The three months passed and soon Fairy Tail was making preparations to head to Crocus. Soon there were only a couple of days before the Grand Magic Games would begin...
''You're afraid, aren't you?''
Hope started and looked up at Endymion as the phoenix flew next to him, hearing him continue. ''We're going there soon, after all.''
''...Yeah, I've known it was coming but...I guess I just can't help feeling that way.''
''That's all right though, it's hard but you're doing the right thing in the long run.'' His partner returned. ''I'm sure you know but this won't be anything like before, you're not alone and you won't be again.''
Hope smiled ''Mm...thanks a lot, Endymion.''
The two went back on their way, they had been asked to pick up a couple of packages for Mira and Rebecca. The first was busy at the guild and the latter had been busy making accessories and was currently resting in Fairy Hills.
''So you did get that paper for Mira-san and Rebecca's delivery package, right?''
''Yes, Romeo told me about the area too...but there's a problem.'' The phoenix admitted, Hope gave him a quizzical look but he just lifted one of his legs, which had the paper tied to it.
Hope took the paper and unfurled, confusion settling in a moment ''...What is that supposed to be?''
He knew just what that meant. 'The address we're supposed to find, apparently.''
See, thing is, the handwriting on the paper was really bad, near ineligible in fact.
''Hmm...no, I can't read it...'' Hope said after a few seconds.
''Neither can I. It wouldn't be so hard but since the town changed this much during the years...''
''Yeah, we're not getting anywhere like this...'' Hope trailed off. ''...oh, that's White Hart. You think we should ask Elena-san and the others?''
''It's a worth a try.''
It turned out that Elena knew exactly who wrote this the second she saw the handwriting.
''Ah, somethings never change...'' She shook her head, seeming amused.
Ravi craned his neck to look ''Oh, it's that chicken scratch again. No wonder you guys don't know, there's this guy who owns the post office that moved here a couple of years ago. People tried telling him that they couldn't read his hand writing but since he can, he doesn't care.''
''That sounds like some character.'' Endymion remarked.
The boy snorted ''You have no idea, Endymion. Anyway, yeah we can point you out. It's actually...''
Following their instructions, the two were able to find and pick up the packages without trouble.
It was on their way back to the guild that they came across Marco, who was facing something before him. Hope and Endymion stopped in surprise when they realized it was Natsu, Lucy, Erza, Wendy, Gray and Levy, who all seemed wiped out on the benches nearby. Happy and Carla were standing nearby, with the latter seeming exasperated. What stood out even more was that Erza seemed to be perfectly fine.
''Hi, guys!'' Happy waved.
''Hi...'' Hope returned. ''...what's going on? Did you all fight some monster?''
''Worse...'' Lucy groaned.
''Much worse...'' Levy agreed.
''Again, what exactly happened?'' Marco seemed to be trying to figure this out too.
''We found out how to unlock second origin.'' Carla offered. ''But the method was...harsh, to say the least.''
''No kidding...'' Natsu groaned.
''Second origin...? But why would you...'' Endymion started, sounding confused.
''Well we need to power up for the games you know! Ow...we didn't think it'd be this bad...''
''That's not exactly what I meant...''
Erza rolled her eyes ''Feel free to ignore them, they're overreacting.''
''Yeah, YOU would think so.'' Gray deadpanned.
''I'm actually amazed you're taking this so well.'' Marco admitted.
''It's Erza, what do you expect?'' Happy remarked.
The redhead moved on ''Wait...but then this leaves Hope out. That letter just came out of the blue and...''
''That's okay, don't worry about it. There were a few things I needed to do anyway.'' Hope waved it off. ''Long story short, that method most likely wouldn't have worked with me anyway.''
''? What do you mean?''
''Well...'' He hesitated, glancing at their friends. ''...why don't we save the explanation for now? They could use some help.''
The rest of the day passed without incident and the time almost seemed to fly in the midst of it all. Soon, Fairy Tail had left for the capital...
''Well, here we are...'' Makarov trailed off. They were able to get settled in smoothly after arriving and now they just had to wait for everyone to make it.
His expression softened as his eyes fell on one of his children. ''...No need to ask how you're feeling now.''
Hope nodded, his expression was unreadable as his hand lay on the pendant. He was now clad in white, grey and yellow half-sleeved jacket with a purple shirt along with grey pants and white and purple shoes. He also wore blue wrist bands that had yellow and grey lines.
''...So much changed...I used to tell myself I wouldn't come back here and now...''
''It just proves you've grown a lot.'' Makarov offered. ''It's just goes to show the strength and courage we knew you had all along. Just remember, you won't be alone again, this time will turn out far, far better. For all of us.''
The teen nodded back, reminding himself of the reasons he came here. For Fairy tail, for the people that had become his family...so he could finally look past his terrible memories...he had to do this.
