I own none of these characters except my own. All the official Fairy Tail characters are owned by Hiro Mashima.
Ch 4: They're Nice Right?
When they arrived at their classroom, there was a couple of minutes left before class began. The teacher had yet to arrive but the door was left wide open to the students and when they entered, they sat wherever they wanted since no seating chart. It was hard to tell this was a class of royalty, nobles, and knights in training as the chatter and informal tones suggested it was a class of regular students. However it was undeniable this was a class of higher caliber from the manner they projected themselves.
The three girls decided to sit right next to the window on the right side of the room and took the fourth and fifth seats in the row right next to the window and the seat next to the fourth desk. Celestia sat herself down in the fourth seat as she liked looking out the window and Yuuta placed herself next to her while Hatsune claimed the last seat behind them. A few moments later, a group of three other girls took the seats in front of them and the blonde one sitting in front of Celestia greeted her, "Hey Celestia. Long time no see. How was break for you? Did you finish reading the book I recommended to you?"
Celestia's eyes lit up with friendly recognition as she blandly replied, "Lucy, it is great that we are in the same class again. Yes I really appreciated the book you recommended that I must read. Although my rest at the palace could have been better of course. You know without the you-know-who's around like helicopters."
Lucy laughed as she flashed Celestia a knowing grin, "Oh I know what you mean. Dad's almost kept me locked in my room the entire time until Mom told him to lay off. I know he loves me and all but isolating me isn't going to make me a better ruler."
The blue-haired girl next to her then piped up as she wagged her finger at Lucy, "Which leads to you escaping and making my job harder for me. Do you know how much trouble it takes for me to find you, Lu-chan? I'm surprised Your Majesty hasn't fired me for losing you so many times."
Lucy let out a sheepish chuckle while averting her eyes slightly, "Yeah sorry about that Levy but you know I hate being locked up like that." Her eyes drifted out the window and at the big green field outside as if she was going to escape right at the moment. "While I agree it's not pleasant to be stuck inside, I do believe you shouldn't break the rules, Lucy-sama." A redhead sitting in front of Lucy scolded her as she crossed her arms right underneath her large bust, a strict manner in her words. Tensing up from being scolded, Lucy nodded as she bowed her head in shame (and fear), "I'm sorry, Erza... But I just can't help it… I'll try to listen to my dad more and follow the rules."
Celestia understood how she felt and reached out her hand as she reassuringly patted Lucy's shoulder while gently contradicting with Erza, "Erza does have a valid point, Lucy. She's just looking out for you so you don't get in trouble with your dad and have to face some dire punishment. She's definitely a brilliant knight and diligent protector." Erza slightly blushed from the compliments and looked away, murmuring something about how that was untrue. "However, I do believe a future ruler should not be kept locked inside. It would lead to ignorance and inexperience to ruling a kingdom. How will you rule if all this time you've been kept in isolation and have no idea what has happened in the outside world? This is why I believe both Lucy and Erza are right." She concluded and then took her hand back from Lucy's shoulder.
There was a short pause as all the girls stared at Celestia besides Yuuta who at the moment was reading manga, trying to catch up on all the series she has missed. Celestia blinked feeling slightly self-conscious as her eyes casually glanced downwards. Oh God have I said something out of line again… She worried to herself but her facial features remained neutral, failing to reveal her emotions. She glanced up again and opened her mouth to apologize when Lucy interrupted her, "Celestia I don't know if I've said this before but you're going to be a great ruler. You obviously don't need some stupid prince to help you. You've got your shit together and can handle everything on your own." Erza nodded in agreement as she flashed a friendly smile, "That I'll second."
Levy then took that moment to glance back at Hatsune and striked a conversation with her, "Hatsune-chan, thank you so much for singing that song for me. I loved your cover so much and I couldn't find the link on YouTube anywhere. You're talented all right. I don't understand why you don't upload more videos of you singing." Flushing a bright pink, Hatsune looked down shyly, "Oh stop Levy-chan. It's thanks to you that I started posting online plus we're friends so of course I'll cover any songs for you. Also about that thing with uploading more videos, well I've been a little busy these days and when I upload videos I always keep forgetting to give credit to the artists so it keeps getting copyrighted!" She placed face in her hands, embarrassed at the constant mistake she makes as Levy giggled slightly as she tried to calm Hatsune down, knowing that it was a forgetful thing only the forever clumsy girl was capable of.
