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.

14. Chapter 14

Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!

Likonpark100; Could be, could be~

Cloud4012; Not long~ It wont be much longer now~

Hellspam; Well, you'll see who he fights soon hehe~ Yeah, he'll be bonding with the Princess. And yeah, I guess that it could work. As for the Last Ages, I have a good idea for that~ Hmm, interesting theory, it could be that, or it could be something completely different~ Only time will tell~

Anime PJ; Yeah, I bet like 1000 things are going on in her head right now, and she wont be able to make sense of any of it. And yay~ They're getting closer and closer~ And yeah, the Princess wont be hurt...or will she...? No, I'm not that cruel~ Yeah...they'll think Aries is some kind of dirty pervert...poor Aries...

Blackmoon FierceGods 15; Well, I am glad that you liked it, and yeah, that was Mira's personal opinion, and it will most likely happen as well. Erm, to answer them in order, yeah I am considering it, he might be, yes he knows he can eat light and will be doing soon, there might be another one, you'll have to wait and see how he reacts to meeting Gray, Familiar Spirit Magic, erm dunno. He might know one or two secret arts, and he might use them in the tournament.

Jugar38; Yeah, even though she wants it, she stops it? Doesn't Erza think ahead? Hehe. And thanks~

ShadowUzumaki55; For the most part, yeah. And yeah, I dunno either hehe~ As for that, it shall be revealed soon~ Yeah, those two are getting closer, and damn, Erza's intuition is top notch, isn't it? And that will be revealed in time~

Jack; Thank you, and no, not really, sorry. It is just when I finish a chapter that it gets posted. It could be the next day, a few days, or a week. Just depends if I have time to write on certain days.

Mr Beaver Buttington; Hehe, I'm glad that it did~ And yeah, he'll have the same basic personality throughout the fic~

Guest; Hmmm, maybe he could yeah. Not sure about Sona's peerage, maybe.

On-Eno; Yeah, thought that I should break up from the fighting, so I showed a little bonding chapter. And yeah! Shinobu better win or else, hehe~ Yeah, her gift to him, will come soon~

With those lovely reviews out of the way, it is time to start the chapter.

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Juvia vs Mira

Levy P.O.V

Round 2.

That's what it is today. Yesterday, a number of people were taken out of the tournament. Last night, I was thinking about how they're going to compensate, and there's only a number of things that come to mind when I'm thinking about this thing right now.

As I watched the others in the ring, I couldn't help but feel...odd.

It was a sensation that was filling me ever since I noticed Yukino and Shi-chan come back to the hotel lobby after speaking to one another privately. I don't know what happened, but when they came back, they both had serious faces. Before they left, they looked happy and normal, but afterwards they both have serious faces...even now, Yukino has a serious face. Shi-chan's serious face was to be as expected since he's going to be fighting soon.

The fighters down there are the ones that are left, including Mira and Erza. Kagura and Juvia are there as well as Shi-chan and Sherria-san who are stood together. S-She's a little close, isn't she? Doesn't she need to back off a little?

They were told to go down there and wait for the King when we got here. I remember the King saying something about deciding what to do with the people today. Because like we theorized, the number of people fighting today is an odd number, therefore they're going to sort that out, right now.

But glancing at Shi-chan, I've got to admit that his Spirits have it right. Wearing such a cute outfit is what makes the girls crazy after all~ Especially me, I wish that he would always wear things like that~ It's so good for Levy~

"Ooh Angel! You're going to be the best, I know it! You're the strongest my Angel! Win and show everyone that you're the strongest!"

Jenny as always, is making me feel a little uncomfortable. Seriously, why do you call him Angel? Does he remind you of an Angel or something? Ugh, it is going to destroy my brain if I think about it anymore...I hope that my mind doesn't get destroyed...

Ignoring her for the moment, I noticed out of the corner of my eye, Yukino was looking around with eyes of judgment...what's going on with you, Yukino? Something is strange...I don't know what it is, but I know that something is wrong...I'm going to confront Shi-chan on the subject later on.

As for myself, I could only watch on with eyes of praise for Shi-chan. He's done so well already! His fight was the hardest so far, yet he did it without complaint. Go Shi-chan, you have my full support.

While waiting, I turned to Yukino.

"Yukino, about what you and Shi-chan discussed before..."

Suddenly startled by my voice, her head went towards me with a worried look in her eyes...why have such a gaze, Yukino? I'm not interrogating you or anything...I am merely trying to see what's going on.

