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Lion's Pride	By : Rhov Category: +. to F > Fairy Tail Views: 10067 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Fairy Tail belongs to Hiro Mashima. I make no money writing this. I do it for my own pleasure. Any lyrics are my own or I received permission from the artist.

Chapter List
- 48
- 49
- 50
"I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next." - Gilda Radner

Chapter 49

A New Contract
Loke could not remember when he had ever felt so nervous. Despite relaxing music from Lyra, he licked his lips in anticipation, swallowed hard, and stared down a carpeted aisle with shivering eagerness.
Why am I shaking? I'm Leo the Lion! But...but what if she doesn't come? What if she changes her mind? What if...?
Suddenly, a hand landed on his shoulder. Loke could have leaped right out of his shoes, and only a quick clench of his throat kept him from letting out a squeaking cry. He looked back to see Capricorn smiling at him. Just behind the Goat were Taurus, Scorpio, Cancer, and Sagittarius, all of his old friends dressed in black tuxedos and smiling reassuringly. It made the Lion loosen up a little.
Yes, it'll be fine. She'll come. She wouldn't leave me at the altar.
Loke still tugged on his white tuxedo with long tailcoats, a regal outfit for the Leader of the Zodiacs. He wore a vest as blue as the evening sky, and a golden tie tucked in primly. His boutonnière was a single golden poppy, carrying the symbolic meaning of sacrifice, magic, pleasure, and remembrance of war, for indeed Loke had fought many battles to reach this point in his life. He had seen many friends hurt, many tears, and many deaths. He wanted to remember it all on this most important day.
Around him was a garden hidden away on the old Heartfilia estate. Lucy managed to reserve this place where she and her mother had played when she was a child. There was a raised platform with chairs around them for all of their friends. Lyra's music was blissful, and all around were towering stalks of flowering blue larkspur and yellow gladiolus, the flowers of July and August to represent Lucy's birth month and Leo's dominant month.
The audience was large, although Lucy had asked for just a small group. However, she realized just how many friends she had made since joining Fairy Tail, and she dared not rudely leave out anyone. Not only was the entire Fairy Tail guild there, but there were people from Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, Mermaid Heel, Sabertooth, townspeople from Magnolia, the old servants from her days in the mansion, and so many Celestial Spirits that they took up their own section of seating.
Hibiki, Eve, and Ren flew a pure white airship called Beulah, nowhere near as huge as Christine, but the airship shaped like a dove was large enough for a bridal party. They had offered for Lucy to use it, saying they only really used the white ship for weddings anyway. Beulah landed with grace just outside of the circle of guests, and a ramp lowered. The first to walk down was Wendy as a junior bridesmaid, with Romeo blushing and looking away bashfully as he escorted her down the carpeted aisle. She wore a shimmering royal blue kimono with a silver pattern of outlined stars and a golden obi tied around her waist. Romeo wore a blue haori and gray hakama, although he tugged at the traditional outfit a few times in discomfort.
Not far behind came Erza in a similar shimmering blue kimono, and Jellal was making a rare appearance in public to be her escort (a big reason why this gathering was only for friends despite all the reporters from Sorcerer Magazine who wanted to photograph it). After her came Cana, who scowled at being forced to wear a tight kimono with her hair up in a twist bun, and Gildarts proudly escorted her as if it was his own daughter getting married. Then came Mirajane who wore her kimono with elegance, being led forward by her brother Elfman who wore his haori with the kanji 一番 (ichiban, greatest) printed on the back, clopping down the airship's ramp with his geta sandals.
Then there were whispers of "how adorable" as Asuka and Luke came out of the airship. The little girl wore a flower-print gold dress with a royal blue cowgirl hat, and she carried a star-shaped basket filled with rose petals which she generously scattered, giggling that she got to "make a little mess" with the flowers. Luke was dressed as sharply as his father in a white tuxedo with a gold bow tie and matching vest. He guided his tiny childhood playmate while holding a plump pillow containing two rings.
Finally came the maid-of-honor. Levy wore a golden kimono with blue stars and grayish-silver obi, completely reverse of the other bridesmaids. She was escorted by Gajeel, who surprisingly cleaned up well into a white suit and tie with a dapper fedora hat giving him just a little bit of a roguish look.
In Beulah, Lucy took a deep breath and let it out with a little shiver. Gray squeezed her shoulder to calm her. She smiled over at him and gave him a nod to let him know she was fine.
"Natsu, you're not sick anymore are you?" she asked as she watched Levy walk down.
"No, I'm fine. Wendy used Troia. Don't worry, Lucy," the dragon slayer grinned. "It's your day. Enjoy it!"
"That's right," Gray smiled, laughing a little at her nervousness. "Just step down and smile big for everyone."
"Gray," she whispered. "I...well...thanks for doing this. It was probably mean of me to ask but..."
"Lucy," he sighed. "I've told you a hundred times since he proposed, and I don't ever want to have to tell you again after today. All I ever wanted was to see you happy." He nicked her playfully under the chin, which made her smile. "I'm really happy for you two, truly! Besides, me and Juvia...we're doing good together."
Natsu looked aside with a perverted smile and teased softly, "He banged her yesterday."
"Shut up, flame-brain!"
"I could hear them in the back storage room moaning like cats in heat."
"We...we weren't..."
Natsu covered his mouth as he laugh. "Hoho, it's true! Mira had a hell of a time mopping up the water mess and defrosting the walnut barrels. Good thing you're not marrying him, Lucy, if he's that messy in bed."
"Why you bastard! I'll..."
Lucy smacked them both over their heads. "If you do anything to ruin my wedding, you won't have the anatomy to consummate your own marriages."
"Aye, sir," Natsu squeaked.
"Sorry, Lucy," Gray grumbled petulantly.
"Sheesh, you two will never grow up," she sighed, yet it made her smile that her two best friends were the same as always.
Outside, the music changed. Lyra strummed her lyre and began a new song.

