This is the story of Lyon, who's head-over-heels for Juvia, who's pining after Gray, who's had a secret crush on Erza (basically since forever), but she's completely oblivious because she's totally in love with Jellal. Of Freed, who feels conflicted over his feelings for Mirajane who's ignoring him because she's not over Laxus who still misses what they used to have (even though he's mostly, completely over it). Of Loke who won't give up even though he knows that he has zero chance with Lucy, even though she's sick and tired of clueless, bone-headed Natsu who doesn't understand why there's a problem.

This is the Mazeverse series, a post-Tenrou AU with pairings galore. Gruvia, Lyvia, Grayza, Jerza, Nalu, Nali, Lolu, Graylu, Bixanna, Gale, ElfEver, Miraxus, Laxana, MiraFreed as well as a handful of crackships and rare-pairs as we try to pair the spares. This is the Mazeverse. No ship is safe ;)

Happy Friday! New story today and it's a big one. This is the Mazeverse Season 1 finale. I'm so excited!... Or not...

I'll be honest, I'm a little bit terrified of your reactions, and I'm not just saying that to get a rise out of you guys. I've hinted, threatened, joked and teased that this plot is going to take a drastic turn. That moment is now here. I've been preempting this story for a while, partly because what I'm about to do makes me nervous, and partly because I'm usually a few stories ahead of what I'm posting. Like this fic, for example, I finished about a year ago.

For those who are new to my writing and have no idea what I'm talking about, now might be a good time to take note that I'm a sadistic tease of a writer. XD This is probably not the story for someone who is going to get upset when I start sinking ships... permanently, in some cases. (Hence why I decided to call this the season finale.) But if you're the sort of person who likes some drama, maybe you're a multi-shipper or you appreciate some angst, you might enjoy this. And if anyone wants to join in a chorus of "Another one bites the dust!" at the end of every-other chapter, you're in good company. XD

For those who don't like that idea, you're probably out of luck this time. I welcome the creative feedback, and I'll file it into my backlog to inspire a future story, but odds are I've already poured concrete over whatever it is that you're reacting to.

Anyways, no more rambling. This is Victory Gala, the Season 1 finale of Mazeverse. It picks up right after Joyride (Gray's prequel-fic) or Matchmaker, Heartbreaker, Total Sucker (Lyon's prequel-fic) or Much Ado About Nothing (everyone else's prequel-fic). If you haven't read any of those, that's okay. You'll probably be fine without.

Cheers!

- K. Chandler

No good deed goes unpunished.

And Lyon was learning that the hard way.

"How could you, Lyon?" accused Sherry. The Marionette Mage shot him a furious glare, her words venomous.

"Sherry, it's not like that."

"Toby is our teammate. And he trusted you," she fumed. "You knew he was in love with her!"

It was true.

Lyon had successfully gotten a date with Jenny Realight. Sorcerer Weekly model, darling of Blue Pegasus, this year's Miss Fiore. Yes, that Jenny Realight.

Initially, Lyon couldn't help but feel pleased. Her acceptance hadn't been a sure thing, but his plan had been well-crafted. And his execution? Flawless. The trick with the rose was pure genius—he'd have to save that one for when he was seriously trying to woo a woman.

With Phase 1 was complete, he had been about ready to move on to Phase 2: set Jenny up with Toby. If things went according to plan, Toby would have Jenny in his arms before the night was out. And after that, the rest was up to Toby.

But in all of this, Lyon had made one fatal mistake: forgetting to let Sherry Blendy in on his plan. Now she was convinced that he was a back-stabbing jerk who was out to rub his popularity in his teammates' faces.

"This is not love. I thought you knew better," she said, her voice dropping to a hiss.

"Sherry, I wasn't trying t—"

She turned away from him, lips pressed thin. "I don't want to hear it."

"Would you just listen to me?" snapped Lyon.

"I'm not interested in what you have to say."

Lyon huffed a sigh, tugging at his tie and glancing skyward. He hoped the Christina Advance would hurry up and arrive already. Sherry was exhausting to deal with when she was like this.

Yuka poked his head out of the guild, scowling. Toby was right behind him.

"Are you heading out?" Toby asked, wringing his hands.

"In a little bit. Actually, do you have a minute?"