"O-Oh, that's nothing at all."

"Are you sure? It seems to me that something is..."

A semi frightened expression plasters itself all over her face, as she takes a number of steps back.

"L-Like I said, there's really nothing going on. If you want, you can ask Shin-chan later on. W-We were just talking about the games and things like that. It really isn't anything that you should concern yourself with. Even I, am beginning to love the games so very much~ I-I was only t-talking s-strategy with him~ Kehehehehe~"

Now I know something is wrong. She's actually acting all nervous. If there wasn't anything wrong, she wouldn't be showing a face like this. She wouldn't be making a nervous expression, and she wouldn't be looking around with a judging gaze.

"R-Right...then I will ask Shi-chan later..."

I'm getting answers, I really am. Even if she thinks she's going to get away with this, she wont. I don't know what it is, but something is going on, and I want to know what is going on exactly. Even if I have to follow her around, I will find out. Calling it intuition is something like hitting the mark...I sense that Shi-chan is in danger...something inside of me tells me that he is in danger right now.

"But, just so you know and are aware, Shin-chan and I aren't together or anything Levy-sama. We don't have a romantic relationship."

"W-Whats that about!?"

I just couldn't contain it, and it slipped out of my mouth!

Why would she say something like that all of a sudden!? Is she really insane!? She can't come out with that! It is like she is trying to cover her tracks or something! That's it! She's trying to say that she isn't with Shi-chan when she really is! Shi-chan! You're not with her, are you!?

"I'm just saying, so you're aware, and you don't have to worry about the status of our relationship. That isn't to say that I don't find him attractive, because I do, but I am going to say that I am not going to pursue him...just yet."

W-What...just yet? That means, in the future she might pursue him if her love for him increases? That can't happen. Already, she's got a bigger bust size than I have...she's really more well endowed than I am...just think what she's going to be like in the future...

"Y-You can't pursue Angel! I'll stop it immediately! There's no way you're going to be dating my Angel! Don't test me either because I will do it!"

Jenny would have to interject, wouldn't she? Yeah, she loves doing things like that, getting in on my love for Shi-chan and making her the one that's going to end up with him. I don't know, maybe when Shi-chan gets older, he might find her more attractive than me...

But what does she mean she'll do it? What will she do? She isn't thinking about killing is she? T-That wouldn't be good...I would be frightened for Yukino in this instant. Jenny is a maiden in love, and you don't stop a maiden in love. Especially one that is insane like this one.

"I didn't say that I was going to, Jenny-sama. I was merely saying that it could happen in the future. Just because I find him attractive, it doesn't mean that I am going to go full on stalker mode. If I was to do that, then I would lose myself mentally...for now, I believe we're going to remain as friends. In the future, it might happen...for now, we're going to be friends."

Yeah, that's good. I don't want them to become more than that in the future...either. Maybe I should make a move on Shi-chan...and if he rejects me, then I will know that he doesn't see me in that light. Of course I would be devastated, but I wouldn't stop being his friend. I mean, you can't help who you love, can you? If he doesn't love me, then there's no way I could force him to love me. Ooh well...if that outcome happens, I will just thank God that I met him at least...

"I feel like you've wounded me with the stalker mode. Was it directed at me?"

Jenny arched an eyebrow up, folding her arms..

Yukino shook her head.

"It wasn't Jenny-sama. I was just saying that I wouldn't do anything like that. We're just friends, that's it."

"R-Right, if you say so Yukino-san. Just don't try and take my Angel...he's too innocent to be dirtied by you."

She let a little bemused smile appear on her face before she looked down at the arena.

I don't know what's going on exactly, but I intend to find out. I know that I will find out eventually...whatever is happening. Shi-chan wouldn't lie to me, so I know that I will be able to find out eventually...

We waited for a number of minutes, before the King finally appeared. He was wearing a different outfit to the one that he was wearing yesterday. This one had a picture of his daughter on the front with 'I love Hisui' written in huge letters across the chest, to the embarrassment of Princess Hisui-sama.

Poor Hisui-sama, she's going to be embarrassed by her Otou-sama~ Fortunately, I don't know what that's like~ I just have a Shi-chan that embarrasses me sometimes~

"Hello, and welcome to the next round everyone!" A thunderous roaring resounded throughout the arena, causing everyone who wasn't yelling to cringe. "I'm glad that everyone has come out today! It really is a treat after all! Today, the games are going to change up a little! Since we've got a number that's odd, meaning these fights can't be one on one anymore, myself, and a select few others have come up with a solution to this problem."

