Chapter 16
June 4, X794; 5:43 PM
"Okay. Here's the thing. I am still on the fence on how I can gradually shift the genre from the pure adventure Iris' Adventure to something romantic in Iris' Adventure 2 ," Lucy informed Laxus as the automated doors of Magnolia Supermarket opened for them to exit. "I am actually thinking of making Iris' Adventure 2 an isekai story wherein a person from another world gets reincarnated in the ending part of the first book. It can serve as something like a meta story…like a book within a book."
Laxus balanced the weight of the two large grocery paper bags containing all of the produce, meat, beef, fish and other canned goods that she had bought for her team's sleepover, and her emergency food storage. He seemed to consider the question for a moment, and Lucy found herself admiring the visage of a badass Laxus doing something as homely as buying food with her from the grocer.
It dazed Lucy so much that she almost did not hear his response. "An isekai? What's an isekai again?"
Lucy began explaining that an isekai is kind of genre in literature wherein a character from a modern world gets transported to a different world - though sometimes, especially in modern media, the character gets reincarnated or swapping bodies instead of just being transported as he or she is - wherein this character has an important role to play in the story's narrative and that they will gain unimaginable powers as the story progresses.
"Again with the reincarnation thing?" Laxus asked, his voice somehow between amused and mildly annoyed. "You're defaulting, Blondie."
Lucy sighed in resignation. He caught her. "What am I to do?" she exclaimed into the air, firmly holding the other two grocery paper bags in her arms. "I'm stumped," she whined. Laxus was right. She was defaulting to common tropes and genres found in contemporary literature.
"Hmmm," Laxus hummed for a moment, and Lucy glanced at him. He seemed so lost in thought.
Perhaps he was thinking of a response that would not offend her in any way. Lucy found that endearing. She was actually expecting him to be more of a ball-busting critic regarding her work, but here he was, being so considerate.
Almost as considerate as the fact that he should not have come with her to the grocer and spend almost two hours selecting and buying all of her grocery items, then accompanying her home while carrying the bulk of it. She can always ask her Celestial Spirits to help her, but then he insisted. The sun was already setting on the horizon. It would only be a few minutes before the night settled in.
'Laxus is already tired,' Lucy observed. He has been through an emotional rollercoaster over the past few days with the news of his father. He has endured motion sickness during their trip home, adamantly refusing all of her offers to summon Gemini-Wendy for some alleviating Spells. He should have been home hours ago…he should have rested hours ago, and yet here he was…with her.
Lucy's walking pace gradually slowed down as the river and her apartment came into view. The sight of the sun's slow descent gave way for twinkling stars to appear up above, and Lucy found herself staring at Laxus' back. He was still walking.
"You'll know that a man is truly reliable and trustworthy when you see…truly see his back," her mother's amused giggles suddenly echoed inside her mind. Lucy did not understand what it meant. She had always chalked such words as mere jests from her mother. But now…somehow she understood what her mother was telling her about.
Only a man devoted to you will be truly comfortable having his back facing you. The first reason is, he is the kind of man willing to get in front of you to protect you. The second is, he is the kind of man who is willing to show you all of his vulnerabilities because he trusts you.
Lucy found her eyes watering at that sudden realization. She wiped it away lest Laxus saw it and assumed the worst. Lucy put down her paper bags and rushed towards Laxus. "Laxus!" she called, loud enough for him.
Laxus turned around, the gradual color of the sunset casting a warm glow of oranges, yellows, reds, and pinks upon his visage. His expression turned to mild panic as Lucy closed the distance between them, and threw her arms over his shoulders in a tight embrace. "O-Oi! We're in public, Blondie! Dammit! And your grocery!"
"It's okay," came Lucy's muffled replies as she buried herself in Laxus' very comfortable chest. He smelled of expensive cologne and aftershave.
Laxus ceased to twist his body in attempts to balance the paper bags in his arms. "Ya know I'd hug you if I can but…" he shrugged his arms and the bags made a crumpling sound, emphasizing that he was currently unable to return the gesture.
Lucy giggled slightly. "It's alright. You'd probably cup a feel if you can. This time, you're a good boy." She looked up at him, to see his gentle expression.
"Oi! I'm not a pervert," Laxus protested, smirking.
Lucy raised an eyebrow.
"Okay. Not that of a pervert," he corrected, chuckling.
