit his lower lip to try and force his hunger down. If he didn't get sold today, he was afraid he was going to hallunicate from hunger.

He was shoved up the wooden platform by some of the slave trader's assailants and then the slave master began to advertise him to the waiting audience.

"For only 25000 jewels, you can get this able slave! That's right, only 25000 jewels, you'll never find a slave with an offer like this again!" He bellowed out and Gray rolled his eyes. He was worth so much more than that. "This slave will be the answer to all your household chores and whatever else you'd need!"

Gray noticed all the older women ogling him, in fact most of the women in the crowd were eying him greedily. He shuddered inwardly; it was no secret that his looks would attract a lot of eyes. Most of his previous masters were women. The crowd started to grow and those below began digging into their pockets. He stared out emotionlessly, waiting for the people below to bid for him.

"He's got a great body! You don't believe me? Well-" The slave master's fat grubby hands went towards his tattered shirt and pulled. The flimsy material ripped in half exposing his tanned and chiselled chest to the crowd below.

The crowd went into an uproar, and the girls began feverishly digging into their pockets and yelling out bids. Gray wanted to roll his eyes at their stupidity. His eyes skimmed the crowd once more, and then his eyes soon landed on a certain blue haired girl. She looked around suspiciously, did a double take on her left and then her right, and then reached into her pocket. Gray watched her rather interested in what she was doing, and to also distract himself from the bids shouted at him.

He hated everyone who was bidding for him, he hated the slave traders for keeping him locked up but most of all;

He absolutely hated being treated like a belonging.

And Gray Fullbuster promised himself that never and he would never belong to anyone.

Juvia made sure that the fat merchant on top of the wooden stage wasn't looking before slipping an apple and some candy she stole from the kitchens through the rusting bars. She stared at them with longing eyes, and thought desperately for a solution. She didn't have money for the both of them, and whispered a promise to the children behind the bars. She simply didn't have 140000 jewels for both of them, as much as she wanted to free them.

It wasn't right. None of this was even remotely right.

Giving them a last glance, she stood up and went forward gloomily. Now onto other matters: who would be a great personal acquaintance for her? If Juvia could at least spare one life from the miseries of slavery, that would be wonderful.

She turned around and walked towards the large crowd in the middle and looked up curiously. Her eyes widened as her eyes met with a very handsome male standing on the stage. The slave master next to him was busy yelling out how able-bodied he was and riled the audience to a frenzy. She caught him staring at her, but his gaze didn't falter when he was caught and she found herself gazing into his mysteriously dark eyes. They continued exhanging stares, until she broke their eye contact, trying to cool her face. She faced him once the blush was off her face, and she considered him with serious eyes. Her eyes darted over his well toned body and travelled down to his legs, to see that his left ankle was held by a thick metal shackle. It immediately confirmed her thoughts and that a slave auction was taking place.

Her eyes saddened looking at his state of near starvation.

"70000 jewels!"

The audience hushed, and the crabby looking old woman puckered her lip-stick caked lips in triumph. The boy on the stage didn't hide his grimace at the person who had bidded for him, and Juvia's hands suddenly shot up. Her eyes widened not knowing what pocessed her to put her hands up.

"100000 jewels!"

All stranger eyes were turned on her, and she looked up determinedly, praying that no one would shout out a higher bid. She was risking all her money on him. Thankfully no one was brave enough to out bid her outrageous amount for merely one slave and the slave trader announced her the winner of the auction. The young man on the stage gave her an impressed and rather thankful nod, and the fat, slave trader rubbed his hands together greedily. Juvia slowly put down her hands and then stared at it, as if it had a mind of its own.

What had possessed her to do such a thing? The answer to her question lingered on the tip of her tongue.

"Here's the paper work." His narrow eyes watched her sign the documents as she scibbled her signiture and details as fast as she could. "And it's all done!"

Juvia glared at him and went to her new 'slave'. She undid the rope around his neck disgustedly. What did they want her to do? Dragged him around on a rope? She turned around to face the fat oily man with a deadpanned expression handing him the money. She heard him swallow loudly, looking like he was about to hyperventilate.

"Ah, one more thing…" The man puckered his lips, as if he were afraid that she would take back the money. "He's a mute... and I suggest you be careful with him."

"Why?"

"Because he has a tendency to act violent, be sure to give him... proper discipline when you take him home."

Juvia ignored him and left him to drown in his money and placed his paperwork in her coat pocket. Hopeful, the money might give him several paper cuts too. Juvia snickered at her childish curse. She turned around to face her new slave. Juvia shuddered inwardly. Slave was such a ghastly word. He was Juvia's new servant, and hopefully her new friend.

"Come on, lets go!" She looked up at him with kinder eyes and the two made their way towards the castle.

Gray didn't understand why they were heading towards the castle. Gray continued to ponder at the endless possiblities as to why she was heading towards the large structure. He also watched her chatter away to herself whilst accessing the situation at hand. She seemed weak, and he was sure he could pin her down, knock her out and make an escape. Gray looked around the vicinity, carefully planning out his escape.

"So, how did you become a slave?"

"..."

"Ah! Sorry, Juvia forgot that you were mute!" She began to ramble again.

They suddenly stopped and Juvia looked around the premise, and then took off her hood. Gray stood still and watched her carefully. Now that the hood was out of the way he could see she was quite the lovely young woman. Gray could feel that she was a woman of high class.

"Since you'll be with Juvia, it'll be alright, Juvia will protect you!" she held out a hand and a warm smile stretched across her face. "Hello, nice to meet you, Juvia's name is Juvia De Heredera Loxar, do you… have you heard of that name before?"