''Wow...'' Asuka looked around the streets of Crocus with wide eyes. ''...it's really so pretty!''
''Yeah, it is, huh?'' Her father chuckled, patting her head. ''I guess you want a look around like last year? We can do that later.''
''Okay!'' She beamed.
The two turned to the door as it was open, blinking when Natsu and Levy almost slumped in a second later. They were followed by Erza, Gray, Lucy and Wendy along with Happy and Carla.
''Stand up! This is pathetic!'' The knight mage chided.
''How are you doing so well...?'' Lucy sighed.
''She probably already had the second origin...'' Levy trailed off.
''...Are you guys okay?'' Alzack said after a moment.
''What's going on? You kids were like this before too.'' Makarov stated.
''That second origin unlocking is really hard, Master...''
Endymion let out a breath ''Why did you have to do it like that?''
''What do you mean?'' Gray raised an eye.
''Why did you pick such a clearly painful method to unlock it?''
''Eh? But there isn't another method...'' Wendy started.
''Yes, there is.''
Makarov blinked ''What're you talking about, Wendy? We started looking into it ever since the word got back to us. I sent out messages to everyone with the news. There are other methods for this, you know.''
''What?'' Natsu blinked.
''Hey, you didn't tell us!'' Gray exclaimed.
''He did, actually, I saw him send the letter to Erza.'' Victor countered, looking at the redhead. ''Just what happened?''
''I don't know...'' She admitted, bewildered.
''That's weird...'' Happy cocked his head.
Carla thought back ''Wait...wasn't there this one time when you were particularly invested in perfecting some new move? I remember because a letter came and you never picked it up, even when we reminded you. It was rather unusual.''
''Yeah, I remember that...'' Lucy eyed the redhead suspiciously. ''...I couldn't find it later so I thought she took care of it. That had to be...'' She groaned. ''Erza!''
The knight mage looked embarrassed, bowing to them ''I'm sorry! You may hit me in retribution.''
''I might just do it this time...'' Natsu grumbled.
''I've got a better idea.'' Happy smirked. ''How about the next time we get a cake, she doesn't get any part of it?''
''Oh, that's cruel...I like it!'' Both shared a grin while Erza slumped down at the thought.
''Jeez, some start this is...'' Natsu groused as he sat on a couch. He looked at Hope ''...so that's what you and Marco were going to tell us before we left Magnolia?''
''Yeah...we kind of just agreed there wouldn't be any point since you already went with it. How did you get that to happen anyway?''
Lucy explained with, some help from Happy, about the letter from Crime Sorciere, which had Erza look for them before they left Magnolia to go to the forest while most of them had been busy at the guild.
''I see...so they're all doing well, that's good.''
''So all that happened...'' Mira trailed off. ''...for what it's worth, sorry, we kind of assumed you got the letter too.''
Hope nodded with a sheepish look to this, making Natsu curse Erza under his breath. ''Happy, we're totally doing your idea later. It would serve her right.''
''Aye Sir!''
''Come to think of it, Hope, Mira-san, did you two unlock the second origin?'' Lucy inquired.
Mira replied positively while Hope shook his head and explained ''The methods we heard about are complicated, most of them involve the magical core but since mine is that different with Endymion here, they won't work.''
''Really? Don't you know a way around it?'' Happy asked.
''There might be.'' Endymion stated, glancing at the pendant. ''We're not sure yet, so we'll keep it quiet for now.''
''We found a few ways but they involve some process at least, the reason you guys might be so tired is because it happened just like that. They tend to take some time to start.'' Hope added. ''That's why it's hitting you so hard.''
''You guys made the best of a situation.'' Mira added helpfully. ''It'll pay off later.''
''I guess so. Looking back, we could have given it some thought...it is kinda hard to believe that there's only one to unlock the second origin.'' Lucy remarked.
Happy blinked ''When you put it like that...''
Things began to settle down soon as some members started to look into the rules for the games. Levy soon summed the most important three. One, Masters cannot participate. Two, anyone without the guild mark cannot participate and the third was each event was confidential until it started and the participants had to be in bed by midnight.
''Now it's time to choose the team members.'' Makarov declared. ''Natsu!''
He smirked ''All right!''
''You did it!'' Happy beamed.
''Gray!''
''Heh, good.'' The ice mage smiled.
''Erza!''
She nodded, looking determined ''I'll do my best.''
''Lucy!''
The blonde started ''What...?''
''Well, last but not least, Wendy!''
The girl looked surprised ''Me?''
''Hold on, Master, wouldn't there be better members?! Like you know, Gajeel and the others, what about Mira-san? Or Hope?'' Lucy wondered.
''Now don't be like that.'' Mira patted her shoulder. ''You'll do fine.''