A solution? What's this solution going to be? It isn't going to be like where they drop some contestants. If that's the case, then I think that it is going to be a little unfair. Even with the stronger contestants here, they shouldn't underestimate the weaker ones. Like with Yukino. She was weaker, by her own admission, than Shi-chan, yet she nearly won. It isn't always about the destructive power of someone. It sometimes takes brains as well.

As I was thinking about it, a device like the device Shi-chan used during our last day together appeared on the ground. That thing can measure a persons magical strength. I remember it being like that with Shi-chan. He got a high score that day...he might get an even higher score this time.

"For those who don't know what this device is, well I will explain. This device is known as Magic Power Finder. This device is as it says, it finds out how much magical power you possess and will display how much you get by displaying the numbers. What does this mean for the tournament you may be asking yourself? The answer to that is simple. The four people with the highest amounts will be the ones people will be fighting today. But that's not all. The four highest numbers will be split off into two pairs, by a random name generator. More on that will be discussed when we have our top four contenders."

So, the four highest will be placed into a pair, and then they will fight the rest of the people in the tournament? That's what it has to be, isn't it? Yeah, that's what it is...I can see why they are doing this...it means that the weaker ones have a higher chance of winning, depending on who you're throwing at them. Yes, I can see why this is going to be a good thing for the other contestants...but for the people that score the highest...I can see why it is going to be a bad thing, because they're going to have to deal with a wave of people.

Either way...I wonder what's going to happen to Shi-chan? God, I hope that he doesn't get hurt during this trial...Shi-chan, please don't lose to these people, and don't get hurt. I believe in you.

"So, will the first contestant please come on down!"

So like that, numerous people tried their luck against the MPF as I've and maybe others have dubbed it. Most people scored in the hundreds, no going past 500. The people from the original group haven't gone yet. But I can already tell that at least Mira and Erza, along with Shi-chan are going to be the ones who get the top scores. As for the last one, I would say Kagura...but for some reason, Kagura right now seems to be on edge about something. I don't know what she's thinking right now, but something is going on with her...it is like she is really excited about something.

"Will Sherria Blendy step up please?"

Ooh, it is Sherria-san now! I wonder what score she is going to get?

"Kay! I'm coming up! Leave this to me!"

She ran forward but she tripped over her feet! Ooh geez, she's going to meet the ground again!

As she was about to face plant with the ground, Shi-chan appeared next to her, catching her in his arms, carrying her bridal style! T-That looks a little...close, doesn't it? The way she has her arms draped around his neck...the way he holds her close like that...Shi-chan...

"Hehe, you saved me from myself Shinobu-chan~! You're really kind~"

Her cheery voice kind of made me annoyed. She's going to make me feel like I want to die soon, isn't she? Yeah, I can totally see that happening anyway...damn you Sherria-san...

"N-No, don't worry about it Sherria-san. As long as you're alright."

She gained a blush...and I felt my hands tighten to the point my knuckles turned white.

God, does she have to be so cute!? I thought that because I don't have big breasts (most likely never will), I would at least be adorable! But she's even cuter than I am! If I don't have that on my side...what do I have on my side exactly?

They stared at one another. Her face was obviously a blushing one, while Shi-chan's face was a mixture of confused and flustered.

Because of the situation, it was bound to be something like that, for Shi-chan. Like Jenny would say, he's so innocent and he doesn't have a real understanding on the opposite sex. And I don't know if I could tell him about the opposite sex...I would be too embarrassed...c-can't he have someone else do it instead? Maybe Aries. She seems to be the type that's into hardcore sex, from what we heard just this morning.

She got out of his arms, her eyes fluttering slightly. Damn it all, she's going to win over Shi-chan with cuteness. Even now, I can see that he has that same confused, fluttered face on.

She walked towards the MPF and opened her mouth. The winds of black surrounded her mouth, the air currents lessening because of her building us said air. Everyone took a step back as her mouth opened, a mini vortex of the ominous winds swirling around there.

"Sky God's Bellows!"

With the release of her attack, a twister headed for the MPF. The blast of wind was so intense that even from up here, I could see the monstrous blast of the Black Wind disrupting the area around them.

