Chapter 14

For the rest of the day the mages split up to do their own thing; Erza went over strategy with Sting and Rogue for the engagement ball the following night; Wendy, Gray and Charle went wandering through the town with Yukino and Minerva; Warren had decided stay in the palace and set up security lacrima; and Gajeel and Lily did what they do best and sneak off into town to gather information without telling anyone where they were going, leaving Happy and Natsu in the castle.

Natsu was alone in his room, sitting on the windowsill overlooking the palace grounds. A breeze played with his black hair, tugging at his scarf. Reaching his hand up he gripped it tightly, and smiled.

Holding the scarf he began to remember everything that had happened to it; from Igneel giving it to him, to him losing it and Gray giving it back to him on Tartaros, to Lucy saving it after their battle against Hades.

Remembering Lucy, it didn't hurt as much, now he felt warm. He no longer looked at these memories in sadness and pain. He was glad of all of the adventures he had been through with her, even if they had come to an end.

What he now felt was no longer hatred and despair towards himself, but hope; a hope that one day he would see her again.

"You know, you look funny when you smile by yourself."

Natsu slipped off the windowsill to the ground to be staring up at Happy towering over him.

Natsu just lay there, not sure what to do. This was the first time Happy had spoken to him voluntarily in five years.

Sitting up, Natsu let his hair fall to cover his face. "I – I'm sorry, Happy."

Natsu didn't move or look at Happy but he could hear his footsteps as he padded closer. Putting his paw on Natsu's leg, Happy looked up at the dragon slayer in front of him.

"I already said that I forgave you Natsu, even if in the beginning I didn't want to, but it would be what she would have wanted. I've just been waiting for you to forgive yourself. It's nice…it's nice to finally have my partner back." Natsu looked up shocked to hear Happy call him partner. Happy's eyes were big and wavering, tears streaming down his face.

Natsu reached out and patted Happy's head, smiling with tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry you had to wait so long, partner."

"Hey Happy! I wonder how long Gray will last before he strips his tux in the middle of the ball!" Natsu laughed.

"You have a problem, pyro?"

"Yeah! An ice freak is my problem."

"What did you call me?" Gray yelled banging his head against Natsu.

"You heard me!"

"You wanna go?"

"Bring it!"

Both smirked and pulled their fists up to land the first punch. But with a sickening crack they both ended up on the floor dazed with Erza towering over them. Her red dress falling over them as they lay sprawled on the floor.

"You dare to start fighting at a royal ball?" she asked with a deathly aura surrounding her.

"We're sorry!" both Gray and Natsu exclaimed. Natsu grabbed Happy and ran out the room, heading downstairs to the ballroom.

"What do we do with him?" Erza sighed.

"Well at least we're starting to see the old Natsu again," Gray said standing up rubbing the back of his head.

"Come on, the others will be waiting for us downstairs."

Walking down the hallway from their shared rooms Erza smiled, it's about time we got him back. Her red dress trailed along the ground behind her, her hair was up in a high bun with stands falling loose. She snuck a glance at Gray, Natsu isn't the only one that's going back to normal, she thought as she noticed that he had already lost his suit jacket.

But as they made their way to the great double doors that led to the ballroom, Erza couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right.

Standing towards the rear of the ballroom, Natsu stood alone, leaning his back against the wall listening to the sounds around him. The smell of slow roasted lamb, fresh fish and sweet desserts filled his nose, begging him to come closer. Ignoring the rumble of his stomach he stood at his post, watching over the crowd as the guests danced and laughed.

Come in? Hello? Can everyone hear me?

Yes, we can hear you, what do you report Warren? Erza's stern voice sounded through Natsu's head via telepathy.

The lacrimas have been set up and I now have a clear view of the grounds surrounding the castle. Rogue is in his shadow mode and is patrolling the hallways, the rest of Sabertooth are spread throughout the grounds of the palace. Gajeel and Lily are in the shadows in the ballroom. The rest of you, I can see, are in the ballroom. Make sure to blend in. Be on alert.

Thanks Warren, you can count on us! Wendy's voice rang through his head. Opening his eyes Natsu spotted her across the room talking with a boy her age. Her hair was falling out of its bun and kept annoying her. Brushing a strand behind her ear she turned and saw Natsu looking. Giving him a small smile, she turned back to her partner.

Natsu smiled. Ever since coming here things had started to feel normal…almost.

"How you going, pyro?" Knowing who it was he didn't bother turning around.

"It's been a while since we came to one of these," Natsu said nodding towards the crowd.

"Yeah," Gray sighed, "I sure didn't miss it, especially having to wear these stupid clothes."

Natsu grunted in agreement. He didn't mind it too much, it was just, well, too much. He still wore his scarf around his neck but the suit jacket and tie were annoying.

"Have you boys noticed anything yet?" Erza asked coming over to them.

"No not yet. Why, have you seen something?" Gray asked.

"No, I just have this feeling…" turning her back to them to survey the crowd her red dress flowed around her lightly dusting the ground.

How's it looking in there? Sting's voice rang through their minds.

Nothing's happening here, but we'll be ready. Gihi.

Erza sighed and turned back to her comrades. "Looks like I'm worried for nothing."

"I would say that ye-"

Fairy Tail!

What is it Rogue? What's wrong? Erza demanded

Natsu and Gray instantly tensed, readying themselves for the oncoming threat.

I – I am so sorry…

"LADIES AND GENTLEMAN! I welcome you all here this evening – " the King's voice boomed over the crowd as he stepped forward on the podium, his arms outstretched to the crowd silencing everyone. Natsu turned, only to make eye contact with the Prince. The intricate designs made out of silver thread on his suit caught the light as it shone upon him and his father. He smirked, making Natsu's body tense, his senses immediately going on high alert.

Something tugged at Natsu's memory but as he tried to remember, it slipped through his grasp like water. But one thing he knew for certain, he really didn't like him.

What is it Rogue? What's wrong? Wendy said, pushing her way through the crowd towards Erza and the others.

" – to celebrate the engagement of my son, Prince Daemon and the lovely – '

The – the girl, the fiancée, it's –

" – Lady Lucy Heartfilia of Fiore!"

– Lucy.