Well here I am with an epilogue for Dragon of the Cog! I don't expect it to be super long, but hopefully enjoyable to all you readers!
After this, I'm going to start Bisca's Isekai story which might be called "Bisca's Journey" or something. Following that, Rising from Sera then Shifting!
Still, I can't believe how massive this story got. Sure, it's by no means perfect but I had a lot of fun writing it so thank you all once again!
Chapter 60: Peace
August 15th Year 788. The Dragneel Estate. 7:45 a.m.
It was going to be another hot day just judging by the heat already. The breeze coming through the screen door of the kitchen was slow and warm, a mixture of pleasantness to the day. Natsu enjoyed the moments of solitude, turning his head to study the churning stream behind his large home.
He couldn't even tell that Natsumi had fired a tank shell through the structure last year during the retreat. All the damage and scars this structure had held were gone, an easy fix for Ultear.
He had tried to dissuade her from wasting magic, but the time mage had been quite insistent. So Natsu relented. After all, his ladies wanted their home back and fixing it the normal way would've taken until early winter.
Still, he would be the one to construct the additions to his house. After all next spring he would be a father.
"I really should've spaced out the pregnancies…the hell was I thinking?" the male groused before taking a small sip of coffee. Picking up the lacrima powered datapad, the king went over some of the issues and reports Hisui had sent him from her temporary office in Magnolia.
While Hargeon would still serve as a naval and military center on top of the regaining trade industries, Magnolia would be become the new capital of Fiore…not that there were many other cities to fill the role. Most were still overcrowded with refugees as attempts were made to rebuild homes or simply didn't have the proper governmental facilities.
Plus, Crocus was at the bottom of a lake now. They needed a new capital. But, Natsu knew the real reason why Hisui had chosen Magnolia.
"She just doesn't want to drive an hour to Hargeon. For such a hardworking queen she can be lazy" The image of one of his now...many wives entered his minds eye, but Natsu couldn't help but stiffen at the hole in his heart.
Bisca had been vaporized by the weapon at the cusp of victory, and he could only come up with one theory. The wound she suffered by a Stabber in the belly of the Riftworm. If some elements of DNA had remained, that would've been enough.
Even now weeks after the wars end, the emotional wound was very deep. No…not deep. Agonizing.
Letting out a sigh as the deceased woman's image filled his mind, Natsu knew he would have to start breakfast soon, but his ladies enjoyed to sleep in…especially the pregnant ones. He wouldn't disturb their slumber.
Standing up, the man took the data pad and coffee with him to the garage. Entering the large room, two cars were sitting inside, work obviously needed to be done on each. Mira's white painted Blood Angel and Samantha's 67' Impala each sported dents, missing paint, windows and bullet pockmarks.
"Although…Mira might have left hers like that" The man grumbled, hoping that wherever she was, she was alive and safe with the others.
Natsu had sent a call out to all the other Earthland's he knew to keep an eye out for the group, but it was like looking for a needle in a stack of identical needles that stretched to infinity.
The odds of finding them were in his lifetime were low. He could travel for ten thousand years from world to world and never even encounter a hint of his missing ladies.
Turning his head to the sound of humming, Natsu saw Happy sitting on the workbench, idly watching an observation screen of the I.V.D. It was passive observation, the other worlds not likely knowing they were watched.
Next to the valuable machine was a set of blueprints, showing large expansions to his home for the coming young, a project Natsu intended to start today.
"Hey buddy, any luck?"
The cat ignored him, the screen halting on the image of another Fairy Tail guild hall. There was a starlike being, the healthy mixture of the whole guild alive…and two Wendy's. A small Chihuahua was sitting in the lap of Asuka, the young child smiling with the dog as they seemed to watch their own observation of yet another world.
One of the Wendy's was younger, probably twelve or maybe thirteen. But the other…she was on the way to full womanhood with development a fifteen or sixteen year old would see. A baseball bat lay on the table next to this older Wendy, along with a pistol on her hip as she grinned.
"Just you wait Evergreen! Once I get back to 137-C, I'll let my Natsu know you want to sleep with him!"
Evergreen slammed hands on table, glaring. "You stupid blue midget! How many times do I have to tell you wearing a shirt while drinking is not a relationship status!"
"Then why is Erza contemplating competing with you for Natsu's affections! Just look at her!" Marvell pointed to the now crimson faced redhead frantically waving her arms.
"I'm not competing at all! I'll just win!" Erza slapped her hands over her mouth, going brighter. "Kyaa! I didn't mean it like that!"
Natsu glanced down at the readout of dimensional coordinates, joy filling his heart. "Universe Twenty one-A. She's been there this whole time…" the male rasped, a growing mirth in his voice as he stood straighter.
"Should we go get her and steal all their fish?"
"Nah. Let her have fun for a bit, she deserves it. Plus, I'm sure Sam and Knightwalker would want to go get her since they're team-mates" Natsu grunted, crossing his arms. "Speaking of Sam, the eating machine will wake soon"
"Have fun making breakfast!" Happy waved before being promptly lifted up.
"Oh, your helping, don't' think I forgot how you skipped out yesterday"
"But they all eat soooo much!" Happy wailed pathetically as Natsu kept a tight grip on the scruff, carrying the Exceed to the kitchen.
"A healthy appetite is always a good thing" The king grinned lightly while stroking his chin. "He's not wrong though. The pregnant ones do eat more…"
Turning on the stove with a slow shake of his head, Natsu began making pancakes, slowly stirring a wire whisk through the batter. "Hey Happy, get the Orange Juice and milk out on the table, then start setting the plates"
"But…but my fish…" the cat wailed, holding a tiny trout he had caught last night.