Once that attack the hit the MPF, numbers began to build and build. Soon it went past the 1000 mark, and continued going forward. The attack eventually leveled out at the number 1997, earning cheers from the ground, and slacked jaws from the people that had to watch the display, that weren't on the team to begin with.

"N-No way!"

"That little girl did all that!?"

"That's insane!"

Yeah, the reaction from the weaker contestants are what I would expect. They wouldn't expect Sherria-san to have such a power, but when seeing it, they are really frightened of it all.

"D-Damn, who knew that the little God Slayer could muster up such a power?"

Jenny is right about that. I didn't have a clue that she would be able to do something like that. It baffles me, it really does. It even scares me a little, what a God Slayer can do. Is it stronger than Dragon Slayer Magic? I don't even know if Shi-chan's Darkness Make can stand up to such a force. Her Magic was made to slay Gods, meaning that maybe it can slay lower beings as well...

"S...So, Sherria-sama isn't just a pretty face. She does have some power behind her."

That's exactly what I was thinking, Yukino. She really is a contender alright. But wait until Shi-chan goes. He's going to show everyone how strong he really is. I just know that he's going to show everyone that he's the stronger one down there. He better be...I know that even if she has God Slayer Magic, he has power behind his adorable appearance...

"S-So, Contestant Sherria has reached the number 1997! That's the highest that we've had today! What a wonderful display! She's almost certain to be one of the four fighters!"

Y-Yeah, with an attack like that, she's going to be up at the top, huh. I remember Shi-chan's being stronger than that though, when we were younger. For three years, I wonder how much has changed?

Sherria-san stepped down, and did a peace sign to the rest of us.

Ugh, what do you have to be so cute? Don't you know what you're doing to me right now? You're causing me to feel crappier by the second. I need to be the cute one in Shi-chan's life. If I don't have that, I don't have anything...

"Juvia Lockser! Please come to the Magic Power Finder next!"

A few people went before her, and scored not nearing the amount Sherria-san was capable of doing. But now, it is Juvia's turn. I would have to wonder what kind of power she's packing. She hasn't revealed much to herself at this point.

Juvia went to the middle of the arena, and made Water surround her being. It was really dense, and it was flowing around her like a ocean right now. It could even be classed as an ocean around her right now. No matter what she was doing, she's got an ocean around her now.

Droplets of Water began to rise from the Water beneath her feet, going towards her palm. Soon the droplets turned into clumps and those clumps surrounded Juvia's hand in a brilliant dance, a perfect flow.

She extended her hand, aiming at the MPF.

"Water Rage!"

A steaming burst of Water shot out from Juvia's palm! The steam from the Water was so dense that from up here, I was getting hotter and hotter by the second. D-Damn, this heat is truly bad...I couldn't even begin to think about this heat...it is too hot up here right now.

"Damn you Juvia-san, you're ruining my makeup now. Angel will think terribly of me now. He might not want to date me."

Jenny complained, reapplying her makeup...does it matter? It isn't like she's going on a date right now. And when did he say that he would date you in the first place? Since when did he give consent?

"Why...no, never mind."

It looked like Yukino was going to comment on Jenny's words, but kept her mouth shut.

The Water hit the MPF and generated the numbers of her score.

Her score came too 1975! T-That's a little lower than Sherria-sans, only by 20 or so points, but it is still quite high! She might even be in the finals with a score like that! And as expected, everyone was really stunned by her score, most of the boys looking frightened of Juvia!

"N-No way...that's just amazing!"

"How does she get a score like that!?"

"It is insane!"

Yup, that's exactly right, isn't it? That's insane, it really is insane. She can become really strong, stronger than I am going to become. With power like that, she might attract Shi-chan...n-no! I wont allow it to happen!

"I-I wasn't expecting Juvia-san to get such a high score."

"Juvia-sama has exceeded my expectations, by a considerable margin."

Jenny and Yukino were also in a state of shock, staring at the girl with wide eyes and actually had the same opinion. The Water from Juvia is quite skilled indeed, and she has some power behind her appearance.

"W-Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow! What a cool score!" The man from Sorcerer Weekly shouted out. "She's really strong and sooooooooooooooooo cool! Go Juvia-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!"

As always, that guy is nuts. But he's kind of right, that is a good score. I wouldn't want to meet her in a dark alley, I might get beaten by her. N-Nah, I'm sure Shi-chan would beat her~

"W-Wow! It seems the girls are going full force today! And they were on the same team? That's quite the achievement! That's amazing girls! Maybe Contestant Juvia is going to be one of the final four?"

