The Experiment Fairy

by makoto x chelia

Shinobu, a boy that has been experimented on for years by Brain, one day finally unlocks a special key given to him by his late elder brother figure and escapes with his current best friend only to be found alone again. Join Shinobu as he goes on a journey of self discovery to find out where he came from, and who are the people most important to him.

10. Chapter 10

Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!

On-Eno; Thanks! Yeah, it could be considered a little like that, but they have different reasons for such a thing. It could be something like that, but it wont be revealed for a little bit. And thank you! I thought it would be a good addition. And I certainly will!

Kronos Magniratha; Thank you! And...yeah, I'm glad that you don't have to use such a thing. And yeah, I guess, although only Levy and Zeref from those ten really loves him right now. Well, Virgo and Aries do as well.

Hellspam; Yup! I'm glad you're looking forward to it! And yeah, I guess he might reveal it then. Hmmmm, so you think you know? I wonder if you're right or not? You'll have to wait and see!

Zeon480; Hehe~ I thought that it would sound cool and like Yukino~

Jugar38; Thank you. Yeah, I guess it could be looked at like that. Plus, there will be more of those lovey moments in chapters to come. And yes, it could be seen like that~ And as always, thank you very much!

Anime PJ; Yup! Success alright! And hmmmm, that's an interesting theory...you'll have to wait and see if that's the case~ And yeah, it is interesting the relationship between Kagura and Shinobu~ He doesn't have a problem with her, but she's gunning for him. How's that going to turn out?

Blackmoon FierceGods 15; Thank you! Yeah, I will check that out when I get the time~ A Take Over Angel Soul huh~ That would be an interesting move to make. It sounds interesting enough to be considered as Angels are usually associated with Light, and Shinobu is a Light Devil Slayer...so yeah. I could see it working anyway. Well, if that connection is a connection, is a secret. Could be, could not be. It will be revealed in time. As for an Arc Magic, I wouldn't know what type I would give him, since only two have been revealed, and I wouldn't know what to base it off. Yeah, maybe a Christmas special might happen~

Nirvash Neo; The reason why he remembers their names and not the others is a little of a secret for now~ As for Kagura, well she MIGHT have feelings for him, or it COULD be something completely different. Only time will tell~

Julbot1; Well, the first was answered in PM's and he can't just outgrow something. It is apart of his character after all. Sorry.

ShadowUzumaki55; Thank you like always hehe~ Yeah, Kagura and Shinobu's past will be revealed in time~ And yeah, that's going to be a sight alright~

Jack; Thank you! And she could do~

Guest 1; Yeah, I was imagining something like that as well. And yes, since Devils Slayers can identify such things (which is canon) Shinobu will be able to tell Mirajane's Demon forms as well. And yeah, he'd be pretty indifferent to it, since by that point, he would've slept with Mira.

Ragna; Well, for Juvia, she's going to be close and that's all I can say at the moment~ Yeah, I was a yugioh player when I was younger as well. Although not so much anymore.

Pedro52; Thank you! I'm glad you like!

Guest 2; Yeah, that could happen~ He'd be around that level in strength, even if the lower end...well, he'll be strong by that time.

Guest 3; Yeah thanks! I was going to do that originally, but I wanted to try something a little different, but it worked for me personally so, yeah~ And yeah, that sounds like a good idea~

Reaper; Yes, I am currently working on Younger Brother right now. No worries~

With those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!

---

The first round part 1

"Welcome one and all! You lucky 64 contenders have made it through the preliminaries! So well done to everyone that made it through the trials! If there's a winner of this tournament, then it lies with everyone here!"

The King started off like that as we all stood in the arena.

Yeah, yesterday was the day that we made it through the trials. It was tough, but we all did make it through, somehow. But now, we're no longer a team. We can't even think of the others as allies anymore. Sherria-san and the others are okay with that, but personally I think that it was bad...because now, we're supposed to be fighting people, and for all I know, we could be fighting one another today...

However last night, it was a good night. True to the Princess' word, she actually had a big meal prepared for us. It was a little cool when she actually made an appearance as well. We got to talking and she's a pretty cool girl.

But now though, I can see that besides myself, there's 63 other challengers. And these are going to be the best of the best. From here, I can tell that there's a number of people here that have above average levels of magical power.

Mirajane-san is on one side of me, looking at the King with a slight smirk. As for the other side of me, it's surprisingly Yukino-san. Sherria-san is behind me, looking a little frightened.

As for the other members of the team, former that is, they are around us with a few new people I don't recognize. Kagura-san though looks really, too very, excited about what's happening today.

"Since there's 64 contenders today, there are going to be 32 matches, and depending on how long they last, it could be spanning a day or so. Meaning that after the first set of events, the numbers will be cut into half, and that's how it is going to go with the upcoming events. Each round will cut the numbers down to half until finally there's only 2 contenders left and then, finally only 1 person will remain as champion. If you want that to be you, then show everyone that you're powerful! Release your true strength! However killing ISN'T allowed! If killing occurs, then that person is going to be detained and will be sentenced accordingly."

Yet this is the guy that said that we might have to forfeit our lives during the preliminaries and we nearly did as well. We could've died during them, but now we're not allowed to kill. Isn't that a little contradictory? I wonder what Sensei would think about this?

"There's 64 contenders huh..."

"That's right, Jenny-san."

I replied with a little smile.

But that just made her eye me up with a creepy look on her face. Shudder, I don't even know what to do with this. Jenny-san seems to be...erm, what's the word...I think that she might like me...a little too much...

"So that means we'll be fighting 6 matches altogether, if they are one on one and that's if you get all the way to the end."

Mirajane-san summarized.

So 6 matches is all that I need to do huh...alright, that shouldn't be too difficult to do. Actually, that depends on who is going to be the ones I'm fighting. If it is all of the members of my previous team, bar one I guess, then that's going to be difficult. But I hope I get to fight Mirajane-san and Erza-san at least. That would be really interesting.

Then the King continues.

"The matches will be one on one matches, as you might've guessed. The choosing of these matches will be generated randomly on this Lacrima." A Lacrima appeared in the middle of the sky, floating around. "All of the names have been entered into the Lacrima, and it is all randomly selected so there's no bias opinions on the match."

"Makes sense."

I mumbled.

Yukino-san turned to me.

"It's because of the fair fighting, correct? If you say...draw lots, then you could alter it if you had Magic that could do something like that. But with that Lacrima, it has to have some special mechanism to let only those authorized by the King to work it."

She certainly knows what I am thinking alright. She's got a good mind.

"That's what I was thinking anyway."

If there was a bias opinion and people did cheat, then it wouldn't be good. If they are picked at random however, it is a good thing. Yes, it is a good idea. But that just means the suspense is going to kill me. Just waiting and wondering if I am going to be next...God, I hope that I'm first! It would be totally cool!

"I sincerely hope that I am the first contender in the fights." Mirajane-san twitched her neck. "I'm so excited to fight some of these people. But Erza is the one that I want to fight the second most."

The second most? If she's second, then who's first?

"So, there's someone you want to fight that's above me?"

Mirajane-san nodded at the swordswoman, cocking her head towards me.

"For some reason, there seems to be something...unique about you, Shinobu. Everytime I'm near you, my body goes a little crazy. I don't understand it myself, but until I fight you, I wont understand it."

Her body goes a little crazy when she's near me huh...is that a good thing or a bad thing? Hmmmmmm, I don't know what to think about that. And she said that she doesn't understand...hopefully it's a good thing.

"Mira..." Erza-san smirked. "...Your body goes a little crazy near Shinobu, does it?"

"Yeah?" Mirajane-san was irked. "So what? It doesn't mean anything."

Erza-sans creepy smile became a little wider.

"I see. Yes, it all makes sense now. Keeping Jenny away from him, holding his hand from the darkness trial, in place of Jenny. The way you look at him. I think this situation is when the female expresses jealousy over the opposing female for the males heart...well, that's what it said in my book."

"Pft!" Mirajane-san did a spit take, shaking her head violently. "I-I don't care if she goes near him or not! I was only protecting his bleeding innocence! And she was planning to take it away! I don't trust her anywhere near him! And I'm not jealous of anyone! If I wanted him, I could have him!"

S-So, she was protecting me because...I'm innocent then? Mirajane-san, that's so nice! She was trying to protect me from Jenny-sans aggressive ways! She's so nice! I didn't know Mirajane-san cared so much about me!

"Ooh, sure that's all it is really Mira. And you want him then?"

That smirk of Erza-sans becoming a little more dangerous looking for my tastes...Erza-san, what are you thinking about right now? Fairy Tail Wizards are a little...eccentric...I pray that Levy-chan isn't this eccentric because of these people.

"N-No I don't want him!"

She denied it flatly, crossing her arms under her chest.

"Then, why did I hear last night that you was talking about Shinobu?"

She talks about me? Why would Mirajane-san talk about me? Maybe it's something bad about me. It would make sense if she did something like that.

"I was having a private conversation thank you very much!"

I wonder who she was talking too...n-no, that doesn't matter right now, does it?

"So, the words "Heartbeat" and "Faster" and "Nervous" and "Cute" plus a bunch of other suggestive words didn't come into play then?"

"You shut the hell up Red! You've got nothing on me!"

Sounds like Mirajane-san is irked again. But I know that there's a kinder side of her in there somewhere. That's what I believe anyway. She has to have a kinder side to her. It would make sense.

"No I wont shut up." Erza-san rejected. "And I have some things on you, mainly what I've overheard. I've been busy doing some research on you and Shinobu. After finding out several things from Levy, and making you take a compatibility test without your knowledge, I came to the conclusion that you two share a high compatibility. Sorcerer Weekly says as much, from the test. And so do I. So, I ship you two together."

Erza-san put her thumb up at both of us.

Mirajane-sans face turned a little red as she glanced at me.

I also looked at her at the same time...and something about that small blush on her cheeks, I found very cute.

But wait, did she say she made us take a test without our knowledge...is that way she asked me to fill in that questionnaire last night? I only thought that it was a dumb old quiz...what does it mean to be compatible?

"S-Shipping us together? T-That's nothing you should say Red! And you made us take a quiz without our knowledge!? Whats wrong with you thunder thighs!?"

"Hmph, don't call me thunder thighs." Erza-san grinned. "I was merely trying to make you both happy. I thought, and the other members of the team plus Levy agreed, that you and Shinobu have tension of a loving nature. So we're trying to push you together. So far, we've come up with the names Shira, Mirabu, Shiane or Shinjane. Personally, I like Shiane and Mirabu the best. If you have a name that you want your pairing to be called, then please feel free to suggest...ooh wait, I just thought of one. Shimi! That sounds good as well."

They think me and Mirajane-san have loving tension? But I love Sensei. Is it even alright to love more than one person? My Spirits don't count as people, as they are so lovely~ Clearly above humans~

Even then, what's that about those names...it sounds like a combo of my name and Mirajane-sans...why would they do something like that anyway? ...Sensei will have the answer. I will ask her later about it.

"The other team members are in on this!? And those names are awful except for Mirabu and Shiane which sounds pretty damn good and I can't get it out of my head now! Thanks a lot Erza! Even then you shouldn't be using such a thing when talking about us!"

