The Lost Heir

Summary: Novali and Laxus' first encounter isn't a good one… She literally crashes into him with a tray full of hot tea and cake, which makes Laxus furious since he has to leave for work. Novali then meets him again when she goes out to have a drink with her best friend Vivian at Fairy Tail, the local bar-which much to Novali's utter shock, the bartender is none other Laxus. After going home that night, both are surprised to find out that they live in the same apartment complex. After a few more incidents, they start getting closer and bump into each other more often. Soon Laxus asks Novali out on a date, not taking no for an answer. But on their way to the restaurant they get attacked by men in black suits. They're cornered when they try to get back to their apartment, but get saved by Freed, the butler of the Dreyar Royal Family. How will they both react when they learn Laxus is actually Prince Viktor Reyson Dreyar the lost heir of the Ikazuchiryū Kingdom?

Translations:

Japanese

Gensoryū – Elemental Dragon

Ikazuchiryū – Lightning Dragon

Chapter Four – His Royal Highness

I had come to Laxus' room to give him the thank you brownies I baked today.

"Dammit, where's my soap…?" My eyes widened in panic as I heard Laxus mutter.

"…Seriously! Again?!" I cried out, startling Laxus.

He swore as I froze in panic. Then I took a closer look at him. For some reason on his head was a big, poofy shower cap.

'W-Why in the world is he wearing a shower cap?!' I wondered.

Laxus' eyes widened as he locked gazes with me. Thankfully he was at least wearing pants this time.

"Novali…! What the hell are you doing in here?!" He shouted in embarrassment.

Laxus ripped off the shower cap, stuffing it into his pocket, as he walked briskly towards me.

"So this time you were peeping on me!" He accused.

"I was not!" I snapped, shoving the box at him. "I was bringing you something I baked, as promised."

Laxus' face softened, "Huh? You brought…" He trailed off looking apologetic.

"Yes, as thanks for when you made me dinner…" I frowned.

Laxus sighed long and deep, "Don't you usually knock and then wait for the person to answer." He asked in exasperation.

"I did knock!" I scowled, "But your door was left open again, so I was shouting at you, telling you that it's a careless thing to do!"

I then smirked smugly, accidentally letting out a snort of amusement.

"So you use a shower cap, hm?" I teased.

Laxus turned bright red.

"Th-There's…a reason…for it…" He stammered, once again looking embarrassed.

He looked away for a moment, but the quickly looked at me again.

"Don't move from there!" He said sternly, as he turned back to the bathroom.

I grinned, "Okay." I giggled.

"And stop laughing!" He snapped.

'Somehow I keep seeing Laxus half-naked…' I thought, 'But that shower cap… Pfft!'

When he came back out fully clothed, Laxus seemed to have regained his composure.

"So what did you make?" He asked, curiously.

I walked over to his kitchen counter and set the box down.

"Why don't you see for yourself?" I teased, opening the lid and placing some brownies one of his plates.

I heard him come up behind me, so I turned around and handed the plate to him, trying not to burst out laughing again.

"These are…brownies?" He murmured.

"That's right." I said proudly, "Brownies are Ikazuchiryū Kingdom's most famous and well known dessert. I thought you might like a taste of home."

He looked at me in awe, before picking up a brownie and eating it. I watched him carefully, trying not to show him how anxious I was.

'I hope he likes them!' I prayed.

Laxus swallowed and finally smiled.

"Do you like them?" I asked.

"Yeah, I like them a lot. They're delicious." He answered honestly, "They have a coffee taste to them. The bitterness works well. Is there alcohol in them too?"

"Yes, I added a bit of whiskey." I answered happily. "I'm so glad you like them!"

I can't help but smile brightly. Laxus' cheeks reddened slightly.

"W-Well, you're a pro." He mumbled, "So it's your job to make delicious things."

After Laxus had finished the plate full of brownies, he smiled nostalgically.

"The taste really did remind me of home…" He said warmly. "My mother and little sister often made brownies years ago."

"I see." I said.

'Yes! They were a success!' I cheered inwardly.

Relief spread through my chest, along with a warm feeling. Laxus' usual teasing grin focused on me.

"But now you owe me for peeping on me." He said.

I groaned, "C-Come on, Laxus! I told you I wasn't peeping!" I whined.

"Really? With last time, and now this time, I feel like it was definitely on purpose." He teased me. "You haven't set up hidden cameras too, have you?"