''Yeah, don't worry so much, we all trained for this. Just do what you can, no one can ask for more.'' Hope added. ''Same applies to you, Wendy. Do your best.''
''I will,'' The girl returned, smiling brightly.
''I wish I can be that optimistic...'' She sighed.
''Hey, what're you worrying about so much, Luce? It'll be great!'' Natsu assured.
Erza watched some of her friends leave to take a look around the city. She did want to do that too but there was something else on her mind...
''Hope...'' The boy looked at her as she went on. ''...I realize this might be pointless to ask but...how are you feeling?''
He couldn't say he hadn't seen that coming. Wendy had made a point of stopping to check up on him too after their arrival and she hadn't been the only one...
''I'll be fine...sorry for worrying you. Honestly, I don't like coming back here but I've made up my mind and I'm going to deal with this for good.''
Erza smiled ''That's the way. I'm sure you'll do very well with that mindset. Don't forget, we're all here to help.''
''Mm, thank you.''
The two and Endymion took a walk around Crocus' streets. It was certainly a beautiful city, and the festive air made it all the more plain. Though they were some people who made fun of them for being part of Fairy Tail, none of them cared.
''Sheesh, can't find they find something better to do?'' A new voice said, exasperated. ''Hey, so it's you guys!''
Michael poked his head around the corner ''I've been looking for you...whoa, I can tell you guys are plenty stronger already.''
''Well, of course.'' Erza returned proudly. ''You'll see just how true that is starting tomorrow.''
He grinned back ''Nice to see you so spirited. Of course, that's something of a Fairy Tail trademark, huh?''
''You can say that again.'' Endymion returned, sounding just as amused.
The mimic leaned closer to him and Hope to whisper ''...Just checking, do they know about 'that'?''
Hope shook his head ''Mira-san said she wants to surprise them.''
''Got it.''
''What're you all talking about?'' Erza demanded.
''Nothing at all!'' Michael said quickly. ''I can show you guys around if you like.''
''That would be nice, thank you.''
''It's certainly quite a city...'' Erza mused.
''Heh, yeah, I guess but you get used to it.'' Michael paused, noticing the odd look on Hope's face. ''What's up, Hope?''
''...It's weird...somehow it feels like a lot's changed but somethings are still the same.''
''Nah, I get that feeling too.'' The young man assured. ''It's probably because some of the places actually are still around from when you've lived here.''
''I guess so...''
This reminded Erza of something ''Hope, are you aware that Michael spread the truth out after the Scorpion Blade battle?''
''Mm-hm, we've been keeping touch through letters. It doesn't really matter though, I don't see what it would change...'' Hope faltered as he realized how that could misconstrued. ''...sorry, Micheal, I didn't mean anything...''
''Yeah, I know...'' He waved it off. ''...it's the truth anyway, no worries, buddy. You're just here for the guild and to get past those old fears like you told me. I think that's pretty cool of you.''
''Thanks...''
''The sentiment is understandable.'' Endymion added. ''If any of the people from that time want to do anything regarding that issue, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.''
''I think that's for the best.'' Erza agreed.
Michael nodded ''Okay, how about we keep going now?''
It was after the four were on their way back to Fairy Tail's HQ that they were found by a none other than...
''Meredy?'' Erza stopped in surprise. Hope blinked and looked at the newcomer again, not expecting that.
The pinkette smiled back ''I was wondering if I could find you. Hi Hope, it's been so long. Great to see you again!''
The teen couldn't help but note how different she was now. It was certainly a nice change. He smiled back ''Great to see you too.''
Meredy beamed ''And I'm guessing you must be Endymion, nice to actually meet you. Ul and Jellal told me a few things...'' Her expression turned thoughtful ''...I have to say, what you told me on Tenrou Island makes a lot of sense now.''
''Well, it was only the truth and likewise.'' The phoenix returned.
They took a moment to introduce her to Michael before she spoke. ''Just for the record, Hope, I like the new look.''
''Ah, thanks, it's kind of an old look in a way...So you're part of that independent guild now?''
''Yup!''
They began to catch up as they continued walking for a few minutes before Michael noticed something odd.
''What's with him?''
The 'him' in question was Gray, who was leaning against the inn's wall with a weary expression.
Meredy laughed sheepishly ''Let's just say...we've been through an unusual dinner.''
''That's an understatement.'' Gray retorted. ''Just so you know, I blame the four of you for that fiasco.''
The sense like mage gave him a flat look ''It's your own fault. I tried to warn you guys but you all just let Ultear wind you up for her own fun.''
''What exactly happened?'' Erza wondered, looking between them.
''I don't want to remember...'' Gray sighed, leaving them bewildered.
After Gray and Erza separated from the group to head back towards the team quarters, they soon discovered a problem.