"You'll survive until breakfast"
"What if the other Happy eats it!?"
Natsu sighed. "Then just grab another from the freezer. You act like that one fish is the last on the planet"
Happy recoiled, the thought more horrific than losing his current trout. "GASP!"
"Did he just say, gasp?"
A door opened and shut somewhere upstairs, the soft padding of footfalls on the staircase soon showing the owner as Juvia, the bluenette entering the kitchen still wearing a trim, lacy nightgown of ocean blue material.
"Juvia smells delicious food and her…her wonderful husband!" Holding up her ring hand and finger, she was radiant with happiness.
Natsu scoffed as he poured some pancake batter into the pan on the stove. "You do know that's just a band of metal right? We became a union once we mated. And even if that didn't stick, you're now carrying my children. That speaks more over some ring of gold"
"It's only proper…even if Juvia should have been the first wife over that Hisui woman"
The mentioned queen with ruffled hair and still yawning as she stepped up behind Juvia, a glare forming. "Jealous since the best was chosen first"
"Best at trickery…" Juvia muttered while striding into the kitchen and wrapping her arms around her freshly minted husband. "What's for breakfast?" she quickly asked with a peck on his cheek near the facial scar.
"Pancakes, eggs, sausage, toast and orange juice or milk" the man rumbled out, returning the light kiss of affection.
"Sounds delicious. I just hope you made enough since some of us are eating for two now" the queen preened while sitting down. Pouring herself a glass of milk, she knew the pregnancy was still in the early stages, but it made her excited to be a future mother.
"New life over destruction and death" Taking a small sip of the drink, Hisui looked at her husband across the room, raising an eyebrow. "Say Natsu…there's a mountain of paperwork at the office and I might need to get a doctor check-up today…"
"Nice try. You pulled that two days ago and left me in the lurch for the whole day, signing forms, reconstruction and resettlement bills, and trying to rebuild the economy"
"But paperwork suuckkks!" the queen complained almost with a cry of anguish.
"Then deal with it. You're the queen of Fiore. Surely a woman of your capabilities isn't afraid of signing some forms" Samantha teased as she walked into the kitchen and dining room with Knightwalker and Kinana.
"Easy for you to say! All you do is sit around all day and polish your guns!"
"Don't forget fatness. With Sam pregnant, she's gonna get suuuper fat!" knightwalker teased with a pointed finger and mirthful chuckle.
Bryne crossed her arms beneath her bosom, the black tanktop hugging the breasts nicely as she glared at her friend…then Natsu. "Natsu! Did you hear that! I demand you get the redhead pregnant so she gets fat!"
"I'm not doing that just so she stops teasing you. Now take a seat, the bacon should be ready soon"
Sam's eye twitched. She loved bacon. Grumbling to herself, she took a seat at the large table with her friend sitting nest to her with a wide, pleased grin.
Ever since Samantha found out she was expecting, Knightwalker had gained a great deal of pleasure in teasing her about it like a friend would.
"So, anything planned for today?" Kinana asked simply, taking her own place as Natsu carried over a large platter of pancakes.
"Well, Happy found out that Wendy is in universe 21-A. You know the one with that Observer star-guy? She's alive and well so some of you ladies could go get her whenever you want" the man stated simply.
Knightwalker unleased a breath of relief, not knowing she had been holding it in. "That's actually great fucking news. I was worried she wad completely lost like the others…or just gone"
The loss of Bisca had greatly hurt the two remaining members of Crimson Gear, losing yet another member because of the locust. To find out Wendy was alive instantly increased their spirits.
"DID I HEAR THAT RIGHT!? WENDY IS ALIVE!?" Natsumi roared out as she charged into the room, the pink haired woman wearing nothing more than a tube top and very skimpy shorts that enhanced her natural sexiness.
"Will you be quiet? We all heard it…" Cana groaned out, her hair all over the place from the noise of people waking up.
"BUT THIS IS GREAT NEWS! LIKE FINIDNG OUT I'M PREGNANT GREAT!" The woman shouted out, her grin infectious before she paused, tapping a slender finger to her lip. "Maybe I should let my original guild know I'm gonna be a mom?"
"You mean you haven't told them yet!?" Cana shouted, the sleepiness from her eyes now gone.
"Eh…I forgot?"
"You're an idiot!"
"What did you say non-pregger!?"
"I said you're an idiot! Or have you gotten fat already?" Cana shot back as the two began to trade light insults along with the bubble of conversation by the others.
"Oh…hey, somebody left this fish out!" Natsumi's own Happy grinned as he flew into the kitchen, picking up the fish and starting to chow down.
"NOOOO! I KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN!" Happy wailed in torment as his breakfast was consumed before his eyes.
"So delicious!"
"NOOOOO!"
Natsu let out a small chuckle from his cat's suffering, carrying the plates of bacon, sausages and scrambled eggs to the table to the lovely females. Taking a seat himself, the male felt happiness, but loneliness at the same time as his ladies started to dig in.
Many were missing…possibly all dead, and there wasn't anything he could do about it.
"Here Natsu, a big plate for my wonderful, future husband!" Seliah, the demon smiled as she handed him a plate piled with pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Leaning forward, she made sure to wear clothing that revealed a large amount of cleavage in an attempt to allure.
"How did you get into my house?" The male rasped out, cocking an eyebrow at the intruder.