Yeah, even I am surprised about that...and all of said team members are looking away with sheepish faces. Although I don't fully understand what's going on here, I think that Mirajane-san is embarrassed about being 'shipped' with me, whatever that means.

"But I like the pairing. Cute meets cute. Even if you annoy me Mira, you're cute. And from what the other members say about Shinobu, he's a cute guy. I can see why they think that, especially with those damn cheek bones and that lost puppy look, toppled with those innocent green orbs..."

Erza-san stared at me intently and even some drool is coming out of her mouth...she's got the same face that Jenny-san had yesterday, and today actually...even now, her eyes are glossy as well...

"Don't you get any ideas."

She stared for the longest of times. That is, until Mirajane-san pulled on her ear.

"Eeep!" Erza-san yelped and shook her head. "I'm back now. His eyes are quite enchanting. Anyway, I do think you and he would be a great couple."

They think we would make a good couple? Really? Me and Mirajane-san?

"I still can't believe that you're on that. And the other members of the team are in on this? What do they do anyway?"

"How'd you think I found out some of my information? Especially both of your hobbies, which do match a little."

Mirajane-san bared her teeth at Erza-sans smug looking face.

"You know what, I like you and Natsu together. So I ship you two together...no wait, Lisanna likes him...erm I ship you and Gray together!" Mirajane-san then glanced at me. "You don't need to repeat those names either. Knowing your track record, you'd come out with something absolutely amazingly atrocious."

I pouted and looked away with a sad face.

Just because I sometimes get peoples names wrong, it doesn't mean that I am inept or anything. She just doesn't get me in the slightest!

"Tch, me and Gray together? I don't think so. It wouldn't work. He's Ice and I'm Sword. I'd chop his Ice and he would freeze me. He and I aren't in the coupling category. Besides, I'm not looking for a significant other."

"Then why do you think I am!?"

Mirajane-san snapped at Erza-san, who just showed her mirth smirk.

"I can't be sure. But I think that you and Shinobu here would be able to get one another. Don't ask me why, but it just feels like you and he are going to be a perfect couple."

Mirajane-san was about to retaliate when I heard the King raise his voice.

"Then, that is all I have to say."

Wait, I didn't hear some of the rules...oops, I got caught up with Erza-san and Mirajane-sans conversation. Damn it, I hope that there's no special rules that I didn't hear.

The King then bent his neck.

"Now, it is time to start the first matches! Lacrima, reveal those names!"

The King pointed towards the Lacrima and it started showing different names in a fast downwards motion as a hologram. I saw my name a couple of times, but it didn't stay there for more than a microsecond. I also saw the other names that are recognizable.

It continued for a minute or so, before finally two names appeared. The two names where...

"Well, it seems that the first match is going to be Erza Scarlet vs Ren Akatsuki!"

Aah I see...then it is Ren, whoever that is. Good thing that it is written or I would get their names wrong. Unless I read it wrong...nah, I hear things wrong, not read them wrong!

But upon hearing that Erza-san is first, Mirajane-san showed a displeased face...I guess that she wanted to be the first person to fight. Ooh well, she will be fighting soon. God help the person that she is fighting.

[KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! ERZA-SAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!]

[KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! REN-KUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!]

Upon hearing the names, roars from the crowd deafened me. It was mostly guys for Erza-san, and girls for what's his name. Either way, it was too loud for me. Geez, is this a popularity competition?

Erza-sans the first fighter then...figures she'd be the first. But this Ren? Who's this person?

When I was looking around...

I saw that a young man, a little older than I am, has darker skin than my own...erm, tanned skin I think. He has striking dark brown hair that's around chin length and matching eyes, albeit with a lighter shade. He has a serious look on his face but there's also something about him that's...off. He's just...I don't know...there's like something about him that makes him look weird...

Erza-san glanced at the boy and he glanced right back at her. For a second there, I could've sworn that a little red dusted his cheeks. Erza-san however remained indifferent and just smiled to herself. W-Well, at least she isn't too intimidated by him, or the opposite way around...which is a good thing.

"The contenders that aren't participating in the first match may leave to join the stands with the viewers. Erza, Ren. Please stay in the arena."

We all nodded and besides the contenders, we all went upwards towards the stands. While making our way up, I continued to hear the cheers for both of the contenders. They must be fans of theirs.

---

Once making it up there, I was joined by Levy-chan, and the others as well.

In the arena, both Erza-san and Ren are stood there. Erza-san Requiped so she was wearing her normal armour with that sword in her left hand. As for the guy, he didn't have a visible weapon, and he had a small grin on his face.

"Shi-chan...who do you think is stronger between those two?"

That was the first thing Levy-chan asked me.

I looked between Erza-san and Ren, before making up my mind.

"Well, I don't think that guy has a chance. Erza-san simply has a much stronger flow of Magic. That's not to say that he might not pull off a miracle, but my odds are on Erza-san."

"Mine as well."

Mirajane-san admitted it, but she looked like she had just eaten a bug, by the bitter face she is making. I heard that she and Erza-san are having some sort of rivalry. But as to what rivalry, I can't be sure.

Once making sure that everyone was out of the ring, bar those two, the King who was wearing a outfit that had a pumpkin on the front, raised his hand.

"Are the fighters ready?" They nodded. So he threw down his hand. "Then, begin!"

Erza-san pulled her blade back in a reverse grip position, and Ren stuck out his hand, taking aim at the red haired girl.

The intense eyes of two fighters were solely on the other. The opponents aren't moving slightly. It is like watching a seasoned warrior, and another warrior meeting in the ring. I can't shake the feeling that Erza-san is going to win this match...poor guy has met the wrong opponent in the ring this time.

However, the silence was broken when the male opponent waved out a hand.

"Before we begin, why don't we do a little bet?"

Ren suddenly brought up, lightly guiding his hand to the right.

A bet? What's he saying?

Erza-san cocked up an eyebrow.

"What do you have in mind exactly?"

Yeah, what is he talking about all of a sudden? A little bet? Why would he want to make a bet? Is that something you do when you're fighting? And it isn't just me that's confused by it.

He put his hands in his pockets, giving a none caring attitude, yet at the same time, he is glancing at Erza-san with a tinge of pink on his face.

"Not that I want too, but what if we go on a date if I win?"

M-My...that was so unexpected...

He wants to go on a date with Erza-san huh...

Who would've thought that he would want to date Erza-san? Sure she's pretty, but as far as I know, they haven't had any interactions before today. So why would he want to date someone so quickly? It took me like three years before I could contemplate being with Sensei...I hope that I'm with Sensei anyway...she hasn't really ever said if we are or not...but she doesn't deny that she likes me...I'm over thinking this.

"My! That's an unexpected announcement! What will young Erza do? Is love in the air right now? That would be so cooooooooool!"

The presenter, some guy from that magazine full of Wizards and such cheered, rallying up the crowd who are all cheering for Erza-san to accept the condition. But I just can't see Erza-san agreeing with such a thing.

"Haha, Reds got herself a man~ And she was saying crap about me? I don't think so Red. Now you'll know the humiliation, that I am going to inflict on you."

Mirajane-san giggled out, but she had venom in her voice for some reason.

"There's no way Erza is going to agree to such a thing, right?"

Levy-chan mused to herself, Yukino-san nodding in agreement.

"It would seem out of character for Erza-sama to suddenly agree to such terms. If she does, then I will be blown back about it."

"Yet, why does it feel like everyone is going to make a bet now, if she agrees? Juvia wonders what she would bet, if she was against certain people?"

Juvia-san pondered to herself, looking around the area that we're in with hazy eyes.

But everyone heard what she said, and it pretty much spread around the arena. I knew that it would...but does that mean if Erza-san says yes, I will have to make a bet with the person that I'm fighting?

"Then, if I am against my Angel, I will bet a date as well!"

S-She wants to go on a date with me!? Why would she do something like that!?

"God, I hope I'm against you, if only to stop it."

Mirajane-san stated to Jenny-san, a undertone of annoyed evident in her voice. As for Jenny-san, she didn't look happy about being turned down.

Everyone was mumbling things about bets now, and I knew that Kagura-sans eyes are on me. I don't even have to turn to her, as I've felt the coldness of her stare into my body before. And I know that she's going to bet something like "Shinobu of the Light, when we duel, your life will be in my hands when I win." or something like that.

In the midst of the talking about bets, Erza-san cleared her throat.

"Ren, was it?" The boy nodded at Erza-san. "I do not have a problem with the bet. However, I do not wish to have a date with you, so I would like to change my bet to, if I win, you buy me three strawberry cakes from the finest bakery of this city and strawberry milkshake as well. Of course your bet can still be valid, but I don't plan on losing."

Did she really just say...

.

.

.

[EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH!? YOU AGREED!?]

Not only myself, but the whole stadium is in an uproar! She really agreed to do it!? Is she out of her mind!? She might lose! Even if she's stronger magically, he might pull out a victory! She's insane! She's truly insane!

"Thunder thighs! You're insane!"

Mirajane-san exclaimed.

"Geez, Erza's love of cake is forever going to cloud her better judgment."

Levy-chan face palmed and the others here just gave raised eyebrows. It is surprising that she would do something like that.

But Ren however simply nodded.

"Hmmmm, I accept the terms, I suppose. But I don't lose easily."

"Then I am looking forward to it. Now, come at me with the intent to win!"

Erza-san took a stance, her blade reflecting the light off the sun. At the same time, a red light gathered around her.

Ren got into a fighting position. An aura surrounding his body.

"Then, I will start!"

Ren stuck out his palm, and something about the air vibrated. Magical power surrounded his hand, coating it in the pale blue light.

With the blue hand, he made a sweeping motion and spun on his heels, likely to show off his skills. He seems to be the type that does things like that.

Responding to that, the ground below him, and in front of him shook a little. A blue light surrounded parts of the ground and then some of the ground turned upwards, rocks coming from the earth.

"Aerial Shot!"

The rocks spun in the air, building up speed and then shot off towards Erza-san like bullets!

"Hah!"

Erza-san responded by rushing forward, swinging her sword in a professional manner and cut up the rocks that Ren shot forward. The ones that made it past her sword, she dodged with the finesse of a Knight.

The tiny pieces of the ground fell down with the slashing power of Erza-sans blade.

"If that doesn't work, then try this!"

Ren didn't bat an eyelid as he did the same motion. Only this time he picked up bigger rocks, flinging them at the red haired Knight girl.

Since they are bigger than the normal sized rocks, Erza-sans put more effort into cutting up the rocks. Each rock she cleaved through, she had to put in more and more effort into the slicing.

With her blade cutting the rocks like a knife cuts butter, Erza-san closed in on her target.

"This is where it ends!"

Erza-san went for the finisher straight away, slashing at Ren's midsection.

"I don't think so."

Ren pushed himself away, using his Magic (whatever that is) to form a dome of transparency to use as a stepping stone, propelling himself backwards. At the same time, he did a kick at her face.

Erza-san skidded back, allowing the foot to miss her face by mere inches.

But Ren jumped forward, closing the distance rather quickly, intending to do a straight punch at Erza-sans face.

"Missed!"

Erza-san moved her body to the side, the punch going past her left hand side.

