Hello everyone!

For every rain, there is sunshine. This chapter is very fitting for those who are experiencing difficulties right now. There are times when you will find all the hardships that you faced are actually what leads you to the greater good. All it needs is a different perspective and appreciation.

Enjoy!

Thirty-Second Wish:
Escaping Justice (1)

Gray Fullbuster really thought this was unfair.

"As punishment, you are to double the training routine and have an additional one thousand push-up quota every three days. Your training is to be supervised by Prince Elfman."

General Laxus declared the order. Everyone couldn't help but groan after hearing that.

"Are there any objections?"

"No –"

"Yes, General!"

Everyone turned quiet as they turned to look at the daring raven haired lad. He must have lots of courage to make an objection in front of General Laxus.

Laxus turned to look at him with cold expressionless eyes. "What is your objection, Captain?"

Gray looked at him resolutely as he spoke. "Although it is true that it is right and just to punish us for our negligence and letting an enemy sneak into our camp and set it on fire, I do not understand why my training is to be tripled?" he asked, clenching his fist that holds the written order which was different from the rest.

The hell! He just saved people! If anything, he should be rewarded!

. . . Though he would decline if they do so.

Laxus listened to his complaints then turned to the other soldiers. "Aside from Captain Gray, Captain Macao and Wakabe, all of you are to be dismissed."

The crowd left after the salute, knowing full well that their general wanted to talk in private.

After seeing the rest of the troops left, Laxus turned again to Gray. "It is not only you who received the punishment. Macao and Wakabe also have the same punishment as you. Since you three liked to stick together, then take the punishment together."

"This and that are different!" Gray complained, his tone becoming impertinent.

Macao hit his head. "Oy! Keep your respects for the General!"

Laxus signalled his hand to stop him. Macao bowed and step back. The general narrowed his eyes. "Do you know why you are being punished?"

"That's what I want to know . . . sir" Gray almost forgotten to add an honorific. But he really wanted to complain.

"It's written in your order" Laxus signaled him to read it.

Gray unhappily read the following lines. "Gray Fullbuster, current Captain of the Imperial Guards of the West Gate and former Captain of the City Guards, is hereby ordered to take the punishment of having his training tripled and do a thousand push-ups and sit-ups to be done every three days for acting recklessly and improperly during the time the barracks was ablaze. In addition, Gray Fullbuster shall be under General Erza's direct supervision from here on out. . ."

He glared at his General. "General, during the emergency, I acted base on protocols and calculated every actions in a logical and rational manner. As proof of that, I do not have any major injuries from the accident and even managed to save two lives of my fellow soldiers!" Which part is "reckless and improper"!?

Gray had always been cold and calm. Recklessness and improperness were traits that couldn't be associated with him!

Laxus sneered at that. "Saved two lives? If it weren't for the unexpected rain, you three would have died in vain!"

Gray opened his mouth, but shut it again when no words would come out. Well, it was true. To say that he was the one who saved their lives would be an exaggeration because he wasn't able to do anything. He suspected that it was her who did it. Of course, he couldn't voice his suspicions. This was the reason why he didn't dare to expect nor did he ask for a reward. There was still the effort though.

Isn't it too much to be punished for it?

He gritted his teeth. "General, are you saying that I should have just stand by while knowing that there were fellow soldiers inside the burning building?" he asked. Seriously, he wouldn't ask him to abandon his comrades, would he?

Laxus raised his eyebrow. "Why do you think the rest of the soldiers got their punishment?"

"Because they let the enemy slip under our watch and done damage to us. . ."

"Wrong!" Laxus exclaimed loudly, startling him. "It's not because of such a lame and simple reason as that. Every defence has their own inevitable weaknesses. The only one to blame for that is the commander leading the troops and not the soldiers who obeys according to their duty."

"Eh? Then why . . ."

Macao sighed. "It's because of us . . ."

"Huh?"

"Exactly! They received the punishment not because of negligence of letting an enemy infiltrate the palace, but because they let three of their comrades in danger!" Laxus explained. This was why no one voiced their complaints when they received their punishment.

Gray was shocked to hear that. They get punished for that? But there was still dissatisfaction in him. "Even so, is there a need for me to have heavier sentence than the others? Even though I charged in there and endangered myself, it was still to save my comrades. I did consider the consequences and variables, and acted accordingly to minimize the damage. My personal rescuing was because I have to maintain as less casualty as possible. . ."

Macao whipped his head as he turned to him. He couldn't believe it! This guy was still trying to wriggle his self out of the punishment! What's worse was that he was saving his self alone! "You brat! What happened to the chivalry and loyalty you're displaying earlier? Was that all but a farce, huh!?"

When Macao had charged into the inferno earlier to save Wakaba, he really wasn't thinking of the consequences. However, he also knew beforehand about the "rules" of the palace's army and had expected to be punished for worrying their 'leader' by acting recklessly. This was the reason why there was no way he would let Gray wriggle his self out of this! He may have saved his life, but the little brat had almost killed him with a heart attack for worrying too much!

