AN: A hearty thank you to all those lovely people who favorited and followed!
Firiare - Yes! Read on, my friend.
SistershoOk - Your first question is going to get answered very soon! As for Gray joining the war, yeah I agree. It's a bit bittersweet but necessary. Helps those two develop their brotherly bond...
SarangehaeYo15 - he he. Yeah, I know what you mean :-/ I'm doing the same thing with a couple of my other favourite fanfics. I'll try to keep these updates coming as quick as possible so you don't have to wait!
ABT4Life - Yup, that was why I really liked Gray taking on this role after Gajeel. Both are kind of brothers to Natsu - but where Gajeel is sort of the grumpy older sibling, Gray's kind of like the competitive twin brother. I love their friendship too, so you'll get some cute bromance moments between them.
valerioux - Ah. That's a brilliant plot hole you've uncovered. I guess the only way I'm going to escape that is by saying that Gajeel is such a quiet, grumpy dragon he doesn't talk about his real relationship to the queen - he refers to her by her title whenever they occasionally all meet during the 'Protectors' meetings. And both Gajeel and Grandine know Natsu is trying to keep his heritage a secret from Lucy - so they help him out by hiding their own relationship. It's a stretch, I know, but… eh. Best I can do. :-D
FireShifter - HA HA! You know, I can imagine Natsu and Gray as a duo giving the Northern Dragons a whole lotta grief - but that's MORE than deserved in my book ;-)
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Gajeel yanked at the collar of his stiff, high-necked coat, grumbling under his breath the whole time. Pantherlily, who was in his pure cat form, shot him a warning glare. The black-furred feline was contentedly curled up on the bulky bag suspended from the saddle of the horse Gajeel rode. The irate iron dragon grimaced down at his cat.
"Oye, don't give me that look! You don't have to wear these sweaty, stupid, human garments or travel in a form so lacking in magic that you feel exposed! I'm entitled to a little complaining."
The velvety black cat raised a brow in response.
"Aye, I know you can't speak until we meet this blasted Princess, but that's hardly a hardship. Look at these atrocities these humans call 'clothes' that I have to put up with!"
Lily smirked, his intelligent eyes conveying his mirth as he regarded his dragon companion's appearance critically.
Gajeel had transformed down into what the dragons called their 'basic' form. It looked exactly like a human body, save for the fact that the texture of their skin still retained the roughness of their scales. They also still possessed their keen senses and dragon strength - albeit slightly limited by the less powerful form. In addition to scaling down his physical draconic features, Grandine had insisted that Gajeel dress in the raiment of a lower court noble - a thick long sleeve cotton shirt and tight black leather breeches both covered by a fancy, embroidered long coat. This would ensure he would be granted easy access to the palace outer courtyard - from where he would be led into the castle, via a set of secret passageways, to meet the Princess of Pergrande.
Gajeel ignored his exceed's low chuckle as the spires of the towering royal castle came into view. They had reached Pergrande.
The unlikely pair quieted further as they rode through the city gates. Gajeel urged their steed into a steady trot as they made their way towards the castle that they had been told they would find at the heart of the sprawling capital. Slowly, as promised, the looming, imperial structure came into view. The wary iron dragon threw his feline companion one last glance before dismounting and leading their equestrian friend to the outer stables. A few coins and curt words ensured their mount would be well taken care of, as the pair then made their way stealthily to the base of the oak tree they had been instructed to wait at.
The disguised dragon stood tall and eerily still, leaning casually against the trunk of the grand tree. His faithful exceed sat upon his shoulder, his black tail curled protectively around his friends neck. The unusual pair received quite a few curious glances from passers-by, for as much as the imposing dragon looked like a human, his build was far too perfectly muscular, and his aura too fraught with danger, to be truly considered human.
A soft, slightly nervous cough interrupted his reverie. Gajeel glanced to his side, only to observe a cloaked young maiden hesitantly approach him, her bangs of short silvery hair the only thing visible from under her dark hood.
"Sir Gajeel of the noble Redfox clan of Mercurious?"
It was the alias that had been decided upon before his departure from Alagesia. In order to blend in sufficiently, Gajeel had been ordered to present himself to any humans he chanced to interact with as a high-born nobleman of an obscure clan residing in the faraway human kingdom of Mercurius. This alias, apparently, had been hand picked for him by a trusted servant of the Princess and would ensure he could navigate most of Pergrande without being unduly challenged or suspected. The counterfeit paperwork to back his claim had been delivered to him just an hour ago, and Gajeel had been unwillingly impressed by its thoroughness - this Princess and her helper were indeed a clever pair.
But that was all the more reason to be cautious. This wily Princess may have won over his gentle-hearted aunt, but time would only tell if she could earn his trust.
Gajeel nodded at the figure beside him, hoisting the bag he had been touting higher upon his free shoulder.
