A/N: Episode 199.

Enjoy!

edited on april 18th, 2025 @ 11:56pm

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𝓒𝙷𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙴𝚁 𝙵𝙾𝚁𝚃𝚈-𝚂𝙸𝚇,
𝓣𝙷𝙴 𝙶𝚁𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙱𝙰𝙻𝙻.

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Several days after the Grand Magic Games . . .

𝗬𝗨𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗢 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗔 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗠 as she was dressed in a ball gown, her arms being placed under her breasts as she released a sigh.

"Do I really have to wear these clothes?" Yukino asked.

"Yeah! And they look great on you!" Lucy replied.

"You look lovely, Yukino." Mira complimented.

Lisanna was struggling with her corset. "Mira-nee, I need a hand over here." She told her sister.

"Everything looks good on Yukino-san." Wendy commented as Yukino looked down.

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Outside of the ruined city of Crocus, the townspeople were chatting about the dragon fight.

"Did you guys hear about it? During that last emergency evacuation, a dragon attacked the land near the castle."

"Balderdash! Everyone knows they don't exist!"

"But there are witnesses!"

"It was probably the wizards' Magic." A nearby waitress informed.

"That reminds me, there's a party for the wizards in the palace tonight."

"Lucky them!"

"Wizards have never been to the palace before."

"That just goes to show what a hit the Games were this time."

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The Fairy Tail girls plus Yukino entered the ballroom, looking around the place in awe. "Wow!" Wendy exclaimed.

"Hey, you came!" Elfman greeted.

"You're late!" Cana stated, pouring a bottle of wine in her mouth.

"You should never wear a suit." Gray told Gajeel.

"And you should've worn somethin'." Gajeel retorted, seeing Gray shirtless.

"Over here. All of the other guild members have gathered, too." Erza informed.

"Huh? Natsu's not with you?" Gray questioned.

"Come to think of it, I haven't seen him." Gajeel realized.

All of the guilds were talking amongst themselves. "A Man needs to eat!" Elfman exclaimed.

"Yeah!" Gray agreed.

"Booze! Give me booze!" Cana shouted.

"Hey, Cana! We're in the palace!" Macao scolded.

"The king sure is generous." Lily commented.

"Aye, sir!"

"To invite all those roughnecks to the palace..." Carla trailed off.

"I suppose it should be expected, but I've never seen this much opulence." Jenny claimed.

"It's a dazzling world of its own!" Ichiya exclaimed.

"Hooray for King Ichiya!" The Trimens cheered.

"Yon trio, play that tune in b-flat!" Ichiya said to a nearby orchestra.

"'That tune'?"

"I don't know, either!"

Cana and Bacchus clunked their mugs together. "Shall we match mugs again?" Bacchus challenged.

"You're on. And I'm not gonna lose this time!" Cana claimed.

"Wild Four!"

Kagura was wearing a purple ball gown and her hair was tied up in a bun. "I told you it doesn't suit me!" She complained.

"Just the opposite! It suits you to a T!" Beth complimented.

"You're beautiful, Kagura." Arana said.

"Better not underestimate Kagura!" Risley added while Millianna stayed silent with her head low.

"Who'd ever think we'd be invited to the palace?" Makarov questioned with Yajima at his side along with Goldmine and Bob.

"Some things do change." Yajima said.

And on July 7th... we beat what's known as fate!

"Sting."

Sting glanced over, seeing Samuel dressed in a black dress shirt with a blue blazer over it, black dress pants, and black dress shoes. His hands were in his pockets. Rogue, Rufus, Orga, Lector, and Frosch were with him.

"Oh, hey, Sam." Sting greeted.

"Heard you got a promotion. Sabertooth's new guild master, huh?" Samuel asked.

"Yeah. It was kind of sudden." Sting replied. "Anyway, I'm glad you're alive, Sam."

Lucy was stuffing her face with a piece of pie. "Lucy-san!" Hisui called out, causing the blonde to quickly swallow her food.

"Princess Hisui!"

Lucy and Hisui began talking. "So you are related to the Heartfilia conglomerate!" Hisui was saying as Lucy laughed.

"That was a long time ago, though." She said.

"I was a friend of your father's." Hisui revealed.

"Really?!" Lucy responded in shock.

