Ch. 20- A Just Reward
Fairy Tail © Hiro Mashima
Story and OCs © Me
"People of the Elise Kingdom!" Lars announced as he stood before his subjects with Alyssandra at his side. "We are gathered here on this day… to give thanks to these heroes." He gestured to his younger sister. "My sister, who had seen through the deceit of a madman, braved many dangers to bring these people here to our kingdom… and if not for them, I would not be standing before you, today. They are… Natsu Dragneel…"
Natsu smirked as he stepped forward, putting a hand on his hip.
"Haru Dragneel…"
Haru smiled as she stood beside her brother.
"Lucy Heartfilia…"
Lucy chuckled as she waved to the crowd.
"Gray Fullbuster…"
Gray, who was now dressed in a deep blue suit with white embroidery and polished shoes, stepped forward with a confident smirk.
"Erza Scarlet…"
Erza bowed her head in acknowledgment.
"Wendy Marvell…"
Wendy bashfully smiled as she stepped forward.
"Gajeel Redfox…"
"Gihi!" Gajeel grinned as he crossed his arms.
"Levy McGarden…"
Levy bowed her head to the crowd as she stood beside Gajeel.
"Juvia Lockser…"
Juvia smiled and nodded her head at the crowd in acknowledgment.
"Happy, Carla, and Blue Fang!"
"Aye!" Happy exclaimed as he raised his little paw while Carla did a polite curtsy and Blue Fang panted happily.
"Not to mention all the other wizards from the great Fairy Tail Guild!" Lars added as he gestured to the rest of Fairy Tail. "From the bottom of my heart… I cannot thank you enough for what you have done for me, my sister, and my kingdom."
"It is our pleasure, Your Majesty," Makarov spoke. "If you ever need us again, please don't hesitate to come to us. Fairy Tail will always be here for you."
"And I thank you," Lars replied. "Of course, I intend to reward you all for your noble deed. As thanks for your help, you will be rewarded 10 million Jewel! I have riches to spare, and plenty to give!"
"With that much money, I'll be set on rent for months…!" Lucy squealed with sparkling eyes.
"And some more money for some extra munchies!" Natsu added.
"We can buy tons of yummy fishies, Natsu!" Happy exclaimed.
"Also, I am aware that your mode of transportation was destroyed," Lars added, "so I've also gotten you all a brand new wagon."
"Oh, that's great!" exclaimed Haru. "Did you hear that, Blue Fang?"
Blue Fang barked happily in agreement, causing the Beast Wizard to hug him.
"We humbly accept, Your Majesty," Makarov said with a gracious bow. "Thank you ever so much."
"Hail to Fairy Tail!" Alyssandra exclaimed.
"Hail Fairy Tail!" the crowd cheered, happily as they broke into applause, causing Natsu and the others to bow their heads in response. However, as they did, Natsu accidentally took a step back and stepped on Gajeel's foot, causing him to yelp in pain.
"Watch it, Salamander!" Gajeel shouted. "What are ya, blind?! You just trampled all over my toes!"
"Well, maybe I wouldn't have if you hadn't gotten your foot in my way!" Natsu shouted.
"Are you sayin' it's my fault?!" Gajeel questioned.
"Well, if the shoe fits, wear it!" Natsu spat.
"Natsu, seriously?!" Gray asked. "Can't you go one second without butting heads with someone-"
"STAY OUTTA THIS!" the two Dragon Slayers yelled as they punched the Ice-Make Wizard in the face, knocking him into a table, which ended up collapsing from his weight.
"Oh, no, Gray!" Juvia cried.
"Oh, here we go," muttered Lucy in dread.
Gray growled as he wiped some blood from his nose and stood up with a threatening leer in his eyes.
"Okay… you wanna get nuts?" he asked as he pulled off his shirt, revealing his bare torso. "Come on! LET'S GET NUTS!"
Before anyone could say "Mavis Vermillion", the brawl had begun with Natsu, Gray, and Gajeel all getting caught up in a comical fight cloud, much to the chagrin of Makarov, who could only groan while Lars watched in surprise.
"Uh… what is going on?" Lars asked.
"Don't worry," Alyssandra replied. "Apparently, this is common among them."
"Guys, come on!" Haru shouted. "We're in a palace, for crying out loud-"
"OOF!" Natsu cried as Gray threw him against Haru by accident, and Wendy yelped as she and Carla hurried to get out of the way. Unfortunately, they ended up bumping into Blue Fang, who yelped as he doubled back to get out of the way until he tripped and accidentally sat down on Happy, who could only scream as he was squished underneath the wolf's hindquarters. As for Haru, she growled before she ended up joining the brawl, as well, comically biting Gajeel's leg while simultaneously pulling her brother in a headlock.