He stayed silent and watched as she looked up, embarrassed when he didn't show any recognition of her family's name. "W-w-well Juvia is the… princess…"

Gray's eyes widened in surprise. It can't be… De Heredera Loxar? The royal family's last name, how could he have been so dense! Gray mused to himself. He was purchased by such an important person. What an interesting turn out.

She could've been some crazy loon, telling him rubbbish, but for some reason, he chose to believe her. Whether it was the sincerity present in her eyes or the fact that she showed some obvious princess like qualities, he chose to believe her. She bent down and released his hands from his shackles and chains, and he smirked. He couldn't believe his luck. What a stupid princess. Gray immediately jumped a meter away from her.

He closed his eyes. I'm sorry for breaking my promise, but it's the only way.

Juvia's eyes widened and he materialised a small dagger and pointed it towards her.

Juvia froze and she stared at him in shock. The dagger was made out of ice and it glimmered and reflected the sunlight off its glossy surface. AHHHH! It must be fate that brought us together! Water and ice~ Juvia swayed back and forth in a delirious manner, and her hands cupped cheeks like a school girl in a cheesy soap opera. NO! We're just friends; Juvia you can't go around falling in love with a person meaning to be your servant! She twiddled her forefingers together in a disappointed manner. Gray watched her confused, trying to understand her strange behaviour. Was she going to attack him soon? Sine she was royalty, surely she had to possess some sort of magic.

Ice Alchemy... Juvia snapped out of her reverie, and her gaze had became serious and regarding. What kind of slave was he if he had magic? She had never met anyone who could control ice. Even though she was sure she could bring her water below freezing point-abeit with much effort, she was sure that she couldn't materialise ice so quickly. His ragged breathing caught her attention. He looked so tired and famished that he could barely stand up straight, and Juvia knew at once she needed to tend to his wounds. He looked like he wasn't going to back down without a fight, so she adjusted her stance ready to defend herself and render him incapable of fighting.

It started to rain.

Gray directed her a slightly impressed glance feeling her magic in the rain. So Princess isn't just a pampered little rich girl after all, how interesting...

He launched at her, and the blue haired princess barely dodged his attack. After his first attack Gray could feel himself wavering, he turned around with his ice dagger in his hands and prepared to attack her again. The days of surviving without food began to catch up with him quicker than he thought, and he saw his world spinning. The last thing he remebered was the young woman running towards him, with an apprehensive expression set on her face.

Surely he must be hallunicating, why would she be worried?

After all, he just tried to put her in harm's way.

His eyes split open and he found himself in an unfamiliar room. He cringed as his head throbbed with pain; the events leading to the present was a blur. Gray looked around the room. It was a rather fancy room, large white pillars located in all four corners holding up the ceiling, curtains decorated with gold embroidery, walls of white and carpet of the finest furs. He immediately assumed that he was inside the castle. He assessed any escape routes available, eyes examining everything in the spacious room. He looked around to see the princess seated on a chair. Her head which were buried in her arms, were rested on top of the bed he was in. Gray slowly sat up and a white, a damp cloth fell from his forehead.

At that moment, she chose to wake up and then she gave him a sleepy smile.

"Ah. You're finally awake. You had Juvia very worried after you collapsed! You even came down with a fever! To tell you the truth, Juvia has never looked after anyone before and you were very heavy to carry to the castle..." She continued with her rambling.

Gray looked down at the white cloth in his hands. She had taken care of him, and even carried him here... even after he tried to harm her. She wasn't like his other masters... His eyes softened slightly, and he opened his mouth without a second thought.

"Thank you."

Both Gray's and Juvia's eyes widened.

"You can talk!"

He looked at her, dumbfounded at his blunder.

"Why didn't you talk before?"

"..."

He ignored her, and then buried himself in his blankets. He had just blurted out his thanks, after all those years of silence. He groaned inwardly, he had really let his guard down this time and pinned some of the blame on his feverish state. He wasn't used to such kindness after all. Juvia just stared at him curiously, and was left dazed, embracing the sound of his low and croaky voice.

She looked at him shyly. "Nice to meet you... Juvia already told you her name... So what is your name?"

She waited patiently, and he turned around slowly. Gray reasoned with himself, telling her his name wouldn't hurt.

"...Gray... Gray Fullbuster." he mumbled and then spied his paper work on the small desk besides the bed- his name written with capital letters on the very top of the first page. He frowned to himself. "... but you should already know that..."

Juvia gave him a soft smile knowing full well his eyes had flickered over to his paper work. "Juvia knows, but Juvia just wanted to hear Gray say his name."

His eyes widened, and then quickly turned away from her. She was such a strange person. She was different from what he had imagined a princess would be like.

"What is the matter?" She asked in a panicked voice. "Is gray feeling ill again?"

He ignored her, because he didn't want her to see his face heated up. Maybe he was feeling sick again.

Juvia sighed; she knew he wasn't an ordinary servant.

Gray stole a quick glance at her; he knew she wasn't an ordinary princess.

Their story had just begun.

OMG! I JUST HAD TO WRITE THIS, I've always been a sucker for master and servant relationships, and then this idea just popped into my head, and I've been Juvia X Gray crazy as of late, so I was thinking: WHY NOT! So Wholla~ Here is the product. Sorry if it's OOC, really I am D: Oh ye gods! HELP ME! T.T This was just written during the spur of the moment so i hope i get some feedback:D. Anyways, it would make me happy if you would just read it, and really sorry it's not like my other works xD Til next story/chapter,

Marina-chan