"Even though he was a great help to me, I've given you nothing but grief."

Lucy smiled sheepishly. "Oh, no, I'm a guild wizard. Trouble comes with the territory." She reassured.

"By the way, I noticed that you're not with the boy with the cherry blossom-colored hair." Hisui pointed out, referring to Natsu.

"Come to think of it, I wonder where he is." Lucy stated.

Gray was currently eating a chicken leg. "Gray-sama..." He heard Juvia's voice, causing him to turn.

"I've become Juvia, version 2.0." Juvia announced.

"Since when have you been like a machine?" Gray questioned.

"And now Juvia is plunging into a new age."

"Uh..."

"Gray-sama, I love you!" Juvia exclaimed, rushing towards Gray for a hug.

"No thank you!" Gray rejected, moving out of the way as Juvia crashed to the ground. Gray turned to look at her. "I've also entered a new age. When I don't like something, I'm gonna be brutally honest about it."

Juvia looks up in disbelief as she was in tears. She soon got hearts floating around her. "Gray-sama, you're so dreamy even when you scold Juvia!" She exclaimed.

Gray flinched back. "The new version is worse than the old!" He claimed.

"Don't talk like that, Gray."

Gray and Juvia turned to see Lyon walking towards them with Yuka and Toby behind him.

"Lyon!"

"I got the message loud and clear today. Juvia isn't interested in me." Lyon said.

"Finally!" Yuka and Toby spoke in disbelief.

"Anyway, I wonder where Natsu went." Gray stated.

"It's hard to believe Natsu-san's not at a noisy place." Juvia agreed.

Wendy and Sherria were staring at some jello. "Check it out, Sherria! It looks like a jewel!" Wendy exclaimed.

"Beautiful, isn't it? I wonder what it tastes like." Sherria agreed as the two girls took a bite.

"Delicious!"

"It looks delicious." Wendy heard Mavis's voice.

"Stare..."

"First Master!" Wendy exclaimed.

"Is something wrong?" Sherria questioned.

"Oh no, it's nothing." Wendy reassured, leaving Sherria confused. "Only Fairy Tail members can see our First Master." Wendy reminded herself.

"I want to eat that, too." Mavis said.

"Please restrain yourself. You're a ghost, remember." Wendy told her as Sherria walked away. "By the way, First Master, have you seen Natsu-san?"

"No."

"That's strange. He's always the one who stands out the most at this kind of event." Wendy muttered to herself.

"Wendy! There's something near me! Help!" Sherria shouted, referring to Mavis who was staring at her jello.

"Natsu ain't here?" Bickslow questioned.

"Normally, he'd be running wild right where we're standing." Evergreen responded as a few girls were crowded around Laxus.

"Laxus-sama!"

"You're so muscular!"

"Hey! Don't fawn on Laxus!" Freed shouted.

"Lu-chan and the others haven't seen him today either." Levy informed.

"We're talkin' about Natsu, so there's nothing to worry about." Jet reassured.

"He's probably sleepin' somewhere." Warren claimed.

"I did hear he had a pretty tough battle with Future Rogue." Kali added.

Kagura was walking around the ballroom as she nearly tripped. "Jeez. It's hard to walk in these." She muttered to herself.

She glanced over, seeing Erza walking towards her. "How are your injuries, Kagura?" Erza asked.

"I could ask you the same." Kagura replied.

"We've been through a lot... but can we come out of it as friends?" Erza suggested.

"I decline." Kagura said, making Erza get taken aback. "I was hoping you would become more like an older sister."

"Well, who knew? You're actually cute." Erza said, hugging Kagura close to her.

"I was obviously kidding, you numbskull!" Kagura exclaimed as her guildmates laughed.

"Kagura has totally ruined her image, too."

Erza then turned to Millianna. "Millianna, how long are you going to mope around?" She questioned as she reached into her breasts, confusing Kagura. "Only one thing I can do for you."

"Here." Erza pulled out Happy.

"Feelin' spiffy!" Happy exclaimed.

"A kitty-cat!" Millianna said but then went back to her sour mood.

Erza pulled out Carla and Lily. "Here! Look!" She announced.

"Lots of kitty-cats!" Millianna exclaimed, hugging Happy, Carla, and Lily.

