As the years passed, Natsu and Gray grew up filling their days with pranks, laughter, and chariot races—two seemingly carefree young men living life on their own terms. That is, until their parents discovered their antics. One memorable escapade involved a wild race through the construction sites of Egypt. They pulled their horses back, urging them down a hill at breakneck speed, each taunting the other about who would claim victory.
"Second born, second place!" Natsu boasted as his chariot surged ahead of Gray's.
"Not for long!" Gray shouted back, spurring his horses to go faster.
"Hey, I have an idea! Let's try going up the stairway," Natsu suggested, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Won't we get into trouble for that?" Gray hesitated.
"Not a chance! No one will see us; all the workers are on break."
"I don't know..."
"Chicken!" Natsu mocked, clucking like a hen.
Naturally, Gray accepted the challenge. Unfortunately, their thunderous ride resulted in the destruction of a month's worth of construction on a monument their father was having built in honor of the pharaoh. The weight of Gray's chariot caused wood and steps to splinter, sending debris and sand flying everywhere.
"Uh-oh," both boys said in unison upon witnessing the damage.
"Maybe no one will notice," Natsu said, trying to sound optimistic.
But everyone noticed—especially Laxus, who was predictably furious about yet another disaster caused by the two boys.
"Why do the gods torment me with such reckless, destructive, blasphemous sons?" he scolded them upon their return to his estate.
"Father, I—" Natsu began.
"Be still!" Laxus ordered, cutting him off. "I am the Pharaoh's most trusted palace guard, captain of his entire forces. He depends on me for protection and expects nothing less than respect and honor from my household, which includes my children. Yet you both choose to amuse yourselves by tearing down my tribute to him and making me look like a fool? Have I taught you nothing?"
"Father, the fault is entirely mine," Gray stepped forward, his voice steady.
"Why am I not surprised?" Laxus sneered at the younger boy. "Per usual, you're the one instigating all the trouble."
"No, Father," Natsu interjected. "I'm to blame. I goaded Gray."
"But it was my chariot that caused the accident," Gray insisted. "I am responsible."
"Responsible?" Laxus turned to Natsu. "Do you even know the meaning of that word?"
"I understand, Father," Natsu replied, his voice low.
"And do you understand the destiny that your birth has bestowed upon you? You are my firstborn, destined to bring honor to our family name. Why can you not cease this juvenile behavior? Are you not mature enough to ignore your brother's childish influence?"
He then turned to Gray. "And you—why must you always drag your brother into trouble? Do you not understand his position? Do you want to tarnish our reputation and ruin his future?"
"No, Father," Gray said softly.
"I often wonder if I was wise to let the two of you spend so much time together. It's clear one of you is a negative influence."
His gaze was fixed on Gray. At that moment, their mother, Mirajane, stepped forward.
"My dear husband, may I please have a word with you?"
YOU ARE READING
The King and The Deliverer
Fiction HistoriqueOnce there were two brothers who did not share the same blood. The first was a descendant of nobility. The second was born of slaves. Yet despite their differences, they loved each other as brothers and found each other having the same destiny which...
