S.R: Well… I suppose it's time to update again.
Natsu: Time for chaos?
S.R: Only a little bit of chaos.
Natsu: Works for me!
S.R: Excellent. let's go!
NATSU'S POV
Wendy, Gajeel and I walked with gramps staying completely silent, as there wasn't much to talk about. Though as we neared the castle a few members of the Rune Knights approached us, being lead by a man named Lahar.
"We were sent to escort you dragon slayers to the king. He wishes to personally thank all of the dragon slayers for the quick reactions that lead to us being able to minimize the damage. Doranbolt has already gone and found the slayers from Sabertooth." - Lahar
"Alright then. Let me go back and grab Laxus for you. Though once the king is done thanking them I'd ask that you bring them to me while I discuss this event with the council." - Makarov
"The council has ruled that they will not meet until after the games." - Lahar
"Ah, but they must convene for an emergency meeting after magical attacks such as what just happened. As my guild was the one that reacted first and bore the brunt of the attack I will inevitably be called to give a report. And so I'm making it easy on them." - Makarov
"I see your point. Very well I'll escort them to the councils meeting chamber once the king is done with them." - Lahar
Once the conversation was done gramps looked at me, knowing that when it comes to the slayers I'm the De Facto leader. We made eye contact for a few seconds before nodding to each other. Lahar gestured for a few of his men to go with gramps to bring Laxus, and then spun on his heel and began guiding us to the king. We didn't make it very far before being joined by Laxus who left the knights that had gone to guide him behind, choosing to move with us instead of arrive late.
As we walked into the throne room we saw Sting and Rogue staring at the door as if waiting for us. We barely got 5 steps into the room before they demanded to know how I got so strong. I told them how Atlas Flame gave his power to me only to have them scoff and remind me that they killed their dragon parents.
"You two together could barely fucking scratch me! There is no way in hell you killed your dragon parents unless they lied to you about being a dragon and were actually drakes. Besides even if you did why be so proud of murdering your own parent!" I spat at them in return to their comment.
They both went silent at that, and I could tell they were pondering my words. Though before anything else could be said the king walked into the room.
"That was well said mister Dragneel. Who indeed would be able to take pride in the slaying of their parent… I digress however. I'm sure you'll all been informed that I wish to thank you for the quick actions you all had taken tonight" the king started before bending down on one knee and bowing to us as he finished "I thank you all. If not for you, we might still be under attack and the entire city would be in ruins."
Not being one for formalities and fancy actions I strode forward. Smiling down at the king I offered him my hand. He slowly took my hand and I helped him stand. Once he was fully standing I loosened my grip, but not completely. I gave the king a nod and then released his hand to move back to my previous spot.
"You are not like the multitude of rumors I've heard about you say mister Dragneel" - the King
"Please I have never been one for formalities. Just call me Natsu. As for the rumors.. Well they came about because of my facade. When I was younger and training with my father Igneel I learned that many people will underestimate someone they believe to be foolish and dumb and so began to act the part as many make simple mistakes they wouldn't make when dealing with another person." - Natsu
"I see… Considering how plentiful these rumors are, I take it not many know the truth?" - the King
"As of now the only people who know are Master Makarov, my mates Erza and Mira, and the people in this room." - Natsu
"Well… I ask of you all to keep this a secret then. No doubt it will cause a lot of problems for Natsu if people find out he's not the ignorant fool everyone believes him to be." - the King
after that the conversation shifted to and through all the other slayers before slowing down to an amiable level. After a short stint of time it really just became a Q and A session where we'd all answer each others questions, which really helped cement a bond of friendship between all of us Dragon Slayers. Though a while later as the conversation was wrapping up Lahar came into the room.
"My lord. I have been asked to bring the dragon slayers to the emergency meeting to give reports." - Lahar
"Oh I didn't think we'd been chatting that long. Again I thank you all for your quick actions and for the wonderful discussions and company." - the King
All of the slayers in the room nodded to the king in response before following Lahar as he lead us to a special location. Upon entering the room he gestured for us to walk into I noticed gramps standing in a corner looking slightly frustrated. The council leader demanded reports from all of us before anything else could happen. Deciding to humor him before ripping the council a new one I nodded to the others and we each gave an account of what we put up with. Once that was done I looked dead at the chairman.