"Hey, we're not stuffed animals!" Lily claimed.

"Aye, sir!" Happy agreed. 

"Erza!" Carla shouted.

Millianna tugged at Happy's cheeks. "Squishy-squishy-squish!"

"Happy, why isn't Natsu here?" Erza questioned.

"I don't know!" Happy answered.

"Not showing up at a time like this... Has something happened?" Erza wondered.

Sting carried two glasses and a bottle of champagne. "Natsu-san! Have a drink with me!" He exclaimed.

"Come on, Natsu-kun!" Lector added.

This grab the attention of Gajeel. "The Salamander ain't here." He informed.

"Huh? And I was thinking we could make a toast to friendship..." Sting said.

"Looks like your plan didn't work." Lector told him.

"Fro thinks so, too."

Rogue soon joined them. "Ryos!" Gajeel greeted.

"Don't call me that. It's Rogue." Rogue corrected.

"Do you know about the guy who came from the future?" Gajeel asked.

Rogue scratched his head sheepishly. "Yeah, I do. Even though he's me, it's pathetic. But I'm not gonna become that guy, ever!" He replied.

"Fro thinks so, too!"

His statement caused Gajeel to grin as Sting moved closer to him. "I'll make do with you, Gajeel-san! Let's have a drink!" Sting offered.

"Y'know, you're outright rude!" Gajeel insulted.

"He just has no social graces, so please become friends with him." Lector chimes in.

"He actually seems cheerful." Orga commented.

"I have no memory of Sting being like this." Rufus claimed as Sting was pouring champagne in Gajeel's glass happily.

Gajeel and Sting clinked their glasses together. "A toast to friendship between fairies and tigers!" Sting announced, letting out a laugh.

Yukino was walking with Lucy and Mira, stopping in front of her former guildmates.

"Yukino!" Frosch exclaimed, oblivious to the tense atmosphere.

"I-I'm sorry!" Yukino apologized, turning to leave.

"Wait!" Sting called out, preventing her from rushing off. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were here. Master and his daughter have disappeared. We're going to start over. We're gonna remake Sabertooth from the ground up! We were, um... far from kind to you. But I wanna make a guild that treasures its members."

"And why are you telling me this?" Yukino asked.

"I want you to come back... although that might be asking too much." Sting replied.

"Of course! That's asking for so much, it's ridiculous!"

"Kagura-sama!"

"Yukino's life belongs to me. She's joining Mermaid Heel, and I'll brook no objections!" Kagura announced.

"What?!"

Yukino gasped as Sting walked over to Kagura. "You're drunk!" He accused.

"Shut up! Yukino belongs to Mermaid!" Kagura argued.

"Wait!"

Sting and Kagura turned. "We can't stay silent in this matter, either." Erza claimed.

"That's a Man."

"That's right! The way things have been going, it's natural for her to join our guild!" Lucy said.

"Yeah!" Gray agreed.

"Juvia doesn't need any more competition to be Gray-sama's bride, but..." Juvia started to say.

"We have similar characteristics, but..." Lisanna trailed off.

"Even everyone in Fairy Tail..." Yukino muttered.

"We disagree. If a beautiful woman like you..." Eve started to say.

"... joins us in Blue Pegasus..."

"... you'll shine."

"Sniff-sniff! I smell a sweet, beautiful parfum!" Ichiya said.

"Join us!" Jenny stated.

"If it's come to this, then Lamia Scale shall also take part in the battle for Yukino." Lyon claimed. Yuka and Toby were with him while Jura and Sherry stood off to the side.

"What's the point of competing?" Jura asked.

"Join us!" Toby exclaimed.

"Don't get mad about it." Yuka scolded.

"In a guild that reeks of men, one beauty would make my soul tremble! I don't care about the tournament, but we will win this battle!" Bacchus shouted as his guildmates agreed with his statement.

"W-Wait. Everyone..." Yukino waved her hands, trying to defuse the situation.

"Let's go for it!" Makarov exclaimed.

"This is a perfect way to forget about the tournament." Goldmine claimed.

"You'll spin!" Obaba announced.

"The blood from my youthful days is bubbling up!" Bob added.

"Even the masters! What should we do?!" Wendy asked worriedly.

"That's love for you." Sherria replied.

