Chapter 10: Dragon Court
Wendy kept her mind focused on her travels, knowing that if she lost concentration she would certainly begin to cry. She had promised herself that she wouldn't cry anymore, she had become stronger, and there was no need to cry. The last two years had been so much more than she ever could have asked for. Grandine had been so proud of how Wendy had been able to master her techniques, as well as incorporate some tricks from Icilo. The pride was mirrored in the frost dragon as well as the unusually quiet Charle. Wendy felt that crying would sully the image of the strong mage she had become.
The journey didn't take long since Wendy used the air currents to drift towards the scent of the others. She had quickly noticed that no one was at the spot where they had originally agreed to meet, but instead they were some where in the northern hills. She made the journey quickly and quietly, neither her nor Charle felt a need to speak because they both knew what was waiting for them in those hills. Wendy could feel the anxiety of measuring up to her other family members, the had all had the same amount of time to train, and she feared that she was still to far behind.
The years had been good to the blue haired mage in may ways, but her clothing wasn't as lucky, her skirts was tattered and torn, as well as her shirt and cloak. She had grown taller, making her clothing unable to cover as much surface as it used to, though she was glad for it when the warm winds of summer wafted into her direction. Wendy found herself sweating because of how acclimated she had become to the cold climate. She kept her eyes shielded against the bright sun, over the past two years on the mountain snow storms often blotted out the sun, leaving them in near darkness, so the brilliant sun was too intense for her eyes that had grown accustom to nearly pitch black conditions.
Once she was close enough that she was certain where they were, Wendy brought herself to the ground, her too short skirt fluttering in the rapid descent. The cover of trees helped dull the light, and she was finally able to adjust her sight in the summer sun. Wendy took off her cloak, stuffing it roughly into her bag. Wendy took a moment to fix herself, straightening her skirt as much as possible before she began to walk the half mile that was left in her trip. She wondered to herself how much the others had changed over their two year separation, was she the only one who had grown taller, she wondered if they would even recognize her. A playful smile lit her face as she looked up at the majestic manner that the Celestial Dragon resided in. It looked to the young woman like one of mid-evil castles out of the fairy stories Lucy had lent to her before everything had gone crazy. Pushing unnecessary thought to the side Wendy allowed herself to follow her nose to where the familiar scents of her brothers were the most potent.
A beautiful rose garden came into view as she walked around to the back side of the manner, she admired the vibrant red and pristine white roses that ran along the high wooden archways, out lining the whole garden. When she rounded the corner into the open space of the main garden Natsu and Gajeel came into full view, they were sparring just far enough away so that the plants wouldn't be in danger. Wendy kept her gaze steady as she searched the area for the location of the rest of the family. Levy and Lucy were huddled under a low hanging willow, not to far from their husbands, chatting excitedly over a large old looking book. Lily and Happy sat on the stone edge of a large flowing fountain, arms and legs folded, Wendy decided they must be in deep meditation if the dragon slayer's fight wasn't bothering them.
"So where is Laxus?" Wendy's sweet voice had deepened slightly, but the others knew immediately who had come. The fight had come to an abrupt stop the moment she had emerged from the rose garden, when a strong wind sent the a full blast of her scent straight at the two older men.
"It's 'bout time you showed up squirt!" Gajeel growled as he wiped a bit of blood from his freshly split lip. He walked over and patted her braided blue hair with a rough hand.
"Yeah, what took you so long? We've been waiting FOREVER!" Natsu folded his arms over his chest waiting for her reply, not wanting to interrupt the tender moment Gajeel was having with their little sister.
"I had things to do." Wendy shrugged off Gajeel's hand, while making her way over to the other females.
"Wendy, you sure have grown!" Levy jumped up wrapping her arms around the younger girls shoulders.
"I can see, I'd say we are the same height now, isn't that strange?" Levy pouted at the younger girl's comment backing off slightly.
"I'd say you are in need new clothing." Lucy giggled as she put her hand on Wendy's head affectionately.
"Huh," Wendy looked down at her tattered clothing and smiled. "I guess my things are a little worse for ware. My shirts have gotten a little to tight as well." She let herself giggle, as she dropped her bag by the tree.
"Wendy has been working hard, it makes sense that her things are a little worn out." Charle said defensively. At the sound of the white Exceed's voice, the other two came to join in to greet them.
"How was your training Charle?" Happy asked shyly.
"I did what I could." The female cat replied without looking Happy or Lily in the eyes.