"Hey, Laxus," Lucy began to say.
"Hmmm?"
"About the waiting…" she trailed off before finding the courage to say it. "I-I'll try not to make you wait too long."
Laxus smiled and shrugged. "Don't sweat it, Blondie. I doubt you'll be able to resist me for that much longer," he grinned.
Lucy's sputtered.
Laxus laughed. "See. I make ya speechless already!"
Lucy puffed up her cheeks. "Anyway. Thank you…you know, for this day. I enjoyed it." Then, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed him lightly on his scarred cheek.
Laxus seemed momentarily stunned, and Lucy reveled in this feeling of satisfaction. Who knew that she would be able to shut him up! Laxus was probably not expecting that she would be so bold.
He stood there somehow dumbfounded for a few seconds before he chuckled to himself. He then proceeded to balance all two paper bags in his left arm, leaving his right one free…free to take Lucy's left hand. He then lowered himself until his eyes were level with hers.
Lucy found herself lost in the storm within Laxus' blue eyes. Then, in one smooth and languid motion, the man kissed the back of her outstretched hand.
"M-Manly," a voice snapped Lucy back to reality.
Laxus immediately positioned himself in front of Lucy, his back facing hers. Lightning coursed and wrapped itself upon his free arm.
Lucy faced the other direction. They are back-to-back. "Open! Gate of the Archer! Sagittarius!" The green-clad Celestial Spirit appeared beside Lucy, bow and arrow ready.
Immediately, Lucy felt Laxus relax and his lightning ceased from crackling. And Lucy felt the sudden realization that the unfamiliar voice she heard a few seconds a while ago was not so unfamiliar. She dismissed Sagittarius and looked towards where Laxus was facing and she was greeted by the sight of all members of Team Natsu staring at them…their eyes wide in wonder.
"E-Erza?" Lucy stuttered. Titania was the one in front of them. The others were behind her, and they were beside the door to her apartment. Lucy found herself exclaiming in mortification. Lucy felt her cheeks were about to combust. "D-Did y-you s-s-see t-that?"
"Front and center," Carla answered. Natsu, Gray and Happy were all staring with shocked expressions, while Wendy had her face buried in the palm of her hands. But it was obvious from her ears that she was blushing.
"I-I-I…" Erza began to tear up.
"Erza, calm down," Lucy walked forward. Any minute now, Erza would lead the charge against Laxus. Lucy found herself panicking on how to alleviate the growing tension because once Erza attacked, Gray and Natsu would soon follow.
"Erza" Lucy called again as she began to close the distance. "Are you okay?"
The red-haired woman continued to say, "I-I-I…"
"It's okay," Lucy began.
"Blondie, I think your team is in shock," Laxus guffawed.
"Not helping!" Lucy exclaimed.
"It's okay," Lucy repeated to Erza. "Deep breaths, everyone," she swept her eyes towards the rest of the team. "Laxus and I are just in the initial stages of our relationship. This has not been happening for a long time. This is not meant to be a secret. No, we did not elope to Crocus to get married. And, no, I am not pregnant." By then, Lucy was running out of breath, coming up with possible answers to questions that were likely swimming inside her teammates' heads.
At the mention of the word pregnant, Erza snapped from her stupor. "I-I-I am going to be an aunt!" Erza screamed.
"No, no, no," Lucy rushed to calm the red-haired Mage. "No, I am not pregnant."
"Oh…" Erza said with a dejected sigh.
"Natsu…Gray..,Wendy…Happy…Carla…" Lucy addressed them one at a time until she had their attention.
"Oh, Luce…I sort of blanked out there," Natsu was the first to speak.
Lucy found Natsu's voice to be measured but decidedly calm. That was a good sign that he would not go flying off his rails. Thank God.
"Are you okay? Natsu asked.
"Yes, I am okay."
"He didn't do anything weird to you, right?" Gray asked in a tone similar to Natsu's
"No, he did not do anything weird to me."
"You're not being forced?" Natsu said.
"No. I'm not being forced."
"You're not under a Spell?" Gray followed.
"No, I am not under Spell," Lucy answered. Thank goodness that her team was sensible enough to listen. Lucy was actually more than prepared for bouts of protests. She has even prepared herself in the eventuality that her team would threaten Laxus bodily harm or start an actual physical altercation. It was a good thing she sent that message hours ago.
