Princess and the Pauper
With a little touch of Fairy Tail magic.
An inspired Lucy/Lisanna Fanfic.
Warning: There's a fair warning of Graylu and Nali up ahead.
The kingdom of Fiore was experiencing an excruciating blasted winter. The health of the common was drastically low and the poor have been misrepresented ever since the late Queen passed.
This havoc struck the kingdom as their fair and lovely Layla Heartfilia, Symbol of hope and love passed away due to poor health. Leaving the King to face bitter some loneliness and a distraught nine-year-old daughter with sadness.
But this was years and years ago, but due to the King and his clinical depression, the kingdom wasn't up and bright as it ought to be as it was before.
No sadly the kingdom has reigned with gloom and darkness ever since their sunshine left with no light for hope. Jude, the King that represented everything right and just, the one who solemnly swore to rule with a good mind and compassion let himself go. Corruption managed to work itself through with the royals and horrifyingly Jude has not noticed.
The kingdom has reeked with crime, the royal guards especially doing evil deeds such as stealing from the poor and what's worse; they do it in the King's name.
And not one brave soul can stop it.
Especially with seventy-five percent of the pure and royal blood can use magic while only twenty five percent of the common can use it.
It's an unmatched battle.
But that's not the story we're here for. Are we? Let's go more now to the present where young Lucy Heartfilia will be turning twenty-one in a matter of days. Days away from her coronation to become Queen sadly because it seems that her Father's day count has been dropping low.
But what she doesn't know is that a soon encounter will make her life and the kingdom's more magical than all the magic combined in the world.
"Miss Lucy! I do say, pay attention! We're half way through history of the ancient arts and we still need to move on to chemistry!"
"Ah Suppetto-san, let's live a little." The young maiden giggled, she twirled herself around in her lacey and pink ball gown. "Enough with lessons." Her voice going high as she sung a tune, "When are we going to practice magic?"
"Now you know your body is too fragile Miss Lucy." The maid slash tutor said quietly, "It's not good to practice it everyday."
Lucy frowned, "But what's the point of magic if you can't even use it?" she said restlessly, "I don't even know what my magic does except it makes light and glitter."
She looked away disappointed but brightened, "Except for Plue. When I'm feeling blue I can always summon and depend on Plue."
"Plue my dear?" the maid asked suspiciously. Lucy laughed, "Nichola" she corrected. "I decided to name him Plue since that is all he says."
"I see. Very well. You had your break on to your lesson!" she chastised.
Lucy inwardly groaned. "Please Suppetto? No more for today. The cold is finally snaking its way into the palace."
"Fine." Her maid smiled softly before draping herself in a wool blanket, "I was beginning to think that your skin was made of delicate ice! Not noticing the cold and all."
That made Lucy laugh, "Rule 34. Princesses shall never complain. Always keep an exterior without showing your true emotion/feelings."
The maid nodded, "It must be tough on you Dear. Your Mum would have been so proud. You look just like her you know."
Lucy looked down, a sad smile painted across her white pink lips, "Yes I know." Her brown eyed saddened, "And that's the problem."
" 'Sanna! Come in please! It looks like we're going to be snowed in tonight." A faint voice said as hurdles of snow came gushing down with strong wind.
The young girl nodded, her blue eyes looking both ways before crossing the road making sure incoming carriages wouldn't run her over. "Coming!" she yelled.
The woman she addressed only wrapped herself tightly with the thin garments she had on. She was saving the largest wool cape for her sister.
"Please hurry before you catch a cold." She said in a motherly tone once her sister was in front of her. The younger sibling only giggled before taking the wool cape in her hand gratefully. Wrapping herself encouragingly to keep her petite and pale body warm.
"Where's brother?" she asked as they both went inside their small home. Her sister locked the door shut, "He's with your boyfriend." The sister smirked deviously.
The girl blushed furiously before giving her sister an angry pout, "Mira," her tone went serious. "Gray is just a friend."
Mira sighed dreamily, "Oh poo!" she whined. "Lisanna when are you going to start acting like girls your age and find a boy you fancy?"
Lisanna only gave her sister a sheepish grin and a shrug that stated I-don't-know. "Please Mira. I have more things to worry about than boys. We still have to take care of the family business and repay all debts." Her eyes casted down with worry, "I can't afford to go find true love."
Mira eyes saddened, she wrapped her arms around her sister in attempts to cheer her up. Lisanna flinched once they made contact, never knowing her sister can feel so cold.
