S.R: Okay, the first half of this chapter is going to play out like a time line. The second half will go back to normal. I wasn't really sure about how to do it, and after a little bit of thought I decided this was the best way to do it. Hopefully it makes sense. Anyway, here you go.
Year X785 – March 1st
Returning to the guild Natsu ran up the stairs to Cana's office. Both to report the success of his job, and to spend time with his girlfriend and their daughter. While picking Michiko up and explaining how his job went to Cana, the duo learn that Michiko's first tooth has come in. The reason they discover this?
"Hey, that feels different than it normally does."
Natsu commented as he turned towards his daughter who had pulled one of his fingers into her mouth to nibble on. But then he realized why.
"Wait a minute, does my little dragon finally have her first tooth?"
Natsu nearly screamed with a happy smile on his face.
Year X785 – April 5th
A giggling sound drew Cana's attention towards the floor. They had set up a little play pen for Michiko in her office so that she could still keep an eye on her daughter. But she couldn't help smiling when she saw her little girl. There was a stack of blocks that they had gotten for her to play with, but it was being ignored. Instead the little girl had finally started crawling, at around eight months old.
"Natsu's going to be sad he missed this. But he's supposed to be back tomorrow."
She commented to herself as she completely ignored her work in order to pick her daughter up with a smile.
"It's about lunch time. Let's get you some food."
"Faa!"
The little girl cheered, trying to mimic the word food. Even though she knew her daughter was just trying to mimic her, and that she didn't fully understand the word or it's meaning yet, Cana could help but laugh as she replied.
"Yes, food. It's time for food."
Year X785 – July 15th
Natsu and Cana had taken the day off from the guild, intending to spend some time together as a family since it had been a while. They were sitting in front of Michiko who was sitting in her high chair having just finished eating. The little girl was now eleven months old, and already saying her first word. Which was why they were cheering her on and doing everything they could to get the little girl to say it again.
"Come on sweetie, say it one more time for mommy."
"You can do it, daddy knows you can say it again!"
They were very eager to hear it, especially since neither of them were in the room when she said it. Natsu had been taking the trash out and Cana had gone to the restroom, leaving Happy to watch over the little girl.
According to the blue cat, the little girl pointed right at him before loudly declaring the word 'cat'. While skeptical at first, Natsu and Cana both gave into the urge to hear the proof, hence the reason they were cooing at the little girl to try and speak again.
But Michiko just basked in their attention, giggling happily while poking at their faces. It wasn't until Happy flew into the room after leaving to find another fish. He settled down on Natsu's head while munching on his fish, as per usual when the little girls eyes lit up at the sight of him. She cheered while pointing towards the blue exceed that was resting on Natsu's head.
"Cat! Cat!"
Year X785 – August 3rd
Because they weren't certain what day the little girl was actually born on, but had a general idea of the month thanks to Porlyusica, Natsu and Cana had made the 3rd Michiko's birthday, since it was on the 3rd of November when they adopted her. The entire guild had thrown a party for the little girls birthday, which was greatly entertaining for her.
But the guild was treated to a couple surprises by the end of the night. The first one was the news that Alzack had proposed to Bisca the night before. The second surprise was Natsu proposing to Cana, in front of the entire guild. Which was captured with a picture lacrima by Mira, along with a few pictures of the party itself. No one needed to ask why though. The white haired Take Over mage after learning that everyone on Tenrou island would return one day, had taken to recording as much as she could, so as to show them what they missed when they got back.
"To be honest I've wanted to do this for a while… But with how crazy things were after the incident at Tenrou island I didn't think it was a good time. Now that things have calmed down and we aren't pushing ourselves too far and running ourselves ragged… I think it's the perfect time to ask."
Natsu told Cana, his voice carrying through the room as he got down on one knee while pulling a box out of his pocket. He opened it up to show her a ring that he ended up making himself. The moment he started to get down on one knee the brunette had tears in her eyes, as a smile came to her face.
"Will you marry me?"
"Yes!"
Cana squeaked out, almost completely overcome by her emotions.
