Disclaimer – I do not own Fairy Tail

*Rated M for Mature

Summary: The Grand Magic Games is beginning again, but with unforeseen complications. Drama, romance, and magic. What could be better?

Chapter 1

Toma E. Fiore's face suddenly appeared on the lacrima screen.

"Attention, Fairy Tail. You have been selected as one of an elite few to compete in the next Grand Magic Games. This month-long festival will consist of several events. All proceeds will then be donated to Fiore for reparations from...guilds that will remain unnamed.

"More importantly, you are one of twenty-six guilds I have personally selected as worthy to compete. But be warned. This is not the normal Grand Magic Games. I have a few rules and regulations you must abide by.

"One, you will not be allowed to choose who competes. My database will selectively choose mages at random to compete during the games. No changes, additions, or exchanges may be made. In doing so, we shall see if you truly have the skills required to be worthy of the title 'Number One Guild in Fiore.'

"Two, your opponents will also be selected randomly by my database.

"Three, the Grand Magic Games begin in one month. Be there if you have the ambition to accept this challenge. All those who fail to comply with these three simple rules will be eliminated immediately. I look forward to seeing you take part."

The lacrima screen blackened.

"I guess we can count you out of the mix, flamebrain. There's no way in hell that database will pick you," said Gray.

"Bastard," Natsu growled, staring at the screen. "At least we were invited."

Natsu got up and left the guild, making his way home. "It's just like him to call me a flamebrain," he mumbled once he reached his house. He quickly went inside and changed into his pajamas. "Why do I have to like him,anyway?"

He yawned and crawled under the covers of his bed. "And I'm not a flamebrain." Natsu slowly drifted off to sleep.

The Next Morning

"Great, I'm gonna be late!" exclaimed Natsu as he ran down the crowded streets of Magnolia. People were trying to get to their destination, leaving the dragon-slayer to duck and dodge in the streets. Turning a corner, Natsu bumped into something hard, which caused him to fall backward onto the ground.

"Ugh," he groaned, rubbing his elbow.

"Watch where you're going, flamebrain."

Natsu snapped his head up and glared at the dark blue eyes staring down at him. "Hey! I was watching where I was going! What're you standing in the middle of the street for?" demanded the fire mage.

Gray just stared at him. "Whatever," he said as he opened the door to the guild, closing it behind him.

Natsu picked himself up off the floor. As soon as he turned the doorknob and opened the door, Erza rounded on him. Shit, he thought to himself.

"You're late," chided Erza.

"Yeah. I'm sor-"

"Just get in. We have a lot to do today."

Natsu sighed and headed toward a table, which was located near the back of the guild. Thankfully, he sat next to Lucy, so this wouldn't be too bad. Even though it was prep for the Grand Magic Games. Another plus was that he could watch Gray from where he sat.

"Hey, Natsu, what's up?" asked Lucy, looking concerned.

Natsu narrowed his eyes. "Gray," he ground out.

"Hm. Always Gray. You should just avoid him if he bothers you so much," replied Lucy.

Natsu just rolled his eyes.

"All right, team. Let's get started, shall we?" began Erza. "We're going to be training in preparation of the Grand Magic Games. Doesn't that sound wonderful?"

The guild members she'd assembled just stared at her blankly. They couldn't figure out what was so wonderful about it. As far as they were concerned, training was pointless considering they didn't know who would compete. It wasn't even relevant!

"And all of you will be expected to participate in this training. Understood?" she said, smiling sweetly.

Everyone shrank back into their seats, trying to make themselves look as small as possible, except Gray, of course. He was too busy staring off into space.

"Now, let's see," she said, smiling sweetly again. "I'm putting all of you in pairs so that you can train appropriated. Once I've paired you off, please start training. I expect great results by the end of the week."

Erza wandered about the guild assigning parters. When she stepped in front of Gray and whispered a name to him, he flinched. Natsu Dragneel. His partner was Natsu Dragneel. That got his attention.

"No!" Natsu roared, bolting from his seat. "Erza, you have to change this!"

"I'm afraid I can't. It's already set in stone," she smirked. "And I think you two will do a wonderful job."

"I'm not being his partner and that's final!"

The guild grew quiet saved from some choking in the background; Gray had inhaled too quickly as he tried to grasp what was going on.

"I'm his partner?!" Gray exclaimed. "He's—!"

"Yes," interrupted Erza. "You two are perfect together. Doesn't that sound wonderful?"

"No, that does not sound wonderful! I will not be his partner for this training thing!" exclaimed the furious ice mage.

"Yes, you will! You must do your part for the sake of our guild," said Erza.

"My part? I don't have to do anything of the sort!" he replied harshly.

"You will answer to me if you don't," she stated menacingly.

"Oh, yeah?!"

"Of course!" she said, smiling sweetly again.

Gray glared, his eyes seemingly boring holes into her very being. But she just wouldn't die.

"Now that that's settled, please pair up."

Knowing that Gray would never move for the likes of him, Natsu dragged himself over to the brooding ice mage. "Uh, should we get started?"

"Are you serious?"

"What?! I can't afford to get pummeled by Erza!"

Gray sneered. "It doesn't seem you can afford much of anything," he replied, looking at the state of Natsu's clothes in distaste. "And besides, you won't even win in the games, anyway."

"Yes, I will."

"Last time you lost in the Chariot match," said Gray, finally over his temper trip.

"Hey! I beat Gajeel and Sting!" snapped Natsu.

"You came in sixth place!"

"Shut up!" growled Natsu, kicking the leg of the ice mage's seat. It barely moved.

"Growling at me won't make me think you can win," said Gray, smirking.

The fire mage sighed in defeat. "Whatever," he growled again. He crossed his arms and glared at Gray.

End Chapter