"What kind of person do you think I am?!" I shouted indignantly. "Jeez, I'm outta here!"

'I've had it with this guy!' I thought angrily as I stomped off.

"Hold it." Laxus said casually while grabbing my arm.

"What?" I snapped, whirling on him.

"That taste of home reminded me… I found a restaurant that serves Ikazuchiryū foods out in town." Laxus said, "Since I was planning on going tomorrow…you're coming with me."

"I'm what now?" I deadpanned.

"Be ready at 8PM. I'll pick you up at the bakery." He said, guiding me to the door.

"I, um, what…?" I stammered.

"Just in case though, let me see this." He said, snatching my phone from my sweater pocket.

"H-Hey…!" I squeaked.

I helplessly watched him mess with my phone before handing it back to me.

"I gave you my contact info, and sent yours to my phone." He said, holding up his as it went off. "Alright, I still have to take a shower, so I'll see you tomorrow!"

He gently scooted me out into the hallway and closed the door, leaving me still reeling at what was going on.

…

The next day time flies by. I'm still in the locker room at the bakery, getting ready to leave. There's a knock on the door.

"I'm decent!" I yelled, as I'm brushing my hair.

My cousins all piled in the room.

"Good work today, Nova." Elfman said. "Like a real man!"

"Thanks!" I smiled at him in the mirror.

"Ohhhh, you're all dressed up! Like a real woman." Lisanna said meaningfully, shooting a look towards her big brother.

"A-Am I now?" I stammered, "I-I don't think I-I am…"

"Are you going out with that guy you're always ranting about?!" Mirajane gushed.

"Wh-What makes you think that?!" I squeaked nervously.

"You are!" Lisanna squealed, "Oh my gosh! This is so exciting!"

"Is he coming to pick you up from here like a man?!" Elfman yelled.

"I don't know what you guys are talking about!" I said, flustered. "Anyways, I'm leaving now! Bye!"

…

I quickly escaped my cousins by leaving from the back door. As I do I spotted a tall, muscular figure by the corner. I smiled and approached him.

He smiled back, looking me over approvingly.

"You're late. Don't keep me waiting next time." He teased.

"S-Sorry… I was being interrogated…" I admitted, sighing.

"By your cousins, the three people smashed against the window over there?" Laxus asked in amusement.

My jaw dropped as I whirled around to see Mirajane, Lisanna and Elfman pressed up against the small window, all of them trying in vain to peek at us.

"You've got to be kidding me…" I groaned.

Laxus said nothing, but I could feel his gaze on me. I turned back to look at him.

"You're staring." I pointed out.

"You're beautiful." He countered.

"Wh-What…?!" I stammered, blushing bright red.

"Let's go." Laxus said, avoiding my question.

"Okay…" I said, though I saw his cheeks were slightly red as well.

…

Laxus strode briskly on his long legs. I hurried along after him.

'This totally isn't a date, right?' I thought, huffing. 'It feels more like a master bringing his servant to dinner…'

Just then I heard footsteps following me again. I gasped, stopping to look behind me. Laxus heard me and turned around to look at me.

"What's wrong?" He asked, then frowned at my frightened face. "Novali…?"

"The day I gave you the brownies, I felt like I was being followed home." I said, looking around. "I just had that feeling again of being followed again…"

Laxus walked over to me, putting his arm around my waist. I grasped his shirt in my fist.

"Stay close." He murmured, looking around. "I don't sense anyone, but let's be careful just in case."

"I still have a feeling we're being watched…" I said quietly, as we resumed walking.

"So, the stalker has a stalker?" He teased lightly, although I knew he was staying alert.

"I'm not a stalker…" I muttered.

"Whatever you say." He said with a grin.

My heart started pounding and the bad feeling grew stronger.

"You doing okay? You've got a pretty strong grip on me." He said.

"Sorry…" I murmured, but didn't let up on my vice grip.

"You sure you weren't making this up because you were so desperate for my touch?" He started teasing me again.

"Who would ever joke about something like this?" I deadpanned.

Suddenly Laxus stopped, pulling me closer to him protectively.

"Apparently not you." Laxus said, his voice serious. "Looks like your stalker's shown himself."

