Title: From the Audience Stands

A/N: This is based on Ch 296 where we see F!Lucy watch the dragon slayer tag battle.

Effulgence - Brightness taken to the extreme. You may be dazzled by it, stunned by it, or even overcome by it. Usually used to refer to the sun or some other mega-star, effulgence can also be used more figuratively. ( .com)


Loud cheers fill the whole Domus Flau as the final two teams enter the arena. Sting and Rogue for Sabertooth while it's Natsu and Gajeel for Fairy Tail.

I adjusted the hood of my cloak, making sure that it hid most of my face. I can't be seen by the people here. They just witnessed the Naval Battle and watched Lucy Heartfilia get defeated by Saber's Minerva. I shouldn't be here.

I'm at the audience stands, far away from the arena. All I can see from my position are tiny figures, so I just settle watching from the lachryma screen. I was breathless when the camera focused on him. Seeing his face again felt like a 10-ton brick hit me. It's just been a few days since that happened. I missed him so much.

The Lucy of this time is currently in the infirmary with Wendy, Elfman, Carla and Porlyusica-san. They would be intently listening to the cheers of the audience as the battle goes on. This time, I'll be witnessing his fight.

I'm already aware of the result of the match but it doesn't stop me from worrying for him. Sting and Rogue were strong, both of them using Dragon Force. Natsu and Gajeel took damage from every kick and punch the twin dragons threw. I was breathless when Natsu and Gajeel were knocked down. The sight of Natsu lying on the ground reminded me of that incident again. I let out a sigh I did not know I was holding when they both got up. I even laughed as he argued with Gajeel about Sting's attack position. I felt a second-hand embarrassment as I watched him push Gajeel on the cart. Did he really just do that?

"Just me alone will be plenty. Come at me, both of you at once!" he taunted. I have lost count on how many times I heard him say those words. But I know from experience that when he says that, he'll come out victorious.

"This is the power I use to fight for my friend who your guild laughed at!"

Those words ring in my ears. His clear voice just declared his reason for fighting. That it was for me. I am overwhelmed with emotions, hot tears flowing on my cheeks. I stifled a sob as I continued to watch him fight.

His fire magic covered him, making shine so brightly on the screen. His pink hair was a stark contrast against the orange flames surrounding him. He took on a battle stance as Sting and Rogue perform a unison raid spell.

"Dragon Slayer Ultimate Attack: Guren Bakuen-jin!"

A slow resounding cheer filled the arena as everybody watched Sting and Rogue fall into the ground. The commentator announces the result. Natsu Dragneel of Fairy Tail is the winner.

The cameras focused on him once again. A triumphant smile flashed on the screen, as the crowd cheered Fairy Tail's name. I slowly exit the area, leaving as soon as the match finished.

I commit Natsu's bright smile to my memory. My resolve is just as strong as ever. I'll do everything I can to see him smile at me like that again. I will find a way to save everyone, to save him.


A/N: I thought of doing something about the Golden Plains chapter but the new ending theme (Kokoro no Kagi) beat me to it. LOL. Hey, two more prompts to go! I hope I finish them on time.