"I wont lose to you!"

Ren reeled his other fist back, sending it at her face. Erza-san bent her neck and swung her own fist at Ren's face. But like Erza-san, he bent his neck to the side, the gloved hand missing it's intended target.

Erza-san twirled her blade around, and swung it low, trying to do a leg cleaving.

Ren jumped upwards, and brought up his leg, his foot again going for her face. Extending his leg as far as he could, Ren's foot was intercepted by Erza-sans blade as he kicked out!

Erza-san pushed backwards, Ren being knocked off balance slightly. Using that opportunity for herself, Erza-san spun around and slammed the butt of her swords handle into Ren's torso, before giving him a kick at his midsection for added measure, sending him into the wall behind him!

"Go Erza!"

"Yay Erza-chan!"

Levy-chan and Sherria-san cheered as we all looked happy for her. She's doing quite well...not that I had any fears that she wouldn't.

"This isn't enough to beat me."

Ren however came out of the wall and swung his arm in a circular motion and by using his Magic, he was able to pick up a larger than normal rock, almost like a mini boulder, flinging it at Erza-sans legs.

I get it, he's trying to take out her legs so she can't move around. Pretty smart in my opinion. If he can take out her legs, it would mean that she would be a sitting duck. All in all, not a bad strategy.

"Hah!"

Erza-san, reading through his strategy as easily as I did, sees the incoming rock and jumped upwards, the large bolder like rock passing under her. That was a good move to make on her part.

"Upwards!"

That didn't stop Ren though, who moved his hand upwards. Responding to the hand gesture, the large earth bolder changed it's trajectory, following Erza-san into the sky! If she gets hit by that, then it is going to hurt!

"These tricks wont work on me!"

But as expected of Erza-san, she didn't even grit her teeth and directed her sword downwards at an angle. Using the sword as a miniature platform somehow, she kicked off from the sword as if kicking off from the ground and spun around in the air, building up a lot of force.

CUT!

The blade cleaved through the giant rock, making it into two huge chunks. Using the chance to close the distance, Erza-san used one section of the rock, kicking off from it like she had the sword beforehand, charging straight for Ren.

Ren didn't look worried though, and once again, stuck out his hand at Erza-san. The space in front of his hand twisted, and formed a sphere. The sphere looked like a transparent...wait, the air around it is...

Even though seeing the sphere, Erza-san continued shooting at Ren like a speeding bullet.

"It's a mistake to underestimate me."

Ren's ball of transparent air, I believe, shot off at the incoming Erza-san as he swung his arm at her.

Erza-san blinked and brought up her blade, swinging it from the left.

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!

As soon as her sword made contact with the bubble, it exploded! W-What in the hell!? Whats happened to Erza-san? Don't tell me that she's been blown up as well! Damn it Erza-san, you better be alright!

"Erza!"

Mirajane-san yelled for her friend, looking around the area for her, but I couldn't see her either. I could still feel her however, so she isn't dead or anything. I'm sure that she wouldn't be stopped by such a Magic anyway.

But that begs the question, what is that Magic exactly? Some kind of Exploding Magic...no, how would he be able to lift the rocks around like that...? Is he using some kind of Telekinesis? It didn't look like Telekinesis though...

"That's Air Magic!"

Sherria-san explained, breathing through her nose.

"Air Magic?" Levy-chan questioned. "How do you know?"

That's a good question.

How does Sherria-san know that? She doesn't have the same Magic, right?

Sherria-san flicked her hair, frowning to herself.

"Well, I can tell that the air flow in the arena has changed slightly. I wouldn't say that it is Wind Magic as it doesn't look like it. It looks more like Air Magic to me, from what I've read while in school. If Erza-chan isn't careful, this could be dangerous for her. I wouldn't want to be fighting an Air Magic user here, where the Air is more...prominent than it is in other areas."

She's right...Air Magic huh...and he can even shoot it off as if it explodes...damn it. Erza-san, you better be okay. He might be able to make bigger explosions than the one he just made...

"Well, Erza's a big girl. She can handle whatever he throws at her."

Mirajane-san said it indifferently. But I could hear the concern for her comrade, her friend. She comes off as indifferent towards Erza-san, but I can tell that they have a unique relationship.

"I don't care if she wins or loses. My target is right there."

I sweatdropped as Kagura-san glared at me again. I'm going to find out why she hates me so much! It's not fair! I haven't done anything! I can't stand not knowing what I've supposedly done!

"Okay Kagura-san~ We'll have a fight eventually~"

"You can count on it, Shinobu."

I rolled my eyes and looked towards the the arena, looking for Erza-san.

"Is that all you have?"

Erza-san finally made a reappearance, donning a new armour on the ground. This is the armour that she used during the trials. The Black Wing Armour, I believe that it is called. I could see that there's a nick on her face, only lightly cut, but other than that, she seems to be pretty unharmed.

Those batwings have been spread, her eyes sharpening.

Erza-san raised her blackish blade, twirling it around in her palm.

"I'm just getting started!"

Ren made two more of those balls in his hands, pointing them at Erza-san.

Erza-san regarded the balls and got her blade at the ready.

"A little sphere isn't going to make a difference between this and the other fights, you know? It might've caught me off guard, but I am Erza of Fairy Tail, and I am going to get my cake!"

...That's not what she should say in a major fight. Why does it have to come to cake anyway? Ugh, I think that the cake is going to be the end of her. Erza-san...please don't go mental over cake in the future.

"Geez, cake psycho."

Mirajane-san muttered under her breath.

Ren stuck out his hands.

"Well, I don't know what your fascination is with cake, but you're a beauty, and...when I win, we might go on a date, if I have the time."

That didn't sound right. If he has time...that means he doesn't care if he goes on a date with Erza-san or not. What a weird guy. Erza-san is worth more than a simple maybe. She's definitely worth taking out on a date! That's what I believe anyway! Girls aren't just maybe, they are definitely!

Ren affirmed himself and flung one of those balls at Erza-sans body.

Erza-san spread the wings again, taking to the sky. The ball made contact with the ground, causing an explosion. Dust blew up from the impact of the attack, coating some of Ren's clothes.

"You're not getting away from me!"

Ren though threw the other at Erza-san, who is in the sky. The ball shimmered in the light of the sun, giving a dazzling effect for everyone who can see it. It was even making me feel a little...good. I could so eat that light right now...it looks so delicious...

Erza-san dodged this one as well by bending her body backwards, it passing by her chest.

However, Ren didn't let up on the balls, throwing one after the other at Erza-sans body while gritting his teeth.

Erza-san extended her wings, and flew in a circular motion around the arena, either dodging the attacks or cleaving her way through the spheres.

I have to say that she's able to dodge those fast moving balls with nearly no effort. Then there's the whole cleaving through the explosive spheres. That's a good achievement as well.

"I don't get it though Angel, how is he able to use those Air Sphere things to explode upon contact with Erza-san?"

Jenny-san questioned me while raising her eyebrows in confusion.

I cocked my head towards her.

"Basically, he's condensing Air, and upon contact with anything, it explodes. Or he's condensing it so that he can control when they explode. I'm not really good at explaining things, but that's what I think he's doing. However, the explosions pale in comparison to Bomb Magic and other explosive types of Magic. If you are like Erza-san, then you can shrug off the attacks. It's because Erza-sans magical power is higher than Ren's there. If he had higher levels of strength, he would be able to win against Erza-san...but Erza-san is displaying power that is on par with what I would expect an S Class Mage to be able to pull off. At least a low level S Class Mage, if not higher."

"Sounds legit enough to be a plausible explanation."

Mirajane-san agreed with my thoughts, and continued to watch the match.

Erza-san continued to dodge the attacks, and cleave through them as well. Even if she's stronger, to simply cut through such a spell so easily without suffering repercussions, is pretty impressive.

"Enough! Take this!"

The dark skinned man threw two balls at Erza-san, who went to take them out again. But this time, they changed trajectory, moving to the left and right side of her Erza-san.

Clapping his hands together, the two spheres went straight for Erza-san!

"This is what exactly?"

Erza-san didn't panic and only showed a smile.

Responding to the balls, she spun around, her wings flapping around quite rapidly. She's even stuck out her blade, the sheer force of the swing making me feel a little dizzy just watching her spin like that.

First, the left hand side one came at Erza-san, but Erza-san used her blade to chop it in half, an explosion happening. And before the second one (which was literally a second apart from the first) made contact with her body, she positioned her blade backwards, stabbing at the orb, making it explode!

Smoke filled the place Erza-san flew, a thick black smoke.

I was worried for Erza-san, until I saw a shine from within the smoke. Then the shine was accompanied by a twister.

From the twister, to smoke was blown away and Erza-san appeared in full, and stopped spinning. Swinging her sword left, an air pressure was released, cutting into the ground itself.

"These attacks aren't going to work on me Ren! I'm sorry but I have to finish you off now! I want my cake!"

Erza-san stopped in the air, almost as if she is suspended in the air and faced Ren.

Ren made more of those spheres around him. The spheres are then shot off one by one at Erza-san.

Erza-san lunged downwards towards Ren, and cleaved through the spheres again and again. Even with the explosive powers that they possess, Erza-san is shrugging off the aftereffects of the explosions, and continues heading for her target.

When making it to Ren, she was about to swing her sword left, when Ren stuck out his hand, and a dome formed around Erza-san.

"Aerial!"

As soon as he said that, Erza-san dropped to the ground, and clutched her head...no, she's covering her ears. Hold on, that expression on her face...

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh!"

She released a scream and her face twisted as if she's in pain! W-Whats going on with Erza-san!? Why is she in pain all of a sudden!? She looked so much in pain that she had even dropped her weapon! Something about that dome is hurting my ears as well. Being a person with good hearing, I can't help but think that something about that dome is...

"Erza!"

"Whats going on!?"

"Get up!"

Various people from the team shouted towards Erza-san, but she kept screaming and trying to stand, but whatever is happening, is causing her pain. She's even clutching her throat as well...just what in the hell...?

"What is that technique?"

Jenny-san mused to herself.

Sherria-san laid her hands on the railings.

"That technique is draining the oxygen of the sphere around her. If Erza-san doesn't hurry, she might not even be able to breath at the end of this! But the pain...I don't know why she would be in such pain that she wouldn't be able to hold up her weapon..."

"The pressure inside the dome!" Levy-chan explained, getting all of our attention. "The dome is lacking oxygen. But it has also changed in pressure as well. No doubt she is experiencing a sharp pain to her ears right now. If she doesn't get out of there soon, she's going to suffocate, and her eardrums might burst as well!"

Ooh God, is that what's happening right now? Erza-san...she's in so much trouble right now. If she doesn't break free, she could suffer permanent damage...but she's got to do something about that...

I could only watch and pray that she gets out of that. If she was able to just clutch her blade, she would be able to break out of there. But as it is, she's having a hand over her mouth, another hand on her ear, and her head is tilted so the other ear is pressed against her shoulder.

She's trying her best to get free, but she can't move right now. If she moves, the pain might become worse. If she takes deeper breaths, she wouldn't be able to breathe anymore. There's limited air inside the dome...so she's got to move her weapon without moving somehow...

