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 Five – Return of the Lost Heir

"Prince…?" I spoke in disbelief.

"…Viktor?" Laxus finished just as shocked. He snatched his hand away. "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."

The limousine continued to race through the dark streets of Gensoryū as Laxus and I hold onto each other in bewilderment.

"Oh!" I suddenly exclaim with wide eyes.

"Is something the matter Lady Novali?" Freed asked.

"No, it's just… I had a feeling that I recognized Laxus from somewhere." I explained. "I saw a TV documentary about the Ikazuchiryū royal family. They introduced King Makarov… I kinda feel like Laxus looks like him…"

"Are you serious?" Laxus asked me with wide eyes.

"Yes, his resemblance is closest to his grandfather, King Makarov." Freed agreed.

"King Makarov…the greatest and most respected King in Ikazuchiryū history…?" Laxus muttered to himself in shock.

"Yes…" Freed said.

'Is Laxus seriously…the prince of the Ikazuchiryū Kingdom…?!' I wondered, studying him closely.

The reality of the unbelievable situation started to sink it.

"But how the hell am I the grandson of King Makarov?" Laxus muttered, looking so confused. "I grew up in the backwoods of the Ikazuchiryū countryside."

"Do you know about how King Ivan and Queen Reina's son was killed in an accident?" Freed asked solemnly.

"Yes, of course. He drowned in the river of a village he was visiting during his vacation. Only his body was never found…" Laxus answered, then he gasped, paling considerably. "No way…! Are you saying that…that was me…?!"

"Yes. After Prince Viktor was washed away, we searched for him desperately. But we couldn't find him… We had no choice but to declare him dead." Freed replied, sadly. "But I never let go of the hope deep in my heart that he was alive somewhere… Then, when I saw you at the Glass Palace… I started wondering, and launched an investigation. And then…here we are."

After dabbing his eyes with his handkerchief again, Freed turned his gaze out the window.

"We're approaching the airport." Freed announced, "We will take you to Ikazuchiryū Kingdom in a private jet. Lady Novali, it's too dangerous for you to return to your normal life. So I ask that you come with us."

"What…?" I whispered in horror.

"Novali…" Laxus murmured.

I turned to look at him. His eyes pleaded me to go with him.

I smiled lightly, "How could I say no, after all you've done for me?" I murmured, "We'll stick together, and I'll be your strength this time."

…

"So this is the Thunder Palace…" I whispered in awe.

After flying on the jet, we were herded into another limousine and taken to Ikazuchiryū Kingdom's Thunder Palace.

'I had heard that the situation in Ikazuchiryū right now is unstable, but…' I thought, 'This is a truly magnificent castle.'

"The fact that Prince Viktor is still alive is absolutely top secret." Freed said sternly, "Even within the Thunder Palace, only a small group of people know. It pains me that we cannot hold a proper welcome for you… But please follow me inside."

We hesitated.

"Come, both of you." Freed insisted.

"O-Okay…" I said after a moment.

Laxus took my hand and together we followed after Freed.

…

"Wow, the interior is incredible too!" I mused.

Freed smiled at me, "Along the corridor are displayed antiques and artwork collected by kings of old." He explained. "The décor has be designed around them accordingly."

"I always wanted to see the inside of the Thunder Palace…" Laxus, who had been silent the whole time finally muttered to himself. "But doing it like this…"

"Laxus…" I murmured.

Freed stopped in front of a large door.

"This bedroom has been used by generations of Ikazuchiryū princes." Freed said, ushering us inside. "Both of you, please, wait inside for a moment."

…

After entering the room, Laxus went to stand by a window and gazed outside blankly. I looked around the room. It was very spacious and decorated lavishly. My eyes fell on Laxus though.

'Maybe I should just keep quiet…' I thought, looking concerned.

He glanced at me after a moment, "Keep your pitying looks to yourself." He mumbled.

"I'm just concerned about you." I said softly.

"I know… Sorry." He said, "You don't need to fuss over me though."

"But…" I frowned and moved so I was standing at his side. "I'm in a daze with everything happening like this all of the sudden. I can't even imagine how you're feeling right now."

"Yeah…" Laxus whispered, "I still can't believe I'm really a prince. And here I was thinking I'd gotten caught up in your issues. But it seems like I'm the one who dragged you into a dangerous situation. I'm so sorry, Novali. It must be frightening being dragged off into a foreign country knowing you can't go home for a while…"

'I can't believe he's apologizing…' I thought, astounded.

"It is scary… I keep wishing this is just some kind of bad dream…" I admitted. "But I would much rather be here with you. I promised to be your strength this time, remember?"