"You forgot our special bond my love? How you promised to give me your seed and power?" the woman swooned as she smiled.
"I'd remember a pervert showing up randomly. Yet, here stupidity stands before me"
"So cruel! I love it!" Seliah gasped while hugging herself and spinning in the archway.
"She's a pervert just like Scarlet…no wonder she wants to bed you" Natsumi teased as the demon started to ramble about children and the dirty details of how to obtain them.
"She's a love rival is what she is…" Juvia glared darkly before taking a bite of sausage, chomping harsly.
"Just ignore her. I'll throw her out later" Natsu grumbled out.
"Please don't do that, Master!" Seliah shouted as she ran back, hugging the man and pressing her large breasts into the side of his head. "Please! I'll do anything! And I mean anything" she emphasized, her tone filled with lust.
"You know, Natsu, the only way to get rid of her is to kill her, and I doubt you'll do that considering she wiped out the whole Tartoros guild two weeks ago and secured the book of END" Kinana smiled warmly.
"Oh yeah, that damn book that merged with me and gave me fresh voices in my head, what's not to love?" Natsu answered sarcastically.
"Stop being so stubborn, Natsu! Come on, just fuck her brains out! Fuck all these women until they can't walk straight! I'm END DAMMIT! I want all the women! Say…you could always just murder that ice pick and steal his women. Lucy has some great tits! And you know she begs for it!"
"Ugh…he's being a pervert dumbass again"
Seliah gained a deadpanned stare, lowering herself to eye level with Natsu. "Did END tell you to sleep with me?"
"No" Taking a gulp of Orange Juice, he could feel the woman's gaze boring into him.
"How did she figure that out? Is she a psychic lust demon?"
"Anyway…what are you all planning for today?"
"I'm going to meet up with Dimaria. We're going to start shopping around for a place to open up our bar" Cana smiled happily.
"I was going to go grocery shopping and hang out with Lisanna. Turns out she's expecting too" Kinana stated simply.
"Well…I was going to polish my guns and tease Lucy about how she's going to turn into a pregnant sow" Sam idly stroked her chin. "But I suppose myself and Knightwalker could go pick up Wendy from 21-A. Or at least stop by and tease her a bit…ah shit, we'll have to tell her about Bisca"
"You suck at breaking bad news, I'll do it" Knightwalker stated simply before scooping the last of her eggs off her plate.
"Paperwork! Lousy paperwork and meetings! Ugh…the king should definitely help" Hisui pouted while folding her arms beneath her bust.
"Can't, I'm starting the additions to our home today. Those kids will need rooms eventually"
"I'll help master!" Seliah shouted with a raised hand, eager to please.
"Fine. It's not like you'll leave anyway"
"YES!"
"FUCK HER ON A PILE OF LUMBER!"
Natsu ignored the perverted demon voice inside his head. It was bad enough when he cheered him on during night-time activities, now he was actively trying to take control during those intimate sessions.
"Juvia is planning on volunteering at the refugee shelter. So many are still without homes and she wants to help"
"That's good of you. We're lucky that Ultear got this place back in working order. Otherwise we'd still be living in tents outside"
"Eh…I'll probably visit my own universe for a bit and let them know I'll be a mom. Still, half of them will probably have their brains explode from the fact" Natsumi stated in a tone of nonchalant exhaustion.
Watching the women talk for a few minutes more, Natsu was content to watch them enjoying the peace even if they hid the nightmares well. Just ending the war was like lifting a mountain of stress which did wonders for them all. Picking up his plate and empty glass, the male quickly rinsed off his dishes, expecting the others to do the same when they finished.
"I'll be here for the day. If you need something important" Natsu dragged out, looking at Hisui with a small grin "Give me a call, otherwise enjoy the peace" Leaving the kitchen to a chorus of waves and goodbye's, he walked back to the garage with a certain demon in tow.
"A dark and dirty dungeon? Is this where you'll conquer me as I struggle for freedom?" Seliah asked with a hint of lust.
"No. This is my workshop. But you being a stalking pervert, should know that already" the king rumbled before hitting the control switch for the main door. It clattered upwards quickly, bathing the garage in streams of summer light. Walking over to the blueprint additions, he picked them up and brought them outside, setting them on a temporary workbench. Placing a few rocks at the edges, Natsu waved Seliah over.
"Alright, if your serious about helping, this is what we have to start with"
January 5th Year 789
Juvia was practically glowing with happiness as the fireplace roared inside the living room of the large mansion. Warm and toasty, most of the pregnant wives of Natsu were here, with the exception of the actual king and queen who were at the newly opened government center in Magnolia. Apparently, they were conducting trade negotiations with a newly contacted Earthland today, not that really mattered to the current dwellers of this royal estate.
Obviously at this stage in her pregnancy Juvia was showing, the maternity dress flowing around her as she sat in the comfy recliner. Basking in the warmth of the home, the azure haired beauty let out a squeal of happiness and coming joy.
"Twins…Juvia is having twins! Two wonderful baby girls!"
"We know! You've only been spouting that for the last month!" Cana barked with a hint of ire. Still annoyed, she went back to working on her new budget with a twitching eyebrow.
"Has she been like this the whole time since that doctor check-up" Demaria inquired, the blond time mage unsure.
"Ugh…yes. I went with her to that old crone, Porlyusica…not surprised that old crab survived the war" Cana groaned out as she momentarily looked at her business partner.
"Cana…should have twins as well" Juvia stared seriously, her gaze unblinking.