"You'll have about a minute left." Ren stated, flicking his hair. "That pressure inside there is too much for someone like-"

"I'm a Fairy Tail Wizard!" Erza-san exclaimed, and slowly raised her body upwards. "Fairy Tail Wizards don't easily give up like this! If I gave up so easily, I would be letting down my guild, and making the Masters trust in me nothing but mere words! Words carry strength in Fairy Tail, and that strength is going to beat you!"

Erza-sans body glowed a little, and so did her sword.

What happened next amazed me.

Her blade raised on it's own. It went up into the air and pointed itself at Ren.

Ren, had an astonished face, looking at the blade suspended in midair.

The only way she would be able to lift that is with Telekinesis? Is that what she is using right now? It has to be...so like me, she can use Telekinesis as well? Interesting, that's really interesting indeed.

"H-How are you able to do that!?"

Ren was panicked and gritted his teeth hard.

Erza-san merely let a mirth smirk grace her face.

"I said, I'm a Fairy Tail Wizard, didn't I? That's how. Now, Moon Flash!"

Erza-sans blade swung in a crisscross fashion, releasing some kind of bluish energy that cleaved through the dome easily! Yes! That's right Erza-san, don't go down so easily! You can do this Erza-san!

But the slash continued and went at Ren who was caught in the momentum and had no choice but to let the slashes crisscross over him, cutting him down enough for him to get onto his knees!

"Now it's finished!"

Erza-san rushed at Ren, grabbing her blade as she went forward. Ren tried to use his Magic to form a sphere, but Erza-san used her enhanced speed by flapping her wings and made one big slash at Ren!

"Guwah!"

Ren bellowed in agony as his torso was sliced by Erza-sans harsh blade.

Ren went down with the slash, his body no longer moving.

He was bleeding slightly, but not enough for him to die. The man in question had his eyes closed but I could see that he was still breathing...phew, she didn't kill him after all. S-Scary when you think about it.

S-So, she took him down with one slash...damn it Erza-san, that's really good. As a swordswoman, you're above me, I know that. However, I wont lose when it comes to diversity...

The King, seeing the down Ren, makes his announcement.

"W-Wow! With Ren no longer able to continue, the victory goes to Erza!"

The crowd went insane as Erza-san stuck up her hand and smiled to herself. First victory is Erza-san...well done Erza-san, you did quite well indeed. I couldn't ask for a better first match.

Erza-san bent down and lightly patted his face, causing him to open his eyes.

"Our bet is still on. You owe me three strawberry cakes, and a strawberry milkshake. I expect it by the end of the day."

W-Who knew she would be so passionate about the cake huh.

Ren could only give a nod and fainted.

Erza-san soon joined us up here, and crossed her arms and smirked to herself as some medics came for Ren down there, carrying him away on a stretcher. Well, she did beat him pretty bad. Bad Erza-san, that's really naughty of you.

"Well done Erza!"

"Yes, you did perform quite admirably."

Both Levy-chan and Yukino-san sang Erza-sans praises and she soaked it in like a sponge soaks up water. W-Well, we've got one friend that has a win. Hopefully, barring that we're pitted against one another, we all win today. It is optimistic to think that we wont be fighting eventually.

"With Erza winning the first match, lets get straight onto the second one shall we?" All the crowd went nuts over it all. The King then pointed at the Lacrima. "Decide the next contenders!"

Again the crowed cheered and the Lacrima started showing names again. Once again, I saw my own name being displayed on there.

---

It spun for about half a minute, before two names were present on the screen hologram thing.

"Well well well! The next match is Sherria Blendy vs Beth Vanderwood!"

So it's Sherria-san that's taking centre stage now, is it? But this Beth, I wonder who that is? Some girl I guess. She must be strong to make it this far into the tournament. But Sherria-san isn't going to lose to someone called Beth!

"Ooh, I'm the second one? That isn't fair! I could lose my life to all of these people!"

Ehehehe, she's panicking again. I would've thought that she might be excited, but I guess that she isn't. W-Well, I shouldn't of expected anything else from Sherria-san. She shouldn't have to worry though, she's quite strong...I know she's hiding it though...

"Sherria-san, I know you can do it! Go and show Beth that you're the stronger one!"

She turned to me and nodded.

"Okay Shinobu-chan! Please wait for me to win!"

"Yes, I'm waiting! Please do your best!"

Sherria-san smiled and went to jump down...

BANG!

"Owwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!"

Oooooooh! I bet that hurt! Falling face first into the ground isn't exactly the best ever, is it? Damn it all...poor Sherria-san...people are even laughing at her...that's not very nice. She's just clumsy after all~

Because she fell, everyone from from our group gave her a pity look. Please don't trip up during the fighting Sherria-san. It would be bad if that happened.

"You alright?"

A new girl made her way into the arena. This girl must be the opponent.

"Owww, yes I'm okay."

Sherria-san stood up, rubbing her forehead with her middle finger and stuck it towards Beth with a menacing smile on her lips.

T-That isn't something you should do Sherria-san. I'm pretty sure that means she is 'flipping the bird' as Sensei told me one time and that's a bad thing apparently.

"Did she just randomly flip off Beth then?"

Kagura-san wondered aloud causing Erza-san to nod.

"That's right, she just flipped off Beth. Ooh God, I sincerely hope she doesn't know what that means. Maybe she did it unintentionally."

I'm sure that's what it was Erza-san...yet, I can't help but think that Sherria-san doesn't know what it means.

"She's bloody awesome~"

"God, this can't be good."

Mirajane-san giggled as Yukino-san sighed while holding back a chuckle.

"Hehehehee~ That's so right Mirajane-san~"

"Hahahahaaha! Juvia thinks that flipping Beth off is the best ever!"

As for Jenny-san, she's nodding with what Mirajane-san said. Juvia-san is cracking up as well.

Beth walked forward, and dipped her head a little lower than usual.

"That's great! I am glad that you're okay! The names Beth! You're Sherria?"

So her name is Beth after all...and she didn't say anything about her being flipped off...

Beth is a petite young girl with orange-brown hair, which is tied in two braided pigtails on either side of her head. She has a childlike and innocent look to her, possessing very large, almost round greyish blue eyes and freckled cheeks. She has a remarkably small nose and possesses large hips from what I can see here.

She's wearing a black T-shirt with a white collar line under a pair of calf length greyish blue overalls, covering her torso and reaching up below her armpits, held up by shoulder straps.

"Hehe, yeah, I'm good. And that's my name yes. Your name is Beth, and my name is Sherria! Pleased to meet you! I hope you put up a good fight!"

"Yup! You too!"

Those two introduced themselves and then stood a little ways apart. Beth put her hands together, and Sherria-san got into a fighting form, her hands tightened so tight that her knuckles have turned white.

"Are you two ready?" The King asked. They nodded like the previous two before them. "Alright then, begin!"

The King waved his hand down, signifying the beginning of the match!

However, they didn't show the intent to fight. Instead, Beth waved her hand, getting Sherria-sans attention.

"Say, like the last two did, wanna make a bet with me?"

Beth suggested.

Sherria-san cocked her head.

"A bet? So, like a deal huh? Okay! So, what do you wanna bet exactly?"

Great, another bet is being made huh. I wonder what wacky things are going to come this time? Something like "Wanna do a summersault?" from Sherria-san? Not knocking her intelligence or anything, but she seems to be the type that wouldn't do a serious bet.

Beth put her hands together.

"Well, no one ever eats my vegetables and I don't know why. I think they're delicious but no one ever asks to eat them. So if I win, I want ya to get my vegetables and eat them!"

...That's her bet huh...I-I didn't expect anything like that to happen...

"Pft!" Mirajane-san did a spit take and laughed. "S-She's wanting such a thing!? Hahahahah! Ooh Sherria, you're going to be eating your vegetables by the end of the day!"

I've got to agree to a degree. If Sherria-san does lose, she's going to be eating her vegetables alright. Poor Sherria-san. Vegetables are disgusting. They are icky and gross. I refuse to eat them. Sensei tries to force me, but I wont let her. She can't make me eat those things, or she doesn't get to see Neko me. I hold it hostage mwhahaha!

[I can hear you, you know Shinobu! Ever hold that hostage and you're not kissing me for along time!]

"Iyaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Sensei was reading my mind again! She must be around here! She's so sneaky all of the time! I bet she's listening to everything I'm thinking! Like right now! Sensei you're such a cruel woman!

And now people are looking at me like I am a strange guy!

"What are you screaming for?"

Kagura-san demanded from me.

I simply shook my head.

"It's nothing. I felt a cold chill going down my back."

"Tch."

She clicked her tongue in annoyance and faced the other way.

Ooh God, I've pissed her off again. I can't even scream anymore...she really hates me...I haven't done anything today...I haven't even fought her yet, and she's clinging her tongue at me for no reason...cruel girl.

"Back to what Beth said, I must admit that it is a strange bet."

Erza-san nodded in agreement with Levy-chan's sentence.

Meanwhile, Sherria-san was shaking a little at the vegetable thing.

"S-So, you want me to eat your vegetables? T-That's cruel that is Beth-chan! Why would you make me do such a thing!? That's really cruel! B-But, that's what you want? I can agree to that! But you have to become my dancing partner for the day if I win!"

...Dancing partner huh...gotta hand it to her, she isn't that bad. A dancing partner for the day. That's better than the cake thing Erza-san wished for. And it is so like her to ask for something like that.

"Dancing partner? Like a hoedown?"

A hoedown...I'm pretty sure that's a dance from...erm, I'm not that sure. It sounds like a country girl thing. And she does fit the country girl thing. So having a hoedown would be her thing.

"Erm...I'm not that sure on what that is, but I guess if that's a dance. You see, I've been practicing my dancing skills as well. So, I was hoping and praying that someone would become my partner."

"You've gotten a deal sweetheart!"

Sweetheart. Awwww, this fight is going to be sweet. Those two are sweet like sugar. I'm glad that Sherria-san didn't get a meanie as an opponent. But now, maybe we will find out what Magic she truly does possess.

"Great! Then we can start!"

"Yup yup! Lets begin!"

Sherria-san and Beth face off against one another.

Beth was the first to make a move. She placed her hands on the ground, and it tore open. What appeared from the ground were orange things in the shape of...are those carrots?

Yes, carrots of maybe ten or so came out of the earth and shot off like missiles towards Sherria-san.

"Aye!"

Sherria-san moved her body backwards, doing several one-handed flips and avoided all of the carrot missiles that pierced the wall behind her. The ones that neared her were simply kicked away by Sherria-san who coated her feet in those Black Winds of hers.

When looking at the wall, I saw that they had literally stabbed the wall like knives would! O-Oh, so they aren't just like carrots huh! Sherria-san better be careful or she might end up with holes in her body!

"Mmmmmm, well done girl! You escaped my fast attack! But I have others!"

Beth twirled her hand, and carrots came from the ground again, this time they are sharper than the ones she had used previously. She picked up two carrots, and threw them at Sherria-san.

The speed of the attacks caught even me by surprise. But Sherria-san did a cartwheel out of the way, dodging the swift motions of the carrots. Two more carrots came at Sherria-san who turned and ran up the wall, narrowly missing the carrots that again pierced the wall!