Here comes the bride,

All dressed in white,

Sweetly, serenely in the soft glowing light.

Lovely to see,

Marching to thee,

Sweet love united for eternity.

Led here in faith,

Draw near with joy,

Love's guardian angel will watch over you!

Joined in a bond

None can destroy,

Now you are one in your love ever true!
The audience rose as Lucy stepped down from the airship. Up front, Loke's mouth dropped a little, and his heart skipped a beat.
Lucy wore a form-fitting wedding dress, glistening white, that flared from her knees down in shimmering ruffles of cloth. Instead of a necklace, she wore her son's Diamond Key on a gold chain, letting it gleam in the morning light. Her golden hair was pulled into a simple up-do held in place with shimmering star-shaped crystal pins. The veil over her face could not hide the beaming smile and blushing cheeks. In her hands, she held a bouquet of white roses and daisies with a few golden laurel leaves for little flashes of celestial color. Instead of a long train on her gown, the back side of her veil trailed down two meters past her ankles, sewn with beads into the patterns of the constellations, which was kept smoothly in place by Virgo and Aries. Escorting her on both her left and right were Natsu and Gray, both looking happy for their best friend.
Lucy saw all her friends in the garden. Master Makarov was already sobbing moistly and slobbering that "she grew up." Bisca and Alzack gave her smiles, knowing the joy she must be feeling. Juvia looked well-pleased that she no longer had a love rival, and Lisanna looked ready to bounce with eagerness for her dear friend. Happy leaned against Charle with a sigh of romance, and the white cat blushed as she decided that this time—only this time—she would allow it.
All of her Spirit friends were there, even Aquarius and Piscis Austrinus who hung out at a nearby water fountain. Some of the Celestial Spirits were not hers but still wanted to witness Leo the Lion getting married. They all came thanks to the magical power of the Spirit King, who stood at the front to deliver the ceremony speech. She could hardly ask for a better officiant for her wedding.
By the time Lyra finished her song, Lucy stood by the raised platform. Natsu and Gray each gave her a kiss on the cheek, then they handed her over to Loke. Natsu sat beside Lisanna, who hugged his arm and whispered that he looked so mature in his haori. It made him blush as bright as his pink hair. Gray sat beside Juvia, and he squeezed her hand, which made the rain woman blush with joy.
Loke took Lucy's hand, led her up the two steps of the platform, and pulled her veil back to reveal a face that could have put the brightest star in the heavens to shame. The Spirit King stood before them, speaking in solemn tones about the oath between a Celestial Spirit and a key owner, how such bonds were so close, yet none as close as the bonds of true love and fidelity. The bride and groom were so happy and so nervous, they hardly listened to his little sermon.
Loke remembered the first day he saw Lucy, how he sensed something about her from the very start, yet when he learned she was a Spirit mage, he felt frightened of being found out, dreading that the news of his impending death might reach his friends back in the Spirit World and make Aries feel guilty. He remembered the day she saved him, the times they fought side by side, their first kiss under the sakura trees, their first time making love, and the day she found out she was pregnant. They went through so much joy and so much sorrow, yet that journey made this day all the more sweeter.
Loke was so absorbed in staring at Lucy's face that he barely heard the moment when he was supposed to give his vow.
"Lucy," he said gently, "today, before all our friends, I make a new contract with you, not one of Spirit and owner, but of husband and wife. I swear upon the constant stars that I shall take you to my hand, my heart, and my spirit. I swear to love you wholly and without restraint, in youth and in old age, in sickness and in health, in plenty and penury, for the rest of my existence. I shall honor you, be wholly faithful to you, and protect you from all harm. I swear these upon the ring of my love, the honor of my word, and my pride as a Celestial Spirit."
Then it was Lucy's turn. She gazed up into Loke's eyes and spoke her oath with ardent feeling.
"You're already bound to me, Loke. I saved your life, and you became my knight. However, I can't count the times you saved my life. It's only fitting that I bind myself to you today, but instead of a knight or princess, I shall be your wife. I swear to be more than just a master, but a good and loyal spouse. I swear to love you and honor you, in youth and in old age, in sickness and in health, in plenty and penury, for as long as I live. I shall honor you, be wholly faithful to you, and never abuse our bond. I swear these upon the ring of my love, the honor of my word, and my pride as a Fairy Tail mage."
Then Luke came forward, grinning happily at his parents as he held up the pillow with the wedding rings. Loke took the blue stone ring he had picked for Lucy and slipped it onto her slender finger.
"With this ring, I thee wed."
Then Lucy took a ring. It was a plain gold band, but it was a magic ring that held within it a picture of Lucy which could be projected. That way, when Loke had to return to the Spirit World for business or to rest, he could always see her face. With hands shaking with intense emotion, Lucy slid that ring onto Loke's finger and said, "With this ring, I thee wed."
Juvia sniffed in happiness. Gray squeezed her hand and gave her a handkerchief. On the other side of the gathering of guests, Natsu had a clear view of Lucy's face. He saw the giddiness in her gleaming eyes, and he felt such immense joy at seeing his best friend finally making her wish come true. He glanced over to Gray. There had been rumors, of course, that Gray might kidnap Lucy at the last minute. However, Gray was acting mature about the whole thing. Natsu pouted a bit.
Damn that exhibitionist, he's not screwing up one bit. Erza even gave me permission to beat him to a pulp if he tried anything stupid. I almost wish he would.
However, Natsu felt glad that Gray was letting Lucy have her day. He was even a bit shocked when Gray leaned over to Juvia and whispered something to her that made the young woman's pale cheeks flush bright.
Then the Spirit King said in a deep, rumbling voice. "Leo, Lucy, today you have made a new contract with one another. Honor that oath, honor each other, and you will have love and happiness. You may be from different worlds, but your hearts have traveled beyond all barriers. Let nothing hold back that ardent love. Having joined in this sacred union, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Old friend, you may kiss your bride."
Loke smiled as he leaned in and gave Lucy the happiest kiss he had even known...in his entire existence.

