I have so many chapters drafted for this story but they're not in order.

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail.

Anyways,

The Trials of a Demon

Chapter 2 – The Acceptance of a Demon

.oO0Oo.

A beautiful girl with a shining crown and a gorgeous dress hummed a delightful tune as her stunning heels crossed the magnificent carpet which adorned the striking hallway in a breathtaking castle part of a wonderful country, with two.

.oO0Oo.

Lucy's breathing was shallow and uneven as her body shook. Despite that, her practised expression and smooth movements never faltered. It was as if she had no worries at all. Ms. Spetto stood on her right, a step or two behind her, as one of the castle advisors and organisers led them straight to the source of her nervousness.

"You look truly amazing, Miss Lucy, an example of pure elegance and class at its finest." Ms. Spetto complimented as usual, but it was true, even Lucy could admit that. For events such as this, it was expected of her to dress her absolute best. She must dress for the crowd, a phrase more familiar to her than 'dress for the queen'.

With a delicate and rehearsed smile, she responded, "The work of the team never fails to impress me."

The small talk and the pain of her heels could not ease the anxiety she felt. Turning several corners, it only worsened, knowing that they weren't far. Alas, they arrived at a set of double doors on the 10th floor. Behind it and below, stood thousands of awaiting people.

Beside it were her parents, each seated in their own respectful waiting chairs. They both offered her a kind and comforting smile, which she returned. "Are you ready?" Her father asked.

She nodded.

.oO0Oo.

"All hail the king!"

A chorus of the same sentence echoed throughout the court. The guard took a step to the side, allowing Jude himself to step forward, face nearing the microphone, signaling the crowd to quiet down.

"People of Fiore!" He shouted, waving in a royal manor. "Roughly a year ago, my daughter was declared eligible to host the 76th trials upon her 18th birthday. With the… unfortunate and dreaded turnout that I'm certain you are aware of, it was called off early, within the second month. Our country shall never forget that tragic incident."

The people were dead silent as they listened on. Lucy bowed her head in respect and in pain from the memory. How could things have gone so wrong?

"Despite that, I am not getting any younger. This country cannot go without both a king and queen to rule. For this reason, with Lucy's consent, we will host the 77th trials!" The crowd erupted in cheers and shouts of excitement once the statement was made. It was only minutes before Lucy had to present the list.

"I, your king, would like to welcome you to the reveal and confirmation of the contestants participating in this event. The decision has been made and finalized by the princess herself. I now call upon my daughter, your future queen, Lucy Heartfilia!"

Lucy struggled to seen confident and powerful. Her decision was difficult, but she upmost decided what would be best for her country. The contestants didn't spark much interest, though that was something she was hoping to develop upon meeting them, but they all made excellent leaders. She looked out to the excited and hopeful people that put their trust and lives in her. Once again, she smiled her pratise smile and waved to them.

"Hello everyone." She started. "I know most of you, if not all of you, are not here for a long speech about the difficulty of the decision or the apologies for those unchosen, so let's get right onto the list, shall we?" Cheers and claps filled the packed space. Jude and Layla smiled proudly at their daughter's excellent public speaking skills. As they both sounded formal, Lucy was always so casual and charismatic with the crowd and the people adored her for it.

"Unlike usual, this year, I will announce the name before their sponsor. There is a reason for this, mainly for effect in all honesty. Without further ado, I bring you this year's trials' fifteen suitors!" She paused to let their cheering die down.

"Sting Eucliffe, from Sabertooth.

Lyon Vastia, from Lamia Scale.

Ren Akatsuki, from Blue Pegasus.

Rogue Cheney, from Sabertooth.

Gray Fullbuster, Fairy Tail.

Hibiki Lates, Blue Pegasus.

Mest Gryder, Fairy Tail

Dan Straight, Legion Corps.

Jellal Fernades, Crime Sorcière.

Laxus Dreyar, Fairy Tail.