"Okay, that's it. Come on Demi. I can't deal with her insanity anymore today. She's talking like my dad"
"Your just jealous that you're not going to be a mother" Sam teased from the couch, her own belly swollen with life.
"And I'm gonna be the youngest aunt ever!" Wendy declared with a fist pump. Pepper barked, a small yip as the dog agreed.
"Wendy! I know you survived the hell of Racoon City, but you should really concentrate on your homework" Carla scolded while pushing a science textbook toward the teenager. Wendy groaned, lowly whispering under her breath. "If I was one of his wive's I wouldn't have to study…stupid young age…grrr…just two more years"
Natsumi chuckled lightly from the other end of the L-shaped couch, her legs folded beneath her as she sipped some cocoa. "I heard that Wendy"
"Oh? You mean Wendy's well known secret crush for our husband that only he doesn't know about?" Knightwalker grinned with a tease from another recliner across the living room. Hair spilling past her shoulders in flowing red locks, the horrors of the war were slowly fading from her mind…even if nightmares still reared their head. Taking a drink of an ale, the lightning mage was mostly smile's these days since bringing Wendy home and discovering that they shared an even greater bond.
"Right. I still need to inform you about intercourse with men" Sam pondered as her eyes glinted evilly toward the younger woman.
"NO, YOU DON'T! NOT AGAIN!"
"E.K! Hold her down while I explain things!" Sam pointed with a laugh.
"Crap!" Wendy yelled in a panic while springing from her seat, only to be tackled by Knightwalker who pinned her down from behind.
"Time for another biology lesson!"
"YOU TWO SUCK!" Struggling, Wendy looked up in horror as Sam stood above her, the evil grin even wider.
"As your big sister, its my responsibility to properly inform you how it all works. Now the first step…"
Huffing at the insanely gathering racket, Cana threw on her bomber jacket then scooped up her files. Stealing the keys to Natsu's truck, the two women piled in as flakes of snow blanketed the mansions property. Turning the key, the vehicle roared to life before she quickly shifted into drive.
Arriving at the ten foot high wall and guard gate that lined the entire property, a helmeted Gear stepped out of the interior guard house, waving Cana through.
While Cana was more than capable of defending herself, Natsu and Hisui were the leaders of this country. Security was needed. Hence, a platoon of guards to patrol the grounds, security cameras, and a brand new barrier wall.
Turning onto the main road that led to some reopened mines in the mountains, Cana turned the opposite direction, driving toward Magnolia.
Towering remnants of the walls surrounding the Fiorian Safe Zone rose out of the distant curvature of the earth, shrouded in fog, ice and snow as Cana pulled into the lot of her new business at Magnolia's outskirts. It had been a restaurant before, but like so many others, the owners had perished in the war.
Squat with an exterior of brick and an angled, shingled roof, the newly designed sign hung above the entrance way like a desolate emblem of blue and red in the gathering winter snow.
'Cana's and Demi's'
At night it would blaze alight, giving the nearby residents and workers a peek at what was to come in their neighborhood.
Exiting the truck, Cana felt the cold bite at her old wound, the leg aching from the temperature.
The same sensation when it rained.
"I still can't believe how cheap this place was" Demaria mentioned casually as they entered, their boots thudding against the wooden flooring.
"With how many dead from the war, most economies are still in the shitter. Hell, I heard Lucy was buying up whole strips of properties in some of those devastated towns and cities. She'll be rolling in the dough once resettlement goes into full swing this spring"
"Makes sense I guess? And Fiore is lucky compared to most other countries. Not even Alverez can compare these days" the time mage finished with a memorable sigh. Officially she could still be considered a Spriggan, but to what? Most of her country was gone and only Irene and Brandish were still alive. Even if she wanted to return, what would she do?
"At least I have a friend here"
A noise of movement came from the kitchen behind the L-shaped bar, putting both women on edge. Cana moved swiftly, vaulting the oaken top of the newly installed bartop and grabbed a Gnasher shotgun from beneath, racking a round.
"Whoever's back there, I'll put buckshot through your head!" Alberona shouted with authority, aiming at the swinging doors.
Grey walked out, a toolbelt wrapped around his waist, the man shaking his head in disappointment. "Seriously Cana? You asked me to come in and check out the freezer and cooler for this place as a favor, then you point a gun at me like some sort of asshole? Or did you forget I started a business installing refrigeration units?"
Cana set the gun down, rubbing a few fingers along the bridge of her nose. "Shit, sorry Grey. I completely forgot. Juvia's been getting on my nerves with the baby talk. Hell, all of them are. Not to mention the nightmares"
The man rubbed the back of his head almost apologetically. "I can understand that. I still wake up in cold sweats sometimes. Same with the others. Anyway, your refrigeration units are in working order. Just turn them on and fill them with food"
"How bout a drink, Grey? Can be our first unofficial customer. Besides, I need the practice" Dimaria smiled, the blonde walking behind the bar before setting a glass on the smooth top.
"I guess one light drink wouldn't hurt. Not all of us can drink like Cana or Levy after all" the man lightly joked before setting himself on one of the bar stools. Looking around the establishment as his drink was poured, he could see a corner dance floor, some pinball machines near two pool tables, and a row of booths along the wall.
"So, food and drinks?"
"That's right! Wings! Beer! Pizza! All the good foods people enjoy after a long day of hard work! Plus, the waitresses will wear tube tops and skirts since men become complete idiots around sexy ladies!" Alberona boasted loudly before quieting down. "Besides, Not like we can make money on guild quests anymore. Gotta find a new living somehow" Cana finished before leaning backward against the mirror lined booze railing.