"That's not nice Beth-chan!" Sherria-san complained, kicking off the wall, and doing a twirl in the sky. "Now take this!"

Sherria-san put her hand outwards, and the Black Winds followed. A mini twister shot at Beth.

"Not yet Sherria! Carrot Shield!"

Beth raised both of her arms, and a uncountable amounts of carrots shot out of the ground, and formed a shield. When the Wind came into contact with the Shield of Carrots, the attack was nullified!

"Y-You blocked my attack?"

Sherria-san was surprised when she landed on the ground.

Beth simply dropped the shield, and the carrots twirled around her body, going in all directions.

"Now that's the power of vegetables and why you should eat them, huh Shi-chan?"

Levy-chan gave a joke like that, snickering to herself.

I gently shook my head, hiding my own smile from her.

"Maybe Levy-chan. But I don't know what else she could do with Vegetables, unless they have different effects."

I hope that isn't the case. I just hope they are used for blunt attacks like she's been doing. Unless eating them would cause poisonous effects to occur. In that event, I would be a little...scared of what she said before. She wants people to eat her veggies, yet she said people don't like them...Sherria-san, be careful...

"Good thing Juvia isn't fighting Beth-san, or she would only make matters worse."

Hehe, she's right about that. Her Water might make them grow even more. But if carrots are her only form of attack, then Sherria-sans got this in the bag. She can cut up the vegetables with her Winds.

"That's right Sherria, I was able to block your attacks. But, can you block my own?"

Beth sent a daring smirk at Sherria-san and picked up one of her carrots.

She took aim at Sherria-san, smirking like a wildcat.

Sherria-san got ready to attack or defend, depending on what happens next.

"Take this! Carrot Missile!"

"Iyaaaa!"

Like a missile, the carrot shot from Beth's hand and made it's way to Sherria-san. She barely had time to duck under the incoming carrot, it impaling the wall behind it!

G-Geez, those carrots aren't to be trifled with. It's like fighting a...well, a weird looking bullet. There is something that's bothering me about it...but this is Sherria-san fight, and how she wants to fight is completely up to her.

But Beth didn't finish there as she grabbed another carrot and threw it at Sherria-san.

"Sherria! Take this!"

The carrot shot off at Sherria-san who moved to the left, evading the carrot. But at the last second before it was going to hit the wall, the carrot turned around and headed for Sherria-san again!

S-So, she can remotely control them carrots as well!? That's insane! If Sherria-san isn't careful, she might even get cut in half! That would be bad...damn it Sherria-san, maybe this veggie is really dangerous after all.

"Geez! You don't give up!"

Sherria-san swung her arms in a downwards fashion, those Winds coming out of her palms, making a vertical slash.

The Wind cut cleanly through the carrot, it splitting directly in half.

"That's right girl~ I wont give up~ Now, have a taster of my Carrot Barrage!"

Beth once again thrusted her hands forward, the carrots following her unspoken command and fired at Sherria-san in numbers that are too high to count!

They went for Sherria-san, who turned heels and ran away, narrowly eluding all of the carrots. The ones that get past her dodging skills are knocked away by Sherria-san.

Sherria-sans doing well against carrot girl. But how long can she last with just dodging? She needs to make a counterattack before Beth gets in a lucky hit. It wouldn't do for her to win...

"Now be a good girl and eat your vegetables!"

Beth summoned more and more carrots and fired them at Sherria-san.

Sherria-san cried and continued to dance around the carrots.

"Ooh come on! I've never even liked carrots anyway! Can't you fire something more chocolaty at me!? That would be great Beth-chan! Please consider going on a chocolate binge in the future! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Poor Sherria-san, she's being bullied by Beth. B-But it is a little funny...yet scary as well...I don't know if I should cheer or be very afraid of this match...Sherria-san, please end it quickly before my mind goes insane.

"Sorry! I'm a veggie girl, chocolate doesn't work for me!"

However Beth didn't stop with her assault. Ooh God, is this a fight or a circus? This is terrible. It's like looking at two...God knows what this is anyway. It is absolutely horrid.

"I don't know whether to marvel or be frightened by this."

Jenny-san twitched her upper body, glaring at the carrots.

"I think that this girl is...amusing."

Kagura-san twitched her upper body as well, but for a different reason than Jenny-san. This time, Kagura-san actually showed something other than a snarky face. She's actually letting a smile grace her lips.

Someone call God, there's been a revelation, she can smile. Hail God! Making Kagura-san smile like that! Well done God! You're doing amazing work like always! Keep up the great work!

"For God sake, why doesn't Sherria go and punch the veggie? If that was me, I would blitz her."

Mirajane-san does have a point. Why isn't she using her full potential? I know that she has something about her that makes her stronger than what she's showing. Come on Sherria-san, show everyone your strength. I know that you can do this...just release that strength inside of you.

Sherria-san continued to dodge the carrots that just don't let up. Seriously, where are all of these carrots coming from? Did she plant a supply around here somewhere? Or does she make them?

"That's it!"

Sherria-san swiped her arms in a cross fashion, sending a wave of Wind in a cross state towards the carrots, knocking them off course! That's it Sherria-san! Don't let crazy carrot girl continue on anymore!

"W-What?"

Beth was confused by it, and narrowed her eyes in frustration.

Sherria-san rushed forward, not caring about Beth's confusion, Black Wind flowing around her palm.

Beth, seeing Sherria-san coming for her, once again sent a barrage of carrots at the perky girl, hoping to hit the incoming girl.

"This wont work!"

Sherria-san however used her small body to dance around all of the attacks, using her other palm to knock away the sharp carrots, while focusing a lot of power in her first palm.

"You're moving quite well!"

Beth praised, putting more concentration into her carrots, sending more of a barrage at Sherria-san. Each carrot was sharper than the last she sent out. Maybe Beth is making them as sharp as she possibly can.

"Thank you very much!"

She let out a cheer towards the country girl as she continued dodging the assault of carrots.

"But, it isn't going to save you, ya know~"

Beth's face turned upwards in triumph for some reason.

Sherria-san smirked defiantly and crossed the distance between the two.

"Take this fist! This will end it!"

Sherria-san threw her fist at Beth! That's it Sherria-san! Deck Beth and win the fight! You've got her Sherria-san!

As I was cheering for Sherria-san in my head, Beth swung her arm in front of her face, a mass of carrots in front of her that formed the shape of a sphere. Each carrot looked harder than usual. The sphere looked like an orange mass.

"Carrot Bomb!"

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!

The carrots exploded as Sherria-san hit it, sending a large wave of the carrots at Sherria-san, blowing her away with such blunt force! And if that wasn't enough, the carrots that survived the explosion floated in the air and shot at Sherria-san!

DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON! DON!

"Iyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

She cried out and smashed into the ground after she bounced a few times! Sherria-san, she's really gone down hard this time! Those carrots are quite dangerous indeed. If they can blow her away like that...

"Sherria-san!"

"Keep going Sherria-san!"

Both myself and Levy-chan cheered for the girl. And soon others cheered for her as well. She can't quit now. She's got a higher level of magical power than Beth. I just don't get why she isn't fighting back to her full potential.

"Thanks everyone!"

Sherria-san smiled at us and quickly regained her bearing's and kicked off the ground, firing a gust of Wind at Beth.

"What!?"

Beth was dumbfounded by the new attack coming her way.

Sherria-san however showed her infinite smile that's super infectious. It's hard not smiling when she's smiling. Continue smiling forever Sherria-san!

"Take that Beth-chan!"

The country girl moved her body to the right, the Wind bypassing her altogether.

"I don't think so Sherria!"

Beth picked up two carrots, flinging them at Sherria-san with little time to spare! She's really going for the kill now isn't she!?

"You're so mean Beth-chan!"

Sherria-san complained, gathering Wind in her palms, and pointed them downwards.

Like a rocket, she was blasted into the sky, the ground blowing the dust around as if was dancing around. It was even so dusty that it was effecting us, who are above the stadium.

"Geez girl, you've gotten dust in my eyes. It's rude to do such things, ya know? How can you be so cruel!?"

Beth complained. She had to sweep her hands in front of her face, due to the dust getting into her eyes. Wiping her eyes with her hands, the carrots around her subsided for now.

"I'm not cruel and or mean! You're the one who's mean!"

Sherria-san explained, her warped version of trash talking being quite funny.

But once it was gone from her field of vision, Beth looked upwards towards Sherria-san, grabbing a carrot from the ground.

"I'm not mean! And I'm not cruel either!"

Beth was offended apparently, sending a carrot towards Sherria-san!

"Why don't you try this!?"

Sherria-san did a twirl, Winds swirling around her like a mini tornado. She did a few twirls in the sky before, pointing her hands towards the ground, sending the large excess Wind at the country looking girl!

The carrot that Beth threw at Sherria-san was blown away easily, it smashing into the ground as if someone had just dropped a house onto the field! That's it Sherria-san! Don't let this girl beat you!

Beth summoned carrots under her feet, and like she was surfing, she evaded the Wind current shot by Sherria-san! For a country girl who has a carrot power, she's not half bad!

Sherria-san landed on the ground and barely had time to jump in a back-flip to avoid the set of carrots sent by Beth.

"Try this! And this! And this!"

Sherria-san didn't get deterred and swung her arms a couple of times, flinging gust after gust at Beth, attempting to knock her down.

Surprisingly, Beth manoeuvred herself out of the way each time. When she couldn't dodge the attacks, she used the carrots again and blocked all of the Wind attacks that neared her!

Contrary to her somewhat weird appearance, she's surprisingly nimble. I didn't expect her to be like that. Beth is...well, she's holding off Sherria-san who isn't full powered right now.

"Ooooooooooooooooooh! Please stay still!"

Sherria-san pleaded. But Beth didn't pay attention to her, and an aura surrounded her.

"Try my special move, Carrot Bombs!"

Beth waved her hands in a anticlockwise motion, three balls made of carrots were formed. Clicking her fingers, one by one the carrot balls shot at Sherria-san, attempting to blow up near her!

Sherria-sans eyes widened with slight fear.

"Ooh come on! Please stop with the carrots! At least offer me something like a banana!"

Why would a banana make a difference exactly? Eh...I guess it doesn't matter.

Sherria-san danced around the bombs made of carrots with little difficulty. But I could tell that just dodging these attacks are tiring her out right now. If she continues to dodge, she's going to be too worn down to continue fighting. She needs to make her counter strike soon.

"Sherria-san!" I shouted, getting her attention. "Use your real power Sherria-san! I know you're hiding it! But if you use it, you'll win! I can guarantee it! I know you can do it Sherria-san!"

Yeah, she just needs to believe in herself. If she's hiding something for later, but she can't win without using it now, she has to unleash her attacks right now. There's no point in wasting time right now.

"S-Shinobu-chan...okay! I will do my best!"

Beth focused her eyes and made two carrots go for Sherria-san.

The girl with pinky hair put her palms to the side, and Black Winds gathered there. This time, she looked serious as she moved them over her form. The result of that was the Winds knocked away the carrots effortlessly.

"W-Wait!? How did you...?"

Sherria-san faced Beth, and opened her mouth.