Laxus pushed me behind him protectively. Nervous, I carefully peeked around him and see a man dressed in a black and grey suit and black bowler hat. He clearly looked out of place here. I then felt eyes on my back and whirled around, pressing my back to Laxus'. There were a couple more black suited men with the same hats.

"Laxus," I whispered, "There two more behind us."

Laxus swore under his breath.

"Excuse us for interrupting your date, but could you come with us?" The man in front of us asked firmly.

"Go with you?" Laxus repeated with an easy smile, "I'm afraid I'll have to decline. Don't know about her though."

"What's that supposed to mean?! Like I'd ever go with anyone who dresses so shady." I huffed.

"Well then, looks like you'll have to leave empty handed." Laxus said shrugging casually.

"I'm afraid we can't do that!" One of the men behind us said.

The three closed in on us, reached out to pull us apart. One grabbed my arm roughly.

"Let go of me, creep!" I shrieked as loud as I could.

"Novali!" Laxus called out to me.

He punched the guy holding me. The guy swore and let go. Laxus shoved me forward.

"Run, now!" He yelled urgently.

I hesitated, then I saw the man who grabbed me get up and lunge at Laxus.

"Laxus! Look out!" I shouted, and before I knew it I tackled the man using all my weight.

The man hit the ground hard, smacking his head onto the pavement, effectively knocking him out.

"Hey, don't be reckless! Run, Novali!" Laxus demanded, as he fought the other guy.

I pursed my lips, but did as I was told. I ran towards one of the street lights. But my concern for Laxus distracted me from watching were I was going and I stumbled, falling to the ground with a yelp.

"Get back here!" One of the men yelled, having chased after me.

He grabbed me violently and dragged me to my feet. I screeched, instinctively swinging my fist and punching his face with all my strength. The man stumbled, blood gushing from his newly broken nose, but didn't let go of my arm.

"Shit!" He yelled, "You stupid bitch!"

I flinched as man raised his hand to hit me. But just before it came in contact, Laxus caught his wrist, twisting his arm until he let me go. He shoved the man away from me, kneeing him hard in the stomach and then came back to me, pulling me close.

"Are you alright?" He asked, checking me over quickly.

"Yes…" I murmured, flinching in pain as he ran his fingers over my now bruised fist.

"Quite the fighting spirit you have there." He said grinning in relief, "Remind me to never get on your bad side again."

I smiled weakly at his teasing and looked around, seeing the other man lying on the ground.

'Whoa… He already took him down…?' I gaped.

"Come on, let's head home." Laxus urged, "We'll go out another time."

I nodded in agreement as Laxus took my uninjured hand and pulled me into a fast run.

…

We ran until we could see our apartment building. Laxus looked around us cautiously.

"Doesn't seem like they came after us…" He muttered. "Anyways, who did you piss off with that temper of yours to be followed around by bad guys like them…?"

"N-No… I don't know what's going on either…!" I whimpered, frightened tears welling up in my eyes.

I trembled so fiercely I thought I would fall over. Laxus took me in his arms.

"Shh… It's okay, I'm here." He whispered reassuringly. "Let's go to your room and we'll call the police. I'll even stay with you tonight. You should be honored."

"Okay…" I sniffled, and smiled weakly.

Laxus squeezed me tighter, and I felt a little better. But suddenly a group of more men appeared around the side of us. I let out a gasp at the same time Laxus lets out a stream of colorful words.

"Not again…!" I cried.

Laxus held me protectively. These men weren't the same guys as before, but they must be with those guys before.

'They seem a lot more dangerous though…' I realized.

"That's them, sir." One said.

"Yes, I had received word that they were headed back to towards their apartment." Another, the man who seemed to be in charge of the group, said.

He smiled cruelly and came over to us.

"Sorry about the fuss, but will you please come with us this time?" He asked.

"If we didn't the first time, what makes you think we will this time?!" Laxus snarled. "What the hell do you want anyways? Ganging up on a girl like this, you're all pathetic!"

"Hmph, you're as defiant as they said." The man sneered. "I had hoped to get this done peacefully, but you leave me no choice."

The man pulled out a shiny black gun from his suit pocket. I let out a terrified whimper.

"L-Laxus… What do we do now…? There's too many of them, and they have guns, even with the two of us…" I whispered.

"…Run. As fast as you can. I won't let anything happen to you, I promise." Laxus shoved me behind him. "Go! Now! And don't look back!"

"I won't leave you behind to get killed!" I snapped.