"So where is Laxus?" Wendy asked again.
"In the study I think." Levy answered.
"Now that the squirt is here, we can finally head home!" Gajeel smirked as he let himself feel happier than he should have.
"I guess so, but there are a few things we still need to get squared away." Lucy shook a finger in the iron dragon slayer's direction.
"Now that the whole family is here, I have to take my title." Natsu grinned as he punched Gajeel in the shoulder. "I'm gonna go tell Igneel so we can get everything ready for the Dragon Court!" He didn't wait for the others to acknowledge his words before running off towards the house.
"Have you all been waiting that long for me?" Wendy asked sheepishly.
"Well I was last to get back before you, and that was six months ago." Levy poked Wendy in the ribs playfully, as she spoke. "But Lu-chan and Natsu have still been training for most of that time, it's not like we were sitting around doing nothing." Wendy nodded, feeling slightly better.
"Was the extra time worth it?" Gajeel still felt slightly awkward being candid and friendly with others, but he still wanted to try, for Levy's sake if not for his own personal reasons.
"I'm a lot stronger, and my healing magic is more potent. I've got a bunch of new techniques, so yeah, the time I spent out there was well worth it." Wendy gave them a bright smile.
"Well I'm going to help you with your clothing, can't have you running around in torn up clothes forever." Lucy circled the other girl. "Levy-chan lets go back in, and I'll call Pavo and Cygnus, we are all going to need something nice for when Igneel summons the dragon court." Lucy linked her arms with both of the other females, pulling them toward the manner, with a sense of purpose.
"Right! This is going to be fun, it's been far to long since the last time we all got together to get all dressed up!" Levy bubbled with excitement.
"Will there be dancing and such?" Wendy asked nervously.
"It should be the same as my Coronation, I hope that Igneel lets me ask Apus to bring the celestial orchestra, they are such a lively bunch!" Lucy began to babble about the coming even as the three navigated the halls of the mansion.
"How are these?" Pavo held out three gowns for Lucy to inspect.
"Perfect!" Lucy squealed as she grabbed the gowns, passing Levy and Wendy theirs.
"This is the prettiest shade of blue I have ever seen!" Wendy gushed as she held her gown at an arms length away inspecting the delicate silk.
"Mine is silver!" Levy hugged hers to her chest with a bright smile.
"And I'm in gold and red." Lucy added with a giggle.
"Cygnus is delivering the suits for the males in your party." Pavo informed with a bland tone.
"Thank you very much!" The three woman called at once.
"I'll take my leave, good day ladies." Pavo bowed politely before vanishing.
"So the Dragon Court assembles tomorrow, are you both ready?" Lucy twirled around hugging her dress.
"It's so exciting, I can't wait!" Levy bounced around before falling on the bed.
"I'm still a little self conscious now that I can see what I look like." Wendy stood in front of the floor length mirror, swishing the dress back and forth a light blush on her cheeks.
Lucy had several outfits made for the youngest of their party, Pavo and Cygnus had a lot of fun with Wendy's now developed body, and brought her scores of clothing to choose from. Wendy under up with a lacy blue top, and a pleated blue skirt to match. Levy and Lucy had spent a lot of time convincing their youngest companion that she looked better in these than the knee length sun dress that she had started in. The deciding factor had come down to Charle's input, to everyone's relief the exceed had agree with Pavo on the skirt and shirt, and asked them if they could make it in different colors for her.
"I wonder if Romeo will start drooling over you when we get home." Levy's lips curled into an evil grin as she watched Wendy's cheeks flare an even deeper shade of red.
"Levy, please!" Wendy's voice was shrill with embarrassment.
"At least your big brothers like Romeo, I would hate to see you getting involved with someone they disapproved of." Lucy giggled.
"You guys, i-it's not like that!" Wendy protested.
"Oh, but it is like that, you are just realizing it for the first time!" Levy chanted as she ran over to pinch the younger woman's cheeks.
"Yes poor Romeo has had his eyes on you for a while." Lucy sighed, clasping her hands to her heart in a dramatic display.
"Don't tease me!" Wendy pouted as she pushed Levy's hands away from her cheeks.
"You're no fun Wendy." Levy returned the pout just as deeply.
"You might as well own up now, Mrs. Combolt." Lucy cooed, causing Wendy's hair to nearly stand up on end.
"BE QUIET!" She shrieked throwing a pillow at the blonde.
