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Ice Heart

"Gray-sama..." A small voice begged. "Gray-sama would never hurt Natsu-san like this." The injured rain woman tried to clutch at the ice mage's cloak. "They're best friends-no-they're brothers. Please, stop, the Gray-sama that I love could never do this. Fairy Tail wizards always find a way to save their friends!"

"Juvia." The last Fullbuster's voice held rage, hate, and resolve. "This isn't the Natsu we knew. It's a demon. This is E.N.D. I vowed to destroy it for my father's sake and I must do so now. Natsu would want this." His gaze did not turn to face the woman once. His eyes were instead trained on the bloodied, struggling body of the vicious demon before him. This was the reason so much suffering had been created and why so many lives had been lost. He couldn't hesitate now that victory was in sight. Memories of his father urged him onward, shrugging the water witch away despite her pleading. This was the moment he had been waiting for for years. He would not fail now.

The beast before him did hold some semblance to his old friend, but the blood-lust in his eyes and morphed body gave the impression of a monster. There was nothing left of Natsu, now. Only patches of pink hair.

"Goodbye, END." Gray growled before delivering the final blow with his ice sword.

"G-ray-sa-"

No.

"J-ju-via?"

No.

Her body looked like a tragic ice sculpture. Like she had never been a living breathing girl. Rather, she was the shocked image of a woman being sliced open. The splashes of her body being hit by his ice was frozen in place.

No.

"Juvia!" He gasped, grabbing her icy image, praying that he could somehow will the ice to return his rain woman to him. Why would she do such a thing? Why protect END? Her face said it all. She had died, calling for him after all. It was for his own sake. So he wouldn't live on knowing he had killed his best friend. Because that guy wasn't the Gray she loved. That wasn't the Gray that showed her the clear skies for the first time in her life. She died protecting the Gray-sama she loved. And he would never hear her voice again.

"JUVIAAAA!!!!!!"

Royal Chains

Sharrkan knew he was a weak man. He was a spineless wimp, but yet he was known as one of the best swordsmen in the seven kingdoms and a worthy prince of the throne to Heliohapt the moment his older brother decided it was time to hand him the reigns.

"You were born of the late King's wife, after all." Armakan, his half brother, used to say with an easy, understanding smile on his features. Their relationship was odd, as they were brothers and yet, from birth they were pitted against each other for the crown. Armakan had known there was nothing a small eight year old could do in the face of grown ups commanding him to take the throne from his sibling. Armakan's counsel was likely arguing the same. He'd always wanted to be closer... like a real family.

The day the letter came, Sharrkan had been taken by surprise. His brother, after all was still a young, capable man. Why should he decide to abdicate so suddenly.

"It's time, my brother. Although I was graced with the power to rule our kingdom these last sixteen years, I feel it is in the best interest of the people to allow them to be ruled by rightfully traditional blood. Before you were much too young, and after the events involving the Al Thamen, I am aware that you have come to learn much in your time in Sindria and are indeed suitable to take the throne. I've looked forward to the day when I would get to see the capable ruler you've grown into.

Armakan"

"Stupid Swordsman! You're blocking the hallway and Ja'far and I have better things to do than stand here with my arms full." And annoyed woman's voice called him back to his thoughts.

"O-oh! Yam! Ja'far- right, sorry." He excused himself immediately, returning to his chambers. He was expected back in Heliohapt soon, within the month in fact. His thoughts were swimming with memories of the past sixteen years. He'd visited his country about three times a year for but a night, and he knew his ties there were strong... but ruling? He'd never be able to leave his people to simply visit all the friends he'd made.