"Do you really mean that…?" He asked softly.

"Honest. Cross my heart." I said making an X over my heart with a smile.

The door opened, interrupting us. We both looked to see Freed entering the room with a tea trolley.

"Excuse me." He bowed his head. "I have prepared tea and a simple dinner. Please go ahead and help yourselves."

Freed placed everything on a table in front of the couch and urged us to sit down and dig in. After we finished eating, Freed showed us a couple photos. The first picture is of King Ivan and Queen Reina standing on either side of the throne. Sitting on the throne was King Makarov and on his lap was three year old Prince Viktor. Another picture shows the young prince at the beach wearing black swim trunks with yellow lightning bolts. On his abdomen is the same fairy tail birthmark. Laxus placed a hand over his stomach where his birthmark is.

"That boy's eyes are a stormy blue…and he has the same birthmark as you…" I gasped.

"All members of the Ikazuchiryū royal bloodline have that birthmark somewhere on their bodies." Freed informed us. "Your grandfather's in on the center of his chest and your father's was on the left of his lower back."

"That's really me…" Laxus murmured.

'This proves that Laxus really is Prince Viktor…!' I thought, unable to voice it out loud due to shock.

"This pictures were taken the morning of the accident at the river." Freed said quietly. "Then, after the photo at the riverbed…"

Freed choked up. After looking at the photographs for a long time, Laxus finally raised his head.

"King Makarov is convalescing in a facility inside the castle, right?" He asked.

"You're well informed." Freed nodded.

"As someone aiming to be a politician I have a general handle of the movements of the royal family." Laxus spoke softly, "I also know the current Queen passed away and King Ivan went mad, disappearing soon after the death of his wife."

"Yes… That's true." Freed murmured. "We don't know if he's even alive now…"

"I see…" Laxus said and sighed, "So, now that you have me here, what do you plan to do with me? And why on earth would you take Novali and me all the way here? In fact why would you involve Novali at all?"

"We thought it would be best to bring Lady Novali here not only to keep her safe, but as support for you." Freed said, a fire lighting in his eyes. "I…I want you to claim your place as heir to the throne. I want you to become this countries leader."

"What…?!" Laxus breathed in shock, as my own jaw dropped.

"I'm sure you're already aware, but Ikazuchiryū Kingdom is in a dangerous situation." Freed said, "With King Makarov laid low by illness, there is no one left to lead the country. And in those gaps, the criminal underworld has been gaining power. The men who attacked you were from the Black Lightning Mafia…"

"A-Are you serious…?" I shivered, hugging myself tightly. "I… Oh God… A couple nights ago, I felt like I was being followed by someone."

"They must have gotten their hands on information about Prince Viktor…and are trying to find out about you, as his friend." Freed said seriously, "Although… Maybe…"

"Maybe, what?" I asked nervously.

"Nothing. I was just wondering if there was a possibility that it was my own investigators who you felt the first night…" Freed mumbled, "But the people I entrusted wouldn't make the mistake of being noticed by their target."

"Whoa, wait a minute!" Laxus scowled looking offended on my behalf, "You've been investigating Novali, too?"

"Yes, my apologies…" Freed said, bowing his head. "But the whole time I was investigating all your friends and acquaintances… Novali's name came up, so… It was nothing too personal, just her workplace and address."

"Still…" Laxus grumbled.

'Oh wow… I had no idea!' I thought quietly to myself.

"I don't know how the mafia got their information about either of you though." Freed said, "But it's clear that their information network and financial power is on a level with that of the royal family. And now they even have politicians on their side…"

"Really…? That's…certainly not good…" I murmured.

"Ikazuchiryū was once called the greatest kingdom in the world… In order to return the kingdom's prosperity and pride…" Freed looked Laxus in the eyes intently, "…we need a leader of extraordinary intellect and charisma. And the only one who can fulfill that role is…you Prince Viktor."

"Me…? A leader…?" Laxus hesitated, looking unsure.

Freed bowed deeply to Laxus.

"Please… Please restore this corrupt country to the former glory that the Dreyar family built it up to!" Freed begged.

…

After our meeting with Freed, Laxus and I stepped out onto the balcony to get some fresh air.

'Laxus hasn't given an answer to Freed's plea yet…' I thought to myself. 'I wonder what he's thinking…'

Laxus remains silent, staring off into a distance. I suddenly sneezed, rubbing my hands up and down my arms.

"You okay?" Laxus turned around and asked me in concern. "Why don't you go back inside the room?"