"Hey!" Elfman shouted. "A real man takes a brawl outside, okay?!"
"Shut up, Elfman!" Gray shouted as he punched him in the face. "Stay out of it!"
"WHOOOOOOAAAA!" Elfman cried as he ended up crashing right into Evergreen, who screamed as she was pinned down… meanwhile, Cana smirked as she watched with amusement.
"Ooh-la-la~!" she said, mockingly. "Are you seein' what I'm seein', Mira? Looks like your little brother's really becomin' a man."
"Oh, my!" Mirajane exclaimed in surprise.
"Man, Evergreen, didn't think you had it in you!" Bickslow added with a mocking smirk while Freed just chuckled while crossing his arms.
"Wait! It's not what you think!" Elfman shouted, his cheeks turning bright pink.
"Get off me, you oaf!" Evergreen demanded as she pounded her fist against his chest, her cheeks also flushed.
"Will all of you just settle down?!" Erza questioned. "This is not how we should-"
"Watch out!" Lucy cried as she ducked down to avoid a flying chair… which ended up hitting Erza right in the face, causing everyone in the room to gasp.
"Oh, now they've done it…" Levy murmured.
"Uh… sorry, Erza…!" Natsu squeaked.
"Just so you know, it was totally Natsu's fault!" Gray shouted.
"Hey!" Natsu spat.
"Better you than us, bro!" Gajeel retorted.
"Uh… guys?" Haru asked as she pointed at Erza… who glowered at them with comical fury as she held two swords in her hands.
"So you've chosen punishment, have you?" she asked. "Very well! HAVE AT YOU, THEN!"
"RUN FOR IT!" Natsu screamed as he and the others began to run around the ballroom while the Fairy Queen pursued them, causing the other party attendees to dodge them whenever they got close.
"ERZA, HOLD IT!" Haru cried. "I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS!"
"TIME OUT! TIME OUT!" Gray shouted.
"SIMMER DOWN, WILL YA?!" Gajeel questioned.
"TAKE GRAY FIRST!" Natsu screamed.
"GET BACK HERE!" Erza roared as she slashed her swords at the fleeing group… and yet, despite the situation, Alyssandra chuckled before she burst into hearty laughter, to her brother's surprise. However, once he took a look at how silly the scene before him was, he suddenly found himself cracking a grin and beginning to laugh, as well, and in spite of her earlier irritation, Lucy began to laugh, as well, along with Levy, Wendy, Juvia, and even Makarov and Elektra were beginning. Soon, the whole room was filled with infectious laughter, even as Erza continued to chase Natsu, Gray, Haru, and Gajeel around the room, even though they were starting to laugh, as well… and for just a moment, Alyssandra felt tears prick her eyes as she glanced at her older brother, but not tears of sadness.
These were tears of pure joy.
'Hasuko… are you watching this?' she thought. 'It's been so long since everyone in the kingdom has come together to laugh like this… and it's been so long since I've seen my brother smile. It feels like I'm looking at the old Lars, again… and it's all because of those magnificent wizards who saved our home!'
"Hey, come on!" Natsu cheered. "This is a party, right? Let's have fun until we drop!"
"YEAH!" the other Fairy Tail Wizards exclaimed in agreement.
"Aye…!" Happy groaned, still trapped underneath Blue Fang's rear end.
XXX
Later that evening, as the sky darkened and the stars twinkled above, Alyssandra stood with her brother, as well as several other townsfolk, as she held a silk lantern in her hands, which held a tiny flame inside. Lars was also holding a lantern, along with several other people, while others were busy handing out lanterns to others… especially the members of Fairy Tail.
Natsu smiled as he took a lantern from a little girl, who giggled as she hurried back to her parents, then turned to face Lucy, who smiled at him warmly as she held the lantern, too. Happy giggled as he stood next to Carla and handed her a lantern, as well, and though she tried to look indifferent, the little white feline shrugged her shoulders and took the lantern in her paws, as well. Wendy stood next to Erza, who also held a lantern in her hands, while Gray stood next to Juvia, who was eagerly holding a lantern in her hands, as well. Levy smiled up at Gajeel, who carefully took his lantern into his hands as if he was afraid that even the slightest touch would cause it to crumble to pieces. Haru laughed as she held a lantern of her own, causing Blue Fang to pant happily as he sat next to her.
Soon, everyone had gotten their lanterns and was waiting for the signal to release them into the sky.