Year X785 – October 22nd
Since they had both proposed around the same time, Natsu and Alzack convinced their female counterparts to hold their weddings back to back. They also decided to have the weddings sooner rather than later. Mostly as a way to make it easier for everyone to attend. So they acted as each others best man, though Laxus was dragged along to be a best man as well. Because it was a good idea Cana and Bisca were each other's maid of honor, with Mira stepping in to be a brides maid to balance it out with Laxus.
As he was good friends with Makarov, who both couples wished could have been their to officiate their weddings, Cana had asked councilman Yajima do it Makarov's place. On top of their wedding, Natsu and Cana celebrate Michiko taking her first steps without any help.
Year X786 – February
Fairy Tail celebrates Jet being welcomed to the S-class. Being the bragging father he his Natsu proudly spends the party telling everyone who would listen about how Michiko had grown up enough to start using sippy cups instead of bottles. On top of that, the guild declares that they have to be far more careful whenever Michiko is in the main hall of the guild. After all, Natsu almost put one of them in the hospital when a guild brawl got so intense that someone almost fell on top of Michiko while she was running to him when he came back from a job.
Year X786 - March 7th
As his first day off since they partied to celebrate Jet becoming S-class Natsu took this day to stay at home with Michiko, just the two of them. He didn't let Cana stay home from work since there was a lot of paperwork she needed to finish. He sent Happy off to join Wendy and Carla for the day since they were also resting. The reason? Natsu just wanted to spend some time with his daughter while no one else was around. Mostly because he was certain everyone would yell at him for the idea he had.
Because his last job had been to escort a merchant who specialized in paint supplies, Natsu was given a set of paints that were called 'tempura paint'. After reading the label he realized it was kid safe. So he decided to let Michiko have a new experience, and set it up to let his daughter finger paint. Surprisingly Cana didn't yell at him when she came home to find both of them covered in paint and giggling.
Year X786 – May
Fairy Tail celebrates Droy becoming S-class. Macao decides it's time to start training Romeo in magic, so Mira takes on his role as advisor, but her efforts in completing jobs don't slow down in the slightest so the guild doesn't get hurt at all by the shift. Though she still made some time to help Kinana out with running the bar.
Year X786 – July
Alzack and Bisca have their daughter Asuka. The guild celebrates Asuka being born. Natsu, Cana, and Macao all give advice and help to the new parents.
Year X787
Wendy is promoted to S-class. Michiko takes a shine to Asuka. Any time she was around the younger girl Michiko tried to show her how to do things. Most of the guild found it adorable, even Laxus though he refused to admit it out loud.
Year X788 (A/N: Now back to regular story mode)
Natsu, Cana, Michiko, and Laxus were standing in Era, having been called by the magic council.
"It shames me to say this, but after a long debate we have finally made headway in filling in the empty spots among the Wizard Saints. As you all know, Jose was stripped of his status after provoking Fairy Tail. Wizard Saint Siegrain had his status revoked after we discovered his treachery, which was thanks to you and your former team Natsu Dragneel. But no matter how much we argued and debated there was no one that could have taken their spots. And now, just last month our 7th seated Wizard Saint retired. With that being the final straw, the king himself stepped in and demanded that we finally fill those seats."
Crawford Seam spoke up as the chairman of the council. Everyone in the room except for Michiko understood what was going on, but when the little girl saw her parents staying quiet she did too.
"The king even ordered us to promote the one who has done the most to protect our country. It took a lot of debating to figure that out, but when the talk finished, it was determined that you were the one to fit the bill."
By this point the majority of the room was wishing he'd just get on with it already.
"So, we summoned you here today with your guild master, and one escort to make it official. Natsu Dragneel, we, the magic council, ask if you are willing to accept the status of Wizard Saint?"
He finally asked.
Natsu took a deep breath as he bowed low to the council.
"I would be honored to accept."
"Very well. As the strongest of those we have decided to bring into the ranks of the Wizard Saints, we name you, Natsu Dragneel, the 7th Wizard Saint."
At that point a man who was standing off to the side walked up to Natsu with a cloak, a medallion, and a badge held out for the pink haired man to take. Thanking him as he did so, Natsu put the cloak on. He tucked the badge into one of his pockets, and put the medallion around his neck. Because of the circumstances the white scarf that he typically wore, was wrapped around Michiko's neck and draped over her shoulders.