Wendy was the only one who hadn't returned. And since the time was coming close to midnight, they didn't know what to do.
''I wonder what happened...'' Lucy went wide-eyed, suddenly imagining Wendy and Carla dressed up like gangsters before trying to explain it to the others. ''...oh no, what do we do?!''
''You do remember it's Wendy and Carla we're talking about right?'' Gray deadpanned. ''What's wrong with you imagination.
''I get it, and you guys are worried about leaving now since it's almost that curfew...'' Lisanna frowned when the others filled her in.
''Do you guys know where Hope or Endymion are? I bet they can find her fast.'' Natsu stated.
''We left them with Master and Happy. Lisanna, can you go tell them about this?'' Elfman requested. His sister nodded and left.
The trouble started though, as it became clear they wouldn't have much time. The clock rang, signifying midnight.
''Oh no...''
''Good morning!'' A booming voice called before a projection of a man with a pumpkin head appeared. ''To all the guilds here for the Grand Magic Games...In order to narrow down the competing teams to eight, it's time to start the preliminaries!''
''Was there a round like that?'' Elfman looked confused.
''I don't think they said anything about that...'' Natsu answered.
''Each year, the number of competing guilds keep growing and the events get too predictable so we made some changes. This year, only eight teams can compete for the official events. The rules are simple!''
Suddenly, the building began to float up as the man continued ''Here is the Sky Labyrinth! The first eight teams to get to Domus Flau, the official games' stadium, will be chosen as the participants!''
A path appeared from the dorm to what was clearly the labyrinth being created by magic in the sky...
The pumpkin man laughed ''You are free to use all magics with no restriction. But any team who makes it with less than five members is disqualified. Ah, also, we take no responsibility lives lost here! Now...'' He spread his arms out. ''...let the Grand Magic Games' preliminary round begin!''
''Guys, if we don't move, we'll be disqualified.'' Gray reminded.
''But Wendy...'' Lucy started.
Elfman picked them all up after a few moments, leaving her to demand what he was doing.
''He's right, I'll take over for her. After all the work we put in like men, we can't let it all stop like this, let's go and win!''
The takeover mage had enthusiastically taken them all in. It became clear the Sky Labyrinth functioned sort of like a Troia, so people like Natsu wouldn't have issues such as motion sickness. What they needed to do was assemble map pieces enough for them to find the way to the goal. But since they couldn't tell which was right, Lucy summoned one of her spirits, Pyxis, to help, leading to an awkward failure as Erza already knew due to her own compass.
It wasn't long before they were found by the Twlight Ogre team, who derided their team once again. A fight quickly broke out but Twilight Ogre was soundly beaten again.
This lead to the team discovering their map pieces. The unholy light of greed entered most of the team's eyes as they knew just what to do...
Lucy recoiled ''Guys...your eyes are scary.''
Now more enthusiastic than ever, they proceed to challenge whatever teams they could find for the map pieces...
Eventually, The team made it to Domus Flau, happy with their success...
Natsu grinned ''Hey, I bet we're first place, right?''
''That's for sure.'' Gray smirked.
''No.'' The Pumpkin man stated. ''You just scraped by, eighth place.''
The statement left them in absolute shock, all not wanting to believe that their work was effectively fruitless.
The next day...
The team headed out into the field, all raring to go. More so after what they discovered recently...
Their friends had found Wendy and Carla unconscious in the gardens of Mercurius. Something had apparently depleted their magic power. The two were quickly taken to Porlyusica, who had come to help them.
''I'm sorry, everyone...'' Wendy looked on the verge of tears. ''...I messed up...''
''Hey, don't feel bad, it's not your fault.'' Lucy countered.
''But...''
''She's right, Wendy! As a man, I promise I'll give it a hundred percent in your stead.'' Elfman assured.
''You just focus on recovering now.'' Erza added.
''As well she should. Just leave her to me.'' Porlyusica offered. The five left and the healer turned back to Wendy. ''There's no need for those tears, child. I can have you up and running before those silly games end. On my honor as a healer.''
Wendy looked surprised before a small smile settled on her face ''Thank you...''
''All right, we're finally here...'' Natsu grinned.
''We've got to do this for everyone in the guild...'' Erza stated.
''Yeah, we'll win for them all!'' Elfman finished.
The announcer's voice resounded in the stadium ''The annual magic games finally begin, the Grand Magic Games!''
''I'm Chapati Lola and I'll be covering the events. We are honored to have the former council member Yajima-san as our commentator. Glad to be working to with you!''
''The pleasure's all mine.''
''We'll have a special guest for each day. Today's guest is none other than Miss Fiore, Jenny Realight!''
''We're gonna win this year!'' A beautiful blonde woman with blue eyes announced, smiling as the cheers increased.
