Natsu was driving Lucy insane. When he wasn't busy re-enforcing the safety of Magnolia, he was constantly at her side…and he wouldn't let her do anything. When he wasn't with her, he had Mirajane looking out for her at the guild. At least Mirajane let her help clear tables. When he was with her, he was constantly finding extra pillows for her or making her something to eat. At first, it was fun, but it didn't take long to get old.
"I am not an invalid!" she insisted, "I can make us dinner!"
He gave her his best puppy dog look, dropping his arms around her shoulders as he gently pushed back onto the couch, "But why would you do that when I love you so much I'd do anything for you?" he asked sweetly.
"Because if you don't let me off this flippin' couch, I'm going to go insane!" she snapped. She stood up, stretching. A small baby bump had begun to make an appearance, "Seriously Natsu, go to the guild!"
"But we're done for the day!"
"Then sit down and leave me alone! I'm making dinner!" She glanced at him, now on the couch sulking, "I'm sorry," she said in a gentler voice, "You just have to let me 'stay me', okay? Don't coddle me. I need to do my part too," she sat down on his lap and kissed him longingly, "Sometimes, that's all I need from you."
He kissed her back, "There's plenty more where that came from," he mused.
"Good," she smiled, "but not right now. I'm going to make something to eat."
He nodded and she got off his lap, disappearing into the kitchen.
Mira and Laxus had just finished the dinner rush. Mira was bringing piles of plates and other dishes to the kitchen and Laxus was running them through the dishwasher lacrima. Laxus was grumbling about the chore. In previous days, he'd been out helping with the defense of Magnolia. Today, Mira had indicated she needed his help in the guild so that Kinana could take a day off with Erik.
"I still don't get why I wasn't asked for the mission," Laxus grumbled. The Thunder Legion had made their way back to the kitchen to help, their support for Laxus never waning. With the exception of Evergreen, of course, who was extremely heavy with pregnancy and had her hands full with Everden and Elfman.
"Indeed," Freed agreed, "We would be invaluable on the mission. But you have to admit, we have been needed here as well. Our contribution will ensure the safety of Magnolia."
"I'd rather be down there with the others. Plus, the guild is stupid quiet without Gray and the others," Bixslow added, seemingly agreeing with Laxus, "Right Babies?"
"Stupid quiet, stupid quiet!" the 'babies' echoed.
"Stop complaining!" Mira said cheerfully, bringing more dishes in, "I have to say, I'm rather enjoying the peace!"
As if on cue, there was an illumination of light. The group shielded their eyes until it dissipated.
Before them, Princess Hisui stood with two of her Royal Guards.
"Princess!" Mira bowed immediately, Freed and Bixslow following her lead. Laxus stood behind with his arms crossed, giving her a nod of acknowledgment when Hisui turned to look at him.
"No need for formalities," the princess said, taking Mira in for a hug, "Please – can you take me to Master Makarov?"
Mira looked at the humongous pile of dishes still lining the edges of the kitchen.
"I'll take her," Laxus said, happy to get out of the chore.
"Gee thanks," Mira muttered. Thankfully, Freed and Bixslow offered to stay behind to help her.
"Don't know what she expected," Laxus said under his breath and he lead Hisui and her two guards to the stairs that would lead to Makarov's office, "I'm way too tough to do dishes."
Guild members paused, watching as the Princess made her way through the room, following Laxus. Some bowed. Others smiled politely.
Hisui giggled, making Laxus realize he'd said that out loud. He blushed slightly before rapping at the door.
"Come in!" Makarov yelled.
His face broke out into a grin as Hisui followed Laxus inside. Laxus sat down, assuming he was staying for this impromptu meeting, whether he was invited or not. Since no one said anything about, he kicked his feet up on his grandfather's desk.
"Princess! Welcome!" Makarov gestured the Princess and her two guards inside.
"Thank you," Hisui said.
"I assume since you're here, the first stage of plan has been successful," Makarov whacked Laxus's feet off his desk, giving him a stern look.
"It has," Hisui confirmed, "They have control of the House of Aranthos. However, they have learned that there are already demons narrowing down my whereabouts. I've been sent here to ask for Fairy Tail's protection."
"And you have it," Makarov confirmed without hesitation, "Fairy Tail will protect you with our lives if it comes to that."
"Thank you," she said, suppressing a sigh of relief. As much as she hated leaving Crocus and her Papa behind, she knew Fairy Tail would be the hub of operations at any rate and she welcomed the reassurance that her input would still be heeded.
Makarov leaned in, "My children…are they all okay?"
Hisui nodded, "So far as I know anyway."
Makarov nodded, accepting the answer, "We'll find accommodations for you. I'm afraid we haven't anything like the castle has to offer, but we'll try to make you comfortable."
"I'm not worried about comfort," Hisui said softly, "I'd love to see how Lucy is doing though."
Laxus sat up straight, "That's not a bad idea, Gramps. What about having them out at Natsu and Lucy's house? They have the room, what with the new additions Natsu and his friends have been working on, and it's kinda out of the way."
"If Freed does his thing and has it completely protected, then I think that's a good idea. We will also organize security for the area 24/7," Makarov watched Laxus's face, recognizing the hopeful glint in his eyes, "Can I entrust you with the Princess's security, my boy?"
He didn't need to answer. Laxus's face was practically splitting in two.
"If you're in agreement then, Princess," Makarov continued, "I'll have Laxus take the Thunder Legion immediately out to Natsu and Lucy's house and make the preparations."
Hisui nodded.
"Your Majesty," Sting said, joining Tomo in the secluded room.
They were alone. Sting had told his wife earlier that he would be gone for a couple hours and kissed his little Sera on the cheek. The other Sabertooth members continued on the defenses of Crocus. It was a large city and there was a lot of ground to cover.
"Welcome Sting," Tomo said, gesturing to a chair beside him, "I've asked you here to inquire about the status of our mission."
"The cave is built," Sting told him, "It's dug 4500 feet into the centre of the mountain. The actual cavern is large enough to fit all the citizens of Crocus. The tunnel has been completed and the city can be evacuated in a matter of hours. Supplies have been put into a large supply room, including food and water. Enough to keep the entire City of Crocus for three weeks. It's not good food, but it would keep us alive if it came to it."
Production of the enormous cave had been in progress for years prior. Tomo had always known it was a possibility that Crocus would be the focus of a major attack. It was not only the capital city of Fiore, but also the city that housed the Royal Family. With the new threat looming several months ago, Tomo had had Sabertooth expedite the completion of it, guiding work crews.
"Excellent," Tomo said, clasping his hands together, "It's a last resort measure, but a good safeguard nonetheless. And the perimeter of Crocus?"
"Crocus is 80% surrounded with defenses," Sting advised, "Sabertooth is out supervising the work crews finishing the preparation of the last 20% as we speak."
"And how are the townspeople?" Tomo asked.
"Confused," Sting admitted, "They know something is up, but they are continuing to be the good citizens they always are. They pitch in without question."
Tomo was pleased and his expression said so, "The people of Fiore, and particularly the people of Crocus, are good people. I'm thankful that they will all be protected. You've done an excellent job, Sting."
"They have an excellent King," Sting replied with heartfelt resolve, "It may not ever get that far, but if we're attacked, you've had the insight to prepare. It's no wonder that the people love you so much."
"Go home to your wife, Sting," Tomo ordered, "When you get there, tell her I am indebted to you and Sabertooth for all your service. I will be in touch."
Sting nodded, bowing slightly as he headed out the door.