Chapter Five – Favours Returned
Year: 1540x. Luna-cycle: 8. Day: 11.
"How are you feeling?"
It was a loaded question. Laxus felt a lot of things as he and Freed walked through the forest side by side, many of those feelings being contradictory. Nervousness and determination. Worry and excitement. Dread and anticipation. But, above all these clashing feelings, one emotion was driving Laxus forward above all else. Anger.
He and Freed were in the forests near Magnolia, getting closer and closer to Laxus' old home with each step. It had been a year since Laxus had left his home after exile, a year to the day. Them being there wasn't coincidental, nor was the timing. Over the year spent with Freed, Laxus had learned a lot about the real world, and about himself, and now he was going to put that to good use. He was going to do something he should have done before, something he now felt was his duty to do for those who cared for him.
Standing up to Ivan. Usurping him from his power and brining Magnolia back to what it once was.
"Little nervous," Laxus' words were an understatement. But he wasn't going to let his nerves stop him, this was too important. "I'll be fine, though."
"If you're sure."
Laxus was thankful that Freed wasn't pushing the matter, nor was he forcing the conversation. He had been inside his own head for the past few days, thinking through all that could happen when he came face to face with his father again, as well as the people who he had been forced to leave. There was a lot to think through, and Laxus wanted to sort his thoughts entirely before it begun.
He expected a mixed reception. Some people would be outraged – Ivan had dedicated followers, and he would be breaking exile by returning – but he also hoped some people would be glad to see him. Ivan wouldn't be one of them, of course, and Laxus couldn't begin to imagine how he would react. But that idea didn't scare Laxus, not anymore. The blonde knew what his father was now; a petulant little man who liked to lord his power and status over those he considered below him. Laxus was the better man, there was no doubt in his mind about that, and by the time the sun had set, that would be proven.
"Yeah, I'm sure," Laxus nodded a little, pushing his was through some shrubbery. "Need to do it. Gramps'd be pissed if he found out what'd happened."
"Was it that different when he was in charge?" Freed asked, looking up to Laxus with soft eyes.
Throughout their time together, Laxus had become less restrained about explaining how he felt. After their kiss, they had talked for some time and chose to pursue a romance between one another, and the blonde had found himself confiding in Freed more than he had anyone else.
Their relationship worked better than one might expect. They still had the same kind of friendship that had been forged before the kiss – they still had their strengths and weaknesses that compensated each other, and they still had their duties while traveling – but the romance had added a new layer of intimacy between them. They often seemed to act as one, there was more trust and joy shared between them, and although he wouldn't readily admit it, Laxus found himself smiling a hell of a lot more with Freed than he had years prior.
It was good. Great, even. And Laxus was glad that it had happened.
"Like another place entirely," Laxus said, thinking back to his early childhood. "Lot more communal, and friendly. The crappy walls were only there to keep animals and shit out, and the gates were never closed. We traded a lot as well, instead of being 'self-sufficient' or whatever he calls it."
"Is that what you'll make it again?" Freed asked, walking beside Laxus and ducking under a branch.
"Definitely wanna try," Laxus said, voice resolute. "Bastard's been pissing on Gramps' honour for years, wanna change it."
Laxus was determined to get the town back in to good hands. It wasn't an unfeasible goal; Ivan's pride would be dented enough just by seeing Laxus return despite his orders, and getting him into a fight could be achieved simply by calling out his cowardice and insulting him until he fell for the manipulation. Then, if all went as planned, Laxus would win the fight and Ivan's pride would be destroyed, meaning he would either flee the town himself or Laxus would be able to demand he leave.
It was a good plan. Laxus just hoped it would work.
"I'm sure you'll make a wonderful leader," Freed said, apparently having sensed a small amount of doubt seeping into the blonde's thoughts. "You'll be fine, Laxus. I'm sure of it."
"I know. I know it'll be fine," His tone didn't match what he said. "It's just that there's a lot of things that could go wrong and-"
"They won't," Freed said, his voice carrying authority. "I've been in your father's presence for less than a day, and even I know that he'll be easily manipulated into a fight and that, once he loses to the man he berated for being weak, he won't be able to show his face. And if you're worried about losing the fight, then you needn't be. I suspect you were stronger than him then, and I know you're stronger than he is now."