"I get why most of us have to, but you helped kill the locust queen, Cana. You could've just asked for land or money or whatever. Hell, your married to the man whor—king of Fiore"
"And be some helpless damsel being waited on hand and foot? No thanks, this has been a dream and now it's coming true"
Grey nodded, taking a small sip of the amber liquid. "Flare's the same way. She's talking about opening a hair stylist salon this coming summer. But that might be on hold when Lucy has the baby…holy shit, I still can't believe I'm gonna be a dad" the ice mage whispered in realization before laughing lowly.
"What's so funny?"
"Just Natsu managed to knock up like five women to the point they'll all have children within the span of three weeks or something. I mean, talk about trial by fire" Fullbuster laughed harder, enjoying the image of Natsu being henpecked by several angry housewives.
Cana squinted her eyes in a glare. "You do realize that I'll want to have kids someday with him?"
The man waved apologetically. "I'm not saying its bad and he deserves a happy peace like the rest of us, but you have to admit the timing is just terrible. I mean, just Juvia and Sam alone would make a normal man go insane. Then you add on more of them…But…I can understand why it happened. That day we got back from Sera…Lucy, Flare and Cosmos made sure we had at least one more night together, you know? And now, fatherhood"
The main door opened, the wooden paneling thudding as a larger man stepped in, drawing the gaze of the three.
"Oh…dammit" Cana muttered as her father, Gildarts walked briskly across the floor. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she knew exactly what he wanted to talk about.
Gildarts spread his arms, his dark cloak fluttering as a big grin adorned his bearded face.
"Cana! Your wonderful father is here to help! Now I know your wedding was a small affair which I've come to accept, but when will you give me a grandson so I can teach him the ways of seducing fine women?"
"For the last time, I'm not having kids yet!" She barked, already annoyed before huffing and pulling out her budget reports. She needed to study how they worked properly and her idiot father could be ignored.
"But all the others are on their way to becoming sexy milfs! My future grandson will need to know how to properly woo the finer gender!"
"You'll be a dirty old man by the time my unborn, unconceived child is old enough for that!" She shot back as Dimaria couldn't help but laugh at her friends suffering.
Gildarts approached the bar, sitting down across from his daughter and slapping a piece of paper onto the polished surface. "Here, I thought of some wonderful names for your future son! I'm a great dad helping my daughter with this important decision" Grinning, Gildarts really did love his daughter and wanted to support her in every aspect of her life to make up for the many lost years of her childhood. Especially since she was a famous war hero just like her husband, which Gildarts soundly approved of.
"Who knew that Natsu would be such a ladies man. Sure different from that hyper active kid!"
"Urrgghh…FINE!" Snatching up the parchment, Cana began to read the list of names.
"Gildarts junior…Gildarts the younger…Gildarts the ladies man…Second Gildarts…" she lowered the paper, eyeing her father with a twitching eye. "This is just a list of your name!" Ripping it up with womanly wife fury, the crash mage screamed as his hard work was reduced to fluttering pieces.
"NOOO! I WORKED ON THAT FOR THREE HOURS! WHY DO YOU HATE ME!"
"Because you're acting like an idiot!"
The crash mage twitched and fell to the floor, whimpering about ungrateful daughters and how a greedy godson stole all the guild's women.
Dimaria grinned with snarkiness. "I liked Gildarts the ladies man"
"Don't you start"
Pouring herself a drink, Cana went back to studying her budget and food orders while Grey and Dimaria watched the powerful mage twitch and cry on the floor.
The Center of Magnolia was a faint echo of the massive industrial effort during the war. Only one in ten factories still had to means to operate, and even then, the struggle to switch to domestic products was time consuming with the global economy and trade routes still in tatters.
Jewel currency was still worth something, but nowhere near the levels before the war. The devastation across the planet was still vile and deep with most of the global population nothing but ash in broken and forgotten cities.
And those factories that had shut their doors? They made weapons…ammunition and bombs, rifles, artillery and armor. Something most military remnants had.
Something had to be done before the struggling economy ground to a halt, sinking deeper into a depression.
Natsu looked down at the wide boulevard that lead directly toward the rebuilt Magnolia Gate, his scowl hard at the emerging procession from the swirling blues and crackling purples of the dimensional rift. A full company of old fashioned rune knights had emerged, complete with magical staffs and obsolete armors. Marching in step, they were guarding a magical mobile that drove along the asphalt toward the established Government House…which in turn had been the former mayoral center of Magnolia.
Towering ten stories of gray, utilitarian drabness, the official center for Fiore was not much to look at. Concrete, soot stained glass and still sporting a few chunks bitten out during the war, it served its purpose.
Standing behind the plate glass in refurbished and polished Gear armor ripe with medals and ribbons, Natsu pulled his critical gaze away from the visitors toward his wife, Hisui. Sitting around a large, circular table, several industrialists, naval, and infantry officers sat around the emerald queen.
Sorano and Ultear guarded the double doors, both women extremely loyal to the king and queen. Equipped in full gear and brimming with magic once more, they would be a terror to deal with.
General Irene sat on the right, the proud mother of Erza representing Alverez and Natsu's own brother who was currently heading his own reconstruction efforts in the shattered empire. Halfway around the curvature of the battered table was the newly elected mayor of Port Timber, Gajeel Redfox.