"Do as I say!" Laxus snapped. "Let me protect you, dammit!"

'No! What do I do?!' I mentally screamed.

Helplessly I grabbed Laxus' shirt and pressed my face into his back.

'Someone save us!' I prayed.

Then the sound of screeching tires was heard.

"What now…?" Laxus growled, as I looked up with wide eyes.

A fleet of shiny black cars screeched to a halt around us. Well-built men in suits came pouring out from them. They start to fight the shady men, and gunshots were heard. A bullet grazed my injured hand and I cried out more from shock then pain. Laxus swore and pressed his hand tightly on my bleeding hand.

"Who the hell invited you?!" The leader snarled.

"Lady Novali! Quick, this way!" I heard a voice calling us from one of the cars.

I quickly spotted Freed, the intense butler from the other day.

"Freed!" I yelled out.

"Please hurry! You're both in danger!" Freed shouted.

"Friend of yours?" Laxus asked urgently.

"Um, k-kind of… Let's go!" I said, pulling Laxus.

"Kind of she says… Fine! I'll take him over these guys any day…" Laxus muttered sarcastically, but ran with me to the car.

…

Once we were inside, the limousine sped off. Freed quickly tended to my hand.

"Freed… You saved us…" I sighed, as Laxus and I huddled close together. "Thank you so much…!"

"It was nothing. I'm truly glad that the two of you are alright." He said. "Although, I suggest limiting the use of that hand for a while, Lady Novali."

"Of course…" I said, clutching my wounded hand to my chest.

When I looked back at Freed, for some reason he had tears in his eyes. Now that the adrenaline was wearing off, I could feel myself trembling. Laxus pulled me closer, unconsciously trying to give me comfort.

"Who is this guy, Novali…?" Laxus whispered cautiously.

"Hm? Oh, this is Freed Justine." I replied, "He works as a butler to the Dreyar Royal Family."

"Whoa, a butler for the Dreyar Royal Family?" Laxus repeated. "What's someone like him doing here in the Gensoryū Kingdom?"

"I was told he was training the new butlers at the Glass Palace, but I'm pretty sure there's more to it…" I answered quietly.

Laxus looked at Freed curiously.

"I don't know what going on here, but I do know that you saved us. Thank you." Laxus said gratefully, "Actually, I'm from the Ikazuchiryū Kingdom myself. What a strange twist of fate to be saved by someone connected to the Ikazuchiryū Royals."

"Not at all." Freed said emotionally, "After all it's a butler's job to come to the rescue of his master."

"Master…? What are you talking about?" Laxus asked, then turned to me, "You're not actually some runaway princess or someone related to one of the royals, are you?"

"I'm childhood friends with all the princes and princesses, but that's about it." I answered honestly.

Laxus looked at Freed suspiciously.

"I'm sorry to keep troubling you, but could you take us to the police station?" He asked warily.

"No, I'm sorry. I'm afraid I can't do that." Freed said.

Laxus narrowed his eyes at the butler, "And why not?" He demanded.

"Because I'm taking the two of you to Ikazuchiryū Kingdom." He answered cryptically.

"Wait, why?!" I asked.

Freed dabbed his eyes with a handkerchief, then kneeled down at Laxus' feet. Then he takes Laxus' hand.

"I never thought I would see you again…Prince Viktor." He said tearfully.

"Prince…?" I spoke in disbelief.

"…Viktor?" Laxus finished just as shocked. He snatched his hand away. "I'm sorry, my name is Laxus. And I'm not a prince."

But Freed's gaze didn't waver.

"No, you are the twelfth head of House Dreyar." Freed said calmly. "The Crown Prince of the Ikazuchiryū Kingdom…His Royal Highness Viktor Reyson Dreyar."

"No way…!" I murmured, as Laxus sat there dumbfounded.

The limousine took a curve in the road at top speed. I was thrown onto Laxus, who pulled me closer to him, as he slammed into the door.

"My apologies. There's a chance that we're being tailed, so we're getting you both to the airport as quick as possible." Freed spoke calmly sitting back on the opposite seat from us. "Just bear with us for a little longer."

Laxus held me on his lap, absently protecting me from the bumps and from slamming into things. Freed watched us with a fond smile on his face all the while. I looked up at Laxus, his face unreadable.

'Laxus...a prince…?' I thought in shock. 'Just what the hell is going on here…?'