"It's because..." Sherria-san gathered air towards her mouth...as if she's eating it and wore a smirk. "I'm a God Slayer."

...W-What...?

.

.

.

"D-Did she just say...?"

Levy-chan couldn't believe her ears, and neither could I.

She couldn't of possibly said...Sherria-san, is she really a...God Slayer? She has a Magic that can be used to Slay Gods? I'm a Devil Slayer...but she can use God Slayer...ooooh yeah! I knew there was something special about her! God Slayer Sherria-san!

"God Slayer?" Erza-san folded her arms. "I've never heard of such Magic before."

Not surprising that she hasn't. I only know because Sensei told me about it once. And even then, it wasn't a detailed explanation.

"That's because it's a Lost Magic." I explained, gaining the attention of the others. "God Slayer Magic is a Lost Magic. Have any of you heard of...Dragon Slayer Magic?"

I didn't want to say Devil Slayer right now and I'm sure Dragon Slayer is a little more popular although still quite rare. I can leave that little surprise for later on, just incase they connect those dots quicker than I would like. That's a little trump card of mine.

"Yes, Natsu is a Dragon Slayer."

So they know about Dragon Slayers, and here I thought that they were rare. Meh, I wont worry about it right now.

"Well, like that person who slays Dragons. God Slayer Magic is as it is said. It was made to Slay Gods. Although the way to learn such a Magic is...I don't really know. But Sherria-san said she learned it from a book, which leads me to believe Gods have written books about their particular Slaying Magic or something like that. The God Slayer also has a blank tint to their powers and ...I should've seen it before. Sherria-sans Black Winds...God Slayer..."

I just trailed off, my mind still in disbelief. I knew there was something different about her, but I wouldn't of suspected God Slayer. It really does build up a warmth in my chest, making me want to fight against this type of Magic.

As soon as "God Slayer" left Sherria-sans lips, the face of Beth turned downwards, and you could see fear evident in her eyes. Poor Beth, she knows the truth now and it's literally going to ruin her...

"G-God Slayer!? That's not possible! What kind of Magic is that?"

Sherria-san spread her arms and took a deep breath.

"Sorry about this Beth-chan. But I'm going to have to defeat you. I was saving it for later, but that seems no longer possible." Sherria-sans mouth had Black Wind forming around it. "Sky God's Bellows!"

Sherria-san released a large tornado like stream of Wind that's Black from her mouth. The massive Winds cut through the cut, turning it into chunks! The air around here has even thinned a little due to the attack!

"T-This is impossible!"

Beth raised a Carrot Wall between her and the attack.

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!

The Carrot Wall didn't survive though, as Sherria-sans attack blasted its way through it! Go Sherria-san! That Bellow of hers could match my Rage attack! This is what I wanted to see Sherria-san! This is definitely great!

"Iyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

The attack then smashed into Beth, blowing her into the wall that's situated behind her. Large pieces of concrete flew out of the wall, and landed on the ground. Beth, from within the wall closed her eyes, and fell unconscious.

I-In one attack, Sherria-san was able to take her out. That damn attack was powerful. Now it just makes me want to fight that girl even more. Sherria-san...I wonder what advantages Sky God Slayer gives her?

"With Contestant Beth knocked out, the winner is Contestant Sherria Blendy!"

The crowd roared at the Kings announcement. Sherria-san thrusted up her fist and cheered happily. A stretcher came for Beth, and took her away to be examined and healed.

Sherria-san jumped up to the front of us, and smiled at all of us.

"Well done Sherria-san! You're amazing!"

"Hehe, thanks Shinobu-chan!"

She hugged me and I did the same! It's because she's so damn huggable! I can't help but hug this girl so tightly! She's a God Slayer and she won against the veggie girl! Good on her! I hope I get to fight against her as well!

"That was a good display, Sherria."

"Sky God Slayer Magic huh. That makes me feel excited."

"It was a good match, you should be proud Sherria-san."

"Yes, I agree. If you used it at the beginning, it would've been quicker, but it was definitely worth it."

Everyone around congratulated Sherria-san on a job well done. She does deserve it, and she's such a secret keeper, isn't she? Keeping such a thing from us all of the sudden. Sherria-san...you truly are a bad girl, keeping such a thing from us.

The King was ready to announce the next person.

"With Sherria dominating the second match, this tournament is really heating up huh! Now it's time to get on with the third match! I hope everyone is ready for it!" The King pointed at the Lacrima. "Lets see who's on the next match, shall we?"

Again, the crowd would be in an uproar, forever screaming for the ones that they like the most. I know that these people came for such things, but they really are getting too excited in my opinion.

---

[Later]

Several matches came and went. There wasn't many noteworthy people from my experiences. No one from our former team went. We all watched people have different Magic's like Fire Magic, Ice Magic, Bomb Magic and Sword Magic amongst others.

Even if they weren't strong, it was quite entertaining some of the bets they made. Like someone wanted the other to bathe them, or to run a mile through the town naked. Of course some of those bad ones weren't thankfully going to happen. But it was funny, and I just couldn't help but burst out laughing at the bets.

"Wow! Now, it is time for the tenth match everyone! I hope you're super excited!"

Once again, the crowed went off in a loud roaring and the Lacrima started off again.

We watched the names come and go off the screen hologram thingy. Once again, I saw my name being put on there, and then taken off. I wish my name would be finally just be displayed. I'm getting all edgy. I wish to do some damage with my fists.

When the names finally stopped, I saw the names clearly.

This time it's going to be...

"This time, it is Mirajane Strauss vs Kageyama! Please both come to the stage!"

So this time it is Mirajane-san. She's the third person I know who's going towards the fights.

"Oh, so it's me now is it?" Mirajane-san smiled. "Well, I'm glad. It is about time."

That it is...I've been wanting to see what Mirajane-san can do. I hope that she can do something amazing. All of that power I sense from her isn't nothing, is it? She does have the skills to back up her power, right?

"Good luck Mira!"

"Yes, good luck Mirajane-san."

"Beat them Mira."

Levy-chan, myself and Erza-san gave the encouragement with others offering other words of encouragement.

Mirajane-san merely let a little smile grace her lips, before gripping the side of the rails, and jumped over them, landing on the ground with the finesse that I would expect from her.

A young man also joined in the arena. He looks like an average guy, around our age. Maybe a little older. He's got black hair that's tied back into a spiky ponytail that's short. He's wearing a high collared shirt, with a white pants, matching the white shirt he's wearing. And with the white shoes he's wearing, he comes off as a guy that likes the colour white.

Both of the contenders glance at one another, preparing to fight. Mirajane-san cracked her knuckles and Kageyama clearly looked excited about fighting Mirajane-san. He must be thinking something like "She's a girl, she's going to be weak." or something like that. It would make some sense to someone like him...I dunno, something about him, screams...off to me. He just doesn't seem like the typical person that's here today.

"Are you both ready?" Once again, the King asked. The two nodded. "Then begin!"

Mirajane-san walked forward a little.

Kageyama bent his neck...and gained a little smirk.

"Alright, you know the deal girl. It's betting time. Obviously, if I win, we'll go on a date."

What a vulgar way of speaking. Something about the way he spoke to Mirajane-san then really irked me. It made me want to punch his lights out for such a thing. What a dork.

"Hmph, is that the case?" Mirajane-san smirked. "That's fine with me. If you win, which is not likely, you can date me. However, when I win, you have to propose to a horse and buy a golden horseshoe for her hoof while I watch and take pictures. And it has to be beautiful, romantic and everything like that."

.

.

.

...What in the...

[EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH!? WHY PROPOSE TO A HORSE!?]

It's not only me that's going nuts right now! It's everyone! Even Kageyama seemed shocked by it! Everyone from the former team has wide eyes, even Erza-san! And don't even get me started on Kagura-sans face. It's like looking at someone who has just seen a ghost.

That's mental! She wants Kageyama to marry a horse!? Whats that about!? She's clearly mental! She must like humans and animals being together! She wants Kageyama to make out with a horse and kiss each other deeply! And what's with the pictures?! She wants them to take pictures of their love?! That's a little weird!

"Why's everyone yelling all of a sudden?" Mirajane-san wondered. "It isn't like I have asked something amazingly daft. It is simply a marriage proposal."

And she doesn't see anything wrong with that? She doesn't think that it is a little nutty to marry something other than human? She does know the implications of it all, right? She isn't just saying this for fun...right?

"W-Why a horse exactly!?"

Kageyama demanded from the white haired girl.

That's a very good question. A horse...why a horse? Why not another animal exactly?

Said girl flipped her head softly.

"I haven't ever seen anyone do it. I thought that it would be interesting. Of course you can break up with her later. I just want to see you engaged to a horse, of my choosing. I can't have you marry the good looking horses now."

T-The good looking horses...I don't think I'll ever hear anyone say anything like that ever again.

"O-Oh...erm..."

Kageyama was indecisive about it. I have to admit that it is one of the more weirder ones that I've heard today. Marrying a horse huh. I wouldn't think anyone would want to marry a horse. What's the benefits of it...I'm over thinking it again.

"Levy-chan, is it even legal to marry a horse?"

I asked, turning to her.

Levy-chan shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't know to be honest. I don't think I've ever heard of such a thing. Although I guess it might be possible, depending on where you do it. But even then, I'm not sure if you'd want to marry such a creature. They'd tell you to hit the hay~ Get it Shi-chan? Hit the hay~?"

She's got such a weird sense of humour. I've never been able to understand her personally.

"Erm, I get it, I guess."

I could only offer that to her while sweatdropping. It was impossible to offer anything other than that towards her.

But that seemed to make her smile, so I will leave it at that for now. As long as she is happy, then I'm happy.

"Don't quit your day job Levy. I don't think a comedians life is for you."

Like that, Levy-chan was shot down by Erza-san and pouted adorably.

I shook my head, turning it back to the ring.

Kageyama, with his unsure face, simply nodded.

"I...I wont lose so I will accept these terms!"

"Brilliant, then allow us to start."

This time for real, both of them got into fighting position.

Kageyama was the first one to start the assault.

He placed his hands on the ground and the shadows around him responded to it. They twisted and turned into different structures. At first, I thought that they were going to form creatures like my Darkness Make, but it wasn't the case.

No, these shadows turned into hands. But to be more precise, they turned into enclosed hands, other words, fists. These shadowy fists all spun around, pointing themselves at the relaxed looking at Mirajane-san.

"It's time to start girl! Knuckle Shadow!"

The fists suddenly thrusted their way towards Mirajane-san.

Mirajane-san kicked off from the ground, as fists came from all sides of her.

Without using her Take Over Magic, Mirajane-san managed to dance her way around all of the fists.

Coming from the left and right, two large dark fists tried to punch Mirajane-san.

Mirajane-san regarded them with slight annoyance before she jumped on one fist, using it as a stepping stone, and evaded them both by going high into the sky. When the fists made contact, they both disappeared into nothingness.

"I'm not done!"

Commanding his shadows, he sent three fists towards the airborne Mirajane-san.

Mirajane-san twitched her eyebrow, directing her body downwards. With some unseen force, she was able to shoot herself downwards towards the ground. All of the fists in the air followed her however.