The King was amazed.

It wasn't just the King either. It was pretty much everyone. Hmph, girls can be tough as well. You can't mock a girl. Just ask Mira and Erza.

Juvia stepped down, pleased with herself. She walked next to Shi-chan, standing there as they talked about something I couldn't quite hear. Although I guess that it might be him congratulating her.

Some more people went, not being able to fight against any of the two girls in real power. Like the others that came before them girls, they only got around 500 or so. It was even hard to say that there's anyone that is going to be capable of matching the first peoples scores.

The highest I've seen that wasn't apart of the Shi-chan team, was 890. That was quite the good score, for the people that aren't monsters like Shi-chan and the rest of them.

"Erza Scarlet! Please come to the Magic Power Finder!"

The next person to go up was Erza.

She looked a little confident. Because she's a strong Wizard, she would be like this. I wouldn't be surprised if she gets second or first place in this little display. She's that strong that I wouldn't be shocked in the slightest.

She walked over to the MPF, and summoned a single sword in her palm. The sword glowed with a crimson aura, similar to Erza's hair. The aura resonated with Erza's power, that's when she took aim at the floating orb.

"Hah!"

Throwing the blade at the orb, a backlash of wind forced Erza to take a step back. The sword pierced the orb, before disappearing, the aura from the blade surrounding the orb, as the numbers appeared above the orb.

It went crazy, the numbers that is. It went up and up. It surpassed 2000 and kept going up and up! It went well past 2500 and it was still rising up! G-Good God! That's going insane! That's even higher than what I thought it would be!

The number finally stopped, resting on a very, very impressive score of 2695! T-That's too high Erza! That's too high! You can't have it that high!? H-How in the hell are Shi-chan and the others going to beat that!? And the thing is, I don't even think she was trying her best then!

"O-Oh...it seems that Contestant Erza has gained a score of 2695! Now, there's no one that can beat that, is there? Isn't that a little too high!? Now that's what I call a monster!"

The King, and the rest of us were astonished as Erza looked proud of herself. She should be proud. I'm not sure if even Shi-chan could beat that level of power. Erza, she's always had a high level of power.

"S-Shit...I'm glad that I got out when I did..."

"It seems that the one to beat right now is Erza-sama...I shouldn't of expected anything different really."

Jenny was sweatdropping and Yukino looked a little ill. It is to be expected, really. Being against Erza is practically a death sentence. You can't fight against Erza, or you'll die. I'm serious right now, you can't fight against her...she's too strong...

Erza walked towards the others, as the crowds started mumbling that Erza is a monster and that there's no one that's going to be able to beat her. Don't count out Shi-chan just yet. He'll get a new level of power!

A few more people went up, but I heard that some are just going to drop out because of the insane levels of power Erza had. Even I wouldn't want to stay in the tournament after seeing such a thing.

"C-Can Contestant Mirajane Strauss come up please?"

Eventually, it was Mira's turn.

She wore a confident smile as she trudged along. Her step showed her strength and determination to beat Erza. It was obvious that she was going to try and beat Erza in this little competition.

Her arms had the Take Over Satan Soul activated, the rest of her being the normal human self. She flexed her fingers, sparks coming out of them. Standing in front of the MPF, she gazed at it, taking in its appearance.

Putting her hands together, cupping them, a dark sphere started to form. The light around the arena became darkened, the sphere gaining power as the time went on. Not only is the power increasing, Mira's smirk is also increasing, and the aura around her body has increased as well. The dark black orb turned into a globe, a perfect sphere shape. The power around it is unreal. Even just looking at this power, I can tell that if anyone was hit by it, they would suffer an extreme amount of damage.

Putting her hands outwards, the large black orb directed itself towards the MPF. Her eyes were sharply on the MPF, and the orb was reflecting her personality. Wild, to a fault. She's really looking forward to this, isn't she?

"Soul Extinctor!"

A large black-purple beam was fired out from the globe of darkness, and headed for the MPF. Just looking at it made me feel cold inside. Perhaps due to the feeling of watching a Demon, my heart was suddenly seized by the uneasiness of this attack.

When the attack hit the MPF, the numbers went insane. It crawled up to the top of the numbers easily. It went way past 2500 and it got to 2600. Even then, it didn't stop for even an instant. It went past 2650, then 2660 and so on until it reached 2690. I thought that it was going to stop there... But it even continued onwards, going past 2700, ending up on 2715!