Nope. Nope. He wouldn't let him get away. They both did the same act. There was no way he would get punished alone.

Gray stuck out his tongue. "Chivalry and loyalty are important virtues for a knight, but rationality is also important in times of crisis. I said this before. 'Our priority is to limit the casualty as much as possible!'"

There was no way he would accept this punishment without a fight. Their routinely training was already torturous enough. To have it doubled and tripled would bring them to the Gates of Death. Earlier was a life-and-death situation. At least he had the chance to go to Heaven if he died. But to have Erza Scarlet personally train them would directly bring them to Hell itself!

Really, they would be like a living dead by the end of the day!

Nope. Nope. He definitely has to get away. He may have done the same act as Macao, but there was no way he would let his self get the same punishment for that.

The contrast of attitude before and after had made Macao speechless. This hypocrite brat!

Gray pretended to see nothing.

Laxus sighed. "Then . . . do you have any say about your act of insubordination earlier? Or are you going to pretend you didn't hear Mira called you back when you rushed headfirst into the fire?"

Gray paled at that. He did hear the first princess called to him. However, he deliberately ignored it because he knew she was going to stop him.

Seeing his reaction, Laxus nodded in satisfaction. "Did you know how angry the princess was? She was so worried over you. If you had died, she would have blamed herself forever, thinking that she was the one who pushed your death. Later, when she calmed down, the three of you should go and apologize."

Gray sweated. Princess Mirajane was usually virtuous and kind. She was considered an "angel" throughout the kingdom. However, those who entered the palace would know how much of a "devil" she could be when angered.

It just so happened that they pushed the wrong buttons today!

Before Gray could speak another word, Laxus turned to someone else to give the final blow. "Wakabe!"

Wakabe, who had been keeping quiet throughout the conversation, flinched for suddenly being called over. "Yes, sir?" he saluted and stepped forward.

Laxus jerked his head to Gray. "Give him your paper."

Wakabe instinctively clutched his paper protectively, as if wanting to hide it away from them. "But, sir . . ."

"It's an order."

Very reluctantly, he handed it to Gray for him to see.

Gray accepted it and read the paper. He narrowed his eyes and immediately looked at Wakabe who was ashamedly looking down and wouldn't meet his eyes.

"Do you have any more objections?"

Gray shook his head. "No, sir. I don't have any more objections."

Laxus was satisfied and patted his shoulder. "He insisted for it. If you wanted your reward, go to the south tower later. . ."

With those words, he left.

Gray turned to Wakabe. "You're not getting the same punishment as us?"

In the letter, Wakabe was punished for five hundred sit-ups and running twenty laps for drinking inside the barracks, negligence of duty, and not staying vigilant by falling asleep when there was a call for all the troops to evacuate the barracks. He was originally to have his training doubled, but in consideration of his injury, he would be relieved of duty until he fully recovered.

Wakabe scratched his head as he nodded. He was blaming his self for what happened. Seeing how he was the only one getting away with a light punishment, he was not able to accept it and begged the General to give him the same punishment as Gray and Macao's. Watching the argument just now made his guilt even heavier.

After seeing the letter, Gray really has no more room for objection. If even an injured soldier was insisting to have the same heavy punishment, what right does he have to decline? He was healthy and sturdier than the others, he really shouldn't complain. Moreover, if he continued to voice his dissatisfaction about this, he would only lower the moral of his comrades.

Really, what's up with this strange army?

Because of what Laxus said earlier, they went ahead to the south tower. Gray was expecting to see some reward money stacked on the table for him. If it was something grand, he'll return it.

But the sight that greeted him was totally out of his expectations.

Pop pop pop!

Dozens of poppers exploded in the air, raining them with confetti.

"Surprise!"

"Oy! Oy! Get the alcohol ready! Our stars of the day is here!"

Cheers erupted as the confused Gray, Macao and Wakabe were pulled and pushed to the center of the crowd.

"What's happening?" Gray was surprised and looked confusedly at the crowd. Macao shrugged, but still smiled as he accepted the drinks from his fellow friends.

"Come on! Come on! Tell me the story of your rescue!"

"I heard our captain here got stuck in a burning pillar!"

"Oi Gray, I heard there was a beautiful damsel waiting for you~"

The hall was loud and busy throughout the night as they celebrated the feat of the heroes for the day (though some also joked about it as a farewell party because they'll be deadbeat tomorrow with their training course).

The noise of their cheers rang throughout that quiet night to the point it had actually reached the first princess's room. She watched the South Tower filled with joy from afar, leaning on her balcony. Her chin rested on her hand as she watched nonchalantly. "Those rascals . . . still celebrating when they know that I'm still angry . . ." she muttered, quite uncharacteristically of her typical behavior.

"Ha! Isn't that a normal reaction for people who avoided death? It's really something to celebrate about."

She glanced at the owner of the voice.