"Everything is going to be okay." Her sister whispered lovingly, "Please don't burden yourself with troubles. That's why we're a family we share our problems together. All right?" she looked at her sweetly, "Don't worry about the debt. Just do me and Elfman a favor and focus on yourself a bit more."
"Okay."
"Good." She smiled brightly before giving a soft kiss on her little sister's forehead.
"Any way I pretty much have a faint idea on why you wouldn't consider Gray or any possible candidate." Her sister voiced out suddenly after their hug broken off.
Lisanna frowned, not understanding what her sister meant by this especially when the change of conversation came so quickly, "What we're on that again? I told you Gray is just a friend!"
"Pish posh," the older sibling waved off while heading towards the fireplace, putting more wood to keep the fire alive. "Gray is delectable eye candy even you can't deny that."
Lisanna rolled her eyes, "Yes he's good looking but that doesn't mean I have to base emotional feelings on outer appearance."
"True. But you never tried to fall for a guy. Now why do you think is that?" the sister said. She started poking the ash remains of wood while adding another log.
"Uhh because I haven't found the 'one' yet?" her sister replied dubiously while sitting her self on the wood floor.
"Not exactly." Her sister smiled, she watched the flame flicker with illuminating light and warmth, the orange hue coloring her face with brightness and power.
"Then what?"
"Because you all ready found him." Mira said simply causing Lisanna to look at her in shock with her mouth agape. "W-what?" she blushed, "What a-are you talking a-about?"
"Don't act coy with me." She laughed, "I remember you were close to this one little boy with sharp eyes as a kid. He was your first friend and the fact you have gotten to know him so much for only meeting a day!" she giggled as she reminisced, "It was unbelievable. You never smiled so much until he popped into your life, but then he suddenly disappeared and ever since then I never seen you with the same sparkle with anyone."
The room gone silent, it took a moment before Lisanna could reply, "That was a long time ago," she said sadly, "I doubt he hardly remembers me. And it was just a crush Mira." She looked down as she brought her knees closer to her chest, "I was a child then and it doesn't matter now."
"Don't be like that." Mira laughed, "One day you'll find your prince."
Lisanna nodded, she quietly turned her gaze towards the fire. What brought her warmth and happiness was the moment right here.
"Though let me say this about Gray." 'Okay,' Lisanna thought sweat dropping, 'Moment ruined.'
"What now Mira?"
"I just wish I had his durability against the cold. He's a lunatic I tell you. He's probably shirtless right now when it's below zero degrees and here I am shivering my tush off!" she said gruffly.
Lisanna laughed, "Care to join me sis?" she asked opening her arms with the cape flowing, "I have plenty of room."
"Yes Please!" her sister jumped in pleading while her younger sister laughed as the fire crackled.
"So who were you today?" Mira asked while stirring a big pot of hot stew on their small stove. Lisanna was setting the table waiting for her brother and Gray to return.
"Macao." She replied simply, "I knew they wouldn't give me extra fire wood unless I was a good friend of the chief. And the only person that fits with that description is Macao." She set a glass down on the last plate.
"That's fine but please don't use your transformation magic freely," her sister warned, "Your body is still weak from your last illness and with this blizzard I'm not going to take any chances."
"But Mira!—"
"No more butts!" Mira narrowed her eyes at her younger sister. "We almost lost you and I don't want to experience that ever again."
Lisanna frowned but nodded, ever since they had lost their parents Mira and her brother changed dramatically. Personality wise and emotionally. Lisanna just grew more distant and found it hard to grow close to people.
It was a riot caused by the royal guards. They have taken a lot from their neighbors and stolen so much they barely had an ounce of clothing on their backs. Many grew weary and lost hope. Many angered that the king was letting this happen, but Lisanna couldn't blame the king since he was experiencing a great loss recently.
But her parents were strong and hope full people. They brought many smiles in their village with their nice hospitality and genuine feelings. Everyone loved them.
Until that night. The royal guards came in and started beating to death a jobless man with his family horrifyingly forced to watch. Her father couldn't take it and tried to interfere causing other men to join and help. But the royal guards had strong magic and a big battle took place. The women and children were evacuated as they watched their houses burn down to the ground.
But Lisanna refused to leave and wanted to wait for her father. Her mother reassured her that he would be fine and to go leave with her sister and brother. Stubborn as she was she didn't move so her mum told her she would go find him and bring him back if Lisanna did as she was told and evacuate the place with her siblings.