At that moment, a loud commotion occurred at the center of the classroom. Celestia rolled her eyes as almost all the girl once glanced immediately in the direction of the loud bang. Erza instantly rose from her seat, with her sense of justice flaming, as her eyes glared daggers at the two boys in the center of a large group who seem to be the cause of the commotion. However, she took a pause in her actions as they hadn't broken out into any further violence yet. She instead stood on the edge of the scene with her arms crossed again with an unimpressed look on her face.
Bet it's a fight between Natsu and Gray again. Seriously those two never learn. The silver haired girl inferred remembering the many times it has happened in the past as she has been surprisingly in the same class as them since the first day she transferred. However her assumption was wrong when she turned her head to check out the scene finally. One of her thin eyebrows were raised as her eyes lit up as she recognized the guy Natsu was fighting with. Gray was actually staying under the radar and was watching at a desk behind Natsu on the sidelines. He made eye contact with Celestia for a short second before she looked away to examine at the fight. Guess I was wrong this time, She was disappointed her hypothesis was wrong and was too deep in thought to notice the flushed Gray she'd left behind.
"It was you, wasn't it?! What the hell was that for, Natsu-san? I didn't do anything to you, you asshole! And stop fucking laughing, bastard!" The two boys were standing with one of them holding other up by the collar and both supporting equally fierce looks on their face. The one talking had blond spiky hair and was the same guy Celestia stuck the note on earlier. In fact the said note was now crumbled in his hand, and he was holding back from punching Natsu in the face with the same hand.
"What did you say, you pee stain?! I have no idea what bullshit you're spewing but I never seen that note before except on your back five seconds ago. It's not my fault you're too big headed to notice it." The "salmon" haired boy shot back with equal fury and smashed his forehead against Sting's.
About two minutes ago, the merry group of boys walked into the classroom and claimed the seats in the center and front of the room. While Gray was arguing with Natsu, he sneakily spied at Celestia out of the corner of his eye before sitting himself down behind his rival. Gajeel sat himself down next to Gray and was playing with some paper clips and iron, molding it into some kind of invention. Wanting to be near Natsu, Sting planted himself in the seat in front of Natsu and dragged his brother, Rogue along, too, knowing that Gajeel was his own idol. Natsu at the moment could tell Gray wasn't really participating and decided to turn around and find someone else to mess with. At that moment, Sting had sat down with his back to Natsu which made him laugh his gut out when he read the note. He also got joy from finding out who it was as he smelled a familiar and distinctive stench on it which he detected with his strong sense of smell. At the sound of the sudden laughter, Sting became embarrassed and he started a fight which lead to the current situation.
Actually Sting noticed earlier that people were laughing but didn't think it was him. Why? Because he was the ultra cool Sting Eucliffe from the Sabertooth alliance and he's too amazing for anyone to laugh at him. However it stung for Natsu to crack a joke at him and his temper got the better of him which lead to him holding Natsu in a hold by his collar. His eyes narrowed at the last sentence Natsu said and his shoulders trembled as he completely crumpled the note in his hand drawing the fist back. "HUH?! WHAT DID YOU SAY, DICKWAD?" He yelled as he then rushed his entire body forward adding more force behind his punch to Natsu's face.
Several other movements occurred at the same moment. Erza rushed forward instantly to stop them, her arms held out to yank Sting's fist back. Gray, despite hating Natsu, reached out to pull Natsu backwards with one hand and held the other, palm out, to block the attack. Everyone else in the classroom either rose up and cheered, checked to see if the teacher was going to come, silently watched, or just didn't pay attention in general. Just as Sting's fist was about a millimeter in front of Natsu's face, the door bursted open with a splintering bang and a flurry of brown and black rushed into the room.