"You know Gajeel, I'm surprised your not here with Milianna and Pantherlily, your freshly minted wife is quite opinionated"
"Yeah, I know, but she's so dead set on getting her pet shop open by springtime. Didn't really want to drag her along for this considering how bored she'd be. Pantherlily…didn't really have a choice in the matter" Redfox shrugged, trying to hide the shudder of his poor exceed being dragged out of his apartment a few days ago.
"Still, I'm glad she found something she loves. Port Timber was a beacon of light during those dark days, the fighting was atrocious…but it was everywhere" Natsu stated darkly as his mind wandered to those hellish final days of the war.
The losses across the planet had been gruesome, easily another one hundred fifty thousand killed during the global counter-attack.
"So many would still live if we had only known about the Desolator ahead of time"
Irene studied the king for a moment, his fists clenched with remembrance before he strode past her seated form and placed himself next to his wife. She could feel the guilt coming off the man. The blame for Bisca and Erza, the thousands of war dead for no gain…the burning of Earthland.
In a way, she was glad the other women were still there to support him, for without them all, Irene was sure the king would've fallen into complete darkness.
Still, she ran her own search program through a gifted I.V.D, the effort to locate her daughter not just falling on the scarred king.
The odds made the mother shift, an uncomfortable fact that she had to live with everyday.
"I have to admit, the idea of selling modern weapons to several Earthlands is promising. The influx of currency and commerce for our war industries will really help a great deal of our remaining population" Irene stated casually toward Hisui.
"Really the only thing we have abundance of" the queen quickly replied while massaging the light scar across her forehead.
"I'll be damned if we fought through all that hell for years just to collapse into broken tribalism and desperation. To fail would be insulting to all those that died" Steeling her gaze as the doors swung inwards, she clasped her hands, resting slender elbows on the table as the trade group walked through.
"The delegation from Earthland Four Two Three Eight dash A has arrived!" Sorano said loudly, the heavily armed woman standing aside while six familiar faces…yet strangers walked in.
Levy still couldn't believe how fast events had progressed in the last week. It had only been two weeks since she created her first viable, stable interdimensional portal which escalated rapidly with this universe. Then contact with King Toma and the Fiorian Alliance of Seven and Iceburg had escalated further into talks of meeting and possible trade.
"They look so much more advanced…but drab and worn" The inquisitive and joyful script mage thought as she walked next Mira and Master Makarov. She still didn't know much about this Earthland, only that they had fought some sort of war.
King Toma walked proudly forward with his daughter, Princess Hisui, both wearing regal and bright colors affordable to royalty. His economic advisor, Layla Heartfilia walked behind him as was her station in the government. A beauty in attractiveness and sharp in intellect, the woman was a force to be reckoned with.
"My understanding of this…multiversal situation is still limited, but I thought we would be meeting the king and queen of Fiore? Yet I don't see my counterpart in the room" Toma asked with a stern voice, the ruler not wanting to waste time.
Natsu stood up, his gaze hard and unforgiving toward this soft ruler. A ruler who's country has never faced starvation or genocide, global war and suffering. A man that would be hard pressed to earn respect. Frowning, the long scar pulled as his hard glare momentarily softened at the sight of Mira and Levy…then quickly hardened once more.
"They aren't them. They're just visitors to this world"
"I am King Dragneel of Fiore and this is my wife, Hisui. The former king died several years ago. Now please take a seat" the man tried to invite, but it came off as another rumble of harsh gravel.
"YOU'RE A KING! AND MARRIED!?" Makarov shouted out in absolute shock, the short guild master speechless as he pointed a finger. "You can't even complete a job without burning down half a town!"
"Master! Your being rude" Mira scolded quickly before rising and bowing. "Please forgive his outburst your uh…Kingness? It's just very unexpected considering how our own Natsu back in our reality acts and behaves"
"Gegehe. I bet your double's an idiot" Gajeel grinned, the dragonslayer comfortable in teasing Dragneel a bit.
"Yeah, and most of your doubles end up dating Levy"
"LIKE I WOULD EVER DATE THAT PSYCHOPATHIC MAD SCIENTIST!"
Levy blinked with a stunned look. "Eh!? I'm a mad scientist in this world?"
Gajeel shook his head violently, staring at the double of Levy across the table with hints of fear. "Mad scientist doesn't do it justice. You're like half insane, a mass murderer across half a dozen planets, leave random weapon vaults in apocalyptic versions of Earth, built the Earthland Hammer of Dawn Defensive net…and use your paper shredder magic to turn people into meat cubes! Not to mention the drinking and random threats against my life!"
"That's impossible! I would never hurt people like that!" Levy protested, the short woman starting to stand up before a resounding palm slammed down on the table, Natsu glaring at both of them.
"Enough! We didn't invite you here to discuss the differences in personalities or historical facts between our worlds! We are here to discuss opening of trade, which both our Earthlands can benefit from. If any of you are curious, you may gather information after the day concludes!" King Dragneel bellowed, his voice loud like falling boulders across the room.
The three visiting Fairy Tail mages were stunned the least, just due to the fact Natsu never raised his voice like that. Gulping, Levy bowed her head. "I'm sorry for my outburst. You are right of course"
"It's fine, Levy" Dragneel answered with a wave of his hand, dismissing the conversation before turning his gaze to King Toma, his daughter, and Layla. "Please, tell us of the situation your Fiorian Alliance faces and what you hope to gain from possible trade"
Princess Hisui gulped, nervousness in her eyes while staring across the round table at herself. The light, diagonal scar across the forehead was clearly visible, along with eyes that watched her like a predator. The growing belly of pregnancy was partially hidden by the table, but the princess could tell. Feeling a nudge by her father, the emerald haired princess stood quickly.