Upon landing on the ground, Mirajane-san tightened her fist and threw it upwards at the incoming fists made of shadows.

The impact of her fist and those shadow fists made the surrounding areas be blasted slightly, making a slight crater under her. But with the superior power of Mirajane-sans unaided by magic fist, she was able to dispel the attacks instantly.

"So, I take it his Magic is Shadow Magic?"

Jenny-san hugged my arm and asked...I guess she can only do it now that Mirajane-san isn't around. Meh, it's alright. I wont say anything about it right now. As long as she doesn't do anything to scare me, then this is all cool~

"Yes. This isn't like my Maker Magic. This is just pure Shadow Magic. He'd be able to do more than make these hands. He might be able to use the shadows as a go between."

"A go between?" Kagura-san surprisingly asked me. "You're saying that he might be able to traverse the shadows around here?"

"That's exactly it Kagura-san." I beamed to her ire. "But he might only be able to use his own shadows...or maybe he could even use Mirajane-sans shadows. Either way, it is going to be dangerous if he can do such things like that."

Yukino-san, listening in, bit her lip.

"If that's the case, then Mirajane-sama might want to finish this fight before he could do that. Something about him is making me feel...odd. Not odd as in the sense of being weirded out. But odd as in...not right. Maybe it is something about his feeling...he doesn't feel good to me."

I had that same feeling before. If she's thinking the same as I am, then I don't think that he's a good person. Unlike what I think about the previous opponents, like Ren for example, I feel like this guy has evil in his heart...I don't even know why I feel like that. It's like...something dark is coming from his aura, and is trying to...ugh, this guy is quite freaking me out right now.

I turned my attention back to the arena, seeing Mirajane-san dispelling two more shadow hands. Even without magical assist, she's quite the physically strong girl. I wouldn't mind having a hand-to-hand spar with her, since I'm quite the hand-to-hand as well.

"This is it?"

She mumbled with that same smirk of confidence that's evident on her face most of the time.

Seeing that smirk, Kageyama bared his teeth, and ground them with frustration on his face.

"You got lucky! Lets try it again!"

Summoning more shadowy hands from his shadows, he shot them at Mirajane-san.

Crossing the distance quite quickly, two hands joined together, making one giant fist that's above Mirajane-san. The girl looked up at the shadowy hand and jumped backwards when the hands came down, crashing like a hammer.

Thankfully, she was able to avoid that punch, which shook the ground. Dust came from the ground, obscuring our visions from Kageyama. Whatever he's doing, I feel like this is intentional.

The attacks of shadow hands weren't done. Two hands came from the left, punching at her midsection and her legs.

"This all you got?"

Mirajane-san twisted her body, using one hand to support herself on the ground as she did a reverse drop kick, swinging her leg into the sky, dispelling those two hands with minimal effort.

Another hand opened up, coming from the left, attempting to grab Mirajane-san.

As the hand was about to grasp her body, she bent her that body of hers to turn towards the palm of the shadow hand. An aura surrounded her hand, but it wasn't a Take Over aura.

"This is weak, no offence."

Bringing her fist back, she nailed it in the middle of the palm. With the force of the punch, the shadow hand was dispelled like the others, the shadows disappearing in the light of the sun.

Two other shadow hands made straight punches for her but like the others, Mirajane-san swung her fist at the shadows and dispelled them.

More hands came for her, and like all of the other hands, she dispelled them, one at a time. I know what she's doing, and it is the same as what I would do when facing an unknown opponent.

"Whats she doing Erza?"

Levy-chan questioned, bringing my attention to her.

"She's estimating up her opponent." Erza-san replied, hugging her body. "Usually, Mira would blitz this person. She's clearly the one with a higher levels of Magic. But in this instance, Mira has learned from the others that have gone before her, and making sure that Kageyama doesn't have a trick up his sleeve like Ren did for me."

"And that's all it takes." I finished for her. "Just one little mistake because you're overconfidently trying to show off, and it is all over. Kageyama isn't as strong as Mirajane-san, it is true. But if he has a trick that can catch her by surprise, then it is all over. Mirajane-san, like what Erza-san said, is feeling out her opponent, so she doesn't become that overconfident person, and loses within a second because of a silly mistake that could've been stopped by her doing what she's doing now."

The others simply nodded at me.

They see what she's doing, and it is pretty smart to do such a thing. I would do the same, and I might do the same, depending on who it is that I am going to be facing. If it's someone dangerous, then I might have to blitz them.

"I'm coming for you!"

Mirajane-san resolved herself, and then charged for the idiot shadow guy.

He didn't look so concerned as Mirajane-san ran at him.

"As if you're coming closer to me little girl. Knuckle Shadow times 20!"

Shouting that out, the number of shadows around him increased by a margin. Before he had around 5 activate shadows at a time. But this time, he has 20, just like he said. And unlike the first wave of the shadows, these shadows look a little more durable.

Waving his hand, the shadowy hands responded by all thrusting at Mirajane-san in timed intervals of two at a time.

"Oh, I'm really scared now."

Mirajane-san smirked to herself, throwing a flurry of punches at the incoming shadowy hands.

The first two hands that came into contact with her hands dispelled with quite ease. Two more hands came from the right, and from the sky. Both hands are tightened so tight that unlike the other hands, these hands are truly dark, unable to see.

"I see, so these are a little...faster huh."

Mirajane-san merely batted a single eyelid before jumping back, avoiding the earth smashing hand that came from the sky. The other came from the right hand side. Mirajane-san twisted her body, evading the attack with zero effort.

She then grabbed the 'wrist' of the hand and threw it at the fist that was taking itself out of the earth from the first attack. The impact of the attack from the two shadows made them rupture, and disappear altogether.

"I'm coming for you!"

Mirajane-san picked up the speed, dashing with her hands behind her back.

"S-Shit!"

Kageyama opened his eyes wide with slight terror, ordering the hands to go for Mirajane-san.

Two hands came from the front, straight for her.

Seeing the incoming attacks, Mirajane-san moves her body upwards, off the ground and into the sky. The hands pass by her feet, essentially missing her.

Mirajane-san smirked to herself, taking advantage of this opportunity, and did a flip in the air, bringing down her heels, dispelling the shadows upon impact. Landing on the ground, she stood tall, taking a stance again.

"Die you bitch!"

Using a profanity, he made three hands go for Mirajane-san. Each coming from different locations. Above, left and right. Each of them looked a little denser than the previous ones.

"Call me a bitch again, and you die! Do you understand me you little shit!?"

Kageyama flinched at shout of Mirajane-san, but persevered with his attack.

"J-Juvia doesn't like this side of Mirajane-san. She's quite scary to Juvia."

I agree with you Juvia-san. She's quite scary, and it isn't even the words that she used. It's the presence that she emits. It's like looking at...well, I don't want to be rude, but a Demon.

"You aren't the only one Juvia-sama."

Yukino-san shuddered, her eyes glazing over with some fear.

Mirajane-san flashed us a smile...but then frowned upon seeing Jenny-san clinging to my arm. Jenny-san was avoiding the gaze of a burning nature from the white haired girl.

"Jenny, you think that you can suddenly..."

"Shipping~"

Erza-san sung out, to Mirajane-sans ire and apparently made her face flush lightly.

"Wait until I get back up there Red!"

Erza-san let a little smile, that was too innocent, grace her face.

Mirajane-san turned back to the shadowy hands coming at her, but sent a 'Death Glare' towards Jenny-san who flinched like Kageyama did before, and unconsciously hid behind me.

"Right you, it's time to knock you out!"

Mirajane-san though didn't look bothered by the increased density of the hands. Instead, she concentrated on her strength and powered through the hands, destroying them, turning them to nothing, to the fear of Kageyama.

Even with the (supposed) enhanced strength of the shadow hands, Mirajane-san plowed through them. Each hand sent at her is dispelled with zero effort. Right now, it just looks like that she's on a jog while swinging her arms around. It doesn't even look like she's fighting...it's really impressive.

Mirajane-san closed the distance, having taken out all of the shadowy hands from beforehand.

"Wait a second-"

BANG!

Kageyama was cut off by a fist to the face that was of the heavy variety.

Kageyama's face twisted to a distorted shape, as Mirajane-san twisted her own hand in his face.

He was blown back by the brunt force of her fist, gliding through the air with such speed.

The shadow hand was punched all the way into the opposing wall, causing a girly scream to escape his lips.

"Wow! Contestant Mirajane has blown back Kageyama with her fist! That's what I call super strength! How coooooooooooooooooool!"

That presenter guy really needs to calm down. And why does he keep saying cool anyway? It doesn't make sense to me.

As for the others around me, they all seem astonished by her physical strength. Well, that is besides Erza-san and to an extent, Levy-chan. Those two must be used to this kind of thing.

Mirajane-san licked her lips, appearing to have enjoyed that attack.

W-Well, I guess that Mirajane-san does like fighting. And she does appear to have a knack for it. Her strength though in base form is quite impressive. If she's able to make such strength appear from her base...then her Satan Soul is going to be...

"Arggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggh!"

The shadow guy released a howl from the hole he was in.

Kageyama came out from the hole, and his teeth were showing, his eyes were filled with rage.

Mirajane-san got into a professional fighting form that martial artists would use.

"I'm sick of you girl! I'm going to take you out right now!"

Due to his rage, shadow hands burst forth and all shot at Mirajane-san with the intent to kill her.

Mirajane-san didn't show a worried face, instead choosing to approach the situation with caution which is quite wise this time.

All of the hands went for her at once this time, instead of intervals. She bent her body, and with a single flick of her shot, she somehow jumped, evading all of the fists at once!

"Die! Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!"

Kageyama lost his cool, deciding to throw more hands of shadows towards Mirajane-san.

But like with the others, she was able to dance around all of the hands at once while using her feet to kick some out of existence!

She's dodging the hands with such grace that it is like a gazelle! No matter where they came from, she manoeuvred her body through all of the attacks as if she was literally dancing and she's able to take out shadows while she does it. Again, I am impressed with the Fairy Tail Wizards. So far, both of them have shown that they are skilled, and they aren't even going all out. Erza-san, Mirajane-san...I seriously pray that I get to fight her in the future.

"Shadow Pull!"

Kageyama suddenly shouted that out, and from underneath the ground, a shadowy shaped hand travelled towards Mirajane-san who was fighting off the other shadow hands from above ground with apparent ease.

The hand came up from the earth, and wrapped around Mirajane-sans body, encasing her within the shadowy grip!

"D-Damn it!"

Mirajane-san growled and tried to peel off the fingers of the mans shadowy hand. But the strength of the grip proved to be tighter than the ones from the above ground shadow hands displayed beforehand.

"Hahahahaha! Get dragged into the earth!"

Before my eyes, Mirajane-sans body was pulled underground! I can't even see her head or anything! C-Crap, come on Mirajane-san! Don't let this twit beat you! No, she's going to be okay!

I can hear the ground being shifted from underground, but I can't see anything. Even if I can't see anything, I know that Mirajane-san is alright. It's just something within me that's telling me that she's alright. But even then, I am quite concerned for her.

"Come on Mira!"

"Mirajane! Please don't give up!"