"ALRIGHT YOU FREAKING MUNCHKINS, HOLD IT RIGHT THERE." Sting's fist listened and stopped directly in front of Natsu's face. If he just moved it slightly, he could have brushed Natsu's nose and bust it right in. The man who stopped them had a scruffy and hipster look with a dark brown trench coat over a denim shade of blue button down with a silver tie with black stripes tied loosely under the collar. His lower body consisted of slightly baggy brown pants with the edges rolled up a little bit and his feet in brown bowler shoes. His hair was gelled back with a pair of thick black framed glasses propped on his head. He had a scraggly of facial hair on his chin and upper lip and there was a dead tired look on his face and eyes as if he was ready to ditch school before it even began. He didn't look timid at all but he was in no place to object as he was merely a teacher to the students of future rulers.
However, knowing the teacher of this class, Sting didn't dare to power ahead and instead with a lot of reluctance released Natsu's collar and lowered his fist. Still butt hurt from his comment, he gave his opponent one last glare and scoff before turning away. "Okay now all ya turds better take a seat while I take roll. When I call your name, say here. If I say it wrong, correct me if you care." The man who stopped them was now strolling around the room casually as he crossed to the center right in front of the whiteboard and then turned as he leaned down, making himself level to Sting. "And you, Sting Eucliffe, while it's against protocol for me to leave you alone instead of sending you to the vice principal's office, I will give you a warning. Do this again and I'll have you run five laps around the entire school while doing a handstand the entire time." His voice lowered and he glared darkly at the boy who was sweating slightly. "Got it?" He asked in a faintly sweet tone and raised a bushy eyebrow at him.
Swallowing the lump in his throat and the breath he was holding, Sting nodded his head and took a short pause before opening his mouth and responding quickly before the man could call him out for disrespect. "Yes Mr. Gildarts, sir. This will never happen again I swear." The man simply stared at him for a few seconds getting too dangerously close in Sting's personal space. Left to his own devices, he had no choice but to meekly stare back and pray to God this will be over soon.
A crooked smile soon broke over his face and he nodded as he smoothly backed away. "That's good to hear." He replied to Sting before facing the entire class and raising his voice, the process of taking roll forgotten. "Alrighty, it seems that everyone is here if my count is right. I'm Gildarts Clive, your history teacher this year as well as your homeroom teacher. You can call me Mr. Gildarts, Mr. Clive, or even Gildarts. Actually, it feels a little too formal for you all to call Mr. Clive so call me Gildarts. If that's too casual for you, then call me Mr. Gildarts." His face then suddenly turned all mushy as his tone warmed significantly and he leaned more to the corner of the classroom. His face was all pink and his words melted to a sugary sweet mess. "And my adorable dear daughter, Cana, can call me her loveable and strong Papa! Ahhhh Cana my darling! Daddy's so happy to be your teacher this year-"
"Shut your trap, you ol geezer and just teach the class already. We got stuff to do and you have your job." The brunette interrupted him abruptly and bluntly as she took a swig from a mysteriously sealed water bottle container. Gildarts immediately deflated and his eyes watered slightly as he slowly nodded his head, "Yes, Cana my darling. I'll do as you say."
Despite his sudden sadness, he still managed to perk back up and his gaze pierced across the classroom as a smirk crossed his lips. Despite being a teacher at a prestigious school, he wanted to have some fun with his students and decided to use this opportunity to do a little matchmaking. "Well today's going to be pretty relaxed. All you're getting today is an agenda about what we're learning this year and what you need for the class and after that we're watching a movie." Everyone's mood rose at the words coming out of their teacher's mouth which created a calm and relaxed environment. They cheered him on and some clapped their hands. At that moment, Celestia's twilight eyes dart over to Yuuta's own eye. After establishing eye contact, she shook her head while Yuuta rolled her eyes along with her. They were both thinking the same thing. He most definitely going to throw some loophole at them to ruin their day.
"BUT! Before we do all that. We're going to have to do something about the seating here… Why the hell is all the boys in the center and the girls separated on opposite sides of the room. Yeah this is going to have to change. I really want to mess around with the seating chart." Everyone immediately froze and a few students started booing at him, declaring it unfair. His eyes immediately narrowed as the rough teacher suddenly harbored the hostile expression he supported before. "Oh I see this class will require some more attention than the rest of my periods. This is definitely not a good way to start off the morning. Seem that I'm going to have to talk about you guys to the rest of my periods." Gildarts' emphasis of attention made a cold chill whisper across the classroom and when he visually swept across the classroom, everyone had the same thought. Who was going to be the first victim?
