AN: Hey, I'm back! Thanks to all those who favourited and followed this story.
Lovetoreadff: You are very welcome, and hope you enjoy the new twists you'll find in this chapter!
kellybabyboo2016: Yay! You're all caught up! :-D
valerioux: Yup, for now I'm trying to keep you guys guessing :-)
FireShifter: Thanks! I like Yukino too, so she'll be having an interesting role to come.
SistershoOk: Awesome! :-D
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"Queen Grandine."
The majestic and beautiful blue-haired dragon turned around, a slight frown marring her exquisite face.
"Yes, Oh elder one?"
The elderly dragon shot the younger dragon queen a wan smile, holding out the parchment clasped in his clawed grip with a slight arthritic tremble.
"The latest report from our soldier patrolling the South western border."
Grandine resisted the strong urge to roll her eyes, but let out an involuntary sigh nonetheless.
"Is this another red-herring, oh wise one?"
The elderly dragon chuckled. "I have not perused it myself, my queen, but knowing the rather… err… enthusiastic nature of the young dragon guarding that post, I would say it is a high possibility."
Grandine nodded, a bemused look upon her face. She knew what the elderly one meant - the only young dragon lad they had found who was fit and able enough to watch their most aggressive border was not quite there mentally. But he was undoubtedly strong, and his suspicious nature made it certain that he would catch any miscreants who dared tried to cross into their lands. Unfortunately, his mental capacity being as flawed as it was led to him labeling any slight disturbance as a reason to attack and subdue the 'enemy'… whether that enemy be a confused squirrel or a very irate flock of geese.
Grandine unfurled the scroll, a more gentle smile upon her face as she turned back to the elderly dragon patiently awaiting her next order.
"Thank you so much, esteemed one. Please do return to your quarters to rest - it is quite late already."
With a look of gratefulness, the tired, older dragon hobbled off to his chambers. Grandine observed him as he made his way cautiously across the courtyard bathed in the glow of the setting sun.
She turned back to the missile in hand. She would undoubtedly have to make a quick trip to the border to calm the young dragon's fears - however trivial they may be. She had a duty to protect him, as well as the land she now almost solely guarded and governed. As per ancient dragon tradition, all able dragons, regardless of age, had marched to war - only the elderly, disabled and infirm had been left behind. She, being by dragon law Igneel's equal in every way, had been left with the unenviable task of ruling and protecting what was left of the kingdom in his stead - a task which she took on proudly, however much she grieved and worried for the family she had sent to war, and despite the fact that she longed to be with them herself. With that sobering thought, she scanned through the contents of the parchment, only partly registering the words as she read. One word caught her attention, and she paid more heed as she read the line the young dragon lad had written.
The parchment slipped from her grasp, as Grandine whirled on her heel, rushing into the courtyard and launching into the cool night air - all before the simple epistle had hit the damp ground of the courtyard foyer.
Before the dew could spread the ink on the parchment into a chaotic jumble of indecipherable shapes, one word stood out in the bright moonlit night.
… demons…
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The demon let out a desperate war cry before challenging its opponent once more. In response, the ore dragon merely whipped his steel scaled tail - glowing with fairy magic - at the unlucky devil. A screech of agony rent the air as the demon was impaled on the sharp appendage, writhing in its death throes as it was unceremoniously tossed aside. The weary metal dragon sank to his knees, his strength almost spent.
A wily demon tried to take advantage of the exhausted young dragon lad, sneaking up on him with its talons poised, ready to skewer the figure on the ground.
A black-furred blur was its only warning before it was hurled at least twenty feet away from its target.
"I know you are tired, Gajeel." Lily grit out as he blocked another foe with a strong swipe of his sword, "But you cannot rest now! We must hold back this line - only you can do it!"
Yes thought Gajeel bitterly, Only I can do it. The rest do not even bother to try.
His thoughts petered off as he heard a loud roar behind him. He staggered to his feet just as Natsu skid to a halt in front of him, Happy right on his heels.
"Giving up already, rust bucket? You're lucky I'm here to pick up the slack!"
His words were jovial, but the solemn once-over he gave his metal brethren told another story.
"Take a break, you overgrown iron block. Happy, Lily and I've got this for a while."
Gajeel did not protest, standing tall and still, giving his aching limbs the moment of respite they had been begging for. From the corner of his eye, he watched his hot-headed cousin engage the never-ending sea of enemies. The idiotic fire breather was always close by - much to the chagrin of his unit's superiors - and Gajeel could always count on him to help. Only a few other dragons apart from him tried to help too. He wasn't a fool - he understood why. His own superiors had expressed themselves quite clearly on the subject.