Freed's words comforted him. He was right. Ivan was a weak, overly proud coward who Laxus could defeat in his sleep. He could have done it then and, now with Freed's training and the occasional practical experience he had gained when traveling, he could defiantly do it now.
"Mind you," Freed continued, voice serious. "It might be a little awkward if we can't get through the gates."
Laxus paused for a moment, before snorting. He glanced down to see Freed was smirking, so it was obvious he was joking, and the blonde was thankful for it; he certainly had lightened his mood a little. The image of him and Freed awkward standing around the large metal gates, waiting for someone to open them so they could get in was amusing. Laxus found his lips tugging upwards a little as they walked.
"If there a secret knock or something you might remember?" Freed continued, and Laxus chuckled. "Maybe a back entrance with a rusty hinge?"
"Piss off," Laxus chuckled, wrapping his arm around Freed's shoulders. He pressed his lips against the man's head before whispering. "Thanks."
Freed didn't reply, but pushed into Laxus a little to show he had heard. Laxus decided not to remove his arm from around Freed's shoulders until needed, enjoying the proximity he had to his partner as they walked. He could feel the strength in the man who had gotten him here, could smell the light dusting of cologne that was slightly overpowered by the smells of the forest, and could hear the soft breathing coming from his lover as they made their was through the undergrowth. It all worked to calm Laxus down as he walked.
The closer he got towards Ivan's territory, the more he felt the need to latch onto Freed. The reality of what they were doing became more apparent, and the silent support he was getting from his partner was helping him rationalise the situation.
Despite having his nervousness quelled somewhat by Freed, something made him pause as they walked. It was a small flowing stream, parting two sides of the forest and rushing across a small stone path. It seemed inconsequential, and Laxus could see that Freed had a small amount of confusion written across his features as he looked towards Laxus. The blonde stared at the water for a few moments, eyes a little wide.
"Laxus," Freed eventually spoke up. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, sorry," Laxus said, voice a little distant. "Sorry, it's just, Ivan always said the stream was the border of his land. So, when we go over it, kinda like we ain't going back."
"We don't have to do this now, if you don't want to," Freed said, voice more comforting than it was stern. "We can spent a little time getting ready, or camp out for the night, if you think it'll help you or make this easier on you."
"No, I need to do this," Laxus tried to convince himself of his words. "If I don't do it now, I'll keep putting it off."
"Okay," Freed said, placing a hand on Laxus' cheek.
Laxus allowed his face to be turned slightly, taking his gaze away from the stream and instead directing it into Freed's eyes. They were the same shade of fresh water, and just as calming as the pool that formed at the end of the stream. Laxus found himself relaxed by the soft gaze he received, an expression that he expected Freed only gifted him. The man was the personification of calm and collected, and Laxus knew that it was rubbing off on him, and felt his pulse even out and his anxiety lessen slightly.
He wasn't doing this alone. This wasn't him fighting against his father. It was him and Freed, reclaiming what was owed and making Magnolia what it once was. Something fuelled by passion and romance. Freed and him were one, now, and that gave him a hell of a lot of comfort.
"You can do this," Freed whispered gently. "You are stronger than he is. You are better than he is. And this town will one day be as great as you are."
That was right. He was his father's superior, he always had been and now Freed had allowed him to flourish and realise it. All the traveling, every decision he had made after his exile had lead him to this situation, and now he needed to make good on his promise. Knowing Freed shared the same confidence in him that he shared in Freed, Laxus found his anxiety flowing away just as the water flowed down the stream.
He could do this.
Leaning down a little, he brought his lips against Freed's. They shared a slow, loving kiss with one another that meant so much to Laxus. It was a testament to how much he had changed, a perfect personification of how he was now. A changed man, a more open man, a better man than Ivan could have possibly made him.
"Ready?" Laxus whispered after they pulled apart, lips resting against each other.
"Yes," Freed whispered back, giving a final chaste kiss before pulling apart.
Laxus took a final breath to gather his nerves. He looked back to the stream, now feeling a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in what he was going to do. He walked to stream, closed his eyes, and took the step across the water.
"Stay here," The guard all but spat as he spoke. "I'll get the chief. If you move, you're dead."