"-I said hello!" Yam's face popped through his door. The swordsman jumped at the new arrival.
"How long have you been standing there?"
"A couple minutes. You're really out of it today, are you sick? Sin would have me make you some medicine..."
"Hm? Oh no, no, nothing like that. I-uh-I got a letter from my brother."
"The king in Heliohapt?"
"That's the one!" He managed a grin, trying to gather himself again. "He's decided it's time for me to take over."
"Take over... what?"
"The kingdom."
"The..." Her sentence wasn't finished because the woman was stifling a giggle.
"Hey! What are you laughing at?!" This was a serious talk. How could she not see that.
"Yeah, ok King Sharrkan. Oooh. Hahaha!"
"Shut up, you crazy witch!" He growled, pulling her cheeks in odd directions. "I'm super ready to be king! I'll have servants and concubines and-"
"Aend pepel teh tak car owf-" The worked to swat away his grip. "You can hardly take care of yourself let alone an entire kingdom, idiot."
"Well I'll have plenty of people to take care of me once I get there, unlike Sindria. Not to mention the women there don't go on and on about some silly spell and would be so overjoyed when they see my handsome face again."
"Yes, overjoyed the baby has returned... still as a baby."
"Exact-hey! I grew up. I'm a man now. I'm old enough to be king. Armakan took the throne much younger age than me, you know."
"I've met him. I believe it was about six years ago? So noble and handsome... It's hard to believe you two are related!"
"Ha! Well..." How easy it had been to build himself up when he argued with the sea witch. He'd almost forgotten his worries, almost.
"Well, I'm leaving. And soon. So be sure to memorize this face before then. You'll be missing it." He said, knowing at the very least, she'd be happy to have him out of his hair.
"Don't look so serious, you'll make me think you're actually sick." She huffed a bit more quietly.
"I'll miss you." The words escaped him before he'd been able to remember that they were supposed to hate each other. So uncool. Yam's bright blue eyes widened momentarily, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.
"I-I-I won't miss you! Stupid swordsman!" She burst before storming off down the hall. Sharr could only laugh at her before getting to work on taking proper precautions.

~~~

"If this is how you solve conflict, I feel sorry for your country." Yam piped up. It was the night before the prince would leave for Heliohapt and festivities were as lively and raucus as ever. Of course, Sin couldn't be more supportive of his long time friend returning to his kingdom as a king-to-be, making him promises of visits and lasting friendships. The other generals were also supportive and wishing him well.

Currently, the buzzing Heliohapt prince was picking a fight with a similarly swaying King.
"Come on, King Sin! Fight me! I've wanted to beat you since we were little. What? Are you scared I'm going to win?" His obnoxious laugh amplified the already boisterous background noise.
"Witch!" He rounded on the blue haired magician. "Wouldja shut your mouth for five seconds so I can beat the king?"
"Like you'd even stand a chance like that!"
"Ha! Jokes on you because I fight better drunk."
"You wish!"
"Scared I'm gonna hurt him?"
"Not at all. I'm more scared you're going to embarrass your country before you even get the chance to rule!"
"Dammit! Shut up!"
"Make me!"
"Fine!" He drew his sword, pointing the tip at her throat. "Fight me and you'll have no choice but to acknowledge me."
"I wouldn't want to embarrass the king of idiots."
"Coward."
"Ha! When I win, give me some of your royal treasure."

The pair nearly raced to the training grounds, Sharrkan only stumbling a bit behind his rival.
~
"Ow-ow-owwwww!" The swordsman winced as the witch applied treatment to the singed skin on his arm. He was quickly tsked and whacked over the head for moving too much.
Yam may not consider him a friend in the same way the other generals did, but she was always meticulous in her care. If it hadn't been for her speedy and precise repair of his wounds, he might not have been able to continue fighting with her like this.
"Why do you have to keep saying things like that?" He wished to know.
"I didn't say anything. Did you hit your head too hard back there?"
"You know what I mean. About me becoming king. Why do you think it's so ridiculous. I'm the first prince to be born of Queen Patra, the King's First wife. Sure Armakan was older, but we both knew this day would come eventually." He tried to search her face, but couldn't see through the veil of blue. "Answer me seriously." The witch didn't even stop her work for a moment, answering as though it were the most obvious response in the world.
"The Sharrkan I know isn't a king. He's too loud and playful. He doesn't take anything seriously except a good fight. He hasn't spent hardly a month in his kingdom since he left. He's more interested in pretty women than being careful about selecting the right wife for his country. He's still such a child- ow!" She flinched at a surprise flick to her temple.
"What the hell?"
"Why can't you look me in the face when you badmouth me? Like you always do."
"Because..." She huffed, hardly able to meet his serious gaze. "Your wound. It needs to be treated."
"Then finish what you're going to say to my face and then get back to it."
"Why should I do that just because you tell me to?"
"Yam. Tonight-just tonight- can you take me seriously? Please?" He looked at her earnestly.
"You're still a child sometimes and you're careless. I can't count how many times you've almost gotten killed, especially when we faced the Al Thamen and... your back... it was in really bad shape. It took so long for you to recover... It's like no one in this damn castle can remember I'm not a trained medic. I'm a genius, sure, but I never knew... if I'd be able to save you or not. Your skin is so dark but I'd never seen you so pale." Her voice wavered, eyes searching for other things to look at. "Besides that, I don't know. It's hard to see you as a king. You never talked about it before." She finished, returning her attention to the injury at hand, quickly patching it up and coming to stand, leaving the intimate space they had just occupied together.

