Ah, a new Fairy Tail fan-fic about the Grand Magic Games. Original. But, I wanted to do something a little different: no great, evil schemes in this one, it's gonna be what the Grand Magic Games were always meant to be! We'll see some fun battles, competitions, and maybe a little romance. For now, enjoy this little prologue to the story, taking place right where the manga leaves off!
A beautifully clear blue sky draped over the long stretch of open hills and lush jade plains, marking the summer season in the Fiore Kingdom. The happy hum-drum of conversation filled the half-dozen carts of wizards headed south on the newly established Queens-Road; while each cart held its own share of different kinds of magic, all conversation cloaked itself in one topic that brought glee not just to them, but to the scores of other guilds travelling at this time: the Grand Magic Games.
Light music from a lute played in the minds of all the wizards, with all but two wearing a pleasant grin upon their face, even if they slept through the trip. The path, smoothed from years of wear and travel, sloped on its final hill as the great city of Crocus, adorned in high buildings and starring the great Fiore Castle and Dragon Arena, emerged into plain sight, not a few hours away. Several of the carts allowed the wafting smells of the countryside to float into their cabins, keeping the windows open and allowing small breezes to filter through and keep the burgeoning summer heat from the inside.
All but one, that is, but in exchange for continual pleasant smells and nice, somber dreams, there was the oft-smell of bile spewing from one man's mouth and the fidgeting blue cat within the lap of one young, beautiful witch, Lucy Heartfilia.
The group hit another bump in the road and Natsu Dragneel lurched out the window again, but didn't spew his morning breakfast from his mouth this time. Instead his head just hung out the side window. Happy the Exceed once more shifted in Lucy's lap, messing up her nice skirt and leaving more blur fur on it. She pinched a few furs on his head but he made nothing of it.
Across from her, Gray Fullbuster sat with his arms crossed, head bowed, and eyes closed. Next to him was Juvia Lockser, who'd been resting in Gray's arms the entire time, and finally there was the ever-proud Titania, Erza Scarlet, who, with a small grin on her face, turned the page of Lucy's newly published novel. Lucy eyed the page she was on and recalled the chapter Erza was reading. She'd been reading in silence the entire trip, since dawn, when the great Fairy Tail guild departed Magnolia for the Grand Magic Games.
Lucy held the summons in her hand, gifted to her from Master Makarov Dreyar. "Under no circumstances am I worthy to meet with the queen of this country when it was not I who saved it, but you kids," he'd said. "Lucy, you hold onto it. I think Queen Hisui will like to see your smiling face more than my wrinkly one."
She'd initially anticipated the summons to be for just getting to see Fairy Tail about something, but the indistinguishable seal of the Grand Magic Games sent a few shivers down her spine. Fairy Tail was being asked to participate this year, but not technically the Grand Magic Games, but the Dragon Festival.
"Upon reflection of the previous years' battles, it has been decided by my counsel and I that it would not be appropriate to continue to call the great games of our kingdom the Dragon King Festival, as we do not wish to observe the dragon Acnologia with reverence; instead, the games shall be renamed the Dragon Festival in honor of the seven brave Dragon Slayers and six bold dragons that fought and saved our world against the threats of FACE and the now-debunked Alvarrez Empire." Hisui then signed it with, on a personal note apparently, "Loved your book, Lucy, keep up the good work!"
Lucy held the note close to her chest, and heard her Celestial Keys jingle at her side. Even Queen Hisui regarded her as a friend. She was surrounded by those that loved her, even if one of them continued to puke their brains out the side of the cart. The others in the carts and cabins ahead and behind loved her. Years ago she never could have dreamed of this, she could only dream of escaping. Now the queen of her country sent her a personal message. She grinned at the warmth in her heart. Mom, Dad, I'm sure you'd be proud of me.
The mobile guild of Fairy Tail rumbled across the countryside until they began to slow down, and Natsu gave a faint call of praise to the driver. Lucy poked her head at the window, and saw Master and Mirajane Strauss up ahead speaking with the guard at the gate, just confirming their arrival. Curious that it wasn't Gildarts who was out there speaking with them, since it was likely that Makarov was going to try and thrust the title of MAster on him the next chance he got. Eh, better to have a pretty face like Mira, Lucy figured. Seemed to be Master's logic these days, and it probably worked.