"What you don't want your brothers to hear that their darling little sister has grown into a woman?" Lucy teased, dodging the pillow.
"Luccccy!" Wendy whined, chasing the now laughing blonde right out the door, and down the hallway.
"Once this thing is over we are leaving right?" Gajeel had been asking the same question for the whole week that it took to organize the court.
"Yes, once we are finished the ceremony, we will head home." Natsu rolled his eyes.
"You sound like a little kid who is home sick." Laxus snickered.
"Shut it lightning boy!" Gajeel growled.
"Some one is cranky." Laxus teased.
"Ok, it's time to head in." Natsu pushed open the large double doors to Draco's entertaining hall.
The decorations were simple and elegant, with white satin fabrics lining the tables, and hanging in delicate scallops from the walls. The sparkling crystal chandeliers were the most extravagant of all the items in the room, four of them dripped down from the ceiling casting tiny rainbows for anyone that looked directly into their light. Hundreds of guests were seated at the round tables which lined the marble dance floor, Natsu kept his calm as he looked around trying to spot his tutors.
"We now present to the court, Sir Natsu Dragneel, Grandson of the King and rightful heir to the throne" Draco's calm voice echoed through the room. Natsu took his cue and walked to the center of the room and bowed keeping his eyes fixed on the tall golden chairs at the head of the room. Igneel was seated in the highest of them.
"Sir Gajeel Redfox, Son of the late Metalicana, and second in command," Gajeel walked up and bowed in the same manner as Natsu. The contrast of their suits was stunning, though they both wore black, Natsu's was much more formal, and gave him a regal air that the other man could never possess.
"Sir Laxus Dreyer, Grandson of our dear friend Makarov Dreyer, acting captain of the Celestial Queen's army." Laxus looked amazingly different in formal clothing. Lucy had insisted that he comb his long hair back, she had even fastened it with a black ribbon to match his suite. His head phones were stashed safely in his bag, so he had no choice but to bare listening to his two younger companions bicker even though it was so quiet they were the only one who were aware that it was even happening.
"Presenting her highness, Queen Lucy Dragneel, Daughter of Layla Dreyer, and protector of the crystal key which links all worlds," The entire hall stood out of respect with the exception of Igneel. Lucy's long golden gown floated around her as though it were made of nothing but air. She offered a curtsey when she reached Natsu, before continuing to take the seat on the left hand of Igneel.
"Lady Levy Redfox, the queens royal advisor" Levy made her way in, silver gown training slightly behind, she too curtsied as she reached her husband but continued on to take the seat to the left of Lucy.
"Lady Wendy Marvell, The fabled sky maiden, the royal family's healer, and lieutenant in her majesty's royal army" Wendy took her time, because she wasn't used to walking in heels, her fitted blue gown outlined her new physic perfectly, making her blush at the mere thought of others seeing her in it. She offered a small curtsey before making her way to sit on the left side of Levy.
"Sir Happy, Sir Panther Lily and Lady Charle, the royal family's close personal companions, we introduce you all the the Dragon Court." The three exceeds walked in together, stopping with the men in the center of the room.
"Kneel." Igneel stood from his chair, a large golden sword in hand. The dragon slayers obeyed, while Igneel walked over to them. "Do you vow to protect your King no matter the sacrifice it may require?" Igneel posed his question towards everyone but Natsu.
"With my very life." They all answered as they had all rehearsed over the past couple weeks.
"Take your seats now as the noble dragons knights." Igneel kept his face stoney, though he wanted so badly to smile at the young mages. This was more important than the young ones realized, but he knew they were feeling the gravity of it now that the ceremony had begun.
"Natsu, the time has come. This sword, Tatsumasa, was forged with the life blood of your elders. In accepting it's hilt you will inherit the memories and the history of our race. I pass to you the burden and joy of leading our kind into the future, do you accept my will?" Igneel let Natsu raise to his full height, dark eyes locked on to those of his beloved grandchild.
"I accept your will, Igneel, the Dragon King, please pass the wisdom of the ancients on to me." Igneel held the sword in his hands offering the hilt to Natsu. Without hesitation Natsu wrapped his hand around the ornate sword. A beautiful golden flame ignited around their hands, wrapping it's way up Natsu's arm till it completely engulfed his entire body.
"I present to the court, the Crown Prince, Natsu Dragneel." Igneel released the sword placing his hand on Natsu's shoulder with the smallest trace of a smile curling at the corners of his mouth. The two walked toward their seats, yet Natsu took the high thrown, and Igneel seated himself to the right hand side next to Gajeel.