A large and well-built man with blonde hair leaned on the doorway with crossed arms.

"I don't want to hear from you, Laxus. What's this about Wakabe-san receiving the same punishment as the others? I clearly specified for him to have lighter punishment. With his injury and the trauma he went through, his body won't be able to take it!"

Her fiancé just shrugged. "He's the one who asked for it."

"Still! You should have declined and try to change his mind. Say it's an order or – "

She stopped talking when she saw Laxus's glare. He smirked. "Princess, although what you said is reasonable, aren't you underestimating your people too much? If I don't think he can take it, I'll definitely won't agree. Moreover, you didn't see the determination in his eyes. Not cultivating such a person is a waste and it's also an insult. I also made Erza in-charge of the training, there's nothing to worry about."

Mira bit her lip. She was still frustrated. She had arranged the punishment according to each person's capacity. She would have made everyone triple their training, if it wasn't for the fact that it would only end up destroying their bodies.

"Princess, why are you so intent to improve our army's strength? Even without this incident, you are still planning to adjust their training, were you not?"

So he found out about that. Mira sighed in affirmation. "I was actually troubled on how to apply the changes. Looking now, it seemed that this incident is actually a fortune. No one died, yet now I have a reason to strengthen our army without arousing other countries' interest and suspect us of wanting to start a war."

Laxus raised his eyebrow. "So you want to start a war?"

Mira shook her head. "I only fear it. Before Mavis left, she had told me that dark clouds are brewing around the kingdom. We may be prosperous now, but we are too small. Currently, the other kingdoms are facing calamities such as drought and famine. Sooner or later, there might be some country that will envy us and attack. My people must be ready when that time comes. I, at least, want them to be able to protect their selves as much as possible."

"Is that why you are paying so much attention to that green-horn? That Rookie Captain?"

Mira raised an eyebrow at him. "Jealous?"

"As if!"

She giggled at that. "You saw it yourself. He has so much potential. If we train him well, he'll be a great general that'll benefit our kingdom someday."

Laxus smirked. "Then isn't this a good chance to promote him? After all, you wanted him as one of your generals. . ."

Mira scoffed at that. "I can do that, but I won't. Doing so will be more of a loss than a gain for him. Or are you saying you don't know, Oh-Great-General?"

He laughed. "I guess you have grown quite matured. Your insight and shrewdness had improve. Indeed, the reward he has now is much greater than any titles or money you could grant him."

She looked back to the tower with sadness. "Gray is indeed talented, he's able to become a captain despite his young age. But it's because of that reason that he gained the envy and hatred of those around him. Older soldiers held no respect for him as a captain and undermines him as just a brat that gets promoted because of his connections. If I really did reward him with a promotion, it'll just remove their newfound respect and will instead think that he's being favored again. However, if I punished him harsher, it will instead make them sympathize with him and respect him even more for being able to endure what they cannot. By then, no one will doubt his capabilities."

Laxus lips curved up. "Ha. And that ungrateful brat doesn't even realize this opportunity. He even complained! And from the look of his eyes, it's so obvious he was expecting to be rewarded although it seemed that he didn't really want it either. Too naïve."

"It's just that he's not manipulative and a schemer like you" Mira replied.

He scoffed at that. "Even if he doesn't appreciate it, he should have just quietly accepted. That way, he'll gain even more respect for his maturity and endurance. Complaining so straightforwardly is just showing how he's still so young."

Mira changed the topic. "Speaking of which, Lisanna came back safely and actually brought two people with her. She said they saved her from the bandits attack. How do you think we should reward them?"

Laxus looked at her. "Isn't some money and jewels enough? If you want, you can also give him a medal of honor."

"Lisanna was asking if we could let him join the Knight Order."

He was surprised to hear that. "That much? Being an imperial knight is something every citizen dreams of. It's a title given only to those who have great character and sense of justice and had displayed loyalty and valor to the kingdom. They must even be recognized by the Great Temple to become one."

"Well, he did save my sister and she seemed to think highly of him. If not for him, I'm afraid Erza would have arrived too late."

Laxus shrugged as he went to hug her. "Well then, I guess it's not a problem. Tomorrow, if the Great Temple doesn't object, you can just make him a knight." Mira nodded, accepting his embrace. If they put in a good word, things should run smoothly.

However, things would definitely not go their way. On the very next day, the event turned way out of their expectations. It was really something they had not anticipated.

"Princess, don't be fooled by him! This man right here is no hero. Rather, he's the notorious thief we had long been chasing after!"

. . . * . . .

End of Chapter

Dun dun dun! After rain comes sunshine! Natsu may have a "genie" behind him, but that doesn't mean his journey will be a smooth sailing!

A/N: Tsk. Gray, at this rate you're going, you could start your own series! And Juvia! No screen time for you! Gray is enough to consume more than the entire chapter. Get yours next time.

Thank you for everyone who favorite and followed this story!

For those who reviewed, thank you! I'll try my best!