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

Juvia startled at the unexpected voice. She quickly turned, her eyes widening as she saw an eel slowly emerge from the shadows, gliding toward her.

"Who are you?" she asked cautiously. "What do you want?"

"Now, don't be frightened," the eel replied smoothly. "I've only come to deliver a message."

"A message? From who?"

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

"The sea witch?" Juvia's expression tightened. "What does she want?"

"She's aware of your unfortunate situation," the eel continued. "And she also knows your deepest dreams and desires. She wishes to help you. She has asked me to escort you to her lair if you're interested."

Juvia narrowed her eyes slightly. "Why would she want to help me?"

"Well," the eel said, circling lazily, "she is quite the charming creature—one who understands the pain of being misunderstood and cast aside. She would hate to see a member of her family suffer in the same way."

Juvia hesitated. If that were true why had Gajeel banished the very mention of her? Why was no one even allowed to speak her name? Something didn't sit right. And yet she couldn't ignore the thought that lingered in her mind.

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

"She possesses great power," the eel replied. "Magic capable of impossible things even bringing you and your prince together."

At that, Juvia's attention sharpened. Was it truly possible? Could Selene really reunite her with him? But what if this was a trap? What if the witch meant her harm? Still compared to the life she was living now, how much worse could things truly become?

"I... I guess I could meet with her," Juvia said before she could fully reconsider.

Nebaru's expression seemed pleased. Without another word, he turned and began to lead the way. Unknown to them, Conlan had been trailing behind at a distance. The small water horse had sensed something wrong about the eel and grew increasingly uneasy for Juvia's safety. Realizing he needed help, he turned and hurried back toward the palace.

At that moment, the only person he could find was Panther Lily, who stood quietly, burdened with guilt after overhearing the earlier conversation between the siblings. Had he truly made things worse?  Despite how difficult Juvia could be at times, Lily would never wish her harm. He loved her, he loved Gajeel, he loved the entire royal family as though they were his own. But now, it felt as though his words had only deepened the rift between them—and he would never forgive himself if it could not be repaired.

"Hello, Conlan," he greeted the water horse, his tone heavy with remorse. "How is she? Does she want to speak with anyone?"

Without hesitation, Conlan grabbed Lily by the tail and began pulling him in the direction Juvia had gone.

"Hey! Put me down!" Lily protested. "Where are you taking me?!"

He would find out soon enough.

...

Bucking up her courage, Juvia followed Nebaru to a most unsettling place—one where neither flowers nor sea grass grew along the path. The sand had faded to a dull grey, and scarcely any living thing could be seen or heard. At last, they reached a cavern formed from the bones of unfortunate humans who had drowned in the sea. The entrance loomed before them, dark and suffocating, surrounded by twisted remains and coiling serpents. The air itself seemed heavy with decay.

Standing at the threshold, Juvia felt a sharp twinge of fear. Doubt crept into her mind.

"I... I don't know about this," she said hesitantly.

"Now, now," Nebaru replied smoothly, ushering her forward. "Mustn't get cold fins."

Reluctantly, Juvia moved ahead. Inside, her eyes adjusted to the gloom—and at last, she beheld the sea witch Selene, the most feared creature in the entire ocean.

"Don't be shy, Juvia darling," came a chilling voice from within the darkness. "It's me your Aunt Selene."

The witch glided forward with slow, deliberate steps. She circled Juvia, then lifted her hand, trailing her long, sharp fingernails along the mermaid's exposed neck.

"My, my... how you've grown," she murmured with a low chuckle. "The last time I saw you, you were nothing more than a minnow. But now..." Her eyes narrowed with a mixture of envy and disdain. "Now you look exactly like your mother. The fairest beauty in the Seven Seas."

Juvia's unease deepened.

"I really shouldn't be here," she said, her voice tightening with nerves.

"Nonsense," Selene replied smoothly. "We're family."

"My brother banished you," Juvia pressed. "Why?"

Selene's smile never wavered.

"You see, when my dear older brother—your father—and his love were taken from this world, Gajeel was far too young to endure such loss. He lashed out, as children often do. Grief... has a way of turning into blame."