Lyon took Toby to the side, where the others wouldn't be able to hear. Sherry fixed Lyon with a cold stare and Yuka looked displeased.

"Here." Lyon palmed a folded piece of paper to Toby, trying to be discrete.

"What's this?" Toby peered at his paw curiously. "Should I…"

"Just some notes for you." Lyon shook his head. "Stop that," he said, as Toby fidgeted. "Don't open it until after we've left. And whatever you do, don't let anyone see it. The last thing we need is for Jenny to think that you're not serious."

Toby put the note away, wringing his hands nervously. "Are you sure this is going to work?" he asked quietly.

"Of course, it will," said Lyon. It had to. "Just keep an eye on us during the Gala and wait for my signal."

"And what signal is that, again?"

"I'm not sure yet. I still have to figure that out."

"Then how will I know what to look for?" asked Toby.

"You'll know," assured Lyon.

Eventually, Lyon heard the rush of an engine, heralding the arrival of the Christina. Its shadow loomed over the front lawn of the Lamia Scale guild hall. He looked up to see what looked like a cross between a giant blue horse, a sailing vessel and a blimp.

"You may not want to watch this next bit," he warned Toby. Even though his date with Jenny was just a ruse, Lyon still had to play the part.

"I can handle it," said Toby. "It'll be worth it to see Jenny."

Lyon nodded grimly. "If you're sure…"

A shimmering sphere descended from the Christina. Inside of it were Ren, Jenny, and, surprisingly, Eve Tilm. All three were dressed to the nines.

Ren nodded coolly. "Hey."

"Good to see you guys!" shouted Eve.

"Hey, there, Lyon!" called Jenny. The way she grinned at him made Lyon feel just a little bit guilty.

Lyon raised a hand in greeting, trying not to look at Toby. That would have made him feel even more guilty.

He reminded himself to focus. He had a job to do. If he screwed this up now, then all of this would be a waste, and he'd end up with a real mess on his hands.

"Ren!" exclaimed Sherry. She dashed up to him as soon as the Pegasus Mages landed.

"Sherry," mumbled Ren. "It's good to see you. Not that I missed you or anything," he added, turning away.

"Oh, stop it, you!" giggled Sherry. She tugged at his lapels and brushed away imaginary dust from his jacket.

Lyon approached Jenny. "Hello, Jenny," he said. "You look lovely."

"Aw, thanks!" she said sweetly. "That's so nice of you to say." Clearly, she was used to getting compliments. Lyon had suspected that would be the case.

"It's true," he offered, taking her hand. He bowed low over it, making a show of kissing the back of her hand.

Jenny fought a smile, her cheeks flushed pink.

"Are you guys done yet?" Eve interrupted. He looked awkward by himself. Not only was he the fifth wheel, there were no other girls for him to fawn over.

Lyon was secretly glad he had the presence of mind to ask Chelia to stay home. He didn't know what he'd do if she ended up with a Pegasus guy too… If that happened, he'd have to resign himself to spending the rest of his life patching up the Blendy girls' broken hearts. He shuddered at the thought.

"Did you guys want to catch a ride with us?" offered Jenny. "There's plenty of space."

Toby looked at Lyon expectantly.

Lyon started to nod, but Sherry cut him off.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," she said stiffly.

Lyon almost groaned. That would have been a perfect opportunity for Toby and Jenny to get to know one another!

But Lyon schooled his features to hide his frustration. "We'll see you guys there," said Lyon. "Come find us after you arrive," he said slowly. Lyon shot Toby a look, hoping the other mage understood his message.

"We'll just… meet you at… the dance?" said Toby, bobbing his head.

Lyon raised a questioning eyebrow at Yuka's dark, scrutinizing expression.

"I hope you know what you're doing," muttered Yuka in a low voice.

Lyon didn't reply.

"Let's go, already!" urged Eve. "Come on, or we're going to be late!"

Jenny took Lyon by the elbow, dragging him towards Ren so he could use his Air Magic to get them back up into the bomber.

Lyon noticed Sherry scowling at him.

Lyon sighed. This was going to be a long night.

Next time, in [Mazeverse] Victory Gala, Lyon leaves Toby to his own devices. Hilarity ensues: "Yeah… sashimi. You know. Sashimi," said Toby nodding.

Stop back next Friday for the next installment, or just follow me, Karine of R011ingThunder.