"Well first we're going to have to separate Blondie and the Idiot Natsu here first. So let's see…" He shot out his first choices and curtly glanced to the right and landed on Lucy for a short moment. Looking back at Natsu, he then quickly decided, "Alright Idiot move to the second to last desk in the second row. Near my desk will you, so I can keep an eye on a troublemaker." Natsu started making soft scoffing noises and cried Gildarts the entire time but still moved to his new seat. Gildarts then commanded his next set of orders, "Alright Smart Blondie, I'll have you move next to the Idiot. And Scarlet, you'll be behind the idiot next to the guy who refuses to show his face."
While Erza was fine with option she was given, Lucy was absolutely livid. She was ecstatic with the fact she was free from the ignorant and clingy Natsu only to be paired up with once again. She was more than reluctant to take the seat but since she didn't want to face Gildarts' wrath, she silently obeyed his order. She did let herself give Natsu a dark glare which Natsu pouted in response. When he inquired about her attitude, Lucy merely turned away and ignored him.
"The front row looks okay for now.. However, you right next to my beloved daughter. If you even glance at her, I will kill you. Anyways, I want Pinky Ponytail and Black Hair with Ribbons to move to the second and third seat of the row I'm standing in front of here with Pinky in the third seat." He took a slightly longer pause as he considered the choices he had left. "Blue haired Bookwork will move next to the Metal Guy and Copycat Gray next to Pinkie. Rain Woman shuffle over to the seat next to Copycat and Stripper next to Rain Woman."
"You, Silver." He decided to use hand motions this time and pointed a finger straight at Celestia. "Move to that seat diagonal from you north east. Idiotic Blondie I want you to park your gluteus maximus next to her by the window. If I see you glancing out there once, you're switching with Silver. Purple Curls, I want you behind Silver and All Black next to Curls. White Hair with Rose next to Curls with the spiky haired guy already next to her to move to the same seat next to her. And I want you Black Ponytail, to move behind Rose there next to the guy who won't take off his helmet. And…. I want Short White Hair in the empty seat next to Idiot Pinky. Alright, that's the last of it. You have a minute or else you run."
A bunch of noises started to clatter as students moved their seats quickly and efficiently, not wanting to have to do exercise so early and so cold in the morning. Celestia cast a disappointed expression back to Yuuta and Hatsune before sitting herself down in her new seat. Since her new assigned seat was close to her original desk, Celestia had seated herself before her partner. When her partner approached the area, she graciously and silently scooted her seat forward to make space for him to squeeze past which was a little difficult because even though Celestia was thin, Sting was little more on the built side. He did not even thank her before slumping down in his seat and Celestia shot a look at him with her eyes. Bringing her attention back to Gildarts, she persuaded herself that the seating could have been worse and that she should be grateful her close friend, Hatsune, was close to her.
Looking over at her partner, she remembered the name Gildarts had addressed him as and a spark of recognition ran through her brain. Guess he grew up to be an ass in all those year I haven't seen him. If Gildarts hadn't mentioned his name, she would have written him off as someone who was irrelevant. Celestia had not recognized him before since he had changed significantly and a pit grew in her stomach at the thought of the contrasting behavior he has now compared to her memory.
Trying to think of something more positive, she redirected her thoughts to her friend. Actually speaking of Hatsune, she's sitting with a boy this year. I hope she's okay. Better be someone nice. She allowed herself to turn around briefly as the minute had yet to up and some people were still situating themselves. She easily caught Hatsune's bewildered and somewhat shocked eyes and she mouthed "Everything okay" to her though she faintly knew the result already from her expression. Hatsune shrugged her shoulder and shook her hand side to side. Could be better but still not too bad. The princess's head nodded in agreement with her companion's statement. Flashing Hatsune a thumbs up for good morale, Celestia reassured her friend before facing the front of the room. Her eyes was then greeted with a paper on her desk as Gildarts starting talking again.
"Alright so this is the stuff we're doing and other stuff you need. Review and sign later and keep it because you need this not me. Now we're watching an anime about a short history of our previous century. Enjoy. No complaining or you're running."