Without You, The Beginning of Magic {Magical AU}

Chapter 14: House ( Part 2)

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For the next half a year it took to return, I was able to move around and smile again. I, of course, had nightmares and moments, but I was now able to cope with my daily life and routine. I was able to be normal with everyone. Luckily we would return in time for Art's birthday by a month and when I returned it would be only four months before I would see Law, Ace, Zoro, and Sabo again.

As we arrived in the city, it was time for the festival, so Kytrose, Minori, and Mikeal took him out to play as I would meet with Rayleigh. As we pulled up I saw Rayleigh pacing, but the second he saw me he teared up as I ran and hugged him. He stroked my hair and hugged me tightly as I nuzzled him and teared up, "Welcome back Iri..." I whispered, "I'm back..."

He pulled away as he smiled, "Bear with it, ok?" I cocked a brow, but flushed a bright red as he yelled, "Let's welcome Iris, our heroine, an adamantine adventurer, and the captain of the Moon Knights, back home!" There were cheers and congratulations as I walked through the guild to the office. I smiled and waved as I disappeared from the staircase and to the office. I plopped on his sofa and nuzzled into a pillow as Lial and Sylvar sat down.

I peaked up and sat up as he placed a large strawberry shortcake in front of me. I drooled and hummed as I sat up and munched on it as I handed him my diary and closed my eyes, "... I don't want to talk about it... I don't want to hear about it... So, just look and discuss yourselves because..." I smiled softly and teared up, "I just... Wanna go home... I have four months before I meet them and during the first three years... I'm going to enjoy myself... I'm going to just be the princess that reunited with her fiance and her brother and her childhood friends..."

I looked down and whispered, "... I think... I deserve at least this much..." Gengi stroked my head as he went into human form, "You do... Yarisa-sama says that you have five years to prepare... It's up to you how to spend it." I smiled softly, "... Thanks Gengi..." I looked at Rayleigh as I sighed, "Call me when you're done looking and reading it... I'll make it appear with me when you're done." He nodded as I walked out, "... I'm going to go play with Art at the festival. Rayleigh... For the next four months... I'm starting up that business we discussed, so be prepared to work your ass off. I'm buying a building in the capital where production will be and then it will be sold through the guild, ok?"

I then walked out as I stretched and giggled as Gengi smiled down at me. I grabbed his hand and smiled, "Let's go have some fun!" I ran out the back and into the street as I called for Mikeal who picked up, "We're at the play, but we'll meet you at the diner on fifth, ok?" I looked around as I began walking and holding hands with Gengi "Sounds good." I hung up as Gengi and I walked around the festival as we casually made our way there.

I looked up as Gengi smiled bittersweetly. I froze, "Gengi? What's wrong?" He closed his eyes and huffed, "... I'll only be in feral form... Until we reach the academy." He turned small and appeared on top of my head. So there's no misunderstandings. I looked to the side before walking in, "... If that's what makes you comfortable..." I smiled and waved, "Mikeal!" He got up and waved, "Over here Iri!"

I smiled as I ran up, "Sorry to keep you waiting!" I sat down next to Art as he began telling me about what the festival was like and how he wanted to show me things. I was grinning and giggling and laughing the entire time as we ate and talked before we began walking around the festival. Art and I played games and ran around getting different things to eat and play. It was soon night time and we were both worn out. Minori carried Art and Mikeal carried me back home into our carriage.

I nuzzled into Gengi as I smiled and giggled at the good day today. Gengi ended up retrieving my diary for me since I was having too much fun. After bathing I plopped into bed next to Gengi as he curled into my arms. I flinched as I looked at Gengi, "... What will Gengi do... When I start sleeping next to Law?..." He jerked then nuzzled closer... Sleep in my bed or I'll go back to Yarisa-sama when you want alone time." I held him closer and grit my teeth, but he nuzzled my chest. I'm not leaving you Iri.

I whispered, "That's not it! Years of you by my side and cuddling you to sleep..." He sighed softly and sat up. Iri... I am your family, your best friend, and your familiar... I am not your lover. I am not your fiance nor am I your husband. I will never be those things, thus when you get those things... I will not sleep by your side, neither will I hold you. I will hug you and I will cuddle you in my feral form, but Iri, you will rarely see me in human form now. I looked down and teared up, "I love you Gengi..." He nuzzled my cheek. I love you Iri... Get some sleep now, ok? I sniffled and nuzzled his head, "Alright..."

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After a month of traveling, Lial, Sylvar, Kytrose, Minori, Mikeal, Rayleigh, Art, and I finally made it home. I sighed shakily as I stood in front of the Duke's manner, however I teared up as I saw my Uncle run out and dash at us. I smiled softly and turned around before I got back onto the carriage, "Let's head to the palace for now..." I looked to see him hugging his actual son before I closed my eyes and leaned against the wall.

I looked at Syl as he asked, "Don't you want to see him?" I smiled bittersweetly before closing my eyes, "... His son has been missing for years and finally came home..." I jerked as Lial huffed softly, "And his daughter has returned home after years away." I looked at them before smiling heartbroken, "... I'm not his real daughter..." I closed my eyes, "... He might not have done what Aunt Makino did, but... It doesn't change the fact... That I'm not his child nor am I a child anymore..." I felt him ruffle my hair, "Remember... Just because you're not a child, doesn't mean you can't do the things you want to do. You've earned that."

I closed my eyes, "... Yeah..." I took a deep breath and got out of the carriage as the palace guards stopped our carriage. I straightened my back and gracefully stepped out of the carriage as I looked at the guards. I smiled softly, "... I've come to see King Sengoku... Please inform him that his granddaughter has returned home."

They saw my crown and bowed, "Glory to the Sabaody empire and greetings to her highness, Princess Lyda. Welcome home, your highness!" I was silent for a moment before smiling, "... Please inform him I'm home and that I have very important guests..." They saluted, "Yes, your highness, right this way!" I looked down as I got back onto the carriage and closed the door. I looked up and puffed my cheek as Mikeal burst out laughing, "That's too funny!" I cracked my knuckles and smiled, "Well... Let me give you something to laugh about, huh?" He shivered and shot, but I elbowed him to the ground then sat on his back and pulled his legs, "Iri! It hurts! I'm sorry!" I huffed and got up, "That's what I thought."

I jerked as Minori asked, "How do we bow and greet people correctly?" I giggled, "... You don't have to, you wanna know why?" They tilted their heads so I giggled, "Because I say you don't have to!" Mikeal rubbed his back, "You're a weird one Iri..." I smiled, but sighed, "There is one thing you have to do though." I looked at the door as they knocked, "Do not stand in front of or next to me until I say it's ok..." I looked up, "Such a pain."

I opened the door, but froze and my eyebrows knit as the guards were bowing. "Glory to the Sabaody empire! Welcome home your highness, Princess Lyda!" I sighed shakily and just walked as I was taught when I was little. After arriving at the meeting hall I saw a lot of familiar faces. I smiled softly, "... Uncle Sen... Garp-san... Anthoni-san... I'm back." They all stood up as I ran and hugged Uncle Sen. He hugged me and smiled, "Welcome home Iri."