"I suppose... but I don't think Gajeel would banish someone in our family over that."

Selene tilted her head, her tone soft but edged with subtle provocation.

"And yet he wishes an entire race were gone because of his grief, does he not?"

Juvia fell silent. She could not argue with that.

"Now then," Selene said, her voice shifting to something almost pleasant, "tell dear old Auntie everything."

"I... I'm in love with someone," Juvia admitted. "A human."

"Ah, yes... this prince fellow. Quite the catch, from what I hear."

"But he can't come to my world... or he'll die. And I was told that you might know a way around that. Can you help me?"

A slow, satisfied grin spread across Selene's face—her interest clearly piqued.

"My dear, sweet child," she said, her tone dripping with feigned warmth, "it's what I live for... helping unfortunate merfolk like yourself. I, too, know what it is to be looked down upon simply for being different."

She circled Juvia once more, then came to a stop.

"And to put it plainly," Selene continued, "the solution to your problem is quite simple."

"It is?" Juvia asked, hope flickering in her voice.

"Yes. You must become human yourself."

Juvia's eyes widened.

"Me... become human?"

"Naturally," Selene replied. "Humans aren't particularly fond of tails, you know. And most men prefer a woman who can walk, dance... move freely. That sort of thing."

"And you can do that?" Juvia asked.

"Of course." Selene's smile returned, measured and confident. "Now then, here is my offer, Angelfish. I will create a potion that will transform you into a human, giving you the chance to win your prince's heart."

She leaned in slightly, her voice lowering.

"If you succeed in making him fall in love with you—so deeply that your lives become intertwined in thought and desire—so much so that he agrees to wed you before a priest... then you shall remain human permanently."

"Permanently?"

"Yes," Selene confirmed. "But there is a condition. The two of you must be married before the end of the Summer Solstice. You will have until the clock strikes midnight on the final day to say your vows."

Unbeknownst to Juvia, Conlan and Lily had arrived just in time—quietly overhearing the entire arrangement from a hidden vantage point.

"If you fail," Selene added, her voice dropping into something colder, "your heart will break... and your soul will belong to me forever."

"You..." Juvia swallowed hard. "You want my soul? Why?"

"Never you mind," the sea witch replied with a dismissive wave. "It's of no importance right now."

Lily felt a surge of alarm. He knew Selene's reputation well—she never played fair. Her bargains were always designed to ensure her clients failed. And losing one's soul to her was a fate far worse than death. He began to move, ready to object—but Nebaru swiftly restrained both him and Conlan, silencing their struggle before they could reveal themselves.

"Isn't that... a bit much?" Juvia asked hesitantly, her voice trembling. "To lose my soul... that would mean losing everything."

Her hand drifted to her chest, fingers resting on the heart-shaped pearl pendant Gajeel had given her.

"And even if I did succeed that would mean I'd never see my brother, my sisters, Levy, Lily, or Conlan again."

At those words, Lily paused. Despite everything—despite her brother's anger, despite the rift between then, despite Lily and Gajeel's own mistake—she still held her family close in her heart. The realization stirred something in him. He had feared she might resent them but she had not forgotten them at all.

"Life is full of risks, sacrifices, and difficult choices," Selene said, her tone softening into something almost wise. "Especially when love is involved."

Then, her smile sharpened.

"Besides, everyone up there already believes you're nothing more than a burden... a family disgrace. Just as they once thought of me."

Juvia flinched slightly.

"And tell me," Selene continued smoothly, "would you not be far happier above the waves... with your prince?"

"Yes..." Juvia admitted quietly, though uncertainty still lingered in her eyes.

"Ah, but there is one more thing," Selene added. "My fee."

"Fee?" Juvia repeated, caught off guard.

"Yes. Payment. You don't get something for nothing, you know."

"What... exactly do you want?" Juvia asked, now clutching her pendant more tightly. It was the only thing of value she had—and she wasn't certain she could part with it. It had belonged to her mother.

"Calm yourself, child," Selene chuckled, clearly amused by her reaction. "I have no interest in pearls. Far too bright, far too pretty for my taste."

"But I don't have anything else to give..."

