Prayer Ceremony

"Hurry up Bisca , I don't want to be late for the ceremony" juvia says to Bisca who was applying make-up on Juvia's face . " Calm down princess , this is your big day , you have to look your best " Bisca replies while tying juvia's hair . An hour passed and the two girls were ready to attend the ceremony . The Annual prayer ceremony is a festival in which the people following the Ring religion offer prayers to the Ring goddess . Every year it takes place on the first full moon night of the year at the ancient shrine of Ring goddess which is situated at a hill top on the outskirts of the city . Like every year the area surrounding the ancient shrine was filled with stalls selling snacks and goods . "The festive atmosphere is amazing this year" Bisca says as Bisca and juvia move up the stairs to reach the shrine . " It is too crowded here " juvia says while trying to move up . " Hey Gray !! " Bisca shouts while waiving her hand . " Why is my heart beating so loud " juvia thinks as gray approaches the two girls . " Hi , you two look splendid today " Gray says to the two . " Save the compliments for later , juvia wants to say something to you " Bisca says with a grin . " My heart is not ready yet , I'm feeling too nervous " juvia thinks . " What you want to say juvia ?" Gray asks as Juvia . Juvia's lips started trembling " I - I - I wan-want t to " as she nervously tries to speak . A loud sound of bell interrupts as the priest starts chanting sacred verses ." Everyone please be quiet " the priest's partner says and everyone closed their eyes and bowed their heads down.

The priest finishes the verse and rings the big bell twice . " This marks the end of first phase , our traditional dance is next " gray says " Gray !" Annie shouts and run towards gray . " What Happened Annie ? " Gray asks . " Your costume's red ribbons are missing and your performance is up next" A worried Annie replies . " Damn it , what do I do now " Gray says in a worried voice . " I saw a stall selling red ribbons on my way up here , I can go and buy some " . " Thank you so much juvia , I'm going backstage , give it to me there " Gray says and quickly starts running towards the stage followed by Annie . " Why didn't you confess " Bisca says to juvia in a disappointing tone . " I was too nervous , I'll surely do it after his performance " juvia replies in nervous tone . " I'm waiting here , quickly get the ribbons " Bisca says as Juvia leaves the shrine and moves downstairs looking for the stall selling ribbons . Juvia spots the stall which was at the first step of the long staircase . She runs trying to make a way through the crowd and almost reaches the stall and suddenly she hears a loud explosion and the shockwave of the explosion causes her to fall downstairs . Juvia quickly gets up and looks in horror as the entire shrine was burning .

The survivors scream out of pain and loss as Juvia stands still amid the chaos as her expressionless face and cold eyes depicts the devastation she feels inside

To be continued...

Next Chapter - Chapter 3 - Why

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