"It's not like I thought I would get this huge responsibility this suddenly. It's not like I don't want it." He protested, scrambling to stand and follow her.
"Do you?"
"Huh?"
"Do you really want to be king?" She clarified, turning to face him. "You're done with being a general and living in Sindria? Just like that?"
The prince's lips twitched, hesitating. She looked like divine judgement, daring him to lie and be smited.

"Yes." He said. In all honesty, he wasn't even sure if it was the truth or not. What he did know was that whether he wanted to or not, he was going to Heliohapt at first light tomorrow and he was going to try his damndest to be the king she apparently didn't believe he could be. She deflated visibly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Well, that's that I suppose." She muttered, "If it's what you want, then you'll be fine, I'm sure." She sighed, turning on him again and stalking away.
"Yam!" He called after the witch. He was filled with so many emotions he was shaking. "I'll make you sorry you didn't believe in me! Next time we see each other you'll have no choice but to bow at my majesty!" He called. That second part didn't exactly feel right on his tongue. Still, it sucked to hear his rival badmouth him like that. Did she really find him so pathetic?
...I'd never seen you so pale...

Whatever. Where was a strong drink when you needed one? This was his going away party after all.

~

"Hurry, Shar! Do you want to make your boat or not?" A bouncing Pisti tugged along the wobbling swordsman.
"Stop jiggling me or I'm gonna hurl..." He moaned, practically crawling at this point."
"Sharrkan! Need a hand there?" A deep, manly voice sounded just next too him.
"Hinahoho!" Pisti chimed happily. "Mind lending his royalness a hand?" She giggled.
"With pleasure."
"N-no, please-" The Imachukk giant lifted Sharrkan with ease, lofting the dizzy man over his shoulder and jogging for the docks.
Kill me now. Please. His aching mind pleaded.

"-arr!" A voice sounded from far away. "Sharrrr!" It was louder this time. At this point he was too busy trying to find a stationary point to focus on to notice who was calling.
"Good! You haven't left yet. Hinahoho! Good morning."
"Good morning, Yam. I thought you'd still be asleep this early in the morning."
"Oh, um, not today! I almost forgot to give Sharrkan something before he left."
Allowing himself to bring his head up slowly, the former general came dangerously close face to face with the sea witch.
"Aah-er- what did you want?" He asked, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. Her eyes were bright and determined, though the shadows beneath them were unmistakable. Had she slept at all last night? The next thing he knew she was shoving some kind of shell in his face.
"Here. A going away present." She stated bluntly. She'd gone through the trouble to get him a present? Then again what was he going to do with a shell? Maybe wish he were near the sea... or remind him of her...
"You didn't have to-"
"I thought I'd make some for all the generals. They're communication shells. So even if we're far away, we can stay connected. I also made a note with instructions..." She remembered rummaging through her bag.

She actually wanted to stay in touch with him. She must care more than he thought? Though it was for all the generals too... He took the instructions thankfully, pocketing them in his bag along with the carefully wrapped communication shell.

Continued (Part 2)

"Hey Hina, let me down for a bit. I want to thank her properly." He said.
"Oh no! No need. I'll be on my way. You wouldn't want to be late for your boat. I'll... just head back now." She made to leave.
"Wait! Ah, thanks Hina. Wait! Yam!" Sharrkan ran a bit to catch her before she could get too far. He grabbed her wrist, turning her to face him again so he could hug her properly. It was something he'd never done before, not even when they were children. He'd been a bit afraid of the witch, to be honest.
"Thank you, Yam. I'll definitely stay in touch."
"Ah-haha- don't be so serious like that. You're gonna have a kingdom to take care of, you know..."
"I promise I will. I'll show you what a great king I'll be and make you eat your words."
"Huh?"

A loud siren sounded, signaling the ship would be leaving soon.
"I have to go! Take care Yam! Get some sleep, wouldja?" He called, waving behind him as he ran off. He couldn't quite place the uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach. Perhaps something akin to longing? No...

"Sharrkan!!!" Yam? "Sharrkan! I'll miss you too! Be sure to contact us! If you don't I'm going to kill you!" The witch's strained voice reached him and he felt his heart swell uncomfortably. He really would miss her too. He felt like he could really run forward now, so he did, beaming.

What the hell? Three years and when he returns for a surprise visit, half of the generals are gone. Even the sea witch apparently got a better gig being the dean of some magic school.
"And Masrur is in... Ream?" Heliohapt's King clarified with Ja'far.
"Yes. He's even got a couple kids now."
"Wha? No way. That wall of a man... The others too?"
"If you're asking about Yam, she seems to busy to bother with a relationship. Pisti is trying to get Spartos to come visit Artemyra, but Hinahoho keeps warning him against it. I can't imagine why..."
Sharrkan was surprised the assassin had put it so bluntly. He hadn't been asking about her specifically... Why did he bring it up?! The whole situation had him flustered.
"I-i wasn't. For the record- asking about her." He blushed, fidgeting with his chains.
"Probably for the best. She was pretty mad when you stopped checking in every month or so."
"She was?"
Ja'far gave him a pointed, annoyed glare. "I'm not going to be the middle man here. As glad as I am to see you, I'm up to my ears with work and Sin is off on diplomatic business, which you would know had you called before hand. I'll see you for the banquet later."
"Ah... Alright."