"Let the Court's festivities begin!" Natsu held the sword high in the air, a sense of pride filling him as he watched the dragons flow out from their tables and onto the dance floor. The Celestial Orchestra, lead by Apus and Lyra began to play the most upbeat and happy tune Natsu had ever heard, everything felt so right.
"You did really well." Lucy whispered into his ear.
"You think, is this what yours was like?" Natsu whispered back.
"Sort of." Lucy smiled, remembering how much fun it had been to spend the night dancing happily with all her spirit friends.
"Well mine is better." Natsu set a smug smile on his face.
"How so?" Lucy raised an eyebrow.
"This." Natsu grabbed her hand and dragged her out onto the dance floor. Immediately the others moved back, giving the royal couple enough space. Apus and Lyra started a new song that was slow and sweet. Natsu placed his right hand on her waist, keeping her hand in his left. He smiled brightly leaning in to whisper in her ear. "I remembered how to do this properly." For no reason at all Lucy felt her face flush, as they began to take the steps in a wide swirling pattern.
(Loreena McKennitt, 'To the Fairies they Draw Near')
When the moon comes out to shine her face the birds are fast asleep
When lanterns hang from every post the faeries leave their keep
They join their hands and sing their songs that n'ery a soul can hear
In the springtime when the earth is new to the faeries they draw near
To the faeries they draw near...
Come away with me now to the sky
Up o'er the hills and the sea
Far beyond where memories lie
To a place where I'm free to be me
Oh, gather ye now one and all
No what matter what all ye may do
Where the stars fill your soul
When the moon cradles all
So to yourself be true
The blanket of snow is o'ercome
Each flower waits for the sun
And the whispering tears of the rain
Holds promise for everyone
Then come away with me, friends
No matter where you call your home
With a light in our hearts, we will never part
No matter how far we roam
Deep in the forest we go
Creatures are all fast asleep
With a kiss and a wink we will waken our souls
Love is the safety we'll keep
And then we'll dance through the night
Till the sun beams sparkle at dawn
And up way we will go like last winter's snow
Soon our work will be done
Oh, gather ye now one and all
No what matter what all ye may do
Where the stars fill your soul
When the moon cradles all
So to yourself be true
Oh, gather ye now one and all
No what matter what all ye may do
Where the stars fill your soul
When the moon cradles all
So to yourself be true
So to yourself be true...
Lucy couldn't help but giggle as she listened to Lyra's song, the lyrics were light and playful. Natsu seemed to enjoy it as much as she did, after the song began, several others came to join them on the dance floor, twirling happily in time to the bright music.
"You're right, this is much better." Lucy whispered in Natsu's ear before the song ended and they broke apart to bow politely. "Where did you learn to dance like this?" Lucy furrowed her brow, trying to decide who would have been most suited to teaching.
"Your mom." Natsu laughed. "Igneel told her that I was nervous about the whole arrangement, I don't know exactly when it was, but I do remember her." Lucy sighed as she looked through his memories, trying to get a glimpse of Natsu dancing with her mother.
"Mama was an excellent teacher." Lucy giggled as the two walked back to their seats.
"She said I was a natural." Natsu beamed with pride. "It's nice to be able to remember all those things again, and they are so vivid in my mind, it's like everything happened yesterday." Lucy patted his arm, with a sweet smile.
"So how long do we need to sit here before we can head home?" Gajeel muttered to Natsu.
"Will you calm down, the night is young my friend! Go take Levy for a dance." Natsu answered playfully. Gajeel grumbled under his breath, before making his way over to his wife to offer his hand.
"I am done with you, so the two of you can leave any time you wish." Igneel poked Natsu in the cheek, with a wide smile.
"I want to enjoy this one last night before we head back into the war zone." Natsu's smile slipped away for a moment. "And now that everyone is finally together, I think it'll be good for us to have a nice memory to hold onto when the fighting starts." Igneel looked his grandson over with a careful eye. Natsu had matured a considerable amount over the past two years, he had become a fine mage as well as a fine man, and Igneel was very proud to give him the sword that was all that remained of his beloved mate.
"Yes, one more night can't hurt." Igneel agreed with a warm small.
A/N: Are you still with me? If you are then next week we will come home to Fairy tail! Thank you for taking the time to read, and I hope you enjoyed it!