She begrudgingly left because she knew her mother always kept her promises.
But that day she couldn't. And neither her mother nor father returned.
To this day she still blames herself that if she didn't listen the first time at least her mother would be with her now.
"Lisanna?" Mira's voice erupted causing the Strauss sibling to flinch. Surprised that she dozed off and fell in to that long memory.
"Sorry." She whispered her eyes drooped a little, "I must be tired."
"Well don't fall asleep." Her sister said, "Or your soup will get cold."
She laughed. They fully set the table and a few minutes later Gray and Elfman returned.
"Tadaiima!" Elfman yelled, Gray simply nodded as he entered their house, "Sorry for intruding."
"Nonsense Gray," Lisanna smiled, "You're pretty much family! Tonight we're having stew you guys. So I hope you brought your appetites with you!"
"To eat and enjoy your sister's cooking is being a MAN." Elfman yelled as he sat himself down, Gray rolled his eyes and took the chair next to him.
"So how is it out there?" Mira was the first to ask. Lately the miners are being paid less and they were coming up short in gold. Not many knew it but the kingdom was going bankrupt.
"Not so good." Gray said he took a sip of his water. "Though we're lucky we haven't been laid off due to Elfman's build and my durability against the cold."
"Well that 's not a surprise. Elfman's take over magic helps with his stamina and your ice magic makes you take a blizzard as a warm summer breeze!" she chuckled, "It unusually rare for miners to have employees with magic abilities." She stated.
"Well then," Gray smirked "Then it must be very unusual for all of us to be having dinner while we all have magic abilities."
Mira smiled, "You keep forgetting I'm retired."
"Aw Mira," Lisanna pouted, "You should really get back in! Every one adores you and your magic is much better than I could ever handle."
The girl blushed affectionately, "Aww you're being sweet. But you know I can't. I have duties as the seamstress in this town."
"Well though we do miss you in the magic field," Gray started, "I have been hearing good reviews on your dresses. Apparently they're pretty popular that even the princess is starting to become a loyal customer."
"Wah really?" Lisanna asked excited, "You've never told me the princess also buy yours clothing sis!"
"Shush shush." Mira squealed putting a finger to her lips. "I'm trying to keep it low key. I don't want any muggers to come in if they know the princess has been my client."
"Well it seems to me some people know."
"Well I just assumed it was a rumor." Gray shrugged, "People would probably think it's too good to be true." He said calmly.
"So what's the princess like? Is she beautiful as the rumors say?" Lisanna asked excitedly. Gray and Elfman continued to munch on their food all ready tuning out the soon to be girl gossip that would take place.
"Yes maybe even more." Mira started, "She resembles so much of her mother Queen Layla. She's very humble." She smiled, "She also likes pink."
"Ah wah! I wish I could have met her!" Lisanna said disappointedly.
"She kind of reminds me of you 'Sanna." She laughed, "You both have the same face shape and skin color. You both have the same radiant smile."
"Mira!" the sister blushed with a scolding tone, "How can you compare me to the princess of the kingdom? We're nothing alike. She's a lady and I'm just a…pauper." She frowned.
Mira shook her head; "Maybe it's just that I saw some of you in her. My sisterly instincts kicked in when I met her and I couldn't help it."
"What could I possibly have in common with her?" she asked incredulously.
"It seems that you both are looking for something more." She smiled, "Don't sell yourself short sis."
╮(─▽─)╭ Side note.
"I've been wondering." Elfman started once the fire died down. He watched as his sisters slept on their small futon. He closed the door and made room for Gray on the floor with blankets and pillows in hand.
"What?" Gray asked pulling off his long sleeved shirt.
"Why didn't you tell my sisters you've been working at the palace for a week all ready?" he whispered.
"Well. For one they would squeal and gush and probably ask to come visit."
Elfman raised a brow but chuckled, "Yeah it's very like them."
"And second," Gray yawned before stretching himself down on the floor, "Mira would throw a fit if she found out I was helping you guys pay off some of your debt."
"Which I still thank you by the way." Elfman smiled.
"No problem. You guys are like family and it's been a long time since I felt good with other people. And family sticks together no matter what. So your problems are now mine."
Elfman laid down on his side of the floor, "So what's it like there? Doing odd jobs at the palace?"