~~~

He ended up going to visit her. He didn't know what had possessed him, maybe guilt, maybe curiosity, or maybe because he actually had missed her. Calling had been tough. He could hear everyone, sure, but it wasn't the same as seeing them in person, with the facial expressions the fighting, half the fun was being together.

So now he was standing at the school gates, wondering how idiotic he must look to the bystanders passing by him. When he saw her, she would boil him alive. The thought both terrified and excited him, and that only scared him more.

"K-k-King Sharrkan!" A voice squeaked from behind him.
"Hm?" Said man turned to whatever noise had just been made only to be faced with empty space.
"My name is Sphintus! Fifth son of Ramahep, an old noble family. It's an honor to be in your presence!"
Looking down, the swordsman noticed the young man on his hands and knees, bowing deeply to him.
"Ah, so you know who I am then?" He couldn't help the prideful grin growing on his features. He couldn't wait to run this in the witch's face.
"Sphintus. It's nice to meet you. I'm well aware of the misfortune that befell your family. I'm glad to see you're doing well. I'm actually here to-"
"IDIOT SWORDSMAAAAANNNN!!!" Fury incarnate seethed, sounding as though it was heading for him at an incredibly fast pace. Before he could react, he was flat on his back, looking up at a distraught heliohapt and the goddess herself.

Witch. He meant witch.

