" Those who were chosen, those who gain the undying honor to fight for such an assemblage of potential heroes - those who are allowed to be a part of that uprising star - you all will get the great honor to enter this tourney in order to strife for fame, fortune and the title 'Guild Ace'. "
- Serena Masen, the Guildmaster
Crystal blue horizons, synchronized roars that flew to the sky like a swarm of buzzing bees, and bright lights seemed to float above the massive complex of the almost famous vast arena, known for the battles and fights which had been held there for almost 3000 years. Within the millions of cheerful voices and loud screams of empathy and joy stood one single man on the sandy, infamous subsoil. Tall slender features and grey spiky hair reached up vertically towards the aquamarine horizon. In his right hand he held a mic. His left hand extended towards the sky, the gloved fingers curled into a fist. More than a half of his face was covered with a black mask, however, both eyes were closed in a jubilant manner, telling the crowd how well-mooded he was. The announcer was wearing a black suit and fitting grey trousers, black boots, and ruddy gloves.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" He called as he pivoted in a complete circle. the massive assemblage growled even louder in response, beating and slashing through the thick air with hands and plastic swords, paper signs, and even fast food. Thousands of widened eyes laid out before him. The arena around them was structured in a ring system, which meant that the grand stands where structured in four large rows until the middle resting area began. After a small interruption of a monotone wall the rows continued until the huge force field began, which would shield that mass from misplaced and other dangerous spells.
"Welcoooooome to the Grand Phoenix Wing Proooooooomotion Tournament! Today is the day where we will witness the rise of the phoenix!" A few claps and whistles rose from the grand stands before the announcer continued. "In three groups, twelve members of the eminent Phoenix Wing guild will try to strife for fame and fortune today and, of course, for your favor!" He paused in order to permit his jet black gaze to shift up to the middle ranks, where the fighters and participating mages would rest until it was their turn.
"Well... will our odd be ever in their favor!" A loud, sneer laughter arose from his mouth before the crowd roared once again. "However... it's about time to welcome our stars and heroes! Heeeeerre theeeeey aaaareeeee!"
And as if he had learned every single name and explanation by heart, he would begin to name every single participant that would enter the arena through the main gate, located right behind the tall male.
"He's a smoker and has a goddamn temper and the might to slay a dragon! But will his dark might stand against the holy blessed magic of other? Mage number one, Temna!" The announcer made a faint pause in order to allow the crowd to celebrate their champion, as soon as the tall smoking male had entered the ring. Every single one of them had to line up behind him, right in front of the raucous steel gate.
"She was known as the Fairy Queen and the knight in the shining armor who worked and died for the glorious mage guild Fairy Tail! But now she's back as a member of the Phoenix. Here comes Titania, the scarlet flower blooming fully with pride! Mage number two, Erza Scarlet!" Even he knew her. Most of the mages who would fight today were nobodies. At least here. He had already hear a dozen tales from the people he would announce later, but someone like Erza Scarlet... who's story was as infamous as the prestige of a black guild was surely something.
"If he hears you, you are already done. Blue hair, blue eyes, and a black soul. Ladies and gentlemen, here comes the master of sound. Mage number three, Kaaaaaaatashi!" A sound mage with the power to reflect the mightiest attacks. He could really become a vexation to the most. His skills and talents were well known; he should definitely be watched during the games.
"Once upon a time this guy challenged Grey Fullbuster and mopped the floor with him. Once upon a time he should have turned fire into solid ice and once upon a time that guy was seen surfing on magma with an ice shell! Who am I talking about? Welcome together with me... mage number four, Yaaaaaaamaaamooootooo!" An ice mage in such a tourney was always something thrilling. Even more if that guy really had the guts to beat Grey Fullbuster. He was one hell of a mage.
"If you fight with wide-range magic, you surely need a good eye. She's the second female participant in our games and furthermore the only woman I ever saw that was able to shoot my damn mic outta my hand. I guess she's even able to hit a thimble in full rotation around 100 feet away! Mage number six, The Lethal Bullet, The Piercing Bolt. Welcome our sixth mage... Viiiinyl!" One extraordinary female. A woman capable of mastering one of the most difficult forms of fire magic. Bullet Magic. The first he ever witnessed in such a tourney.