"Hahahaha!" Laxus' laughing voice suddenly boomed from where he stood.
"LAXUS!" And out goes Natsu with his fists covered in flames. He was followed by Gray, wielding a large battle ax made of ice.
"Hahahaha!" Laxus continued to laugh as he effortlessly dodged each and every attack thrown by her two male team mates.
"Erza?" Lucy implored Titania, which in itself is weird since she did not partake in the brawl.
"Natsu! Gray!" She hollered, and the two boys stood still. "Enough fighting. This is our first meeting in a while. I believe we are scheduled for a sleepover. Do not do anything that would disrupt this evening."
"Aye, sir!" Natsu and Gray saluted before they ran towards Erza.
"Laxus," Erza regarded Laxus in a metered tone. "I trust that you will be making me a Maid-of-Honor should you decide to propose to Lucy."
"..." Wendy squeaked.
"HAH?!" Laxus seemed to have dropped his jaw.
"Propose?!" Lucy was aghast.
Erza proceeded to coolly enter the now-open apartment door, followed by the rest of the team.
This left Lucy and Laxus awkwardly standing in the middle of the dark street. "So…" Lucy began.
"So…" Laxus repeated.
"Oh! I'll be taking the groceries I dropped earlier. Wait for a moment," Lucy said before she jogged towards the two paper bags she left earlier. Once done, she returned to where Laxus stood.
"Would you like to come in?" Lucy extended the invite, segueing the conversation away from the proposal thing .
"Nah, I'll just drop these," he gestured towards the bags in his arms. "Then I'll go home."
"You sure?"
"I'm not afraid of your team mates, if that is what you're asking," he said with a snicker.
Lucy chuckled. "I know. It was just an offer."
"Maybe next time," he replied as they began ascending the staircase. "You need time with your teammates. You said you miss them."
Lucy smiled at him in gratitude. "Thank you."
They entered the room, and were greeted by the sight of her teammates making themselves at home. Lucy sighed in contentment. Home at last! She gestured Laxus towards the table, and they both put down the grocery bags before heading outside once again.
"Thank you again. For everything," Lucy said once they were in the street. "I know that you'll be safe because you're you, but do take care getting home."
"Yes, Dear," Laxus said in his 'exhausted husband' impression.
"Message me once you're home, okay?"
"I will. See you tomorrow," he said before transforming into a lightning and flying away.
"Yes, Dear," Lucy whispered as she entered the apartment, and locked its doors.
'Hoooboyyy…this is going to be one heck of a night,' Lucy sighed, preparing herself from an onslaught of questions.
June 5, X794; 10:49 AM
Makarov Dreyar pursed his lips in contentment. The news of his prodigal son Ivan Dreyar's illness has sent his emotions into unstable highs and lows. However, with Laxus' arrival last night along with some improvement had made Makarov's sleep better.
"There's a good chance of recovery," Laxus had said last night before the younger Dreyar went to his own home to sleep. Laxus explained that Ivan has contracted a disease called Ethellular Degeneration Disease, and that it could still be treated provided that root causes can be determined and given proper remediation. Laxus also mentioned that the hospital has already identified some of the dangerous substances that poisoned Ivan's Ethernano Containers.
Makarov had asked Laxus to elaborate, but his grandson had kept silent after only giving the barest of details.
'That's good enough,' Makarov said to himself. 'As long as Ivan recovers, that's good enough for me.'
Now, Makarov does not dare claim that he has already fully forgotten Ivan's wrongdoings. His son did atrocious things, and has endangered the guild and its people on more than one occasion. However, as a father, his heart still went to his child. Ivan is still his son, regardless of what he actively did against Fairy Tail.
Nonetheless, Laxus was observably chipper when he arrived last night. Makarov briefly suspected that Laxus finds his father's illness to be entertaining. However, it does not seem to add up to how Laxus seemed disturbed when he first called about Ivan's condition. Besides, though Laxus acts like an idiotic asshole most of the time, Makarov was also sure that his grandson would not stoop so low as to find glee in the possible death of another person…even if that person happened to be his own abusive father.
'Laxus is happy,' Makarov observed as he swept his eyes over the crowd that had begun to gather in the guild hall. 'He is happy, but for a completely different reason.'