''Now to introduce our participating teams...'' Chapati started. ''...the eight rank of the preliminaries. Can they reclaim their lost glory? Contrary to the name, its the wild and rowdy, Fairy Tail!''
The team of five made their entrance then...
Now it seemed the mood had turned 180 degrees as the crowd was all booing them.
''Hey, what's your problem?!'' Natsu growled.
''Blow it off, Natsu. It doesn't matter.'' Gray said.
''They'll see the truth.'' Erza stated.
''Yeah, talk's cheap, we're just gonna show our power.'' Elfman declared.
''Don't forget, our guild supports us.'' Lucy offered.
Indeed, everyone in the guilds stands was cheering them on, not paying the audience any heed.
But it was then that they all noticed something odd...
''Hooray! Hooray, Fairy Tail!''
The new voice brought attention to the young blond girl standing on one of the ledges with a bright smile as she waved at the team.
''Whoa, no way...'' Levy stared.
Bisckslow's jaw dropped ''She's here?''
''Is that...'' Gray stared.
''Oi, oi, seriously?'' Elfman blinked twice.
''Who's that?'' Romeo cocked his head.
Makarov wound up answering that ''Master Mavis?!''
''What?!''
The girl smiled brightly at them ''I came to cheer everyone on!''
''Well...that's nice, but...''
''Don't worry, only people with our guild marks can see me. It was too boring to stay on Tenrou anyway!''
''Of all the unexpected...'' Gray trailed off, looking stunned.
''Even the First Master came to support us. We've got to win this.'' Erza smiled.
Chapati continued ''In seventh place, it's the hounds of hell's army, Quattro Ceberus!''
Five men walked out, with one yelling ''WILD...''
''...FOUR!'' The others finished.
''Next, is the all female guild, the dancers in the deep ocean! Mermaid Heel!''
A team of women entered, some waving and blowing kisses at the crowd.
''Heeh, so there's a guild like that?'' Lisanna tilted her head.
''In fifth place, the wings that sparkle in the dark, Blue Pegasus!''
Jenny beamed ''Win it, guys!''
Then came Ichiya, followed by the trimens and...a strange sight, a person in a blue bunny suit.
''What the heck?'' Gray stared at the person in bewilderment, a sentiment the team shared.
''Fourth place, the goddess of love and war, the sacred destroyers, Lamia Scale!''
Lyon led his team into the stadium, with him were Jura, Yuka, Toby and a little girl who looked a lot like Sherry.
They could hear a woman scolding the team for the result. The girl looked sheepish ''I'm sorry, Master, I messed-hwa!'' She yelped as she tripped.
''Calm down.'' Yuka sighed.
''Who's she?'' Natsu asked.
''Sherry's cousin, Chelia.''
''Just remember Gray, if Lamia Scale wins, Juvia will join us.'' Lyon declared.
''I never agreed to that.'' The ice mage rolled his eyes. ''Not that we'll lose anyway.
''Now in third place...ooh! This is a first, the midnight raiders, Raven Tail!''
The members of Fairy Tail were alarmed at this, for two reasons. One, that guild's reputation, and two...
''Wait, you're those pricks who tried to steal the spirit!'' Gray exclaimed.
Kurohebi merely smirked back while Obra didn't even look at them.
''What the...? You guys were actually allowed in the games?'' Lucy frowned.
''They're the ones who were causing all that trouble...'' Rebecca grimaced.
''I don't get it...isn't Raven Tail...?'' Levy frowned.
''Yeah, it's a dark guild!'' Makarov affirmed. ''How are the officials okay with this?!''
Chapati wound up providing the answer quickly ''According to the records, Raven Tail has existed for years but it was only recently approved as an official guild.''
''...Then they're not a dark guild.'' Yajima's tone was still wary of the five newcomers. He didn't trust them anymore than Fairy Tail did.
''Ivan...what the hell are you here for?'' Makarov ground his teeth. ''How did you pull it off?!''
''Fairy Tail...'' The armored man grunted. ''...we've waited a long time for this. The brat and her cat was us saying hello.''
''What?!'' Elfman scowled.
''You're the ones who attacked Wendy and Carla?!'' Natsu growled.
''Let's enjoy the festival.'' The members of Raven Tail walked away.
''...So there's two teams...one's Sabertooth and...'' Lucy started
''Hmm...are they related to Crime Sorciere's concerns? The magic power they asked us to investigate?'' Erza wondered.
''Now then...'' Chapati continued. ''...the first two teams, in second place is...oh my, this is a surprise! Could their broken wings have really carried them this far?! The unbelievable, least expected, none other than...''
Everyone stared in shock as the five new arrivals made their presence known.
''...Fairy Tail B Team!''