Lucy grinned an evil little grin when they got going and she looked to a suffering Natsu. She felt bad for him, but seeing arguably the strongest wizard in Fiore get humbled by something as simple as motion made her feel just a little better.
Happy climbed atop her head and gawked with her at the city sights. A few people recognized her-or Happy-and waved, so the two of them waved back enthusiastically. Erza nodded and set her book aside, then crossed her arms over her armor and watched Crocus go by as well.
"Simply beautiful," she muttered.
"Yeah," Lucy said, her mouth still hanging open quite foolishly, but she didn't care.
They drove past what would be their temporarily hostel if they were lucky enough to qualify. Lucy rolled her eyes, but felt a little seed of nerves form in her stomach. She'd been called up once again to participate. The majority of their team sat in this cabin, and their two other members, the drunken beauty Cana Alberona and the fiery metalhead Gajeel Redfox, were up ahead, with the more rambunxious members of Fairy Tail. No doubt Cana pregamed the whole time and Gajeel wallowed in doom like Natsu; being a Dragon Slayer certainly had major ups and major downs.
The caravan slowed until it came to a halt, sinking into another line of caravans about five-deep now. Lucy looked to a cabin next to her bearing the mark of Mermaid Heel. How long ago had it been since they arrived?
All the cabin doors open and they all exited. Natsu and Gajeel took a little tumble while Lucy braced herself against the smooth cobblestone floors and gaped to the back portion of the castle. On a balcony, way up high, stood Hisui, Arcadios, and Darton; the latter two scowled as per normal while Hisui nodded her head to Lucy in welcoming.
Lucy reached back into the cabin and pulled her travel back out while the driver saw to their cart of things, as well as the massive cart of supplies Erza had tethered to the back of their cart.
"You know, Erza, it makes it pretty hard for anyone to drive when you've got that giant cart of yours blocking the road." Evergreen approached, wearing a dapper low-cut dress bearing the same color as her eyes. Erza sported her armor over her own scarlet dress, and Lucy had a nice blouse and skirt on. All the girls had dressed nice in response to the royal invitation, and the boys tried to. Gray cleaned up nice, as did Gajeel and Elfman, but little could be expected for those like Natsu, Gildarts, and Laxus Dreyar, who clambered out of the same cart as the Thunder Tribe did. Freed and Bixslow followed just behind him, continuing a conversation they'd probably been having.
"I don't know, Ever, I think all you'd need to do is just turn when it does, right?" Erza asked, shrugging.
Evergreen pursed her lips. "Got me there. So, we were wondering and couldn't get a straight answer, why did we come straight here and not-"
The driver finished moving their things from the trunk and closed the doors, then took hold of the magic handle and the caravan started off again, headed for their base. Evergreen watched them go in silence and Erza patted her shoulder gingerly.
"That's why," Erza said. "A little less walking so we don't get our clothes all ruffled up."
As if on karmic cue, though, someone bounded around a corner. Sharp, cat-like eyes and a flurry of cape was all Lucy saw before the figure dashed across the way and wrapped Erza into an immediate hug, arms and legs clinging around her tight.
"Oh, Erzie, I'm so glad you finally made it!" Milliana of Mermaid Heel nuzzed her head and ears into Erza's shoulder and neck. "Kagura was starting to think you wouldn't want to come."
"Don't place all of this blame upon me, Mill." Lucy followed the voice to Kagura Mikazuchi, who wore a beautiful tight purple dress flowing down to her ankles. She had thick white gloves and held her sword, Archenemy, in one hand, like normal. But, unlike normal, she had a glowing smile upon her face. Milliana clambered from Erza but still held her hand as Erza clasped Kagura's forearm, and vice versa.
"It's great to see you, Kagura," Erza said.
"It will be even greater to see you on the battlefield," Kagura said.
Erza chuckled. "Indeed. I hope you've still kept up with your training in these peace times?"
Kagura nodded. "After seeing what that monster did to my brother last year, I've resolved to ensure that never happens to me or anyone else that I love. I intend to show you, Titania, the fruits of my labor."