Soon enough, all of the guilds began fighting one another.

"C'mere you!"

"You dirty bastard!"

"Let's stop this!"

"Get 'em!"

"Rip out Makarov's hair!" Obaba exclaimed.

"Keep your clothes on, old biddy!" Makarov replied.

"It's a melee!"

The palace ballroom was a mess as food was thrown on the ground from the tables due to all the fighting. Tears began running down Yukino's face.

"It's nothing to cry about." Mira informed.

"But... even if it's not true... I'm so happy." Yukino said.

Mira sent her a close-eyed smile. "You're smiling at last." She noticed.

"Look at all the places where you belong."

"Yes."

Arcadios soon stepped out. "Everyone! That's enough!" He slammed his sword on the ground, making everyone stop fighting. "You showed great valor during the Grand Magic Games, and your efforts saved the country. His Majesty would express his appreciation directly, so take heed!"

"King!" Asuka shouted, waving her arms as Bisca shushed her.

The doors soon opened as everyone waited for the king to arrive.

"Wha?!" Lucy questioned as she saw who it was.

Natsu soon appeared, wearing the king's crown. "My subjects! Make yourselves comfortable!" He laughed.

"Give that back-kabo!" Toma said as everyone was stunned.

"I'm the king! I became the king!" Natsu announced, extending his arms up as he laughed once more.

Erza placed her hand over her eyes in embarrassment. "Garou Knights, if you would..." Arcadios ordered.

"W-We can't beat him..."

Makarov looked like he was about to pass out. "Give it back-kabo!" Toma stated.

"Oh, come on! We won, right?" Natsu said.

"Give it back-kabo!"

"Let me be the king, too! You're all my followers!"

"You're taking that too far." Lucy commented.

"Aye, sir!" Happy agreed.

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Everyone had continued on with their evening, dancing with their dance partners of choice.

The curtains closed on the Grand Magic Games with Fairy Tail's victory, the battle involving the past and future was over, and Natsu and his friends enjoyed the grand ball at the royal palace.

However...

Natsu was eating some chicken before he almost choked. Lucy handed him a glass of water.

"Here, water."

Natsu takes the water and gulps it down. "Your hopeless." Lucy told him.

"Father..."

Hisui's voice brought the attention of Natsu and Lucy. She was standing in front of Toma who had royal guards with him. "Hisui..." Toma mumbled.

"I deeply apologize for what happened." Hisui bowed. "I'm prepared to accept my just punishment as soon as this party is over."

"Princess Hisui..." Lucy muttered.

"Please wait." Arcadios spoke up.

"Hm? Arcadios-sama!" Hisui exclaimed.

"The princess originally implemented the Eclipse Project to annihilate Lord Zeref. Then she moved on to Eclipse 2 after being tricked by the Future Rogue, believing it would repel the invasion of Fiore by 10,000 dragons." Arcadios explained.

"In other words, she did it all for the sake of this country." Darton added.

"Darton..."

"That's not all!" Lucy spoke up. "She did her best to protect the future of this world!"

"Yes. The princess is not at fault here." Erza agreed.

"I concur."

"I would make allowances."

"I say let it be water under the bridge! Thanks to her, we wizards came together as one." Natsu chimed in.

"Aye, sir!" Happy agreed.

"Yeah, you can say that again." Laxus added.

"If it weren't for an occasion like this, we may never have united." Jura claimed.

Hisui covered her mouth. "Everyone..."

"Juvia and Gray-sama also united!" Juvia exclaimed, hugging onto Gray's arm.

"No, we did not!" Gray disagreed.

"I'm grateful for it all, too." Sting admitted.

"Yeah. I feel like I've received something valuable." Rogue agreed.

"Fro thinks so, too!"

"That's right! The unity within Sabertooth is stronger than before!" Lector said.

"Exactly! And so, I'll render our verdict! Princess Hisui is innocent! I shall brook no dissent!" Kagura said.

"You'd better not underestimate Kagura!" Risley added.

"That's right!"

"At ease, ladies!" Erza said.

"You're only complicating things." Gray informed.

"What's that?!" Kagura shouted.

"You're the ones that are complicating it!" Beth claimed.

"You are standing before His Majesty!" Arcadios reminded, slamming his sword down once more.