Eve Tearm, Blue Pegasus.

Freed Justine, Fairy Tail.

Rufus Lore, Sabertooth.

Gajeel Redfox, Fairy Tail."

The crowd clapped, but not as loudly as they soon noticed she had only named fourteen. She sighed before she continued, afraid of how her country would react and what they would think of her. She only prayed they would heed her explanation.

"I know you are all thinking about the fifteenth contestant, and there is a reason I saved him for last. You see, a while back, maybe 10 years now, the previous king had officially given rights to demon kind. He had given them freedom and the ability to share land with us. He had hoped that the people would be able to accept the changes in society, and many have, but there are also some who have not."

People were confused and curious. Why had the princess suddenly change the important and main topic at hand? They simply didn't know but were soon to find out.

"The reason I have pointed this out is to remind you that human and demon kind have equal rights to this earth. For that point, I have allowed a specific contestant to compete in the trials this year.

The fifteenth suitor participating in the 77th royal trials is,

Natsu Dragneel, from the Demon Realm."

She knew they wouldn't see eye to eye with her, but what she didn't expect was how fast they rejected the idea. They yelled and complained, screaming about how outrageous and insane she must have been, shouting profanities. It surprised her how fast and how easily your people can turn their backs on you. But she refused to be unheard.

"Please, please, let me explain my decision. Though I know you may not agree with human/demon equal rights, but it is a law that was decided long before my coming. It is beyond my control and this is the first time a demon had applied, it would be sinful of me to dismiss him for his being. Going against the law as the princess and forcing demons back into a position below humans is a definite cause for war. We coexist now, and you'll have to live with my decision, because I'm sure as hell not changing it."

Even Jude and Layla were surprised by their daughter's tone and confidence. That was one of the main concerns about Lucy's future title as queen. She had yet to stand her ground and prove to the people her confidence and strong beliefs. That's what she just did, isn't it? That's what got the people back on her side, isn't it? That's why they were cheering her name, right? Right.

She managed to get a demon into the trials with the people's approval.

Lucy Heartfilia would make a great queen.

But could a demon be king?

.oO0Oo.

"NATSU WE ARE NOT DOING THIS AGAIN!"

"OH YES WE ARE! YOU SAID I WOULDN'T BE CHOSEN!"

"I SAID PROBABLY!"

Natsu was absolutely mortified. He was certain that he wouldn't be accepted into the trials, but then he heard the princess say his name via lacrima vision. Needless to say, his small lacrima projection screen was the first of several objects to be thrown out the window today.

"YOU OWE ME!"

"FOR WHAT?!"

"WELL I DON'T KNOW! MAYBE, RAISING YOU!"

"I'VE ALREADY MADE UP FOR THAT!"

"BY DOING WHAT?!"

"GRACING YOU WITH MY AWESOME PRESENCE!"

More and more household items flew by, just missing his head.

"WHY DO YOU WANT ME TO GO ANYWAYS?!"

"I WANT GRANDCHILDREN!"

"IT'S NOT UP TO YOU OLD MAN!"

Igneel finally had enough. He growled loudly, making the teenager shiver. That growl could only mean one thing…

The sound of cloth ripping and wind blowing filled the clearing in the woods. Sharp tipped, fiery red wings sprouted out of the man's back, rather painfully or so it seems, tearing his shirt. Red scales climbed his neck, fading around his cheek and temple, leading into his hair line. Red locks covered the base of the two horns atop his head. He shot up at an inhuman speed, perching himself on his son's open window, gripping and cracking the frame with his bare hands.

Only one word could describe the familiar and terrifying sight.

Demonic.

Needless to say, Natsu packed his bags the next morning without protest.

.oO0Oo.

Aaaaaaaand done.

This was a sort of filler chapter.

I love the contrast between Lucy and Natsu's lives.

Either in the next, or the next next chapter, the two different kinds will meet.

Till next time.

Ja ne!