T-That's even higher than Erza's! H-How in the hell did she do that!? No, it is obvious that she's going to be the one that's in the top! She's really powerful! Too powerful in fact! Is it alright to even think that this kind of power is alright!?

"O-Okay, I'm not pissing off Mirajane-san anymore."

That's actually wise, Jenny. You can't piss her off. She might kill you, you know?

"...I'm glad I lost when I did. Mirajane-sama and Erza-sama's strength is unreal. I didn't even think that they would be this strong."

Y-Yes, that's certainly right, Yukino. It is going to be different to fight them. Shi-chan is going to be fighting those two...that's going to be too hard. It can't even be something...that's like...I can't even form coherent thoughts...

"T-That's simply amazing! It seems Mirajane is even stronger than Erza! This is going to be a brilliant tournament! Those two girls have shown the highest numbers I've ever seen in my life!"

The King shouted out with glee. His eyes went happier and happier. It was even such a thing that everyone was commenting that she's the monster this time. Y-Yeah, certainly she is insane with the power.

Proud with herself, Mira went back over to the others. She glanced at Erza, who glanced back with sharpened eyes. Even with words not being exchanged, you could tell that they're showing hostility towards one another.

More people went insane because of Mira and Erza. Those two...Shi-chan, say you can beat them, right? You can win against them, can't you? You've got to be stronger than them...

More people went and didn't get a score near enough the top that Erza and Mira got. Some people even quit because of the power that they got...Mira and Erza have scared off the competition.

"Contestant K-Kagura Mikazuchi, please go next."

Kagura went forward with a grunt.

There was nothing about her that displayed her emotions. Something about Kagura now is...strange. It is like she is concentrating on something, other than the tournament right now. Whatever it is, she doesn't look happy. I wonder...what's going on with her right now?

Making it to the centre of the ring, she cocked her head towards Shi-chan, making some kind of judgment with her eyes. I don't know why, but I feel like she's about to do something...

Her hand glowed with some magical power, and she fired it without worry. Even though she fired it, some people like Erza, Mira and Shi-chan eyed her up with eyes of suspicion.

When the magical ball hit the MPF, the numbers went up to 1996! T-Thats literally 1 lower than Sherria-sans...something about that didn't make sense...from what I can sense, and what others have said, she should've scored higher than that...

"That's odd..."

It seems my opinion and Yukino's coincide.

As for Jenny, well she looks happy that her Angel is going to go up soon. She didn't even comment on Kagura's performance.

"Ooooooooooooooooooooooh! What a feat from Contestant Kagura! With a score like that, she could be the person in the top four! There's only one person left to go now! So if he doesn't score higher, that means you're going to be in the top four!"

Yeah...she could be.

But the last person is...

Kagura went to the others again, and she brushed against Shi-chan. Shi-chan looked at her, with questioning eyes. Mira and Erza also faced her with the same questioning eyes that Shi-chan is showing.

Others talked about Kagura, saying that she is strong but not as strong as Mira and Erza. Something tells me that she should've ranked up there with them. But she didn't, and I don't understand why she didn't try her best...

"S-Shinobu Kobayashi, could you please..."

The King looked frightened as he called Shi-chan! Yes! It is Shi-chan's turn! Go Shi-chan! You're going to be the best, I just know it!

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ANGEL! YOU'RE THE BEST EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! GO ANGEL! YOU CAN DO IT! DESTROY IT ALL! I AM ROOTING FOR YOU ANGEL! YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! HEAVEN IS ON YOUR SIDE ANGEL!"

Jenny was screaming next to me, causing me to cry a little and cringe.

Shi-chan caught it and gave a gentle wave. Poor boy is so embarrassed about it. Even I am actually. Even if it wasn't me that was being shouted at, just standing near the girl is making me feel really embarrassed...

Seeing that, Jenny gushed and swooned over it all. What a girl huh. She's really strange, indeed. I couldn't imagine how Shi-chan must be feeling right now. I'd want to run for the hills, if I was him.

But he walked forward, and stood near the MPF, gliding his eyes over the orb. He put his hand to his chin in a thinking pose. His face turned downwards into thought. It was like he was thinking about what to do.

"Come on Shin-chan, you need to rank at the top four..."

Saying that with bated breath, Yukino glanced over the crowds. She was looking for something, but I don't know what that something is exactly. Whatever it is, must be important for her to be like this now.