Toma closed his eyes. "I understand how all of you feel. However, I must put my foot down." He opened his eyes again.

Arcadios stepped forward. "Your Majesty, punish me!"

Darton stepped forward as well. "No, it is I who deserve punishment!"

"In that case, we all do!" Lucy chimed in.

"Right." Erza nodded in agreement.

Toma scanned the room. "I deem Arcadios's sense of loyalty to Hisui and Darton's loyalty to the nation to both be wonderful. And most wonderful of all... is you wizards who love peace throughout this world." He said.

"Your Majesty..." Hisui mumbled.

"Therefore, the punishment for my daughter, Hisui..." Toma started to say. The pumpkin head for Mato appeared on Hisui's head. "... is wearing that for one week-kabo!"

This shocks Hisui. "Your Majesty! Then the princess..." Arcadios trailed off.

"If she wears it for one week..." Darton started to say.

"I'll acquit her! She'll continue to be Princess Hisui, my pride and joy!" Toma smiled.

"Good for you, Princess!" Lucy said.

"Yes... kabo." Hisui stated, making everyone laugh.

"They're growing up." Mavis commented, causing Makarov to turn around. "The young generation that bears the future on its shoulders."

"Yes." Makarov agreed.

"Um, thank you for everything... kabo." Hisui thanked.

"But isn't that kind of tough-kabo?" Lucy questioned.

"Nah, it kinda looks like fun-kabo!" Natsu responded.

"Happy thinks so, too-kabo!" Happy added.

"In that case, I've got enough for everyone-kabo!" Toma informed as Mato's pumpkin head appeared on Lucy, Natsu, and Happy's heads.

"Kabo!"

Sting noticed how Samuel was leaving the ballroom. Looking back, he made sure no one was looking before quickly following him.

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"Party getting too much for you?"

Samuel turned around and saw that Sting had joined him in the palace gardens. "Yeah." He replied.

"You look troubled." Sting pointed out.

Samuel sighed. "Rogue wasn't the only one who came from the future." He paused and looked at Sting. "I also did."

"He revealed some rather unsettling information and I'm not sure how to handle it." Samuel continued.

Sting grabbed onto Samuel's hand. "Don't dwell on it too much, okay? More importantly, I forgot to tell you how radiant you look." He complimented, his hands touching Samuel's shirt collar.

Samuel rolls his eyes before chuckling. Knowing he was away from the prying eyes of his guildmates, he captures Sting's lips against his, making the blonde reciprocate the kiss. The two of them continued kissing for a while.

Until someone cleared their throat.

Samuel pulls away from Sting quickly, turning around to see Gray. "Nii-san!" He exclaimed. "Th-This isn't what it looks like!"

Gray raises an eyebrow, not believing him. "You might as well tell him, Sam. It's obvious he saw us. You don't have to be afraid." Sting claimed.

Samuel sighed as he closed his eyes. "You're right." He agreed, opening his eyes and staring at Gray. "Nii-san, this is Sting. My... boyfriend. For the past three years."

Gray blinked in shock before smiling. "I see. So you did find someone." He said.

"You're not... angry or disgusted?" Samuel asked.

"Just who do you take me for, Sam? If you're happy then that's all that matters." Gray replied, walking over and hugging Samuel, who hugs him back.

Gray releases their embrace, staring at Sting. "If you so much as hurt my baby brother, I'll kill you myself." He said.

"U-Understood!" Sting exclaimed.

Gray chuckled before taking his leave. "Your older brother seems very protective." Sting commented.

"He's always been like that, even back when I was a kid. Though, it's justified." Samuel said. "Ever since we've lost our parents and Ur-san to Deliora, it's been just us. I'm the only family member he's got."

"Do you ever think about them?"

Samuel shrugged. "Sometimes. I barely remember my Mom and my Dad. I was only two when Deliora attacked. Though, I do have some memories of Ur-san." He responded.

"I think about Weisslogia a lot." Sting admitted. "I do regret killing him, even though he asked me to."

Samuel embraces Sting, who returned it. They were unaware of a man clad in armor was watching them as he turned around.

"I'll be meeting you and your brother soon, Samuel..."

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A/N: Another chapter is finished! Thanks for reading!

Word Count: 3313 words.