Laxus didn't pay attention to the man who addressed him, nor did he pay attention to the other man who had a sword aimed towards him. He was in a daze, looking around Magnolia's town square after a year of absence was almost nauseating. It felt both familiar and completely foreign, and Laxus couldn't collect his thoughts on the matter.
After entering Ivan's territory, he and Freed had begun to walk towards the town with the intent of entering on their own terms. It had taken a few minutes for a pair of guards – some of Ivan's more devout followers, as well – to find them and recognise Laxus. Neither Freed nor Laxus cared about being captured, it simply meant that the rest of the walk towards Magnolia was to be done at the end of a sword rather than how it had been before. At least they could be certain they would get there as soon as possible, rather than having to work only with Laxus' memory of the place which was vague at best.
The short walk had been a little awkward to say the least. A few vague threats had been made, as some jokes about how Ivan would react and what he would do when he saw Laxus, but nothing other than that had happened. Still, Laxus and Freed had been prepared if needed.
"You, keep 'em here," The guard continued, looking towards a pair of guards who had just turned a corner. "Quickly."
The guard who was apparently the leader quickly started to walk away and towards Laxus' old home, being replaced with the two guards who he had summoned. Laxus looked at the two men with slightly wide eyes, recognising them both as they got closer. Bickslow and Gajeel, although they looked a little different than when he was here last. More haggard, tired and regimental than they had been before.
Laxus hoped that Ivan hadn't broken their spirits. But, as Bickslow flashed him a split-second grin that looked practically gleeful, Laxus realised that couldn't happen. Bickslow had an ocean's worth of spirit, a year wasn't nearly long enough to break that.
Waiting for Ivan to appear took a few minutes, and nobody talked as they waited. Laxus accredited the silence to the lingering presence of one of Ivan's henchmen; he hoped that Bickslow and Ever perhaps Gajeel, who he had been amicable with when living in Magnolia, would try to strike up a conversation with him. But instead, there was just silence and the growing worry that the situation might not end up as Laxus had hoped.
Freed must have noticed this and brushed his hand against Laxus' for a moment. It calmed him.
As time elapsed, it was obvious that the guard hadn't just informed Ivan of Laxus' presence. A small crowd of people formed – as they had done with Freed, a year prior – to see if Laxus truly had returned. For the most part Laxus tried to ignore them, as they were made up of a mixture of Laxus' friends and Ivan's followers. He did give small nods to Evergreen and Mirajane, upon seeing them.
"Oh dear god," A raspy, gravely voice brought Laxus' gaze upwards. Ivan. "You do understand what exile means, don't you? That thick little skull hasn't let it leak out."
Hearing Ivan's voice again after a year produced exactly the reaction that Laxus had hoped for. A mixture of anger at how the man had treated him throughout his childhood years, anticipation to wipe away that smug fucking expression in a long overdue fight with the bastard, and disgust at the idea that he tried to warm Laxus into another version of himself. Any doubts about what he was doing melted away; everything he planned to do to the smug bastard was completely deserved, and he was not going to get any sympathy.
The grip that Laxus had on his sword tightened a little. Perhaps it was sadistic to think, but the idea of holding the sword against Ivan's body and making him concede defeat was incredibly satisfying. Hopefully the reality would be just as good.
"And, if my memory serves me well, your little friend is the mongrel who got you exiled in the first place," Ivan continued, laughing as he approached them. "You made friends. How cute."
Ivan's cocky attitude was evident in his very being. The way in which he walked, how openly his expressions conveyed his supposed superiority, and even his clothes were gaudy enough to suggest he thought he was above any form of judgment. Laxus found his grip on the sword loosening slightly; punching the old man and brining him into unconsciousness seemed as though it would be just as satisfying.
"I expect you're here to grovel," Ivan laughed again, now only a few feet away from Laxus. "Your little stint outside left a bad taste-"
"Oh fuck off," Laxus growled.
"The hell did you just say to me?" Ivan demanded.
His face turned dark, and he took a step towards Laxus with clear anger in his eyes. Although the small crowd seemed shocked and nervous, Laxus stood his ground. The guards who had surrounded him parted so that Ivan could get through. The blonde didn't mind, as long as he wasn't restrained then he could look after himself.