"If you want to be honest, this guy does not even officially belong to Phoenix Wing, but nonetheless he has the right to fight. He's the conqueror of waves, the bender of even the smallest motion. Mage number seven, ladies and gentlemen... a petite guy as deadly as a serpent... well that's his name. Welcome to the adult's league. Mage number seven... Viper!" A child, not any taller than a kid. Still a mighty mage capable of bending and creating waves by his will. What would he achieve during this tournament? Well... no one would know.
"We know her, we love her, we all adore her. Like Erza Scarlet, this little fairy was a glorious member of Fairy Tail. Now she stands her ground in the struggle for the S-Ranks and the Guild Ace title. A fragile little girl among mighty men? Water can crush even the cliffs. Ladies and gentlemen, here comes our seventh mage... Juvia Locksar!" Another well known witch from around here. What was wrong with the Fairy Tail mages? Still... Juvia was in full control over every single teardrop... once again a mage that could get interesting.
"The last for today and moreover our most mysterious participant, since we know nothing but his name. He looks like a child, behaves like one, and actually appears to be a total newcomer still chosen by the phoenix force. Let's see if the kid can make it! Number eight... Toto Sakigami!" Another child in the tournament. And in addition someone who basically was a nobody to him. He knew nothing about that guy besides his looks and name. However, such were probably the most hazardous ones.
The first eight mages and members of group one and two had now joined the field, waiting eagerly to begin and hear the guildmaster's opening speech. The atmosphere within the stadium was so tensed that he thought he could nearly tough it. the roaring crowd, the stern or probably relaxed gazes of the line-up mages, who all stood in a long row behind him. This would become one of the most intense tourney's in history... he could feel it.
"And nooooow... a loud applause for Serena Mason, our fellow guildmasterrr and his opening speech!"
During the announcers endless speech, Vinyl eagerly moved her long blue hair from her eyesight while repeatedly turning to her left and right, gazing over each of the mages that would eventually become her opponent. Some were large in size and buff. Others were slender and leaner than the bigger guys, especially a certain samurai. There was also a... child? The woman curiously tilted her head as her eyesight came upon this boy, but she shrugged if off, reminding herself that this world had no restrictions in age. After all, if an accidental time traveler could be summoned to take part in this, why the hell not a child?
She felt slightly nostalgic standing before a crowd of this magnitude. It was just as and if not larger than the crowds she used to entertain with her music. Those were definitely the times... pouring her own soul into those tracks, she could almost feel the crowds' bodies swinging and dancing to her tracks. If she hadn't been pushed into this strange world she would have been among the best musicians around.
Her train of thought returned when the announcer called her name. Quickly regaining from her stumble, the woman removed the neon blue headphones from her ears and stepped ahead of the other participants. Her hands rose towards the crow, firing off several magic shots that trailed off towards the top of the barrier and exploded in the form of fireworks. The crowd screeched her name in joy. Had they ever seen fireworks before? Hah!
"So how's everyone doing today? Ready for everything?" She asked the other participants.
One of the participants sat on the ground , taking a carton of cigarettes from the pocket lining the inside of his jacket. Igniting a single bud and bringing it to his lips, he then inhaled deeply, blowing out a stream of smoke. Why were there so many people here? It was only a ranking tournament. Whatever. A light yawn escaped him as he laid on the ground, putting his arms behind his head as he smoked. His eyes glanced over to his fellow guild member who had asked him a question. Well, everyone a question. He studied her quietly, trying to remember her name. Vinyl, was it? Pretty unique. "Tired." He bluntly replied, lying back on the ground.
The most familiar of the participants stood alone in the dark with her back to the wall. She had never felt so lonely before. Dimmed hues, folded arms that firmly rested upon her bandaged chest. Erza Scarlet. Titania, the scarlet flower. A highly gifted, cold-hearted woman and warrior who was fearless and fierce no matter what situation she needed to face. But right now, while resting her back against the raucous ligneous wall; right now a certain shudder ran through her body, forcing her to close her hazel brown eyes for the very moment, as Erza's lips pressed into a firm line.
Pride and strength. Skill and will. As the first rays of the sun touched her face, her right would hover rapidly, tearing the small piece of bandage off her right biceps. The blue Fairy Tail engravement seemed to glow in the dim sunlight whist entering the arena. Toeing the line with her slim blade resting upon her shoulder, Erza had fixed her gaze at the tribune, waiting for the show to start. 'I exercise my right to challenge...' The lucid lights dancing over her hazel oculars- 'and win against every single one of them.'