Shi-chan eventually put his hands forward, and let a bright smile appear on his face.

"Okay! This spell should do it!"

Shi-chan opened his palm, and a darkness was forming there. With the power sending shivers down my spine, I could feel the others on edge as well. Even Mira, who's usually not bothered about such things, shuddered from the darkness that's being emitted from that palm of his.

Taking the shape of a sphere with a cartoonish face, the see-through darkness being was being filled by fire. Yes, fire is being formed in the see-through darkness creature. It was a weird sensation. It was as if they had been mixed together...but at the same time, it felt like a separate entity.

The fire swirled around in the dark creature who's cartoonish face turned upwards. I'm sure that Shi-chan is doing that to freak me out. That thing isn't normal, I know that it isn't normal. Why would he do that to me? Shi-chan, that thing is creeping me out.

Sticking out his palm, the creature floated in the sky.

"Darkness Make, Bomber!"

Firing that off at the MPF, the creature sailed through the air.

Once making contact with the orb, the creature exploded and with a mass of fire and darkness, it was covering the orb! It was such a big explosion that the people on the field hand to jump back to a considerable distance!

"So, he's found away to mix his Darkness Make with elements? Even if it is just an explosion, I wouldn't want to be in the middle of that."

Yukino voiced her opinions as loud as she could. The sheer sound of the explosion was a little deafening. The mixture of darkness and fire span around the arena before it dissipated.

The number that appeared above the MPF read out 2590! It isn't as big as Mira's and Erza's. But something about it felt a little...different. It was if he was holding back a little...maybe he is trying to conceal his real strength? Even then, it means that he is qualified for the top numbers! He's the 'third' strongest person there. If that's what people want to believe, then they can. But I know for a fact that he is holding back. Just everything about the execution, didn't show that he was putting his all into it.

"W-Well! It looks like a male can stand with the girls as well! Even if a little weaker than Mirajane and Erza, it seems Shinobu is the toughest male in the competition! And with that, the four have been chosen! Mirajane, Erza, Shinobu, and Sherria are the ones that are the strongest four! But Kagura and Juvia come in close runner ups! Now since those four have come on top, it is time for them to be paired!"

The King pointed to the sky.

A Lacrima appeared there, and four names came onto the screen. Mirajane, Shinobu, Erza and Sherria were the names that were displayed. With a gesture from the King, the names began to spin around.

The names changed and changed, not settling on any of them. Some pairs were Mira and Erza, Shinobu and Sherria, Shinobu and Erza, Mira and Sherria, and so on.

The pairs eventually found the responding names. I was stunned when the pairs were sorted.

"It looks like Erza and Sherria will be one pair, and Mira and Shinobu will be another pair!"

W-Wow, I didn't expect Mira and Shi-chan to be a pairing...and it looks like Erza is extremely happy right now.

"Yes! It's destiny! Mirabu is so happening right now! Even the Lacrima wants them to be a pair! Can anyone else feel the love between the two right now?"

"S-Shut up Erza! It isn't even funny! Please be quiet! You don't even know what you're saying!"

Mira was flustered by it, her eyes going towards Shi-chan. Shi-chan himself just looked oblivious to it all, and he had a big fat smile gracing his face. Hehe, as long as you can fight strong people, right Shi-chan?

"Noooooooooooooooooo! Angel is with the Demon?! That's not fair! Why does she get to be the lucky one!?"

As always, I am frightened because of Jenny who is making rude gestures, and is even saying she's going to kill Mira! T-That's a little far, isn't it Jenny!? This is only a fight after all! It doesn't matter, you know!?

"M-My, Mirajane-sama and Shin-chan. Who would've thought that this would happen?"

As Yukino said, who would've thought that those two would be a pairing? Maybe God is testing me this time. Is he really out there right now, making me feel like I am going to die...?

"Mouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! That's not fair! I wanted to be with Shinobu-chan! Erza-chan is frightening me with the Love she has for the Love Shinobu-chan has for Mirajane-chan and vise versa! C-Can I maybe switch please?"

She pleaded with the King, who shook his head.

"Sorry, the pairs are final."

With the King's word as law, Sherria-san dipped her head sadly. Aaaaw, doesn't look like you're going to be with Shi-chan anymore~ Ooh well~ That's alright~ Don't worry, you're going to be okay now~

"Now since Kagura is the one that came extremely close to the making of the four, she, along with Juvia are going to be selected to fight against one of the teams. And since it was Kagura who ranked fifth, she is allowed to choose which opponents she and Juvia fight."