"Thanks to the events the other day when Gajeel disappeared under the stadium, we found a massive cavern underneath. You better have a damn good explanation for building over top of the remains within that cavern." - Natsu
"What do you mean?" -random council member
"How dare you!" - another council member
"What right do you have to demand an explanation!?" - a different member
"Silence!" - the Chairman
The room went quiet at the Chairman's command. He held out a hand staling the council members from continuing to get angry for an imagined accusation. Most of them visibly seethed at me for my statement but wisely held their mouths shut. After a few moments of silence he nodded at me. Taking it as the go ahead to speak I told them how we found the dragon graveyard.
I even told them about how using Wendy's spell Milky Way we were able to speak to the spirit of one of the dragons. How that dragon told us what happened to create that graveyard, and how it's sacred ground that should never have been built over. I went so far as to tell them that as the son of Igneel I inherit his title of Dragon King, and that as such I could demand retribution for the act of desecrating a graveyard. By the time I was done speaking a good portion of the council was staring at me in fear of what I would do for all they've done. The other half however were looking at me with hatred clear as day.
"We have promised that the Grand Magic Games would be a yearly event so I don't see any point in demolishing the arena, especially as doing so has a very high chance of destroying that cavern. So what would you suggest we do instead?" - the Chairman
"I have a few ideas but most of them require finding dragon which I can assure you is extremely hard… The only option left is for us slayers to work together to find an ancient nesting ground to transport the dragon remains to. In which case I'd ask that you have someone specializing in teleportation magic bring them to the cavern I use when I train. That way once we find one of the old nesting grounds we dragon slayers can take them there ourselves." - Natsu
"Why not just teleport them straight there?" - the Chairman
"Because even if the nesting grounds are no longer being used it is draconian customs that only beings with dragon blood are allowed to enter. Dragon slayers are included in that because we have dragon blood, scales, and lungs so that we can properly use dragon slaying magic. I'm not sure in Laxus's case though as he is only able to use it thanks to the dragon lacrima." - Natsu
"Very well then. I will assign Doranbolt to bring you the remains. They will be in your hands after that. Is there anything else you wish to say?" - the Chairman
"You mean about how I'm supposed to be stupid and foolish? I would but I can tell you saw through my act like gramps did. Do you want me to demand that the council stops being so judgmental towards Fairy Tail… We both know that won't happen. Most of your members are looking out for themselves and will use whatever and whoever they can as escape-goats. Or could it be you want me to threaten the council not to do anything stupid with the graveyard before moving it to me. Why the hell would I do that when you guys would easily ignore it and attempt a quote "pre-emptive strike" end-quote. Instead I'll trust that you don't do anything stupid and end that discussion now." - Natsu
"Right then. If that is all I declare this meeting adjourned." - the Chairman
Taking his statement as an okay to leave I followed gramps out of the room leading the rest of the slayers back towards our hotel. Before we got there Sting and Rogue split off saying they were going to reform Sabertooth. They also said to keep in touch. Smiling I waved them off saying I'd see them later. It wasn't until I began making my way back to my hotel room to sleep that gramps pulled me to the side to speak privately. He began by telling me I handled the council well and that he was proud I didn't do anything rash.
"The only reason I didn't do anything stupid is you were there. Honestly once I heard their responses to my statement on finding the dragon graveyard I was pissed. Since Igneel has disappeared, any and all political issues are my responsibility to deal with and I really wanted to tear them to shreds as retribution." - Natsu
"It's a good thing you maintained control and stayed calm. If you had antagonized them it would have been very bad for not only you but the guild as well… However you've now shown them the real you. You can't hide yourself behind that irresponsible facade of yours anymore or it'll discredit everything you said to them tonight." - Gramps
"I know Gramps. But don't worry about me. Sure some of the fights so far have been hard, but that's only because I refuse to use more power than needed. I can handle it if and when things get rough and I'm hoping they do because I won't be playing around anymore." - Natsu
S.R: It's been a while since I've actually cared about getting reviews (meaning I don't want to force them, but I am glad for the ones I get) but I want to ask for them this time. I want your opinions. Is it more presentable and easier to read this way? Does it help that I label who says what? If so should the character whose POV it is have their name for the label or should it be the word "me"? Should the labels be regular print or bolded? Stuff like that. I'll be copy and pasting these questions onto the next, uh let's say 3 chapters to give you all a decent amount of time to review with your opinions on that stuff. Any who till the next update. Peace out!