"I told you to fuck off, Ivan," Laxus spat, stepping forward with a glare. "But what I should have said was you should stick that blunt toothpick of a sword down your fucking throat, and don't remove it until you've skewered yourself. Finally give it some fucking use."
"I don't know what happened to you after getting kicked out, brat, or why the hell you're talking to me like-"
"I'm talking to you like this because I ain't your fucking lapdog anymore," Laxus growled. "I'm a better man than you, and I'm gonna prove it."
"Oh are you now," Ivan chuckled, though Laxus could see a slight expression of concern flicker across his face. "Well, if you're so certain that you have become a man better than me, which is unlikely, then you can prove it in a fight. Acnologia."
Laxus followed Ivan's gaze towards one of the guards, and although Laxus didn't recognise the man it was obvious that he was high ranking given his uniform and the fact that he had been called upon. He was tall, muscular looking and had long blue hair with an expression of hated painted upon him, so he was obviously one of Ivan's more devoted followers. Previously, Laxus would have been called upon to fight for his father's honour, so it appeared this man was his replacement as Ivan's inferior.
It would be satisfying to beat him in a fight, as it was clear he was just as intolerable and as his father, but Ivan would simply punish him and maintain his claim over Magnolia. Laxus needed to fight the leader himself, so gave a short nod towards Freed.
With an audible swing, Freed managed to unsheathe his sword from its scabbard, swing it directly towards the advancing guard and stop it so it's end was placed exactly against the man's throat, pushing forward just enough to make its presence known. Freed looked directly into Acnologia's eyes, which had dilated a little at the sudden blade being pressed into his neck. He stopped in his place, but Freed kept his sword in place.
"I believe the gentleman claimed he was a better man that you," Freed said calmly, moving his gaze to meet Ivan's. "He should fight you, if you wish to dispute this."
"Unless you ain't got the guts," Laxus continued, also looking towards his father.
Ivan's face flickered from annoyance, to hatred, and then to anger. Laxus knew that nobody had challenged his father directly before – the closest thing to this had been Freed – and the fact that it was coming from his own son meant his reputation would be destroyed if he backed down. It was something that both Freed and Laxus had been relying on in their plan and, although Ivan knew he was being manipulated, his pride wouldn't allow him to back down. Laxus found himself smirking as he saw his father fall for the trap.
Without warning, Ivan removed his sword from its scabbard and advanced on Laxus. His movements were slightly rigid and untrained, nothing compared to the fluid and fast paced fighting style that he had grown used to with Freed.
Laxus quickly brought his own sword out and blocked the oncoming blow in the same movement. He was stronger than his father, so could easily push his blade back and make Ivan lose footing. He saw his farther grimace and allowed a grin to paint itself on his face, after only a single blow he already had his father rattled.
Continuing his movements, Laxus shifted his stance and brought his sword to Ivan's leg and slashed it just above his ankle, ripping open his clothes and leaving a small amount of blood dripping form the wound. It was more satisfying than Laxus cared to admit.
"Bastard," Ivan growled, looking to his injury.
The older man charged forward again, raising his sword and slamming it down towards Laxus' shoulder. The blonde didn't have time to bring his weapon up to parry the blow, so could do nothing as a large gash cut apart his shirt and his skin. He grunted at the pain, though had been through more and knew it was easily overcome. With gritted teeth, he looked towards the slightly gloating expression of his father and tensed his body.
He charged back towards his father, swinging his sword with speed and ferocity. Ivan managed to block the onslaught, though his movements were just slow and his swordsmanship sloppy. He only just managed to stop Laxus' sword form breaking the skin, and the blonde knew he could keep it up for so long.
Clashes filled the air as the two sharpened weapons slammed against each other. With each swing of his sword, Laxus took a step forward and Ivan took a step back. Ivan's façade begun to slip as his grip grew looser and reactions slower.
Laxus knew this was the turning point. This was the moment he would regain his life.
Freed's training focused on practicality, and resilience was a large part of that. Although his muscles ached and his hands all but blistered with the grip on his sword, he knew that he could keep going and work through the exhaustion that was setting in. Ivan, on the other hand, had the swordsmanship of an egotist and could only last long enough to put on a show, meaning he was getting closer and closer to his limit. He would rather dominate the man but winning was more important.