"I don't care about your damn tactics!" Metalicana bellowed, "This is my son's life you're playing with!"
"In this war Lieutenant General, he is not your son." the cold steely gaze of Herschel, the Field Marshal of the Dragon troops bored into him.
"He is a soldier with a duty to perform. And he cannot perform it if he is distracted by his comrades fighting by his side. Besides, it would be an unnecessary concentration of our troops to have more than one dragon warrior in the battles he fights - we are already spread too thin." The General paused, his gaze sweeping over his fellow northern officers who gravely nodded their assent. He returned his gaze to the still fuming Metalicana and the stoic, grim-faced Igneel by his side. "From what we have observed, his magic makes him more than capable of taking on a demon contingent alone. To protect his person, he will always be accompanied by his own battalion. He has even been promoted to the rank of a Captain! Instead of fretting over him like a broody mother-hen, be proud of your heir, Lieutenant General Metalicana! And allow him to serve this war as valiantly as he can."
Gajeel soon found the praise and promotion were simply scraps thrown his way by his Northern brethren to mask their real intentions. He was quickly overwhelmed, pushed into skirmish after skirmish and mercilessly buffeted around amidst the complex military politics orchestrated by his Northern superiors, whilst his friends and family could only watch helplessly, caught in the struggle of survival themselves.
Only Lily stubbornly refused to leave his side, even resorting to threatening his Northern superiors when they attempted to coax him away. He was finally allowed to do as he pleased, the dragon officials deciding to ignore his presence entirely.
And then there was Natsu. His brash, moronic, flame-wielding cousin had surprisingly found a way to come to his aid time and time again, despite being rebuked and disciplined multiple times by his nasty northern dragon commander. Appearing to be a clown to the outside world had its advantages, Gajeel supposed, though he could not understand how others made the mistake of judging his cousin so. For Gajeel knew how wrong they were - he, for one, could easily see that hidden within the depths of Natsu's careless laughter and gleeful banter there was a fire that raged and threatened to consume anything the powerful flame dragon deemed unjust. It was this inferno that compelled him to protect Gajeel - however hard he tried to mask it with light-hearted jokes and jabs.
Screeches and curses rent the air as Natsu slowed down the enemy the best way he knew how - by burning them to crisp.
Gajeel watched as the blackened figures slowly resurrected themselves. He could feel his gut twist as he observed them regrow skin and charred limbs, screaming in agony all the while. The horror of their act of resurgence still struck him full force no matter how many times he witnessed it.
"You done with your beauty rest yet, metal head?" Natsu smirked as he burned yet another wave of the demonic figures, his brow furrowed in concentration as he briskly parried blows from the few that had managed to evade his flames.
Gajeel grimaced.
"I'm back, you flaming moron."
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Grandine scanned the forest treetops - the eerie silence in the woods below only fed her anxiety and caused her to hasten her flight to the spot she could sense her guard was awaiting her. She gathered strength from her element - surrounded by the cool night air, Grandine could feel her panic slightly subside as she took in a discreet taste of the wind buffeting her lithe form. It seemed clean - no dangerous flavors sprang up immediately - but she could still sense an edge to the air that caused her earlier unease to return full force.
Detecting the presence of the dragon lad she had been searching for directly below her, Grandine steeled herself before dropping through the thick foliage of the forest's canopy. She landed in an elegant crouch on the floor of the forest, her head whipping around as she scented the changes in the air. As she glanced about her, she froze at the sight that met her eyes, her blood running cold.
There, just a few feet away, stood the dragon lad - shuffling nervously on his feet as he glanced between a prone body on the ground, and a group of three female figures huddled together and arguing in low hushed voices. Grandine barely spared the boy or the group a look, as she observed the body lying on the floor in horror.
It was a demon.
A rather large and built one at that, very likely a soldier or a mercenary. It had obviously been felled by a sword - the weapon still remained, lodged deep in the demon's chest. The sword seemed to be dripping with a malevolent strain of magic - demon magic, Grandine would have ventured to guess. 'That would explain why it did not regenerate' she mused, a sigh of relief escaping her. She turned her attention to the group of girls gathered not too far from the prone form of the devil. Their conversation that she had earlier tuned out, now easily reached her sharp dragon ears.