"Aye. That is I."
"Please follow me, good sir."
With that, the lithe feminine form began walking, easily weaving her way through the crowds milling around the palace gates. She led the dragon and his feline friend to a secluded spot a good distance away from the gates and along the palace wall. There, hidden beneath a tangle of vines, was a stone door. With a few words muttered under her breath, the young woman pushed a certain spot and the seemingly heavy obstruction easily slid aside. With a glance over her shoulder, the young maiden ducked her head and entered the small damp corridor within, Gajeel and Lily close on her heels. She led them swiftly through a network of cavernous corridors until at last they stopped at another stone door. This time, she drew back the heavy rock knocker near the top and slammed it down hard, the strong sound echoing in the hall they stood in. The door opened and the hooded maiden escorting them bowed low to Gajeel and Lily, beckoning them to walk forward into the chamber.
They obeyed, taking a few cautious steps into the room she had indicated. It was a small court hall. Grand seats lined the sides of the room, flanked by imposing pillars at both ends. At the far end of the hall on a raised dias, stood a magnificent throne. Every seat in the chamber was empty - save one. Seated on the imperial throne, dressed in the regal raiment of a Princess, a delicate crown balanced atop her head of golden hair, sat a very familiar face and figure.
Gajeel burst into laughter.
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The sound of happy laughter permeated the air, as the shapely young woman and her fair, budding companion giggled in glee.
"Oh, I don't think I've ever witnessed a man blush as hard as that lad did when he saw you, Meredy!"
"Yes you have! His elder brother went almost crimson the moment he laid eyes on you!"
Ultear controlled her snickers, flashing her lovely companion a mischievous smirk.
"I suppose we make an enchantingly deadly pair - don't we, my dear?"
Meredy laughed. "That we do! And what plans do we have next where we may wreak our usual havoc?!" The pink-haired mermaid shot her human friend a grin, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Ultear's good mood deflated a bit, her brow furrowing slightly. Meredy switched to a soft, concerned tone instantly.
"What's wrong, Ultear?"
Ultear shot her a hesitant smile. "Well… Seeing as we are equal companions, shall we discuss our next course of action?"
Meredy beamed at her.
"Of course! That's also the concept of 'family' Ultear, we will always express ourselves openly to each other, correct?"
Ultear laughed, the sound musical and sweet.
"Yes! Undoubtedly. And I guess I shall go first this time. My original thought was to return to Icegard…"
Ultear trailed off, observing her friend's reaction closely. Meredy's bright smile dimmed for an instant, before returning as a softer, gentler version - the action lighting up her pretty, girlish face.
"Oh. Yes, if you wish…"
Ultear shook her head. "But you hesitate because you suspect your tribe may come after you if they hear of your return to Fiore? That is why…"
"Oh, I don't suspect. I know. But that doesn't matter. If you wish to return to Icegard, then that's where we will go!"
"Meredy…"
"After all, you need to see Gray. And it would be best if I face my demons - or in my case, a tribe of angry, rampaging mermaids - sooner than later…"
"Meredy…"
"Besides, I now believe I can easily subdue them all! The power boost our connection has given me is amazing! I've never felt this magically charged in my life! I could probably defeat the mermaid queen with my hands tied behind my back…"
A hand firmly clapped over her mouth finally halted Meredy's prattle.
"Enough child. I did not finish my thoughts. Icegard may have been my first wish, but I have already decided against it."
"But why?" She whispered softly, peeling her friend's hand back.
"First off, I doubt Gray would be there. From what we have heard of the demon wars, it is most probable that he has been deployed with the army."
Meredy sighed, nodding slowly.
"Ah. You make a good point."
"Secondly… I believe my first duty should be to right the wrong I have helped commit. Jellal is still at large, and I think he is after the primordial source of magic. From my days with Hades, I know that it exists somewhere down south. That is where he is probably headed now that he has gone rogue. And we will follow…" Ultear paused, a shy, loving smile creeping up on her face and lending a radiant light to her beautiful visage. "Also, I believe a certain other mermaid resides down there. A friend of yours? Who is in the same predicament as us?"
"Juvia! Oh! That's wonderful Ultear! We're going to see Juvia?!" The mermaid's eyes danced with joy, as she clapped her hands in glee.
Ultear grinned. "Amongst other things, little one. But yes, I promise you we will seek her out."
Meredy launched herself at Ultear, taking the young woman by surprise. She engulfed her in a warm bear hug, a few happy tears escaping as she held her close.
"I love you." She whispered, her eyes shining with adoration and affection.
Ultear hugged her close, her own eyes brimming with tears of gratitude and joy.
"I love you too, my precious one. Now. Onwards…"
She took a deep, steadying breath, her gaze facing the road before them, and her expression one of zeal and determination.