"We still have other matters to discuss, so rather than stand on formality and tradition, you are dismissed. Since you are close with Jura, who has recently been promoted to 5th Wizard Saint, we suggest asking him for everything you need to know."
The chairman commented before allowing the group to leave the room. As the stepped outside, Michiko finally spoke up.
"What was all that about daddy?"
Natsu couldn't help but smile, proud of how smart his daughter was. She had picked up on the serious air in the council's meeting room and stayed quiet until she was sure it was okay to speak.
"Well, that was a special meeting."
"I know. You told me that. Why was it special though?"
Chuckling Natsu ruffled her hair.
"You know how daddy is one of the strongest mages right?"
He asked, though he was unable to hold back his smile when she replied.
"Daddy is the strongest there is!"
Off to the side Laxus wanted to argue, but since Natsu was the ace while Gildarts was gone, and was the one to become a Wizard Saint he didn't really didn't have the ability to. So he just grunted.
"Right, well that meeting was just to make it so everybody would know that. Those men and women in there are going to tell everyone."
"Oh. Okay daddy!"
At that point Natsu picked his daughter up with a smile.
"What do you say we find a park when we get back and go play for a bit?"
He asked her as they moved towards the train station to return to Magnolia. Cana couldn't help but smile at the scene as she placed a hand on her round stomach. Even Laxus could help but chuckle at the sight. A moment later rather than just being carried, Michiko was sitting on Natsu's shoulders directing him onward and giggling happily.
"I wonder if those two are going to be just as energetic as he is."
Laxus commented to Cana with a grin when he noticed her hand pressed against her stomach. Since they shared all the news about it with the guild already, she could help but roll her eyes at the fact Laxus reminded her that she and Natsu were about to have twins in a couple months. Before she could retort to the blonde next to her they heard Natsu calling back to them.
"Hurry up slow pokes!"
"Yeah, yeah. We're coming."
Laxus called back as he and Cana increased their pace to catch up to the pink haired man and his passenger.
"Still, I can't believe they let you be a Wizard Saint, let alone one rank below gramps."
The blonde commented to Natsu when they settled down in the train car. Over the years, Natsu had overcome his motion sickness to an extent, so he was still able to chat with Laxus.
"I'm surprised too you know. I'll gladly take this chance though. The council might not be gunning for us like they used to, but that doesn't mean they've given up. Letting me be a Saint just gives us a better stance to fight back from if they do try anything."
Because he couldn't disagree, Laxus just nodded.
"Plus I can rub it in Gray's face when they get back. The stripper will probably be too confused to understand though."
Natsu added on with a chuckle at the end. Cana rolled her eyes, not surprised to see that Natsu still believed in his rivalry with Gray. Laxus chuckled as well, agreeing with the pink haired man about Gray's reaction.
Michiko who was sitting in Natsu's lap just tilted her head at the name.
"Who's Gray?"
It was then that they realized Michiko didn't really know anything about the people that were on Tenrou island. Sharing a look, Natsu and Cana decided to start telling some stories from the past.
Hours Later
"Just like how you call Mira, auntie Mira, she'll probably want to be called auntie too."
Natsu said as he thought of Levy.
"What about grampa?!"
His daughter asked eagerly. The previous story he'd told her was about how he had met Makarov, who she had taken to calling grampa, after hearing Natsu call him gramps. Laxus couldn't help but snicker at the thought, and even Cana had a smile on her face.
"I see you like stories about gramps the most… Well Laxus probably has more stories about gramps than I do."
The pink haired man said with a grin as he looked towards Laxus. Of course the blonde knew he was just being used as a distraction. But he didn't mind, as a grin came to his face when the little brunette climbed into his lap for a story while Natsu turned to Cana.
"How are you three holding up?"
He asked as he placed a hand on Cana's stomach.
"Well they've stopped kicking now. But I've got a craving for peach ice cream for some reason."
Natsu tried to suppress the shudder he felt at the idea as he told his wife he'd run out to the store for some when they got to Magnolia.
"You're too good to me."
Cana said with a smile before leaning her head closer to his, just to give him a kiss.