"Well…um…the sit.."
"Hisui"
The visiting doppleganger looked at her double, a queen in every right as she steepled her hands, looking at the teenager.
"Yes?" she asked a little nervously.
"In the future, you will become queen. A leader of a nation with millions of citizens. Showing uncertainty or mumbling speeches will bring mistrust, judgement and weakness not only among allies, but enemies as well. Show confidence in your words because I have no interest in listening to a princess stutter due to stage fright. Now conduct yourself like the future leader I know you can be"
The princess breathed, hearing those words while a small smile adorned her lips. "She's a full fledged queen. Of course she's used to being forceful and confident. I need to learn the same"
"Your right" Clearing her throat, Princess Hisui stood straighter, eyeing her older twin and the others around the table. "Fiore, and by extension, the whole Alliance is facing a grave threat from the Bosconian Union. They have conquered Joya, Stella, portions of Desertio, Minstrel and are now regathering military strength to start a new war and conquer our country next. They actively pursue slavery, especially of captured women which I find horrific and terrifying" The princess took a breath, pausing before continuing. "Currently, the Fiorian Alliance is strong enough to meet them, but if they succeed in establishing an alliance with Caleum or the very least, a non-aggression pact, they will be able to free up sizable military forces to use against us. It is the hope of my own father and government that you will be willing to sell us advanced weaponry or technology to defend our people and nation" Bowing, the princess retook her seat.
"Obviously, we aren't expecting enough to equip every soldier in the alliance, but if you could sell us enough advanced equipment for a few elite divisions, that in itself could stave off war" Layla started, the beautiful blonde standing and explaining before Irene raised a hand, silence the woman.
"We have an overabundance of weaponry to sell immediately. Also, many of our factories could reopen and begin filling orders for Ravens, fighter planes, armor and infantry gear. Alverez could also begin building naval assets in the city of Porta"
"Port Timber is a natural harbor with facilities, most of the construction berths are empty right now after the war ended. Lots of men and women would love to get back to work. Obviously, moving the vessels from one universe to another will take some work, but we've done it before" Gajeel added, the man crossing his thick arms over his chest.
King Toma cleared his throat, the short man standing as tall as he might. "While I am pleased you are willing to sell us some of your inventory, demonstrations are in order. Only a fool will buy something without even seeing it in action"
Natsu gave the slightest twitch of a smile, standing up to his full height. Winter sunlight danced off his medals and polished armor, making it oddly heroic. "I thought you'd never ask. I never get to shoot of guns anymore. Finally an excuse to blow some shit up!"
"Why can't I get you this excited about paperwork?" the queen asked her husband, an eyebrow raised.
"Because I almost rather deal with the locust horde again than piles of that…never-ending nightmare. Sorano! Ultear! Get some transports ready! We're going to the testing grounds!"
"Hey, think I can show them the Markza?" Gajeel grinned, following Natsu as both men quickly exited the meeting room.
"NATSU! YOUR NOT SUPPOSED TO ABANDON OUR GUESTS to go shoot off guns in the snow!" Hisui roared, but her husband was already gone. Smiling mirthfully to herself as she stood, the dimensional visitors looked a little awkward.
"Do…do you want me to retrieve him for you? I'm very fast in my take-over form" Mira suggested, finding the abandonment of responsibility very…Natsu-like.
"You can try if you want?" Irene stated as the men and women began to disperse for the short trip to the city outskirts, "But then you might accidentally fall in love with him and want to birth his children"
"Umm…I'm not quite ready for that yet in my life..hhe…he" Mira laughed awkwardly as her face went red. "Me and Natsu? Doing…that?"
"Mira? What are you thinking? We should get going if we want to view the demonstrations?" Levy pointed out, noting that only Layla and Irene were left in the room.
"Nothing!"
The seed of thought became planted that day as Mira would return home to her universe with a successful trade deal supporting both worlds…and the growing suspicion that Natsu would be a great husband.
March 12th Year 789 Fairy Tail guild hall.
Light rain was falling outside, still breaking from the chill and ice of winter as the rowdy talking of friends and family bounced off the walls inside. Cole was enjoying a big plate of ribs and beer with Dom and a newly found Maria, grown Benedicto and Sylvia.
Marcus had kept his promise, finding a version of Sera where it had been Dom that died…not his family. It was still new, but the two found a great ease rekindling all that was lost.
Marcus was at the same table, a quiet conversation with Anya who was starting to show a swelling belly herself.
Baird had brought a woman as well, saying "She doesn't annoy me like all of you assholes"
Viktor Hoffman and Makarov were at the bar, talking about retirement, frothing mugs of chilled beer enjoyed among the peace.
The wailing of a baby echoed from the corner, Sam cradling the little baby swathed in blue. Nearby was Natsumi with a baby girl toppled with pink hair, a very visibly pregnant Hisui and Kinana, both women almost ready to pop themselves as they talked animatedly about raising children.
"I still can't believe that he came out of you" Knightwalker lamented, looking down at the little baby boy known as Drake.
"Won't lie, it was labor hell. Makes facing a Brumak almost easy in comparison"
Irene strode up, wrapping an arm around her daughter's twin, a very motherlike grin on her face. "So…when are you gonna have some kids?"
"Stop asking me that!"
"I WANT GRANDBABIES! Scarlet's not here but you'll fit the bill so get to work!"
"I'm not some breed mule, Irene!"