Lucy and Loke sat at their own table during the reception, which was probably a good thing. Lucy quickly realized why Mirajane arranged the seating this way. The rest of the guests...well...it was a normal Fairy Tail party. Any celebration, especially something as elaborate as a wedding, was an excuse to eat excessively, drink heavily, fight "manly," burn things, freeze things, and cause general chaos and destruction.
Natsu suddenly ran past her with one of his hilarious laughing faces, breathing fire as he cackled and waved someone's boxers in his hand. Gray chased after him stark naked, shouting to hand back his underwear. Juvia raced close behind, hoping Natsu could outrun Gray-sama a little longer. Cana and Bacchus were in a corner of their own surrounded by empty tankards, kegs, and barrels. Hibiki was flirting with Aries, who blushed fiercely at his sweet words. Makarov stood on a table dancing a silly jig with Plue and Happy, while Macao, Wakaba, Warren, Max, Jet, and Droy roared in laughter at the crazy old master. Elfman demanded that someone must fight him and was taken up on the challenge by Taurus. Sagittarius was busy discussing aiming techniques with Bisca and Alzack. On the dance floor, Gajeel and Mirajane sang a duet. Luke bent over so he could dance with Asuka, laughing that his best friend was having so much fun and glad that she did not mind that he grew up so quickly. Romeo and Wendy waltzed bashfully, while Erza awed the crowd with her and Jellal's flashy dance moves.
Lucy felt a hand tap her thigh. Loke had a mischievous look behind his blue glasses. He nodded to the side, signaling for them to escape unnoticed. She blushed, knowing why he was so eager to get away. They slipped aside, and Loke waved over one of the Celestial Spirits.
"Argo!" Lucy realized, recognizing the large ship spirit.
"Get us out quietly," Loke told the proud prow.
"Where to, Captain Leo?" asked Argo.
Loke hugged Lucy as they took seats on the ship. "To where the stars shine brightest."
Argo sailed over the grass as if it was the sea. They drew away from the noisy party and into a quiet twilight. Lucy looked up to the sky and smiled at the twinkling stars. Right overhead was the Leo constellation, and she saw Regulus burning brightly red. She gave a little wish, the same she requested of Regulus himself, that she and Loke could be a family. She also wished that perhaps they could expand their family someday and give Luke a little sister.
Suddenly, the sky lit up. A fiery flower exploded right over the constellation, giving the impression of Regulus growing huge, the Lion's Heart swelling with joy and pride, glowing like the fire sign which Leo represented. Then another explosion, this one ice-blue and shaped like a snowflake. Then another, a cross with a heart. One was a golden light that formed the shape of a little lion cub. One bolted up into the night like yellow lightning, another glowed like quicksilver, and another was a purple flame. Another firework exploded, and words in Levy's handwriting gleamed across the heavens: "Just Married."
Lucy looked back and saw her friends gathered, waving them off, and occasionally shooting up magical fireworks. They cheered for her, toasted her happiness, and a few shouted lewd comments regarding their upcoming honeymoon. Tears came to Lucy's eyes, happy that her friends were all there to support her. She leaned into Loke, who wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they sailed off into the night.
"Well, they're off," Gray stated.
"Yup," Natsu nodded happily. "Away on their honeymoon."
Erza walked up to them. "You know what that means, right?"
The two boys looked over at her, thinking they knew what she meant but shocked that Erza of all people would mention something so perverted. They dared not answer her, so she smiled down at the two of them.
"Now this party can really get started."
They both laughed with a nervous sweat. "Oh, right, right!"
Mirajane stood up on her chair, and her acoustic six-string transformed into a wild, spiky, electric guitar. "Let's party!" she shouted.
Gajeel threw aside the fedora and white suit. Underneath was his black clothes and spikes. He growled into the microphone while Mira rocked out a riff. The music went loud and wild. A food fight began almost instantly, and the whole party quickly turned into a massive brawl.
Off to the side, Luke pulled Asuka to safety, protecting her from the boisterous fighting. When a plate flew their way, he swung out his hand, a golden light shot out, and the plate hit Bickslow instead, knocking him out. Luke laughed at all the excitement, and Asuka squealed that Fairy Tail was as rowdy as ever.
"I love this guild!" she exclaimed.
Luke realized he had an arm around the little girl. "Me too," he decided.
"Are you gonna join?" she asked.
Luke thought it over. "I might. My dad joined and still has his guild mark, so I guess Celestial Spirits can be Fairy Tail mages, too."
"Yay! You should join, then we can be on the same team with Auntie Wendy and Romeo."
"I guess I will...when I'm older."
Asuka gave a little pout. "You'll be old enough way before me. You grew up too fast. No fair!"
He laughed that she was finally calling him out on that. "Yeah, I know. Sorry. You'll catch up to me soon."
"I better!" she said in a huff. "I wanna be on Luke's team. I like being with Luke."
He smiled and hugged the girl a little closer. "I like being with you too, Asuka."
Just then, a chair flew their way, and Luke blasted it with another beam of light. He and Asuka laughed as they watched Natsu and Gray roll over the floor, blown away by a gust of wind from Wendy, then the two boys got zapped by Laxus for bumping into his chair and making him spill his beer.
"Yup," Luke said decisively. "I'm definitely gonna join Fairy Tail someday."