"Tonight," Alyssandra began, "we light these lanterns to let the spirits of loved ones who have gone on before us know that we are still thinking of them. May these lanterns reach the spirits above and help them to rest easier." She closed her eyes, giving a silent prayer, causing the others around her to do the same… and after a few moments of silence, she smiled as she opened her eyes.
"Spirits, guide these lanterns safely on their journey," said the princess before she gently lifted her lantern into the air, causing it to float high up into the night sky. Soon, Lars began to do the same, followed by the many good citizens of Elise. Finally, the Fairy Tail wizards began to release their lanterns as well… with Natsu and Lucy, Gray and Juvia, and Gajeel and Levy all releasing theirs at the same time.
The sky was soon filled with millions of lanterns, all of them burning as bright as the stars as they floated endlessly through the air. Everyone watched in awe as they flew up high, their warm glow illuminating the dark… and Alyssandra smiled as she wiped her eyes.
"…Thank you… Hasuko…" Alyssandra whispered as she stared up at the sky, and Lars reached over and pulled his sister into a tender side-hug as they continued to watch the lanterns float.
XXX
The following day, it was finally time for Natsu and the others to head back home to Magnolia Town with Lars, Alyssandra, and the people of Elise seeing them off. While most of the members were heading there on foot, Team Natsu had now gotten a new Wolf Wagon: it was much larger than the last carriage, made of mahogany wood, and it even had a dark green velveteen cover with sparkling golden yellow embroidery. On both sides of the wagon was the Fairy Tail emblem surrounded by olive branches, and the wheels had solid gold rims, too!
"Wow!" Haru exclaimed as she looked the wagon over. "Check out our new wheels, Blue Fang!"
Blue Fang barked excitedly, his tail wagging so fast that it was a blur.
"Thanks again, Alyssa," Lucy said.
"Of course," Alyssandra replied. "Anything for my friends."
"Please know that you are welcome to come back and visit us whenever you wish," said Lars. "The doors of the Elise Kingdom will always be open to you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Elektra replied before she turned to face the others. "Well, then… is everyone ready?"
"Before we do," Natsu began, "Wendy, can you hook me up with that Troia spell of yours?"
"Sorry, Natsu," Wendy apologized, "but I can't keep using Troia over and over. I have to use it as sparingly as I can."
"Looks like you're on your own," said Carla with a shrug.
"Huh?!" Natsu questioned in shock. "Aw, come on, are you kiddin' me?!"
"Tough luck, man," Gray smirked.
"It's okay, Natsu," Lucy said as she placed a comforting hand on the Dragon Slayer's shoulder. "You can lay on my lap, all right?"
"Aw, thanks, Luce," said Natsu, gratefully. "That makes it a lot easier on me."
"Is everyone ready to go?" Erza asked as she was already in the wagon.
"Yeah, let's get a move on!" Haru called as she sat in the driver's seat, having just finished hitching Blue Fang up to the vehicle.
"Looks like it's time to hit the road," Levy said as she climbed in.
"You coming, Juvia?" Gray asked.
"Of course, my dear Gray!" Juvia replied as she allowed him to help her inside with Wendy and Carla climbing in afterward.
"Come on, Natsu, let's go," Lucy said as she helped Natsu climb in, too.
"You can make it," Happy added as he flew in after them.
"All right, you lot!" Makarov called out. "We're headed home!"
"Yeah!" the Fairy Tail Wizards exclaimed before they soon began to head down the road with everyone waving goodbye.
"Goodbye, everyone!" Alyssandra called. "Get home, safely!"
"Thank you again, Fairy Tail!" Lars exclaimed. "Thank you for everything!"
"Take care of yourself, Princess!" Erza called back.
"Bye!" Lucy added.
"We'll see you again, someday!" Wendy added.
"Aye!" Happy agreed while waving goodbye.
"We'll never forget you!" Haru declared as she held onto Blue Fang's reins.
As the Fairy Tail Guild left… Lars and Alyssandra stood together, watching as they walked farther and farther into the distance.
"I'm going to miss them," Alyssandra said as she watched them leave.
"As will I," Lars agreed. "Alyssa… I realized something: I really do want what's best for our kingdom… but I was so focused on trying to live up to the legacy our parents left behind that I wasn't even trying to rule the country, properly." He sighed as he shook his head. "The moment I took up the crown, all responsibilities and burdens fell upon me… but I know now that I have to forge my own path as king and make my own choices. I'm not our father, I know that, now… I'm myself and me, alone."
"That's what I was trying to tell you all this time, brother," said Alyssandra.
"I know," Lars said. "I can't bear the burdens of the crown alone, though." He then glanced at his sister before he smiled at her. "So, Alyssa… would you please help me in ruling our kingdom, together?"