"Look, I'm tellin ya two tha we got lucky. If red here hadn't kept that blasted knife yer uncle almost skewered ya both with, we wouldn be standin here now. Ya two betta cut yer losses, n get ya cute tushies outta this hellhole…"
"As much as I disagree with your manner of speaking, your advice is sound. I too, think we have tested fate enough for one night…"
"Will you two just be quiet and listen! The thing we just managed to kill was a demon. From what little I've heard and read about them, they are known to be enemies of man - Nay, nightmarish ghouls of death, for they think humans are food. Now, I do not know about the two of you, but I for one refuse to walk away from our chance to find out as much as we can about why this creature is so far away from a war he is supposed to be participating in and so close to an innocent human village that could have very well become his next meal."
As a sliver of the moon burst forth from behind the clouds, Grandine, with her heightened dragon eyesight, could make out the features of the arguing females. A svelte scarlet-haired maiden stood beside a familiar looking brown-haired lass. Their faces sported identical guilty grimaces, whilst the third, impassioned speaker stood with her back to Grandine, a cloak covering her smaller figure from head to toe.
The redheaded one relented first, turning to glance at the dragon boy with a sigh.
"Well, this one hardly seems like he would be much help. He was practically catatonic by the time we came to his aid, and we haven't been able to make sense of any of the gibberish he has uttered so far, despite how skilled you are in draconic."
"Y-yes, but surely we could convince him to lead us to his superior or someone who could understand the situation? This occurrence is as much a threat to them, as it is to us…"
"You are right about that, young one."
Grandine uttered the words as softly as she could, approaching the three young ladies slowly with her hands raised in a placating gesture.
The reaction of the group was instinctual and instant. The scarlet and brown haired damsels stepped forward to face her - each whipping out a deadly weapon aimed at her - as they pushed the smaller, cloaked figure behind them protectively. Grandine halted in her tracks, a brow raised in surprise, before a cry of joy distracted her. The young dragon lad lunged forward, falling at her feet in a gesture of respect and gratitude. He mumbled incoherent apologies as Grandine patted him fondly on the head, whispering back words of gentle praise and encouragement. Meanwhile, the trio of damsels carefully observed the interaction between the two dragons, a silence falling over the clearing once the boy rose from his spot at Grandine's feet to stand respectfully behind her, his stance tense and alert once more. Finally, the cloaked girl stepped forward, waving aside her two companions when they tried to block her path.
"Are you this dragon's superior? If you are, then there is something of great importance we must discuss with you."
Grandine smiled, drawing herself up to her full height.
"I am his superior, yes. And I am known as Grandine - previous drake of the sky dragons and a maiden of the sky. Wife of King Igneel, and Queen of Alagesia. All this can be affirmed by one of your companions as well. Isn't that so, Cana?"
Cana moved with lightning speed, a card hurled high into the air before any of the clearing's occupants could blink. A blinding white light permeated the space for an instant, subsiding a moment later to reveal a white light-orb hovering over the little corner of the forest they occupied. It bathed every being in its warm glow.
Cana's face now sported an ear-to-ear grin, as she regarded the dragon queen with respect and affection.
"She's right. I can vouch fer 'er. This is tha queen o tha dragon kingdom."
A soft sigh of relief issued from the figure beneath the cloak, as the scarlet-haired maiden stared at Grandine, wide-eyed.
"T-the queen? What is she doing here?"
Grandine smiled at the young woman. "I am doing my duty. As you must know, my husband and every other able-bodied dragon has marched to war in the north. Only I remain to guard and protect our lands and those of my dragon kin who are unable to physically join the fight."
The young maiden's eyes widened further, a glimmer of respect shining within them.
"That is a heavy duty to bear alone, your majesty."
"Perhaps… But it is a dragon tradition, and I carry out my duties as proudly and as faithfully as I can."
"Admirable…"
"Ain't she amazin?"
Ahem
The gentle cough of the cloaked figure jolted the two girls out of their impromptu conversation, their attention immediately drawn back to the person still hidden under the thick flowing garment. Two dainty hands reached out from under it, drawing back the hood slowly. Golden locks tumbled out from underneath the dark folds as the cheerfully glowing orb illuminated the delicate features and porcelain skin of the last damsel of the trio.
Grandine's breath caught in her throat, her heart thrown into a tumult of bittersweet emotions as she gazed upon the face of the last young maiden - a face that felt so familiar and foreign at the same time. Standing before her was… Lucy. The Princess of Pergrande. Daughter of Jude and… Layla. She would have recognized that face anywhere, as well as those exquisite golden tresses. She was her mother's spitting image. Except for her eyes. Lucy's eyes were chocolate brown - unlike her mother's dainty sky blue - and filled with determination, idealistic zeal, and fire. They were her father's eyes - the same eyes he had borne before he had driven himself insane.