"Get out here already!"

"Mirajane-saaaaaaaaaaaaaan!"

Realizing that I shouted louder than most people, I quickly became embarrassed and hid my face in my hands as I saw Erza-san gain a teasing face and the others are all looking at me with weird gazes, from what I last saw.

I didn't mean to shout higher than the other ones...I was just concerned for her, that's all. There aren't any other reasons, like the girls have been suggesting. It's not funny...we don't have anything for one another...Sensei is the one that I love...not Mirajane-san...even if she is a little cute...

"So, you want Mirajane to be safe?" Erza-san teased, taking my hands from my face, making me face her. "If you like, I could give a good word to Mira. I only want her to be happy after all. As I've been saying, I'm rooting for your pairing to happen. Even only meeting you yesterday, I can tell that you and Mira are great for one another."

She's got to have an ulterior motive for this. I've never seen anything like this before. She's so adamant that we're going to be getting together...it isn't like I want that to happen...

"I don't know what you're referring to exactly. I'm only trying to be supportive of Mirajane-san."

I was being evasive, trying to make her drop it all. I don't need Mirajane-san yelling at me for trying to encourage Erza-san somehow. I don't know how I would do such a thing, but knowing me, I would do such a thing.

Erza-san placed her hands on my shoulders, and stared deeply into my eyes.

"Shinobu, I will achieve Shiane for you. Or Mirabu, whatever you decide. This pairing is going to happen. If you want, I know lots of things about her, so I can give you tips on how to court her...is that the word...yes, courting...dating rather is the term that's up to date. I think that you two would be an amazing couple."

"I-I don't know what you're talking about! I don't want you to put anything in for me! Why do you keep trying to pair us exactly!? I don't like Mirajane-san like that! I don't want to date Mirajane-san!"

"And why the hell not exactly!?"

...I know that voice...

"..."

I was stunned to silence when I realized where that voice came from.

Ooh God...

That voice belonged to Mirajane-san...

I saw her on the ground, with her Partial Take Over at the ready. Her hands are covered in the same demonic skin that they were when we were doing the trials. The pressure around her has chanced significantly. If this just minimal change released that much pressure, then a full Take Over is going to be...interesting.

She was able to escape the hand then, and has resurfaced huh...

And right now, she has a pissed off look directed at me. Oooh no, what have I done this time? No matter what I do, I seem to piss off girls and then I don't know how to undo such a thing. I miss Sensei, she'd protect me from these people.

"W-What are you saying that to? The fact that I don't want to date you, or I don't like you?"

"Both moron!"

She screamed, glaring with intense eyes.

I winced, and grimaced.

"W-Well, of course they aren't true really. I-I think you're a nice girl, and I-I think anyone wo-would be pr-privileged to date you...I-I think that I w-would if I-I was interested..."

I scratched my cheek, an embarrassed blush dusting my face.

"What!?"

PULL!

A sharp shrill accompanied by my cheek being pulled made me released a sharp cry.

"Owwwwwwwwww!" I complained, rubbing my cheek. "Why did you pull my cheek Levy-chan!?"

"Hmph!" She turned away, crossing her arms. "I knew you'd go for her instead of looking at me. You truly don't understand a girls heart. You really are cruel Shi-chan. I'm here and you're looking at Mira."

"W-What are you on about? Go for her? Looking at her? Of course I would because this is a match and she's in it. But why would I-"

I cut myself off, seeing that Levy-chan wasn't too happy with me. Ehehe, I feel like I've done something to apologize for...but I only said the truth...should I have lied about it?

Turning back to the field, I saw Mirajane-san glaring down the opponent.

"Your little bind made me activate this incomplete form, so well done on you. You made me actually sweat a little. But now that I've activated this, you wont win anymore. The chances of you winning have gone from minimal, to zero."

"Hmph!" Kageyama scoffed, shaking his head as he sent more shadow hands at her. "You think that this little..."

He trailed off and began sweating nervously upon seeing Mirajane-san tearing through the shadow hands he sent at her with...well, before if it was no effort, now it is not even registering with her. She isn't even bothering to bat them away this time. She's merely just walking, and the shadows are dissipating upon contact with her.

W-Whoa, that's a little scary. Her aura is destroying the shadows...it is really dense around her. All of the shadows basically die out when near her. Mirajane-sans aura is amazing...she's simply powerful.

"This is where it ends."

Mirajane-san picked up the speed she was walking, and it soon turned into running.

Kageyama twitched his body and growled, putting his hands to the ground.

"If you're not going to lose to my hands, then I am going to utterly annihilate you with my strongest move!" Kageyama's shadows became very dense, and formed some shapes...that have long bodies and small heads. "Shadows Orochi!"

The shadows spring out of the earth, into eight separate sections. Each of the shadows had turned into thick black snakes, each with a set of sharp fangs and a snake tongue, that's sticking out of the mouth.

All of the snakes are sent at Mirajane-san, trying to corner her, to devour her.

"If this is your strongest move, then you're out of luck, sorry."

Mirajane-san picked up the speed again, this time moving as a blur. Besides myself, Erza-san and Kagura-san, everyone was dumbfounded on where she was. But I can clearly see her moving towards the shadow snakes.

In literally seconds, she ripped through each of the snakes, or hit them away. Either way, all of the snakes disappeared from the very existence, greatly enraging the Shadow Mage.

DON!

"Guwah!"

A heavy impact to Kageyama's stomach made him fall to his knees and he coughed up bile. Oooh, I bet that the attack wasn't a pretty one. Poor Kageyama, looks like this is the end for you.

Kageyama placed his hands on the ground, and his body began to sink into the shadows!

"You wont beat me little girl!"

He made such a plea, his body halfway through the shadows.

Mirajane-san shook her head, and like lightning, she landed a heavy blow onto Kageyama's head! Because of the impact, he was blown out of the shadow, and was flung backwards!

"This is it!"

Mirajane-san dashed at him, catching him in no time flat. Running beside him, he tried to punch at her, but she batted the hand away, landing a blow onto his chest, hitting him down onto the ground.

She bent down, grabbed him by the head, and slammed his head into the earth. The impact of his head meeting the ground left the young man unconscious. Seeing him unconscious, she let his head go, and turned towards us.

"W-Well...with Contestant Kageyama down, this victory goes to Constant Mirajane!"

The crowd went insane with roars and other things like that. Some guys were even cheering their addresses for Mirajane-san. But she simply rolled her eyes and looked upwards at us.

At the same time Mirajane-san came up to us, Kageyama was taken away on a stretcher. Poor guy didn't see her coming. She literally took him out in one go...makes you think that our team seems quite strong compared to the others. Maybe after the number of competitors have been lessened, we're going to see the stronger ones.

"So Red, shipping us are we?"

Red...I-I mean Erza-san gave a toothy grin.

"That's right. I am shipping you together, got a problem with it?"

"Hmmmm, I'm not sure what your game is Red, but there's something that you're not telling me. But as soon as I beat him in the-"

"Excuse me." Kagura-san butted in, getting between them. "If you think you're going to be beating Shinobu of the Light then you've got another thing coming. I've already said that he's my enemy, and I am the one to defeat him in the ring."

Mirajane-san huffed, cocking her head towards the serious girl.

"You can think that if you want sweetheart, but reality is, I am the one that's going to beat him in the ring. There's no ifs ands or buts about it. You can TRY and beat him in the fights, but I know that he will beat you, as you're clouded by anger for him for whatever he's done, therefore your skills will dull."

"My skills are just fine thank you. I will destroy your estimation of me, and if we happen to meet in the ring before I meet him, then consider yourself beaten."

Kagura-san stated it with straight eyes, and the aura of determination filled her surroundings.

Mirajane-san shook her head a little.

"If that's what you think, but it isn't going to come true. He's going to win, I can already see it happening."

"You think I'm that much weaker than him!?"

Kagura-san demanded an answer.

Mirajane-san tooted.

"Tch, I didn't say that. I'm merely saying your anger is going to be your downfall. Mark my words girl. If you let anger be your driving force, then you'll end up losing the fights, and then you'll feel nothing but regret."

That's actually some pretty solid advice from her. Mirajane-san is wiser than I gave her credit for. I couldn't tell Kagura-san how to live her life, if her hate for me is justified or not. But like Mirajane-san said, if she comes at me with nothing but rage filling her being, she's not going to be able to win.

Kagura-san took Mirajane-sans words to heart, closing her eyes and folding her arms. Kagura-san is determined to beat me, isn't she? If that's the case, then I will just have to bet that if I win, I want to know why she hates me.

When the ring was cleared, the King cleared his voice.

"With the excitement of the previous match in our minds, lets go onto the next match shall we?"

Once again, the crowd went insane and they all cheered as the Lacrima started again.

The Lacrima showed a multitude of names until they finally stopped on two names.

"My, isn't this going to be interesting! Teammates become enemies in this interesting turn of events!"

Ooooh crap...oooh no...this can't be happening right now...I didn't think that it would be...

"Ooh wow, who knew that this would happen so quickly..."

"My, this is going to be interesting."

Mirajane-san and Erza-san began, but I wasn't happy about it. To think that it would turn out like this so quickly. I honestly didn't think that this outcome would happen on the first round.

"I feel so annoyed that she's the first one that gets to fight him."

"Ooh when just becoming friends, they're going to have to face one another."

Kagura-san sighed in frustration, and Sherria-san seemed down. Aren't we all down right now Sherria-san?

"Juvia thinks this is going to turn out bad, whoever we vote to win."

"This couldn't happen so quickly...what are the oods?"

"I'd have to agree Juvia-san and Levy-san...but I know who I'm going to vote for!"

Juvia-san stood back slightly, Levy-chan looking between the two that have been picked and Jenny-san was beaming at me while doing the thumbs up sign.

"The next match is Shinobu Kobayashi vs Yukino Agria!"

Yes, the next match is me vs Yukino-san.

We both looked away, feelings of sadness filling both of our eyes.

I can't believe that I would be the one that has to fight a friend on the first match. And for it to be Yukino-san at that. What am I going to do? I've already said that I will fight with the intent to win...but Yukino-san is also going to fight like that...

I can't allow her feelings and my feelings to come into it. Even if she's a friend, right now she is my enemy, and I wont be afraid to win against her.

We soon looked at one another, the fire of passion for fighting and winning both within our eyes.

""I wont lose to you!""

---

End chapter! So the first three fights have gone off! Hopefully they were enjoyable for everyone to read!

And the next chapter is going to show Yukino vs Shinobu! What's Yukino going to be pulling off? What tricks does she have up her sleeve?

And the rest of the girls fights for this part of the tournament will also be fighting next chapter.

Sorry if it dragged on a little, I didn't want to just have people like Erza and Mira blitz the competition, as I think that would be a little boring and I also made some of the characters a little stronger than in canon (minor characters like Beth for example) to give better fights than mere curb-stomps.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed it and until next time for the conclusion of the preliminaries! Also, the fights per round will go down as the main eight competitors goes down. Thanks for reading~

Shinobu's harem; Ultear, Mirajane, Aries, Virgo, Wendy, Carla, Lucy, Sherria, Hisui, Sherry, Levy, Zeref (fem).