''What the...?!'' Natsu's eyes went wide.
The new team consisted of Gajeel, Mira, Laxus, Juvia and Hope.
''Gajeel?!'' Natsu stared, he smirked in return.
''Nee-chan?!'' Elfman cried, Mira waved happily back.
Gray blinked twice ''Juvia?!''
''Laxus really was in this?'' Erza was bewildered.
''Hope?!'' Lucy exclaimed.
''What gives?'' Natsu added.
The boy merely smiled ''Hey, guys. It was a surprise but Mira-san and Gajeel asked me to join them.''
''Right...'' Gajeel draped an arm around the boy's shoulder. ''...he's ours now, Salamander.''
Natsu glared back while Hope shook his head with a bemused look but Gray ignored this ''Why didn't you tell us?''
''I thought it might be fun to surprise you.'' Mira chirped.
''Well, you pulled it off...'' Erza stated. ''...why though?''
''Why not?'' Laxus returned. ''We're not the only guild who put two teams in, we're just the only ones who pulled it off.''
''I see...no wonder there were so many teams.''
As it so happened, the commentators were talking about the same thing as the people and even other participants were all chatting about it. Chapati hummed ''Well, I suppose it does prove their skill if two teams came...''
''What did I tell you?'' Yajima sounded satisfied. ''Don't look down on Fairy Tail, they have a way of blowing all expectations to nothing.''
Makarov laughed ''Of course we do! It's just how we do things in Fairy Tail.''
Chapati cleared his throat ''Now it's time for the last team, you know 'em, you love 'em! The strongest, invincible and indisputable champions, Sabertooth!''
The final group was greeted by incredible cheering, they were led a by a young man with blond hair and blue eyes, a masked man in a hat. A man with bushy, messy blue hair, a young man with black hair and red eyes and finally a girl with white hair and brown eyes with blue rose in her hair.
Natsu's eyes narrowed as they landed on the blond and black young men ''There they are...''
''Now with all the teams present, it's time we announce the tournament's program!'' Chapati declared.
After these words, a huge piece of rock appeared in the middle of the arena with the following visible on it...
Day 1: Hidden+Battle
Day 2: ?+Battle
Day 3: ?+Battle
Day 4: ?+Tag battle
Day Five: ?
The announcer explained a bit more about this, every event was followed by a battle. The event's rankings gave the first place owner ten points, the second eight, the third six and so on. It was also elaborated that the team can select any member to participate but the battle participants were already decided by drawing.
Yajima took over ''Now then...it's time to start Hidden, the opening event. Each team, please send out a member and the rules will be explained once everyone is ready.''
A girl stepped out of the Mermaid Heel team ''How about I go first?''
''I'll permit it.'' The swordswoman of their group replied.
Chapati noted this right away ''Mermaid Heel chooses Beth Vanderwood!''
''All right, here we go!'' A guy with ponytail flexed his arms.
''Don't forget, your soul is always...'' One of his teammates spoke and he took over.
''WILD!''
The rest then added ''FOUR!''
''From Quattro Cerberus, it's Yaeger!''
''You go on, Nullpudding.'' The armored man commanded.
A short man with a huge chin grinned ''Got it.''
''Raven Tail chooses Nullpudding!''
Unlike them, the members of the Lamia Scale seemed to be in a fight. Mainly between Chelia and Toby, who both wanted to participate.
''It should be me!''
''No! I can go around faster and hide better!''
''I'm going and that's that!''
Lyon sighed in exasperation while Jura shook his head and Yuka grimaced ''Great...''
Eventually, the creation wizard decided to cut in ''Okay, enough, neither of you are going. I'll start us off.''
''Aww...''
''For Lamia Scale, it's Lyon Vastia!''
Blue Pegasus had a smoother turn. Eve stepped up ''I'll take care of this.''
''Eve, Eve is first!''
Jenny smiled ''Yes, Eve! Win all the way!''
''Eve Tilm steps up for Pegasus! Now what about the others?''
The blond man in a mask gave a calm smile ''I'll go. The birds are singing a lovely song today.''
His entrance excited the crowd greatly. Chapati spoke up ''Sabertooth chose the bard who sings to the red moon, Rufus Lore!''
''I'll go first.'' Gray told the others.
''Sounds good.'' Lucy returned.
''You better not mess up, ice princess!'' Natsu warned.
''Win it like a man!'' Elfman added.
''Fairy Tail Team A is choosing Gray Fullbuster!''
As one might expect, this caused a quick reaction from Team B's side. ''Gray-sama?!'' Juvia perked up. ''Juvia's entering this round!''
''What're you on about all of a sudden?'' Gajeel blinked.
''Juvia wants to enter with Gray-sama!''
''You do remember we're supposed to be against each other, right?'' Laxus said flatly.