End of Chapter 49

Rhov's Corner:
The airship Beulah comes from the Hebrew name meaning "bride."
The lyrics to "Treulich Geführt," "Bridal Chorus," or "Here Comes the Bride" as it's commonly called in English, were taken from two sources. One is the most popular English version: "Here comes the bride all dressed in white..." The other stanza is closer to the original German, translated by John Rutter. The song comes from Lohengrin by Richard Wagner, one of my favorite operas.
I'll be honest: I didn't plan on writing a wedding scene. I had an epilogue ready and was going to end with that. However, half the people who commented on the last chapter wanted to see a wedding. I had lots of help from Abiding Angel, who's training to be a wedding coordinator. She gave me a plethora of ideas, describing every aspect of the wedding, from which flowers worked best symbolically to various dress styles, down to designs for the wedding invitations, parting gifts, shoes for the bride, cake toppers, and even cuff links. I wish I could have added all of that in, but I would have totally lost my male readers. The only thing guys remember from weddings is the cake! Anyway, when I finished writing the "squeezed in" wedding scene, it was twice as long as I anticipated, a bit too long for an already lengthy epilogue. Then when I asked 1337kitsune to quickly beta it (I really felt wary about this chapter), she suggested that I add the reception scene too. Now it was much longer, and the whole thing didn't flow well with the epilogue I had written, so it became its own chapter. I hope it satisfies your romance quota for the week. Plus I have weddings on the brain. Just this week, two of my friends went to Canada to get married since gay marriage is still not allowed here, and Pierre technically still has his Canadian citizenship. Also, my best friend is engaged and I'm the matron-of-honor, so I'm helping her with that. Lots of wedding stuff going on around here! ^_^
One more chapter to go! I feel sad at seeing it end.
- 48
- 49
- 50
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Lion's Pride