"Sphintus. Get up. No one needs to bow to this idiot." Yam huffed, crossing her arms.
"Aw, Yam. I come all the way to see you and this is how you greet me?" He smiled, what had he been so afraid of again? "I've already got respect from your student and the rest of the country, care to join the club?" He stood, brushing his clothes off. The poor boy Sphintus looked about ready to split his head in half or faint, whichever came first. "You don't have to worry. We're always like this. Go ahead. It was nice meeting you. Good luck learning anything from this crazy one." He laughed, earning him a familiar whack to the back of his head.
"At least he's wisened up to magic. I win on that fro-wha-Sharr-" she was cut off mid sentence by a surprisingly strong hug.
"I really missed you. I'm sorry I stopped calling. It was too hard not being there."
Her pale hand, poised to hit him stopped and instead rested on his soft white hair.
"I missed you too. A lot. I'm still mad at you." She responded softly, feeling unnaturally comfortable in the embrace.
"I leave in three days. Can you forgive me until then."
"Ok." She chuckled, "But only until then."

~~~

"So... this is where the magic happens?"

"Not just here, dummy. It happens anytime, anywhere. This is my office, though." Yam motioned for Sharrkan to take a seat while she tried to clear some of the mess of papers away from her desk.

"Why do I get the feeling that you're about to scold me? Please don't send me to detention, Professor Yam!" Sharrkan grinned.

"Well, there is plenty to scold you for, but we did just make a truce a few minutes ago, so I suppose I'll let you off the hook." She smiled back. The two looked at each other for a moment warmly, a million things they wish could be said, running through their minds, but knowing far too much time had passed to let such things be spoken aloud.

"Well..." Yam began, twirling a pencil between her fingers.

"Y-yes?"

"Aren't you gonna ask?"

"Ask?! Ask what?"

"Well, I know you didn't come all this way to just stare at me for three days, so go ahead and ask.

Soumako on a Rainy Sunday

The rain's melody pittered Sousuke awake. It was a sweet gift to become slowly aware of the warmth enveloping him in the form of a lazy arm and the gentle huff of breath against his left shoulder. Makoto was sleeping soundly, his mouth slacked open in an endearingly innocent fashion. Sousuke prayed a silent thanks to the rain for the perfect moment. He didn't dare make a noise or a move to disturb the ethereal man's slumber, but instead watched the gentle rise and fall of his chest until sleep stole away the watchman once more. The memory faded into a precious dream.

"Sousuke! I knew it was your head popping up above everyone else. I didn't know you were visiting. Are you here with Gou?"

"Sort of, though I've lost her somewhere in the crowd."

"Should I help you look?"

"No-er- she'll be fine. She'll find me when she's ready. Us tall people are easy to find in crowds, right?" He grinned, glancing again over to the band playing. There was a small crowd jumping and dancing to the happy beat. Sousuke turned his attention back to Makoto, but he was also watching the joyous spectacle. The policeman opened his mouth, the question dangling on the tip of his tongue. Would you-
"-Join me for this song. Nagisa's abandoned me and I like this one." Makoto's playful smile bewitched Sousuke's poor soul speechless as he was pulled along into the crowd. He stood awkwardly for a moment while Makoto pumped his fists and snaked his body to the beat. How did Sousuke dance again? He was frozen in a panic, watching his chance slip away with the farmer's sympathetic expression.

"Here. Just use your arms like this and go back and forth." Makoto's hands were gentle as they delicately took Sousuke's wrists and started to move them from side to side. Slowly, dumbly, Sousuke began to follow suit, remembering how to step from one foot to the other and haphazardly move his arms to some of the beat. He felt an ache in his chest when Makoto let his hand go to return to his dancing but at least now Sousuke could enjoy watching the man move and enjoy himself amidst the festival goers.

The final notes faded into a softer, gentle tune, signaling the change of mood.
"Thanks for joining me, how about we find our friends now?" Makoto started to walk away, but Sousuke grabbed his wrist to stop him.
"Wait! I, um, I like this one." Sousuke could feel his cheeks blush at how forward he was being, but he had to do this and keep the promise he'd made to himself and Gou. Makoto looked a little unsure given the cop's last performance.

"Ok, well there's nothing wrong with two friend's slow dancing. I know a little so I can lead I guess-"

"I'll lead." Sousuke instructed, placing Makoto's hands on his shoulder and arm before taking the complementary position. The first step was shorter, testing the waters, and then Sousuke moved more confidently, smoothly gliding himself and Makoto in an intimate circle.