"I look forward to it," Erza said, and released her grasp.
"Hurry up, Erzie, the rest of Mermaid Heel is dying to see you again!" Milliana said, and tugged at Erza. Erza managed to hold her in place long enough to turn to Lucy, Gray, and Juvia and say, "I'll meet you all at the dinner tonight, apparently I have other pressing matters to attend to."
Lucy shrugged, nodded, and let Erza go. She was just about to let out a slight sigh when a muscly arm descended around her shoulder and pulled her in close, almost frilling up her hair.
"Ah, ain't it great to be back here," Natsu said. "Last time we were here I almost melted the dang stadium!"
Lucy rolled her eyes. "I suggest we try to avoid that as best we can."
"No promises. I'm sure the others will try and out-do me, though, isn't that right Happy?"
The Dragon Slayer and Celestial Wizard turned to the small blue cat who stared absent-mindedly forward, clutching his hands together in an odd bit of sadness.
"Oh, geez, he's still upset about Carla, isn't he?" she asked.
"Cheer up, pal, she's probably here with Wendy right now," Natsu said. He smiled. "You wanna head inside and she if we find her?"
Happy's face brimmed with Natsu's trademark determination and his wings blew out from his back. "Aye, sir! We'll find that lovely little traitor even if it kills me!"
Natsu roared with passionate excitement as well and followed Happy into the castle, forcing Makarov's hand to follow them inside and make sure nothing got broken. Mirajane and Laxus both burst into the laughter at the sight. Lucy did as well, and shouldered her pack. She walked solo through some of the carts and cabins, eyeing the other guilds that'd been brought into the city already: Fairy Tail, obviously, Mermaid Heel, Lamia Scale, Quattro Cerberus, and apparently first to arrive, Blue Pegasus. Lucy raised an eyebrow. She couldn't hear, see, or most importantly smell that man Ichiya anywhere. Must've headed into the castle already.
Lucy glanced over her shoulder while the rest of Fairy Tail wandered about the cobblestone driveway, mingling with whoever was around and just getting a good stretch in before heading inside with their things. By guessing at the state of the Sun she had to guess it was only around three or four, so they had plenty of time before dinner, and before the others would arrive.
She spotted Levy hanging all by herself while Gajeel spoke with Jet and Droy about something. Panther Lily sat on her shoulder. Lucy skirted through the carts over to her best friend, who grinned up at her and folded up a book.
"Hey Lu, have a good ride?" Levy asked, stretching her forearms. She wore a fine white dress; modest, but gorgeous as ever.
"Good as it can be with one of those Dragon Slayers puking their brains out the entire time," Lucy said, leaning back and resting against Gajeel's tight steel muscles. She felt his body rumble with a chuckle.
"I held up better than Salamander, I bet," Gajeel said.
"Yeah, you're welcome for that," Levy said, and rolled her eyes. "You have all your things?"
"I do, but, you don't think we're going to have an event tonight, do you?" Lucy asked.
Levy shook her head. "Nah, but, you never really know around here."
Lucy nodded and shrugged. "Not too worried about it this year. Acnologia's dead, Zeref's been beat." She leaned forward off of Gajeel's back. "We disbanded all the Dark Guilds. All that's left is just a bit of fun. I don't think Hisui is going to allow for anything less, to be honest, it sounds like she just wanted this to be a fun summer competition. I mean, one of the games has something to do with a discus. A discus!"
"We'll have to see," she said. "But I'm looking forward to it. Has Erza laid out her strategy for you guys yet?" She raised her voice for Lucy and Gajeel.
"Wouldn't know," Gajeel said, crossing his arms. "I'm in reserves."
A sharp, somewhat drunken cackle filled the courtyard and another arm, this one much more slender, found its way around Lucy's shoulder and skimmed the top of her chest accidentally. A hand with a flagon then came over her other shoulder and a brunette with ale-stained breath leaned against Lucy's back.
"Damn right, Dragon boy," Cana said, her breath hot against Lucy's ear. Lucy wanted to squirm but Cana held her tight, as if they were in some sort of headlock. "My main squeeze Lucy and I are gonna rip up the competition this year!"
"Yeah, only if that Bacchus guy has another drinking contest," Levy said.