Grandine shook her head, forcibly clearing it of her train of thought. It would not do to dwell on the past, not when they faced such danger in the near future.
"Your majesty? Are you well?"
Lucy's sing-song voice was steeped in genuine concern and kindness, as she regarded the queen of dragons with a gentle yet wary demeanor.
Grandine took in a shaky breath, tasting her element on her tongue and drawing a modicum of strength from it.
"I am fine. And who may you be, young woman?"
"I am Lucy." The young damsel replied, taking a miniscule step forward. "I am also known as the Princess of Pergrande. And my companions are Erza, high knight of Pergrande, and Cana, whom you seem to know already. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Grandine's eyes softened, a lump in her throat forming as she melted under the voice that brought back so many memories - memories of happier, carefree times, when she and another golden-haired damsel roamed free in these same woods, their laughter and glee ringing through the wild yet friendlier forest.
"The pleasure is mine, hatchling. Now, what can I do for you?"
Lucy nodded, offering Grandine a hesitant, friendly smile before proceeding. "I am sure you've recognized this creature we managed to slay? We only wish to know if you have any idea why such a being is so far south - as far as I know, this is the first time we have ever witnessed a demon attack so near Pergrande."
Grandine let out a haggard sigh, running a hand through her blue locks as she regarded the dead body critically. "I truly wish I knew. For now, however, all I can hazard is a guess. This demon, although he looks to have the height and build of a soldier, does not wear the raiment of one. Nor does he seem to have the features of a northern bred and born devil. That is why I suppose he is a demon mercenary hailing from a tribe that used to live in Swarthmore, a stretch of demon-owned land bordering the kingdoms west of Pergrande. There are quite a few stray tribes there, and I can safely assume that they are not exercising the control and discretion they were previously forced too under their northern kingdom's rule."
"I see…" Lucy bit her lower lip, the gesture so reminiscent of her mother, that Grandine's heart gave a broken thud. "Thank you for your forthrightness, your majesty. We will endeavor to share any knowledge we collect on the matter with you as well."
"It is I who should be thankful." Grandine intoned seriously, regarding the trio of maidens in front of her with solemn gratitude. "You killed a being who was trying to attack and kill my guard. If it were not for your intervention, I might have lost one of my beloved subjects today, a fact that would have demoralized our already frightened and anxious nation. So… thank you."
Lucy's eyes softened, the last bit of tension in her frame evaporating. "We only did what we could. And it was Cana and Erza specifically who slayed him. I-I am not a warrior. My reasons for being here, I'll admit, are selfish. A village of mages that I've recently instituted live not far from here, and I was terrified that this being would seek them out for his sustenance. That is why when Cana informed us of a disturbance she had detected in the woods, I insisted on investigating it, your majesty…"
"Grandine."
"Err… I beg your pardon?"
"Please address me as Grandine, your highness."
Lucy slowly beamed, a sparkle of joy illuminating her innocent, childlike eyes.
"Only if you would call me Lucy in return."
"Deal. And the desire to protect your people is not selfish, Lucy. You are right in being so cautious - even though this demon was not a true warrior, he could have wreaked havoc on that poor, innocent village…"
Lucy frowned. "We cannot assume this was a stray, one-time affair either. Henceforth, we must be on guard against another demon attack. I suggest we work together. If such a battle were to occur again, we would stand better chances as a united front…"
Grandine nodded. "I will send word to Cana anytime I receive information of a useful nature. I trust she can reach you when it is urgent?"
Lucy glanced at Cana for affirmation, smiling grimly when the young witch nodded curtly.
"We will do the same, your ma… Err… Grandine."
Grandine smiled warmly and teasingly despite the seriousness of their topic of discussion.
"It is not only in times of urgency that you must reach out to me, Lucy. I would love to make your acquaintance - if you find anytime free to write or meet, let me know…"
Lucy gave her a shy, sweet smile. "Certainly, Grandine. I would be honored to be your friend. As would we all."
Grandine beamed at the three maidens, secretly rejoicing over the turn of events. Not only had an immediate threat been removed, a promise of partnership greatly increased both the humans and dragons chances of surviving future attacks. Not to mention the fact that she was now Lucy's friend.
She secretly resolved to be the best possible friend and mother figure to the lovely and kind young woman in front of her.
After all, she was her daughter. And she had always been ready to do anything for her dear adoptive sister…
For Layla.