Alyssandra only smiled back at him.
"Of course, I will," she said.
XXX
On the road back to Magnolia, the Fairy Tail Guild was walking along together… well, riding in Team Natsu's case. Inside the wagon, Natsu sighed as he lay on Lucy's lap, letting her gently scratch his hair and rub his stomach while the others just quietly rode inside the carriage, letting the Fire Dragon Slayer sleep. Outside, Gajeel was walking alongside the wagon with his arms crossed, just like usual, while Levy smiled as she watched him.
"That was a pretty fun mission, don't you think?" Levy asked.
"If you say so," Gajeel shrugged.
"Maybe we could do it again, one day," said Levy, causing the Iron Dragon Slayer to glance at her.
"Well… I'll think about it, at least," he replied.
"Oh, come on," Levy pouted. "Why can't you just admit it was nice, huh?" She smiled at him. "I feel like I've gotten to know you a bit better, now."
Gajeel's eyes widened a bit at that statement, his cheeks turning a bit pink… but then he quickly shook his head.
"I don't know what you're talkin' about!" he shouted, trying not to look flustered, but Levy only smiled.
"Sure, tough guy," she said.
Meanwhile, outside the carriage, Elektra walked alongside Makarov, who had his eyes closed and his hands behind his back.
"Grandpa?" Elektra asked.
"Yes?" Makarov answered.
"I was wondering," Elektra said. "That magic flare that showed us the way here… who do you think shot it up in the first place?"
"Hmm…" Makarov hummed. "I think you and I both know the answer to that question."
"…I see," Elektra muttered before a pause came between the two. "Grandpa?"
"Yes?" Makarov replied.
"Do you think… he's thinking about us?"
Makarov paused for a moment before he smiled.
"Yes… I think he is."
"So… do you think that we'll ever see him, again?"
"Well, maybe not now… but someday, when he feels like he's ready to."
Elektra's softened sadly as she kept walking with her grandfather.
"I hope so, Grandpa… I really do."
In the wagon, Natsu softly snored as he lied on Lucy's lap, the Celestial Spirit Wizard smiling down at him tenderly as she continued to massage his hair and abdomen… and yet, even now, there was still that nagging fear that she felt. No matter how much she tried, she kept thinking back to when Natsu had momentarily transformed into someone she didn't recognize… and the thought that it might happen again scared her more than anything. She was still scared of the possibility that he wouldn't be able to stop himself if he did transform again.
However, that wasn't the only thing she was thinking about. Last night, as they talked… Lucy felt her heart skipping beats inside her chest. The way he touched her hand… when he told her that he was glad that she was there with him… it made her feel so happy to know that she was able to help him snap out of his momentary berserker rage. Perhaps just like how she saw him as comforting… perhaps he took comfort in being with her, as well.
Maybe, as long as she was with him, the strange transformation that had happened to Natsu would never occur, again… and if it did, then she'd just have to make sure that she'd be there with him.
Lucy glanced over to see the others all distracted from other things, like Juvia fawning over Gray, who glanced back at her with a smile. Erza was quietly enjoying her strawberry shortcake while Wendy leaned against her, already sound asleep with Carla resting in her arms. Happy just munched on a fish while Levy was busy reading a book that she was allowed to take back with her from the Elise Kingdom. Gajeel quietly walked alongside the wagon while Haru still sat in the driver's seat, talking about how much fun this adventure was.
Once she was certain no one was watching, the Celestial Spirit Wizard turned her soft gaze to the sleeping Fire Dragon Slayer in her lap… before she slowly leaned down and planted a light kiss on his forehead.
"Sleep well, Natsu…" she whispered, causing Natsu to smile warmly in his sleep.
XXX
Deep in a secluded forest, far away from civilization, the wind blew harsh and cold. Dried leaves drifted along on the breeze, and the bare branches creaked ominously. A hand reached out, catching the leaves in the wind before it lowered.
"…I see… so he's finally awakened, has he?"
A sigh leaves the mysterious figure's lips… and the leaves soon crumbled into dust. He stood up, staring up at the blue sky… which slowly became blotted out by darkened clouds that rumbled with thunder. Soon after, the rain began to fall, drenching all in its wake in a torrential downpour.
"It seems that the time of our reunion is almost at hand… Natsu…"
And with that, Guardians of the Elise Kingdom is finally complete! I had a bit of a time with this one, but I'm glad I finally managed to see this one through!
Now, I hope to continue some One Piece stuff for a while, and I'll get started on Edolas later this month.
Review, please!