"Oh, but you do," Selene replied, her voice softening as she lifted Juvia's chin gently. "I'm not asking for much."

Juvia's breath caught.

"Only your voice."

"My voice?" she echoed, stunned.

Selene conjured an enormous, glowing white nautilus shell, its surface shimmering faintly in the dim cavern.

"Your magic shell," Juvia said, recognizing it.

"You've heard of it?" Selene asked, a flicker of unease crossing her expression.

"I was told it's the source of your witchcraft."

"Nonsense, darling."

"That without it, you'd be powerless."

"Powerless?" Selene let out a light, dismissive laugh. "Oh, please. It's merely a bauble—a vessel for your voice. Trust me, your vibrato, your legato, even your belt—they'll all be safe and sound inside."

Juvia hesitated.

She had always believed her voice was her greatest—and perhaps only—virtue. It was the one thing others had never mocked. Without it what would remain?

"But if you take my voice... how can I win his love?" she asked.

"With your graceful form and your sparkling eyes," Selene replied confidently, circling her once more, "you will have no trouble charming a human heart. All who lay eyes upon you will see the loveliest woman in existence. And with your delicate steps upon land, you will move as though born to it. If merfolk are captivated by your beauty, humans will surely be enchanted beyond reason."

"Are you certain?" Juvia asked quietly.

"I have no doubt," Selene said with finality. "Within three days, that prince will be begging for your hand in marriage."

Selene retrieved her spell book once more, flipping through its pages until she found the one she had marked. After murmuring a chant, a sheet of magical parchment appeared before them—a contract, bound by enchantment. Once signed, there would be no turning back.

"So, what's it going to be?" Selene asked, her tone sharp with impatience. "Don't take too long. I haven't all day."

Juvia stood in silence, her thoughts racing. Leaving her family pained her deeply and yet, she had never truly felt she belonged among them. They had never fully accepted her for who she was. If anything, she had only made life more difficult for them. Perhaps they would be better off without her.

And the prince...He might be the only person in the entire world who could understand her—someone who might accept every part of her, even the things others called strange. This could be her only chance to find someone who didn't see her as an outcast.

She was doing this for love. For herself. Juvia inhaled deeply, closed her eyes, and gave a small, resolute nod. At once, her signature formed upon the contract as if written by an unseen hand. The parchment glowed briefly—then vanished into nothingness.

"Excellent."

Selene's grin widened, twisted and satisfied. With a subtle motion of her fingers, a bright light began to glow within Juvia's throat. Juvia gasped as the light lifted from her body—her voice, drawn out as a shimmering essence—before being caught and sealed within Selene's shell.

It was gone. Her voice now belonged to the sea witch. Juvia would never speak, laugh, or sing again.

Without wasting a moment, Selene turned to her cauldron. One by one, she added ingredients to the brew. Each addition sent the contents swirling violently, the rising smoke contorting into grotesque shapes that groaned and screeched in unsettling tones, making Juvia recoil in silent fear.

At last, the potion was complete. Selene filled a small glass bottle with the glowing liquid and held it out.

"Drink this," she instructed, "and swim. Swim while thinking of where you wish to go most in all the world."

Meanwhile, Lily and Conlan had been struggling against Nebaru the entire time, desperately trying to break free and stop Juvia from making a grave mistake. At last, Conlan lunged forward and bit down hard on Nebaru.

"Yeeooow!" Nebaru cried out, recoiling and releasing them.

"Juvia, stop!" Panther Lily shouted as he rushed toward her. "Don't do it!"

But it was too late. Juvia had already lifted the bottle to her lips and swallowed the bitter potion. She turned instinctively upward, her thoughts drifting to Gray—hoping, with all her heart, to reach wherever he was.

The transformation struck instantly. A searing pain coursed through her body as her tail split and reshaped into legs. It felt as though she were being torn apart and remade all at once—her body aflame from within. She gasped, overwhelmed, her strength faltering as she began to lose consciousness. Lily and Conlan reached her just in time, catching her and guiding her swiftly toward the surface.

The last thing Juvia remembered was breaking through the ocean's surface—rising from the sea foam as she drew her first breath with human lungs—before everything faded into darkness.