"So you do dance?" Makoto blushed in surprise.

"I had to learn some ballroom with Gou and her brother when I was younger. I liked it more than I expected."

"I see, well you're very good. I'm trying to keep up this time around." He chuckled.

"I couldn't let you think I was completely hopeless."

"I could never."

"Good." Sousuke smirked, earning himself a mildly confused expression from his partner. He could feel himself slowly get more and more carried away by the gentle thrumming of the guitar and the warmth of Makoto's body so close to him.

"Thanks for the dance, Sousuke. Let's go find Nagisa, he's probably stuffing his face by the takoyaki stand." Makoto chuckled as they left the dance floor.

The lanterns cast against the night sky made Sousuke wistful and he felt it. He felt that moment he had been hoping for. He just had to be brave enough to reach for it.

"Makoto?" Sousuke began.
"Hm?"
"Can I take you out on a date?"
"Huh-wait-what?" The flustered farmer blushed profusely, stopping in his tracks to face Sousuke. His expression was searching, trying to confirm if he was being teased or not.
"I've actually liked you for some time- probably since I met you- and I've been stumbling all over myself because I don't know what to do with myself," He chuckled at himself, "It's really embarrassing, but, I want to see you more and get to know you. So, can I take you on a date?" He could feel his chest relax in relief after confessing his feelings, then swell soon after in anticipation. He just had to let him know and-

"I thought - you and Gou?"

"We're just friends, actually. I never got to clarify before. Actually, she was helping get up the courage to finally-"

"I can't." Makoto looked almost as heartbroken as Sousuke felt, not that he would let it show, "I'm so-"

"No. Really. Don't worry about it."

"I just- you spoke so sincerely, so I think you deserve to know." He paused to take a breath, "I'm dealing with a loss right now, but even despite that, I'm... well..." Makoto's lip twitched, as he struggled with the words. Sousuke responded before Makoto could find them.

"You're in love with Haru."

"Yeah... I'm so-"

"I get it. I've fallen for a close friend before also."

"G-Gou?"

"Her brother, actually."

"Oh."

"Do you know how he feels?"

"He... we dated briefly, but broke up. He's interested in someone else right now anyways."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Oh come on, don't you start apologizing now when you won't even let me say sorry." Makoto huffed.

"You're right. What are we going to do if we can't blame ourselves?" He offered a small smile. "Listen, it's my fault for changing the tone of things. I'll let you get back to enjoying the festival with Nagisa-"

"Wait, don't go! We were having so much fun. Let's just enjoy the night. There's good food and I guarantee you Mr. Hazuki is going to get drunk and start recounting the time he fought a wild boar."

"You make a compelling argument, but I should really find Gou. She likes to go to bed early and I drove her here anyways." He explained, "I'll see you around, Makoto." With that, he started walking off.

"Wait! Sousuke!" The farmer hustled to stop him. "You're going the wrong direction. Just come eat some takoyaki with me and I'll show you the way out.

Kougyoku x Judal

"Ew! Judal! You're dripping peach juice all over the bed! These sheets were just washed, too." The red-headed Kougyoku fumed as she swatted the magician roughly with a pillow. "Why can't you sit at the table while you have your snack?" The princess growled as she went about sifting through some documents her attendant just dropped off.

"Bed is comfier." Was the magi's lazy reply as he continued to munch on the fruit. The sticky juice was rolling down from his hand to his forearm and ultimately ending up on the princess's comforter. "Besides, It's not like they won't just get cleaned again. And you're leaving soon for Sindria."

"That doesn't mean you need to make life harder on the staff." Kougyoku grumbled.

"I can leave if you'd prefer?"

"That would be so kind of you, thank you for the offer." Her tone barely hid the sarcasm and annoyance. He supposed it was rather early to start pushing the princess's buttons, but Judal was itching for trouble lately for reasons beyond him. He chalked it up to the worsening summer heat. Kougyoku continued to ignore him as she reviewed her letters. Unfortunately, this only made Judal more irritated as this was all the princess seemed to be doing as of late in preparation for her move to Sindria and marriage to King Sinbad.

Judal was sucking in the peach pit by the time his annoyance overcame his laziness and he floated over the princess, sticking the pit out of his mouth and touching her squishy cheek with it.