Makarov's eyes roamed the faces of the audience below the stage until it found Laxus being surrounded by his Thunder God Tribe. His grandson's eyes were noticeably gentle, and was looking at a certain far-off distance. Makarov followed Laxus' line of sight until it stopped at Team Natsu.
No, it was not Team Natsu, Makarov was sure of that. After all, Laxus' commentaries regarding Team Natsu's escalating destructive tendencies one after another were less than gentle. No, it was not Team Natsu. Rather, it was someone from Team Natsu.
Makarov observed Laxus' eyes and how it followed the movement of a certain someone - a certain blonde-haired someone - who also returned the same affectionate gaze.
'Oh,' Makarov suddenly realized. 'Oh, my. It was Lucy!'
'But wait…' Makarov's mind supplied. 'Isn't Lucy…' Then his memories of their meeting last June 3 began to churn inside his head:
"Wait, what? Lucy's getting married?" Gildarts' head had popped up from behind Erza' shoulder. "To whom?"
Erza and Mirajane had both frozen on the spot, unable to speak.
"Is that the reason why we haven't seen her yet?" Gildarts had exclaimed.
"Erza…Mira…" Makarov had said in a stern, chastising tone. "Who is the groom-to-be?"
'Oh, Gods! Laxus and Lucy got married!' Makarov realized. 'Lucy's his grand daughter-in-law!'
Without meaning to, a huge grin broke from his face, and Makarov felt the sudden rush of nostalgic emotions…memories of a young Laxus running and playing inside the guild halls…memories of a young Laxus saying that he idolizes and wanted to be just like his grandfather.
'Ah, could it be?' Makarov felt euphoric as he stood above the stage. 'Could it be that he will once again feel that kind of happiness. Ah, wait for your Grandpa Makarov, my beautiful blue-eyed, blond babies!'
'We love you, Grandpa Makarov!' voices of his future great-grandchildren echoed from the depths of his imagination.
"Uh, Master," Mirajane's voice snapped him back to reality.
"Yes!" Makarov's voice was too high, and too happy. He cleared his throat. "Yes?"
Mirajane was looking at him with a very confused expression before she continued to speak. "The guild members are now in attendance," she gestured towards the audience that had crowded the area below the elevated stage.
Makarov cleared his throat once again before he took the microphone and spoke. He can talk with Laxus and Lucy later. Now, he had to discuss Fairy Tail's plans in the foreseeable future. "Listen, everyone! I will be explaining to you rules, regulations, mechanics and other things in relation to our S-Class Promotional Trials until the Grand Magic Games. Listen carefully. I will not entertain questions during the discussion, but I will answer them after. Understood?"
"YES, MASTER!"
And so, Makarov called all S-Class Mages to stand with him on the stage. Mirajane stood on his left side along with Erza and Jellal in Mystogan's disguise. On Makarov's right stood Laxus and Gildarts. He then started his address by discussing that the Grand Magic Games shall be scheduled earlier within the year, and that there was a memorandum sent by the Magic Council regarding an additional requirement for a guild to join: that is, there must be a minimum of 10 registered S-Class Mages for a guild to be considered eligible to join. If not, the guild automatically forfeits their admission. This was met with sounds of protest, at least until the topic of S-Class Promotion Trials came up.
"This year, the Trials shall be held once again in Tenrou Island. We shall be departing from the ports on July 3, X794, 4:00 AM. The actual examination will take place from July 4 to July 6, and we shall be departing from the island on July 5,X794, 8:00 AM," Makarov surveyed the faces of the people from the audience, their attention focused on him. Undoubtedly, all of them are waiting and anticipating the names of the nominated members.
Makarov chuckled in amusement before saying, "The format of this year's trials are in groups of three. The reason behind such an arrangement is that, as mentioned, we need at least 10 S-Class Mages to enter the Grand Magic Games. A team exam ensures that there will be a set number for us to bridge the quantitative gap. And no, this is not meant to insult you and your skills as a mage. Rather, this is designed in such a way to maximize all of your skills because being an S-Class Mage is not all about brute force," Makarov gave a passing glance at Lucy. If he could remember properly, Lucy was the only one able to deduce the location of The First Master's grave last S-Class Promotion Trials. However, at that time, she was not a nominee. She was a partner to Cana.