"To Pergrande."
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Lucy waited a full five minutes for the iron dragon's mirth to subside. The look of exasperation she shot him once he had regained a semblance of composure was undercut by the twitch of amusement of her own dainty lips.
"Fancy that, Pergrande is ruled by a rabbit."
The scowl Lucy aimed at Gajeel for his impudent comment reminded him far more of a dragon - a fact he would never admit to the easily provoked and amusing human girl.
Lucy pointed an accusing finger at her old friend as she rose from her seat.
"You are fortunate that I am a fair and merciful ruler - else I would have had your head for that!"
Gajeel chuckled. "Gihihi. That's an empty threat and we both know it, rabbit. Although, I can quite easily envision you jumping up and down in excitement as I am led off to the gallows…"
"Now there, Gajeel." Lily's rebuking tone bore an underlying hint of amusement, "Is this the way to greet an old and dear friend? It is a pleasure to see you again Lucy, and we are both happy you are well. Although, it was quite a shock to learn that you are the Princess of Pergrande!"
Lucy aimed a soft smile at the noble black exceed, her tone apologetic as she addressed him.
"I was forced to hide my heritage from all of you for reasons of general safety. I did not wish to deceive any of you, and I truly am sorry…"
"Nay, we understand." Gajeel interrupted her gruffly, "Being a human royal would have made you the target of quite a lot of attacks like the one that happened to you and Erza when we were younger. And plenty of unscrupulous beings would have tried to trick that information out of us. Knowing the naive nature of some of our group, especially that idiot Salamander, your caution was justified."
Gajeel did not miss the catch of Lucy's breath when his cousin's title fell from his lips. He and his exceed watched as the maiden flushed, and then paled, an internal struggle seeming to momentarily overwhelm her.
The carefree smile she flashed their way a few tense moments later only partially hid the pain in her eyes, as the pretty young woman hopped off the dais, gesturing to her two old friends to follow her.
"Soon after you all left for war, I too became very busy dealing with a great manner of hostile magical beings… Err... I hope Grandine has had a chance to brief you about the… ummm…?"
"Demons?" Gajeel supplied, not able to contain the slight growl in his voice as he rasped out the hated word. "Aye. And I was not happy to hear that it was kept from those of us at war."
Lucy shot him a sympathetic look. "I do not blame you. I understood Grandine's reasoning, however, and supported her. Given the fact that her decision left the defenses of Alagesia and Pergrande solely up to us, I formed a group of able-bodied magical beings to aid in the fight against nefarious magic users and, of course, the demon guerrilla troops. We call ourselves the Protectors. We have helped deflect a great number of attacks on Pergrande's outlying villages, and have stopped every offensive launched against Alagesia so far. On that note, there is an attack on Alagesia that we suspect will occur within the next fortnight, that our most talented and diligent researcher is currently collecting data on. Since the site of the attack is close to Alagesia, you would be an ideal escort for the first reconnaissance mission. Be very cautious, though - we suspect a demon camp housing at least fifty demons is nearby, and they could send out a patrol mission of five or even ten to ambush you! I wish I could send more Protectors with you, but we are stretched thin as it is and besides, too many beings prowling that area would raise their suspicions…"
"Relax, rabbit. I can handle ten easily. In fact, I could take out the entire camp of fifty if you asked."
Lucy's shoulders slumped in relief, before her lips twisted into a mischievous smirk.
"Ah, that is reassuring. But I would advise you then to refrain from overexerting yourself unnecessarily, however great your desire to 'show off' may become…"
Lucy pushed open the grand double doors they had paused in front of as she lead the gawking pair into a beautiful, humongous library. Gajeel and Pantherlily absorbed the impressive sight of thousands of books lining the walls, ensconced in richly carved bookshelves. They wordlessly followed Lucy as she led them deeper into the book labyrinth, straight towards a secluded section in the back.
And that was when he saw her.
She was standing in front of a shelf on her tiptoes, as she tried to capture a tome just out of reach of her dainty fingers. Her cute pink tongue peeked out from between her luscious lips as she concentrated on her task, oblivious to the three new visitors who were quietly approaching. Her short wavy blue locks bounced on her delicate shoulders as she stretched, the action granting her guests the perfect view of her slender profile.
Gajeel gazed upon her, his mouth dry as he took in her tantalizingly modest bust and her sinfully curvy ass. Her delicious scent of ink and fairydust accosted him, threatening to knock him down to his knees. Desperate desire and longing coursed through his veins, almost as strong as the intense need to protect and nurture the goddess-like being before him. His heart hammered in his chest, on the precipice of something he could not quite yet fathom…
And then she turned her head, her rich hazel eyes locking on his as they filled with happiness, excitement and hidden affection.
His heart stopped for three counts.
He had found his bonded.