Cana squeezed her flagon tight. "That bastard couldn't drink even if it was shoved down his throat, he don't know anything about drinking with a real man!"
"Woman," Lucy said. "You're a woman."
Cana wrapped her arms around Lucy. "I ain't a woman like you, not with these honkers!"
Lucy shoved Cana off but she just laughed it off. Lucy couldn't help but pretend to smile as well and looked over her shoulder at Cana, who bowed to Lucy. She wore a dark blue dress that was loose-fitted and flirted with the ground at every step. Like most of the girls from Fairy Tail, she also had flats on. Heels were a pain, especially on the cobblestone of the courtyard and the rest of Crocus.
"Oh," Lucy said, taking her mind off Cana for a moment, "I saw Lamia Scale got here already, Wendy and Carla should be around here."
Levy's face lit up with a bit more excitement as well. "Oh, great! I hope they're not too nervous about competing against us this year."
"Who, Wendy?" Gajeel asked. "Only if she has to fight me. That little kid's got more strength than anyone gives her credit for, she'll do fine."
Lucy nodded. Due to low participation excitement on Lamia Scale's part, and so Fairy Tail didn't have three, potentially four, Dragon Slayers on one team, Wendy and Carla had been asked to temporarily rejoin Lamia Scale as they had before the Alvarrez War. Laxus had been approached, along with the Thunder Tribe, to rejoin Blue Pegasus, but Laxus wouldn't go for it. He didn't even want to participate in the games at all, but looked forward to attending. He claimed there wasn't any good competition for him, despite the fact that he could've competed against the likes of Natsu, Sting, Rogue, Gajeel, Wendy, Erza, Bacchus...
The list rolled on in her head at just how many powerful wizards would be there, but it warmed her heart a bit to think that she was friends with basically all of them. They'd all fought together to save Ishgar, all banded together to defeat Acnologia. There was no bad blood between any of them.
Though, the devil was in the details. Another caravan came racing around the corner, startling everyone. Romeo and Macao almost got hit by it before they were pulled out of the way by Elfman at the last minute, who yelled at the terrified driver. This caravan, only two carts, had an insignia with an emblem Lucy didn't recognize. She glowered at it, but Levy held her arm out and pulled Lucy close, then started walking.
"Come on, Lu," Levy muttered. "Let's get outta here."
"You know those guys?" Lucy asked.
Levy nodded. "Unfortunately I do, they're a combination guild, one that apparently came together for the sole purpose of upsetting us at the games. Orochi's Twilight, a mix of Orochi's Fin, Twilight Ogre, and a few other guilds that claim to have been beaten up and abused by Fairy Tail in the past, but it's full of a bunch of sleazes."
They stepped through the entryway to the castle, but all Lucy could feel was a little fire growing in her belly. She grinned and clasped Levy on the shoulder. "Good. That kind of competition makes for a great show, don't you think?"
Fairy Tail has arrived in Crocus and nobody's in trouble or dying, hooray! Next time, we'll catch up with the other big participants, like Sabertooth, and get the rundown on this new version of the Grand Magic Games. Plus, there may be a surprise guild that shows up to participate. It is celebrating ALL the Dragon Slayers, after all...
Hope you all enjoyed this little introduction. If you liked it and want to check out other Fairy Tail stories I've done, look out for my other fic Fairy Tail - New Era, which is currently at it's like 86th chapter or something. I don't know, I like it, others like it, it's cool, I think you'd like it, too.
There's no set schedule for this to come out (probably more of a "I'm in the mood for writing this story" type of thing) but you can probably expect it once a week or so, just not any particular day of the week.
Also, I want to make this a little interactive: I have the events and competitions set up in my mind, but, I don't have the one-on-one battles set up yet. If you have any battles that you want to see, let me know in a review or a PM! I'm more open to the fights we didn't get to see in the anime/ manga (like, Lyon vs. Kagura, or Wendy vs. Ichiya). Obviously you'll get more ideas as we find out who specifically is involved. I have a great idea for what to do for an opening fight (think what Dragon Ball Super's manga did before the Tournament of Power and you might get a good idea of it), and I think you'll all enjoy it too.
GRAND MAGIC GAMES HYPE! :D