With an expression of determination, Laxus swung his sword with as much force as he could. Ivan's grip was weak enough for the blow to send the weapon flying, making a few people move to avoid getting hit. Ivan followed the path of his weapon, eyes widening as he saw his defence fly away. The look on his face had the blonde grinning.
"Scared?" Laxus taunted.
He slammed his sword into the dirt, rolling up his sleeves as he advanced upon his father. The crowd had created a circle around the two men, meaning if Ivan wanted to escape then he would have to push through them; he and Laxus knew his pride couldn't handle that.
Ivan glanced around, looking for some kind of help. His sword had been enveloped by the crowed and Laxus stood in front of his own abandoned weapon; his guard was still being held at the tip of a blade by the mongrel, who was also glaring at the rest of the guards as if daring them to intervene; and the majority of the townspeople he had alienated through his intimidation, so they were enjoying his public humiliation and were not intending to help him.
Laxus smirked as his father looked from side to side, hoping for a saviour that wouldn't come. It was gratifying to see his façade drop in place of the squirming, weak man that Laxus had always known he was.
What was more gratifying, though, was the feeling of the man's jaw after he slammed his fist into it.
The punch to the face was quickly followed by another, the latter delivered to his stomach. Ivan doubled over where he stood, clutching his bruising torso and trying to keep it from further harm. Laxus stormed forward and grabbed the man by his collar, pulling him up and slightly off the ground so that he was forced into eye contact. He went to deliver another punch, one intended to knock the guy out, but stopped himself.
He couldn't go overboard. As cathartic as it would be to beat the ever-living shit out of the man who had fucked over his life, he couldn't. He was going to make Magnolia a new town, he couldn't start that with more violence than what was needed.
"You're pathetic," Laxus hissed, eyes hardened. "A waste of a life."
Before Ivan could speak, Laxus reached for his belt and pulled out a small dagger. He quickly brought it up and placed the tip against the underside of Ivan's chin, forcing him to look up and strain his neck slightly. Ivan wouldn't dare move, unsure of whether Laxus would actually use it against him or not.
"You're gonna leave," Laxus demanded, voice leaving no room for arguing. "You and anyone who thinks what you do here is right, you're all gone."
"This town is mine," Ivan tried to retaliate. "It is owed to-"
"It ain't owed to anyone. Definitely not some bastard like you," Laxus growled, pushing the dagger up slighting in a similar way that Freed had done in the past. "It deserved someone better than your stupid ass."
"And that's you," Ivan laughed despite the position he was in.
"Damn right it is," The blonde spat.
He moved quickly, positioning himself behind Ivan and grabbing his wrist in a tight grasp, the dagger still pushing against his chin. Laxus slowly began to walk him towards the still opened gates of the town, the crowd parting for them and watching them as their leader was marched through the buildings and towards the walls.
Under the arch of the portcullis, Laxus removed the knife from Ivan's chin. He pushed him forward, making him stumble slightly. The older man turned back, his expression a mix of anger and disgust at his son. Laxus still held no sympathy for him.
"Get out of my property," Laxus demanded, voice stern. "And let me make something clear, if I ever see you in my fucking town again, I will make your life hell. Just like you did to me."
The blonde turned, turning towards the crowd that seemed to have grown since he last paid attention to them. Many of them seemed to be in shock, a few of them seemed to be angry at Laxus' behaviour, and he could see a few of them seemingly happy with the situation. Most of them were unsure of what was happening though, and Laxus couldn't blame them. But he was their new leader, and it was his responsibility to assure his townspeople that they were going to be safe, happy and enter a new age.
He took a step forward and felt all eyes on him. Glancing towards Freed, he saw his lover smile at him for a split second before retuning to his usual stoic expression. The small, wordless confidence his partner could give him gave Laxus all the confidence that he needed, and he stood proud as he addressed the crowd.
"There's going to be some changes here," He begun, voice proud. "I'm gonna take this place back to what it used to be. Make it something my grandfather could be proud of. If you've got problems with that, if your loyalties will never be with me, or if you have sympathy for him, you are to drop your possessions and leave."
There was silence for a moment. Laxus stared down the people who he knew were loyal to Ivan, and eventually heard the clattering of a sword being dropped. He looked towards the source of the sound to see a young guard walking towards the gate. He pushed past Laxus as he left.