I moved so I was standing next to him, leaning my back against the rail, and shook my head.

"Nope, I'll stay right here, thank you." I said, crossing my arms.

Laxus smiled down at me.

"Really?" He murmured, letting out a breath of relief. "Hey, what do you think?"

"About what?" I asked.

"About me becoming the heir to the throne." He clarified.

"I…" I trailed off thoughtfully.

"I think this is my chance." He said, with a small smile.

"Yeah." I mumbled.

"I told you before, didn't I?" He said, looking down at me. "That my dream was to become a leader of my country."

"Yes…I remember." I said.

"Like that butler said, as a prince I could actively participate in politics and work my hardest to build up this country. I can put into practice everything I've studied up until now…" He said, smiling softly. "…and everything I've wanted to do in my life."

"You could." I agreed.

"But…" He hesitated, his determined gaze weakening a bit. "I have doubts, too…"

"Like what?" I asked softly.

He sighed long and deep.

"Like…would I really be able to do it? Can I shoulder the responsibility of being the prince of the great Ikazuchiryū Kingdom…?" He asked, "I have no training in being a prince. I grew up as a commoner, with no knowledge of the customs of the royal family…"

"Laxus…" I murmured.

He looked anxious, as he clenched his fists harder around the handrail.

'This is the first time I've seen Laxus anything short of confident…' I thought as I moved closer, leaning on his arm gently.

"I want to ask your opinion on it." He asked, looking down at me.

"I…" I pursed my lips, and then smiled brightly at him, "I know you can do it."

"Novali…" Laxus murmured.

I turned my head, looking out into the distance.

"It's true you're not without your disadvantages…such as living as a commoner." I said seriously, "But…" I slowly smiled, "I've never met someone with as much passion and desire to be of use to their country as you."

I looked back at him expectantly.

"You said that this was your chance, right?" I asked.

"Yeah." He mumbled, and I grinned.

"Then face it with your usual confidence. Use everything you've learned up until now." I looked him straight in the eye. "I believe that this…is your destiny."

"Destiny?" He repeated, and then looked thoughtful, "…Destiny, huh…?"

Laxus' eye widen, and he finally smiles.

"The truth is… I was shocked when I was told that I was a prince." He said, "But on the other hand, part of me accepted it..."

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

"I've always had a vague idea that I wasn't my family's true first born child." He said.

"Huh…?" I looked at him bewildered.

"The parents who raised me, and the sister I grew up with… My mother, Cornelia, has already passed away…" He murmured, "But I'm not anything like my mother, father or sister. Outside or inside." He sighed lightly, "But I decided to live like it didn't matter. Even if we weren't connected by blood...those people who raised me with such love are my parents. But when I learned of my real origins tonight…" Laxus sighed, but smiled at me again, "Maybe this is destiny, like you said. And if this is destiny, then I should take on the challenge."

I smiled, and nodded.

"Now that sounds more like you!" I said cheerfully.

"Alright, I'll give Freed my answer." He said, turning away from the rail, grabbing my hand and pulling me along at the same time. "You come too."

"O-Okay!" I giggled, "Or should I say, 'Yes, most certainly, Your Highness.'?"

Laxus made a face, "What with that?" He asked, frowning.

"Well, I mean… If you're a prince, then I thought I should address you as such." I said, smiling lightly.

"Address me as such…?" He scrunched up his face, "There's no need for that."

"I guess it doesn't really work for you, does it?" I teased.

Laxus chuckled, then ruffled my haired affectionately.

"Hey!" I let out an outraged yell, smacking his hand away.

Laxus smiled at me, as I quickly fixed my hair.

"There's no need to change how you speak to me." He said softly, "Even if I become this country's prince…I'm still the same me you know."

"Laxus…" I murmured, smiling warmly.

He squeezed my hand and grinned back at me.

"Come on, let's go!" He said, pulling me along again.

"Okay!" I laughed.

…

"Have you made a decision?" Freed asked, as we walk up to him.

"Yes. My answer is…" Laxus paused.

"Y-Yes…?" Freed asked anxiously.

Laxus smiled, "I'm ready to fulfill my role as this country's prince." He said confidently. "I will be the 12th head of Dreyar House, and heir to the throne of the Ikazuchiryū Kingdom. I think I'll be relying on you a lot from here on. I look forward to working with you."

"Uwahhh!" Freed cried joyously.

"Oh Freed…" I murmured, smiling.

"I'm happy…so happy…!" He sniffled.

While I was patting Freed on the back, I turned to Laxus and see that he's smiling. There's not a trace of doubt on his face.