Makarov internally sighed. Majority of Fairy Tail guild members have proactively focused on their fighting skills, so much so that they have neglected their logical and abstract thinking skills. Makarov had hoped that, with time, at least some members would come to learn the value of strategic thinking; however, that was not the case, given the growing number of complaints from their clients and the citizens of Magnolia.
'Maybe, with this arrangement, the S-Class Mages can drill inside them the value of thinking first before acting. '
"Each group shall have their own S-Class Mentor," Makarov gestured towards the five Mages standing on the stage with him. "These mentors shall also serve as your trainer from today until the end of the S-Class Promotion Trials. You will be coordinating with them, and will be following their instructions to the last letter."
Makarov observed that Natsu was about to protest, probably because of the arrangement. Makarov looked at the pink-haired brat pointedly while he gestured his hand for the young one to pause. "The Trials shall consist of both strategic thinking and practical fight examinations to measure the members' collective eligibility to be promoted. The team with the highest overall points shall have all of its members promoted to S-Class Mage status. On the other hand, members of teams who have not reached the passing score shall have the option to challenge one S-Class Mage to a one-on-one duel. Should that challenger defeat their chosen S-Class Mage, he or she shall also be promoted. However, only that one winner-challenger shall be promoted, whereas his or her teammates will not.
"YOSH! I'M ALL FIRED UP!"
"Again, this arrangement would allow us to address all of our concerns with the number of S-Class Mage required for the Grand Magic Games, and to also have a holistic and more objective measurement of your abilities for a promotion. Now, I will be announcing the Teams along with their S-Class Mentors. Please be reminded that the selection of members is done strategically. Nominees, please come on stage to join your mentors. Are you ready?!" Makarov exclaimed in excitement.
"YES, MASTER!"
"Team Crush headed by Gildarts Clive. Members are Natsu Dragneel, Gray Fullbuster, and Freed Justine."
"YES!" came Natsu and Gray's collective cheers, alongside the claps from the audience.
"Team Demon headed by Mirajane Strauss. Members are Cana Alberona, Bickslow, and Loke."
"That's my daughter!" Gildarts exclaimed.
A gentle golden light flashed before Loke - Leo the Celestial Spirit of the Lion - appeared on the stage. "Lucy, I'm nominated!"
Makarov observed the exchanges, beaming with pride, before continuing, "Team Queen headed by Erza Scarlet. Members are Evergreen, Lisanna Strauss, and Juvia Lockser.
"Nooo! I want to be in Gray-sama's team!" came Juvia's cries, as tears began to flood the ground floor once again.
"JUVIA! THE FLOOR!" the audience whined before the water subsided.
"Team Mystery headed by Mystogan. Members are Elfman Strauss, Levy McGarden, and Gajeel Redfox."
"Gihi! Me and the missus are going to wipe yo silly little asses!" Gajeel grinned as they joined the masked figure in the stage.
"Last is Team Thunder headed by Laxus Dreyar. Members are Romeo Conbolt, Wendy Marvell," Makarov paused for a moment, hiding the sudden stop with a well-placed fake cough. How should he address Lucy? Should it be Lucy Heartfilia or Lucy Dreyar? "And Lucy." he simply said, just to be safe. The two blonds are probably keeping their marriage a secret.
"THAT'S MY SON!" Macao screamed from the audience, with tears flowing from his eyes.
Makarov proceeded to ask if the audience had further questions. Not one came up, but he added that missions would still need to be taken, and that they can just ask Mirajane for further instructions.
"Everyone, here are this years' S-Class Promotion Trial's Nominees. Let us all give them a warm round of applause!" The nominees were the first to climb down the stage, and then, the guild erupted into a full-blown party replete with the sounds of cheers, merriment, cries of joy, and crashing sounds of bottle shattering and chairs and tables being thrown from one place to another.
"OI! STOP DESTROYING THE GUILD!" Makarov screamed at the top of his lungs before he went down the stage, followed by the S-Class Mages. Makarov sighed in resignation. There goes another set of things that would reflect in the guild's expenditures for reparations.
Speaking of the guild itself, Makarov remembered something. He turned around to face the five S-Class Mages. "We need to conduct a meeting to finalize all the preparations for our departure. You may proceed to my office. Laxus, call Cana and Lucy. I have a letter from the First Master addressed to the three of you. It concerns the Three Great Fairy Magics ."