It started a small chain. Everyone who left was a guard, young enough so that they could hardly remember a life before Ivan. They had probably been manipulated by the man since their birth and could easily harbour the same aggression and sadism that he had. They could perhaps one day be welcomed back, but the fact they were willing to follow Ivan out of their own lives showed the toxic influence he had over them. For now, Laxus couldn't allow them anywhere near Magnolia, not when he was doing his best to heal it.
Acnologia was the last to leave, sending a poisonous expression towards Laxus as he passed him. Laxus turned to see the men walking away, before looking towards a small group of the guards who had stayed by his side. Bickslow, Gajeel, Elfman and Natsu; Laxus had been fond of them all when he lived there, even if he hadn't admitted it.
"Make sure they leave the territory, please," He asked them.
After saluting to him – something that would have to stop, he wanted all comparisons of him and Ivan to be disproven – the small group of men started to walk out. As Bickslow passed him, he clasped him on the shoulder and whispered 'Nice to have you back, man.' Laxus could only smile.
"Titania," He spoke to the crowd again, and a redheaded woman stepped forward. "Always thought you would be a damn good guard. Take that," He nodded to his sword. "And keep the boys in check."
The woman nodded, picked up the sword and started to walk towards the gates as well. As she passed Laxus, she thanked him, and Laxus found himself smiling a little wider. Erza Titania had been destined to be great with a sword and, during her childhood, had been one of the most promising guards-to-be. After Ivan took over, women had been banned from any form of combat. The gesture of putting Erza in charge was not only to distance Laxus' approach to running the town from Ivan's, but also to act as a promise to her that she was allowed to live up to her potential.
"I understand that some of you might be overwhelmed, or even scared," Laxus said to the crowd. "But let me assure you of this. I will keep you all safe. I will keep you all healthy. I will keep you all happy. I apologise for making you watch what happened, but please return to whatever you were doing before."
It took a few minutes, but the crowd dispersed and started to go about what they were doing. Laxus knew they weren't entirely sure of what to do, but had expected that. He would gain their trust given time, he was sure of that.
He looked through the gates, still able to see the group of his own guards as they escorted them out of his land. As he watched, he felt Freed walk beside him and stand next to him. He glanced down to his partner with a soft smile on his face, shoulders untensing for perhaps the first time since they had crossed the little stream in the forest.
"Congratulations," Freed said, voice soft. "You must be happy."
"I am," Laxus nodded. "Finally get to take this place back to what it used to be. Make my gramps proud." There was a silent moment between the two men. Laxus broke it a few seconds later. "I get you ain't the kind of guy to stick around, and that we only met like a year ago and that ain't a long time but… I'm gonna need help. You're a damn capable guy, smart, strong and knows how the world actually works. And…"
"And?" Freed asked, smiling a little.
"You really gonna make me say it?" Laxus chuckled a little, cheeks reddening.
"I've no idea what you're talking about," Freed teased.
"Asshole," Laxus grinned despite his words. "I don't wanna leave ya yet. I think we can do more, and I don't want it to end yet. Us to end yet, whatever we are. And I get that you're a traveller and you ain't settled down since you left-"
"I haven't settled anywhere because I haven't had a reason to," Freed said, looking towards the forest. "You've given me a reason, I think. And quite a nice place to settle in, too."
"So?"
"So I'll stay, Laxus," Freed promised. "For as long as you'll have me."
Laxus didn't reply. Instead, he grabbed Freed's waist and pulled him into a strong kiss, illuminated by the setting sun and bordered by the large open gates. It was a perfect encapsulation to what Magnolia was going to be; the sun was setting on Ivan's influence and in its place was something better. Somewhere that allowed you to be who you were, somewhere emotions were flaunted and encouraged, and somewhere Makarov would be proud of.
They pulled apart after a few moments, lips resting against each other and both wearing a small smile as they took in each other. Laxus was finally home, he finally was doing what he needed to do, and he finally had someone to love and cherish.
"Besides, I can't imagine you running a town without help," Freed chuckled. "How would you deal with any negotiations? You'd somehow manage to trade the value of the land for a single grape."
A man to love and cherish, even if he was an asshole.
"Shut the fuck up," Laxus laughed, bringing him into another kiss as the sun set below them.