"I can't be too good to you. Heck I don't even think I'm good enough for you sometimes."
He told her as she pulled her head back. Rather than respond she just leaned onto his shoulder. As she leaned on him Natsu put an arm around her.
Even though he'd been paying attention to Michiko as he told her his story, Laxus still noticed their movements and he smiled. Natsu had been really busy the last couple months, so he was genuinely happy to see the couple getting a moment together, even though it was something small. Unfortunately for them, the PA system blared to life a moment later.
"We are arriving in Magnolia station. All passengers exiting at the Magnolia station should begin to gather their belongings. Thank you for choosing Fiore Rails for your transportation needs."
Since none of them really needed to gather anything, they stayed seated as the train slowed to a complete stop. Since she was still excitedly listening to his story even as they moved to leave the train Laxus had put Michiko on his shoulders. This was the sight the guild was treated to first when they returned to the guild hall. Though the moment Michiko's eyes landed on Mira she squirmed to be put down before shooting off like a rocket towards her god mother.
Giggling excitedly as she crashed into the white haired woman's legs with a hug, Michiko looked up at her.
"Hi auntie Mira!"
Mira smiled and let out a small giggle as well before responding.
"Hi sweetie."
Most of the guild was smiling at the scene and those that weren't, were laughing at Laxus as he pouted about never getting a greeting like that. Which was true. The only people Michiko seemed to adore enough to greet like that were Mira and her parents.
Natsu and Cana who had stopped to get ice cream before continuing to the guild, walked in a moment later. Though because of his enhanced hearing Natsu had been able to listen to everything that happened. Sighing as Cana pulled her hand away from his to head back to her office Natsu walked over to the blonde man.
"Mira is her godmother after all."
He commented before giving Laxus a pat on the shoulder. Grunting in response Laxus headed towards the bar intending to get a drink and relax. Natsu let him go with a smile, instead turning to chat with Mira, who still had Michiko attached to her leg.
"How were things while we were meeting with the council?"
"Same as ever. Oh, Romeo was looking for you. He said he had learned a new spell that he wanted to show you."
Mira replied in her chirpy tone as she passed around the drinks at the table behind Natsu. Glad nothing had changed much, Natsu moved towards the bar. Clearing his throat in front of the microphone he waited until everyone was paying attention.
"It'll be announced in a few days, but… As you know I was called to a meeting with the Magic Council, Cana had to come along as guild master, and since she is pregnant they wanted another mage along to act as an escort, which was why Laxus went with us. The reason for this meeting," here Natsu paused to take a breath. After he and Cana got married, Natsu bought a few blank spell cards and used them to absorb some of his strongest attacks for her. That way if Cana was ever in a bad situation, she would have a few tricks up her sleeve. But she had given him a few special cards as well.
So he pulled one of the cards out of the small holster he kept them in and poured a bit of magic into it while he was taking his deep breath. As he activated it a bright flash of light covered his shoulders for a moment before fading away, revealing the Wizard Saints jacket.
"The magic council has decided to make me one of the ten Wizard Saints."
He finally finished speaking. For a moment it was dead silent, but then the guild let out a tremendous roar of a cheer. It was loud enough that the building shook, which caused Natsu, Laxus, and Wendy to flinch. But they smiled anyway. Laxus and Wendy because they were happy for him, and Natsu because he was just happy that the guild was excited about something. The level of excitement they were showing was enough to remind him of the old days, before Tenrou island vanished.
Since he didn't feel like partying with the rest of them, Natsu decided to make good on his suggestion to his daughter. With a smile he approached Mira, before prying his daughter off her leg. With a grin he easily lifts her up to monkey around to his back for a piggy back ride while saying "Come on you. Let's go find a park and play for a bit."
S.R: Okay, so the next couple chapters are going to be a mini arc, revolving around the stuff I had set up when Natsu and Gajeel dealt with the Wyverns. This is a heads up, just in case. Why? Well, as much as I hate the idea, I already made the 'Dragon Gods' canon to this story. So I might as well do something with them now, rather than leave the idea in the background for who knows how long. But, this is my take on the idea, so there will be some twists compared to the actual canon version. Anyway, I'll see you guys next time.