Gray yawned, "Well they're very uptight but every corner you turn it's pretty much glamorous."
"So have you actually seen the princess? Or much less the king?"
"The king stays in his room. Bed rest they say but I have a bad feeling about what's going to happen to him. There's so much to do in the kingdom and the only person who can stop it might leave soon." He muttered.
"Well what about the princess? Do you think she'll be a good successor to the throne?"
"I haven't met her yet so there's no way in knowing. But the only way she can rule the kingdom with justice and compassion is getting a clue on what's actually going on."
"Lucy! Your father wants to speak with you!" the maid cried rushing in to the girl's chamber.
Lucy's eyes widened before picking her dress from the bottom and running towards the door. "I'll leave at once."
. . . . .
"Father?" the girl asked unsure as she stepped into his room. "You wanted to speak with me?"
"Lucy.." the man croaked, "I have some news to tell you." He coughed, "It's about the fate of the kingdom of Fiore."
The blonde's eyes widened in fear before taking a seat next to her father's bedside. She unconsciously took his cold hand. His knuckles turned white. "Yes what is it?"
He coughed again, "I've been talking with my royal advisor Midnight."
Lucy wrinkled her nose, she never trusted the man, "Yes?"
"We're broke sweetie." He said disheartened. Lucy bit her lip. 'Broke? The kingdom broke? How could that be?'
"How could this happen? We haven't been getting anything from the mines?"
"I'm afraid not. We've just bundled that last bits we could find."
"Father…" Lucy trembled, "What are you going to do?"
Jude sighed, time has really changed this man. "That's where you come in."
"Huh me?" she asked surprised, "What are you planning…?"
"Do your remember Natsu Dragneel?" he suddenly asked.
Lucy furrowed her eyebrows, the crease in her forehead creasing, "The boy that came to visit the palace that one time? But he disappeared for hours before returning?"
"Yes that's the one." Jude said managing to cough out a chuckle.
"How do you feel about him?"
Lucy shifted in her seat uncomfortably. She did not like where this conversation was going. "Well he's nice. Very loud and rambunctious. I did not like how he wandered off for a long time and ditched me in the garden."
Her father smiled softly, "But even so I recalled that you told me he was your best friend."
Lucy smiled, happy that her father was carrying a normal conversation. Though it was random and she had a bad feeling about it. "Yes he was."
"Good." Her father managed to say. "Well I'll inform you it's no longer Prince Natsu anymore but Lord Dragneel."
Shocked Lucy was before she asked, "So Lord Igneel…"
"Yes it was a terrible loss. But I heard the kingdom has been prospering ever since his son has taken over."
"Oh that's good. Good for Natsu and the Kingdom of Magnolia. But what does Natsu have to do with any of this…?"
"Well that day when Natsu came to visit. Igneel and I made a promise that if anything went wrong and we needed help we will be there for each other." Jude firmly states, "And if something like what's happening now ever occurred we would grant an allegiance with the kingdoms."
Lucy's heart quickened now expecting the dreaded words her father was going to say.
"So they're will be an arranged marriage to unify the two kingdoms. Fiore will flourish and will no longer be in debt. I all ready called Natsu and he agreed and accepted the terms saying he wanted to respect his father's last wishes."
Lucy stayed silent, her brown eyes roaming the quiet room not daring to look at her father.
'An arranged marriage? But I'm not ready! And I don't even love Natsu! Just why…' she silently sobbed but managed to stay composed.
"I know it's a lot to take in but please for the sake of the kingdom…" he breathed out.
Lucy nodded, "It would be an honor to marry Lord Dragneel Father." She stood up and looked at her father reassuringly, "A princess duty is always to her kingdom."
"Thank you Lucy."
I know I'm stupid. But summer is here and I kept watching too many Disney movies and had a bit of inspiration. I HADN'T HAD THAT IN A LONG TIME GOMEN!
So far stumped on Guns:/ Please if you haven't checked it out please do so and review! I need helpD:
The big two chapter for It's complicated is still in session. But I'm sure you guy's are going to change your mind on one particular character ;D tehehehehe.
Fluffed Up Memories. August. I hope. I'll try to update when my brain is starting to function properly D:
But anyways thank you guys for your support and follows pms and your faves on my stories or just me as an author personally. They make me extremely happy and constantly remind me I have a reason to keep writing. It's for you guys.
Side note: The fairy Tail latest manga chapters have been up and down. _ ahhh.
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x Pika-chan