The King and The Deliverer

Chapter 4

Natsu and Gray were raised as sons of Laxus, nurtured and cared for by everyone in the household, most notably by Levy. She proved to be more than just an excellent nurse to the boys; she was their confidante and protector. Fortunately, no one ever suspected that she was Gray's true mother. It was a challenge for her to act as if he were not her own, especially during his occasional fits of distress, when she was the only one who could soothe him. Baby Gray preferred to be comforted by her rather than Mirajane, yet despite these subtle hints, no one made the connection.

As time passed, Natsu forgot how Gray had been found adrift in the river and came to believe that Gray was his biological brother. The two were inseparable, always together whenever they could be, and they were as rambunctious as any young boys. They raced chariots, played tricks on the high priests, teased the alligators and hippos that swam in the Nile, and even defaced the idols of the Egyptian gods. Oh, what a pair they were!

Natsu was the more outspoken and reckless of the two. If there was mischief to be had, he was usually the instigator. His incredible strength often fueled his arrogance and pride, as he believed he could one day surpass even the Pharaoh's best soldiers. Yet, beneath that bravado, Natsu was brave, honorable, and fiercely loyal to his family.

Gray, on the other hand, was more humble and shy. Being the youngest, he naturally followed Natsu's lead, but he was more inclined to think before acting. From an early age, he displayed remarkable intellect and quick learning abilities, blessed with the cunning and cleverness of a fox. His best qualities, however, were his endurance, empathy, and an unshakeable sense of faith.

Mirajane adored both boys, and every day they did something that filled her with pride. Sometimes Natsu would surprise her with a lotus flower or a beautifully carved sculpture. Other times, Gray would play a lovely tune on the flute or dance with her to lift her spirits. In her eyes, they were perfectly equal—her beloved sons, her princes.

But Laxus's treatment of the boys was not as equitable. While he cared for them both, it was no secret that he favored Natsu. For years, he had told Natsu he was the brightest star and the pride of their family, while he barely acknowledged Gray. Whenever the boys got into trouble—often instigated by Natsu—Gray was always the one blamed, leaving him feeling belittled and ashamed. This favoritism only intensified when they reached school age.

Natsu excelled in combat and craftsmanship, while Gray proved to be more advanced in mathematics, writing, astronomy, and music. This infuriated Laxus, who wanted his favorite son to excel in both strength and intellect. Natsu was by no means unintelligent; he simply struggled with subjects that required wit rather than brute strength. The only non-physical subject in which Natsu outperformed Gray was the polytheistic religion of the Egyptians, a knowledge he gained while Gray was secretly being educated by Levy in her monotheistic faith.

Levy understood the risks of teaching Gray about her beliefs, especially in a society that did not tolerate any religion other than their own. Yet, she felt compelled to instill in him a sense of reverence for God, whom she believed had saved her son's life. Their lessons were always private, and she swore him to secrecy.

"Why can't I tell anyone about God, Levy?" the young boy asked one day. "If He is truly wonderful and the one true God, why keep it a secret?"

"Others do not understand God as you and I do," she replied. "They may react negatively to our beliefs. It's best to keep it a secret."

"Does anyone else believe in Him?"

"The Hebrews, like myself, do."

"You mean the slaves?"

"Yes."

"But the high priests say that slaves are too dumb to know what a God is."

"The priests are greatly mistaken. God does not approve of slavery; it is sinful."

"You mean it's bad?"

"Yes. God says that no human being has the right to own another. No race is superior to another."

"Does that mean you're a bad person if you own slaves? Are Mommy and Daddy bad people?"

It pained her whenever he referred to Laxus and Mirajane as his parents, knowing she and her husband were his true mother and father. But she dared not correct him or speak ill of those who raised him, especially Mirajane, who was responsible for his very survival.

"No, dear," she said gently. "Your parents are not bad people. But they are human, and all humans make mistakes."

"Should I tell them that owning slaves is wrong?"

"No, Gray. Don't tell them."

"But if it's wrong, shouldn't it be stopped?"

"Yes, but sometimes stopping what's wrong is very difficult, and you are just a child. There's nothing you can do now. Just remember that slaves deserve kindness and respect, just like everyone else. Never treat them as if they are less human than you."

"Levy."

"Yes?"

"Why do you only tell me this stuff? Why don't you ever say anything like this to Natsu?"

"Perhaps someday I'll explain my reasons, but for now, keep everything I've told you a secret. Never forget it."

"Alright."

Though Gray was cared for by his real mother, he rarely saw his biological father, Gajeel. Unlike Levy, Gajeel spent most of his time laboring outside, catching only glimpses of his son through the windows of Laxus's house. He cherished those moments, especially when he saw Gray perched on the ledge, whistling a tune or playing a melody on his flute. Gajeel took great pride in knowing that his son had inherited that talent from him—a pride that Gray desperately sought from the father who raised him but reserved for Natsu.

Being Laxus's favorite was not as splendid as it seemed. The pressure placed on Natsu was immense. He had lost count of the times Laxus had told him he needed to become a great noble or risk bringing disgrace to the family. Laxus pushed him relentlessly in his studies and scolded him whenever he struggled with academic subjects. Mirajane often reminded her husband that Natsu was still a child and needed patience, but Laxus had never been a patient man. He continued to pressure Natsu without relent.

"What does he want from me?" Natsu complained to Mirajane one day as they fed the storks by the Nile.

"He only wants what's best for you," she reassured him. "He wants you to grow into a great man, and you will, but it will take time. Your father often forgets that."

"How do you become a great man?"

"There are many ways. Your father likely believes it involves getting into the Pharaoh's court."

"If I never do that, will he stop loving me?"

"No, precious," she replied, kissing the top of his head. "Nothing in this world could ever make your father or me stop loving you. I know he's hard on you, but he loves you deeply. If only you could remember how happy he was the day you were born."

She sat him down in her lap.

"The high priests told me I was barren, that I could never have children, and we were both devastated. But then you came along, and we were overjoyed. You were the first of our two miracles."

"I was?"

"Yes. The moment your father held you for the first time, he declared that you would be the jewel of our lives, that nothing would ever be as dear to him as you."

"You're lying," he teased.

"No, I'm not! How dare you call your own mother a liar! For that, you must be punished." She smirked before hugging him tightly and tickling him lovingly. Natsu laughed and squirmed, trying to escape her grasp, but she held him firmly until he laughed himself into exhaustion. Then, she tucked him into bed alongside Gray, kissing them both on the cheek, caressing their hair affectionately, and whispering softly,

"Good night, my Princes of Egypt."

The boys were content with their lives. It wasn't perfect, but it brought them happiness, and they hoped it would always remain that way. However, as I mentioned before, God had a plan for those boys, and once they reached adulthood, their lives would be forever changed by the Lord's design.