If the water mage heard him, she sure wasn't showing it. ''Juvia wants to go!''
Mira shook her head with a fond smile. She had a feeling Juvia wouldn't back out on this ''Well, I suppose it wouldn't do harm...''
''Juvia Locsker steps up to the plate for Fairy Tail's Team B!'' Chapati noted. ''Yajima-san, what do you think of the players? Are there any you have an eye on? Rufus seems to be the fan favorite.''
''That's for sure.'' The old man agreed. ''I would recommend not underestimating Fairy Tail's teams though. Their participants are formidable.''
''Nice to see we have someone supporting us...'' Lucy trailed off.
''Who will you be watching, Jenny?'' Chapati went on.
''Eve, of course! He can do this!''
''I see...'' Mavis trailed once Rebecca gave them a rundown about the trouble they dealt with during the training time.
''We told the authorities about those two creeps just in case but I guess it really didn't pay off...''
''Looks like it.'' Makarov agreed. ''As much as I hate to say it, since they're an official guild now, there's nothing we can do...''
''I have to say. You do such nice work on your character, it's clear that you give it a lot of effort.'' Beth told the pumpkin as they all gathered around.
He laughed sheepishly ''No, no, I do this all for the fun after all. No need for praise.''
''So he's here every year?'' Gray raised an eye. ''What is he, some kind of mascot?''
''I guess you can say that...'' Eve returned.
''I hope you realize that even if our souls are connected, Juvia doesn't intend to lose.'' Juvia told Gray.
''Yeah, of course not, back at you.''
''My mind's set on winning the event as well!'' Lyon declared. ''Then I will move on to win Juvia's heart!''
Juvia recoiled ''Not again...''
Gray just rolled his eyes, sparing the man a flat look.
''Ain't this unfair?'' Eyes traveled to Nullpudding as he went on. ''Fairy Tail has an advantage over everyone.''
''Oi, we won our places here fair and square.'' Gray retorted. ''Not that you bastards would know anything about that.''
''It's the rules, kabo.'' Mato the pumpkin man added. ''There were other teams, you know? Fairy Tail's was just the only one to pull it off.''
''Meh, I could care less. I can take them on.'' Yeager admitted.
''I don't mind anyway.'' Beth chipped in.
''Having two members can easily be a disadvantage too. Two heads aren't necessarily better than one.'' Rufus remarked, merely smiling as Gray watched him warily while Nullpudding just grunted and looked away, clearly unsatisfied.
Mato raised his arms ''Open the field!''
Suddenly a mass of magic gathered in the sky, everyone was shocked to see that it was forming what they quickly realized was a town...
''What the?!''
''No way...'' Juvia trailed off.
''Did they just make a town in seconds?'' Victor said as they watched the magic at work.
''Aye Sir! Wow...'' Happy's jaw dropped.
Suddenly, the eight members were all teleported to different parts of the city. Some of them immediately got on the move, they may not know the rules but the name and circumstances of the event had them cautious.
The crowds were being shown a close up view of the situation with lacrima vision. Then to general surprise, what appeared to be clones of the eight mages formed randomly in the town.
Chapati began to explain ''It's time to explain the rules of Hidden! Each person both hides and seeks, if they find another of the participants, they can use magic to score a blow. If the move hits, they get a point! If they attack a copy, they lose a point. Everyone, you have thirty minutes before the game ends! START!''
''Whoa...they're supposed to find the right guys in all that...?'' Natsu squinted. ''...I can't see any difference...''
''I wonder if there's some way to tell the fake from the clone...'' Elfman cocked his head.
Laxus had a thought ''Chibi, do you know where the real ones are?''
''I think so...give me a minute. All that magic they've got in the area makes it a bit confusing at first...'' Hope's brow furrowed.
Gajeel sighed ''Good grief, you would've been perfect for this if it wasn't for that annoying last minute rule...Somehow, I get the feeling letting the Rain Woman in this with the way she's acting is just gonna be trouble.''
''Not like we could get her to listen...'' Laxus reminded.
''Well, let's give her a chance. I think she'll be fine.'' Mira stated, Hope nodded back.
Lily turned to Endymion ''Wait, if you can see through them, then it means Hope...''
''It's just like before!'' Jet bemoaned. ''We always missed out on events that would've been perfect in the right time...''
''Yeah, all because they keep insisting on this secrecy.'' Bisca remarked.
''Well, even if they hadn't...considering it's Juvia we're talking about, I don't think she would have given them much of a choice.'' Evergreen said flatly.
Freed sighed ''That I can certainly believe...''
''Well, let's not start thinking negatively now. Believe in your friends.'' Mavis told them.
Gray decided to try making use of the situation, doing his best to maneuver around the clones for a sneak attack while trying to find a target.