"Ahhh! They're soo cute!" Wendy gushed as her little chihuahua, Pepper ran behind her, yipping happily. Glancing at Drake and little Nasha, the teenager gushed while Meredy came up to look at the recent additions to their family.
They were adorable.
Promptly turning to her rival, Meredy waved a finger very lecturing. "Now make sure you don't get pregnant from a street hobo. I know your easy, but that's no excuse not to charge money for it"
"What did you say anvil chest!" Wendy barked, slamming her head against the pink haired teenage girl with a growl.
"I said your tits are too fat and you'll do it with anybody!"
"GGRRR! BITCH!"
"WIND SKANK!"
"Knock it off you two!" Ultear scolded as she pulled the rivals away, both of them spouting more vile insults.
"Oh man, those two will never stop fighting!" Cana laughed, enjoying a drink with Dimaria at a table with her old man…who was trying to seduce Brandish with zero luck.
"I think Meredy will win their next fight"
"I dunno, Wendy won the last two, she might make it a triple" Pepper scampered over, yipping to be picked up. Cana obliged, many loving the little dog that in a way, saved Wendy's life. The brown dog curled up, immediately settling onto the lap.
"AHHH! DON'T LET HER CATCH US!"
"CATS! CATS!" Millianna shouted, chasing all the exceeds around the guild as her husband talked with Elfman and Evergreen about the booming naval industry at Port Timber. Gajeel was damn proud to be mayor of such an important city and community.
War had erupted on that other Earthland last month, and they needed all the military equipment and supplies they could get. Business was rapidly recovering, and events were shaping up to turn 137-C Earthland into an armory industrial world for those that needed it.
"Ah…another six weeks for me" Lucy admitted, petting the giant bulge of her belly. Sitting with her husband, Flare and Cosmos, the realtor mogul was mainly working from home, running her estate empire.
In another year, she would probably be more wealthy than her shitty father ever was. Smiling as Grey placed his own hand on their future child, Lucy couldn't wait to find out if she was having a son or daughter.
The surprise would be wonderful.
"We'll all be ready. Man, this is still amazing…I'm going to be a dad, I have my own business, the love of the best women in Fiore. Makes everything worthwhile"
"You know Grey…we could work on making some more children ourselves…" Cosmos teased, licking her lips in a teasing seduction.
"One at a time! Or do you want me to go insane!"
His wives laughed, enjoying making the ice mage flustered.
Lisanna sat next to Laxus, Kamika on his other side as the happiness of the guild hall washed over them all. Rubbing her own pregnant belly filled with coming life, Lisanna sighed. "I really wish my sister could be here. No…all of them. They would love this"
"They would" Laxus supported, then blinked in horror. "Although, your sister is terrifying. She might actually kill me for getting you pregnant"
"We're married so she would have to deal with it. But…" Lisanna's mind formed the image of Mira in gothic attired, cackling like a madwoman, standing on a pile of monster corpses while drenched in blood. "Maybe I'll have you stay in a different town for a few days just to be safe"
"Hmmph!"
"What?" Laxus asked with a cocked eyebrow, looking at his second wife.
"I want a baby too"
"No rush, plenty of time now"
The guild hall doors burst open, Sorano and Yukino both holding rifles and wearing armor. "THEY'RE HERE!" Standing aside, both guards held open the door as Natsu entered with Juvia, the now slim woman pushing a baby stroller with two little baby girls in it.
"Everybody! Welcome my daughters, Azura and Tempest!" The blue haired wife and freshly minted mother said happily as the doors closed.
Several gathered around, looking at the two bundles. Both already had a small mop of hair, one mostly pink with blue tips while the other was mostly blue with pink tips. They were sleeping soundly, exhausted like babies are.
"How about that. Your sheer determination to have twins all these years finally came true" Cana smiled, happiness surging for her friend.
"You've done great boy! Bedding so many beautiful women! Ahh…you bastard! You stole them all!" Makarov roared and cried at the same time.
"Congratulations Corporal! Hell, give you another few years and you'll repopulate our worlds yourself" Hoffman laughed, enjoying giving the jibe.
"Not quite, but close enough" the king replied with a smile. Crouching down, he still couldn't believe he had helped create such life….but there they were.
"Amazing"
A presence sidled up to him, Gildarts trying to be sly. "So Natsu…what's it like making these kids? Don't spare the details of what each of your wives do in the bedroom either" the crash mage leered…only to be punched in the head by Sam.
"AHHH! CANA! I'VE BEEN ASSUALTED BY A WITCH!"
"Hmph! Idiot" Turning to her husband, the Gear and hardened survivor bid Natsu and Juvia to follow, joining the other wives in the corner. Sitting down, the brunette frowned down at her son, then all her friends and family laughing and enjoying life. The clink of glasses, warm conversation and the sheer…happiness of it all.
"This…this is the peace I've been striving for. A lifetime of loss and struggle…all for this"
"Hey Sam? You alright?" Wendy asked, noticing the frown.
Sam smiled at her adoptive sister, her face becoming mirthful. "Everything is fine. It's…peace"
And there is my epilogue chapter! A sort of tying up of their lives after the war ends! Hope its decent! Also, if some isn't shown in the guild hall, just assume they're around somewhere.
Now I probably won't start any writing this week just because of the sheer amount of work at my job with our yearly inspection, so…it might be a little bit until I start either Bisca's Journey or write another chapter for Rising from Sera. Either way, don't expect anything in the next two weeks.
Anyway! Thank you all again for reading my story!
This is thehappy signing off!