It wasn't easy but he was getting a good feel of his surroundings when suddenly, a sharp force hit him by the side, throwing him down.
Grimacing, the ice mage looked up to see Nullpudding sneering at him ''There we go, little fairy...''
''He knew?! But how?'' Lucy wondered.
Erza grimaced ''He must be skilled...''
''Juvia is so happy!'' Hearts formed in the water mage's eyes. ''There are so many lovely Gray-samas!''
She hugged one but then a buzzer sounded and she was teleported away. Chapati elaborated ''That was a clone, so Juvia from Fairy Tail's Team B loses one point. She'll be in a ten second time out before restarting.''
''What an idiot!'' Gajeel scowled.
''This could prove to be a little bit of an issue for poor Juvia...'' Mira smiled.
''I don't know if I'd call that a little bit...'' Hope trailed off.
''We wouldn't be having this problem if anyone else was playing...'' Laxus grumbled.
''Boy am I glad I'm not out there.'' Elfman admitted.
Gray ground his teeth and got moving the second the timeout ended. ''The tension is thick enough to cut with a knife! Raven Tail has taken the lead. How would you figure out which one is real?'' Chapati wondered.
''I'm sure there a variety of ways to find out. It comes down to the participants.'' Yajima stated.
''That's for sure, I know Eve can do it.'' Jenny added.
Beth tried to ambush Gray but he dodged it, only for her to be hit by Yeager. Who was in turn taken out by Lyon.
''I finally found you...'' He smirked. ''...now...''
''Juvia found you!'' The water mage jumped down, knocking Lyon away ''As Juvia said before, she will not lose. Master promised that the losing team would have to listen to whatever the winning team says for a day.''
''What?! You've gotta be kidding!''
''You made a bet like that?'' Hope asked Mira.
''Well, we thought it could be sweet!''
Natsu also noticed that he clearly didn't have an idea about this anymore than they did ''What the hell?''
''What, you scared, Salamander?'' Gajeel retorted.
''You wish!'' He scowled.
''Don't feel too bad, Natsu, it goes both ways.'' Mira informed.
''It better!''
''I'd ask if this is some kind of joke but I know better.'' Endymion spared Makarov a flat look.
He just grinned ''We did need to give them a little incentive.''
''Hold on, you mean Hope actually wants a part of it too?'' Max wondered.
''Somehow, I can't see that happening...'' Reedus remarked.
Warren and Bickslow thought that over before they laughed a moment later. He nodded sagely ''Oui, it's just strange to imagine.''
As Juvia and Gray were making to square off again, Nullpudding ambushed them off.
Moments later, snow flakes descended on the field...
Using the cold to distinguish the real people, Eve ambushed Beth, Yeager and Nullpudding, making the crowd cheer at the display. The battles continued between the participants and Nullpudding proved again that he was gunning for Fairy Tail...
It was a little while later that they noticed something odd. Rufus was nowhere in sight, he had lost no point but he also didn't gain any. The man was standing on a rooftop, merely observing the whole time.
''This game is utterly dull...'' He murmured. ''...I've learned all I need about the others. Starting from the sound of their footsteps to even their magic's tone...I remember it all. It's time I make a move. Memory Make: Starfall Night!''
He summoned magic beams that hit almost everyone at once. Nullpudding tried to dodge and attack but Rufus tricked him into hitting a memory he had placed there before blasting him down as well. The unexpected feat shot Sabertooth straight to the top.
Soon the game ended. While they had been doing well before, Nullpudding's consistent interference cost Gray all of his points. Juvia barely avoided the same fate, just managing to keep two points.
The audience cheered for Sabertooth, who ranked first...
''No wonder they're the top guild...'' Happy trailed off.
''Yeah, that was incredible.'' Lily admitted.
The crowd mocked Fairy Tail, making it obvious that they had seen this coming. The teams were all leaving as Chapati declared the battle would soon begin.
''One member each will participate, I've just received the line up!'' Chapati went on. ''Now let's get this underway!''
And I'll stop here, it's getting too long at this rate...
The battle part starts next chapter. I hope this was good to start the arc off. I just didn't want to put any parts that were exactly like canon so I just worked around it. I've got a couple of surprises ready starting next time so look out.
I got a few ways to unlock the second origin because frankly, it just seems odd to have only that one method. Hope's second origin will also be unlocked in this arc but with something entirely different.
I've been looking forward to starting on this arc so I hope I can do it justice. It kind of just seemed fitting to have Hope in Team B, I've got a special idea prepared for his battle. There are a few things I'll be getting under way with my own plot for this arc but they come a bit later.
Oh, I know I'm not so good with descriptive writing so in case I got anyone confused, I've posted a picture of Hope's new look in the story's cover.
Till next time.