S-So, she can choose who she and Juvia fight? Isn't that a little...weird? It basically...ooh God, I know who she's going to choose.

"I wish to face Shinobu Kobayashi, alone. Juvia and Mirajane can fight against one another. I only want to fight against Shinobu, if that is allowed?"

Looking at the King, he gave a wide grin, nodding to himself soundlessly.

"Yes, that's okay! So the next matches are going to be Juvia vs Mirajane, and then Kagura vs Shinobu! These are going to be exciting matches! As for Erza and Sherria, those two are going to be fighting the rest of the contenders. Since their scores didn't score as high as yours, I think that it would be a good fight if the rest fought against two of the top."

...I see it now.

She deliberately got a lower score for this. But how would she know something like that? There's just no way...but she knew about it, and now she's gotten her wish. She's going to be fighting against Shi-chan...damn it all...who knew that Kagura was so crafty...yet, I don't understand how she knew...

"Can Mirajane and Juvia please remain on the field, and everyone else go towards the top please?"

The field cleared, the four members that aren't fighting from the previous team came to join us up here. It also looked like that the fighters that had some sense started leaving the arena, and leave the stadium. Something about the rest of the Shinobu team (or whatever it is called) has frightened them.

Yeah, that's what was bound to happen. You don't come face to face with them and get away with it. They are strong, it is like they are monsters in this game. The real monsters are the ones that scored the highest...Mira and Erza are the monsters. Shi-chan was also holding back, he could be called a monster in terms of power as well.

While waiting for the others to evacuate the arena, I saw that Mira and Juvia got ready.

Juvia stood away from Mira, flexing her hands outwards. The Water from her Magic gathered around her, flowing in a light stream. Even with the difference in power, it looked like Juvia was going to fight, no matter what.

Mira was relaxed. She knew that she had a power that was above Juvia's. Even if she was relaxed, there was a small part of her that was tense...it was hard judging her appearances alone what's going through her mind.

Once they were up here, I made sure Jenny stayed away from Shi-chan, and Erza surprisingly was doing the same thing.

"Angel, you're going to fight Kagura-san after this fight?"

Everytime she says Angel, I die a little inside. If she didn't want to say it again, I would be extremely happy. But no, she would have to say it, wouldn't she? I am freaking upset right now...it isn't fair damn it!

"E-Eventually yeah."

Even he sounds a little frightened of that. I don't blame him really. This girl has stated numerous times that she has it out for him, yet he doesn't show aggression towards her. Whatever happens between the two, I can't help but wonder what's going to happen when they fight.

"But like, is that going to be okay? She doesn't seem to be the most...sane when it comes to you." Kagura growled, causing Jenny to back off. "I-I only meant that you seem to hate him, you know?"

Kagura cocked her head to the side.

"...You don't have any idea what I'm feeling about him right now. It is very complicated, what's going on through my mind. It is even hard to comprehend that he's the same...never mind. It doesn't matter."

Ooh, it looked like Kagura wanted to say something, but she stopped herself at the last second.

Shi-chan brushed his hair as he glanced at Kagura.

"So Kagura-san, that seemed to go your way, didn't it? You got your wish, didn't you?"

Kagura-san didn't answer Shi-chan and just smirked to herself.

She knew that this would happen. But how could she possibly know the ending of this? She'd have to gain knowledge off the royal family, but it would've been impossible. Unless she has high connections that I am currently unaware of?

Upon seeing that she wasn't going to answer, Shi-chan released a breath.

"Not going to talk? Meh, it's alright. I understand Kagura-san. But allow me to ask...why didn't you try your best? That's what doesn't make sense to me. By all accounts, you should've been able to match Mirajane-san and Erza-san, yet you scored just under Sherria-san? Literally, one below her? What purpose does that serve exactly?"

"Yes, I would also like to know the reason, Kagura. From my point of view, your score doesn't make sense. Like Shinobu said, you should've ranked on par with myself and Mira, yet you didn't. That's not to say Sherria is weak, but you could've surpassed her in magical power alone."

Erza had a little comment to make, and it only made the rest of us nod. By now, we've figured out that she was holding back, and we don't know why. It truly doesn't make sense to me.

"The reason? It's simple. I've had enough of waiting. Fighting anyone else other than him would be insulting to me. My whole reason of being here is defeating Shinobu. If there's another reason, then it is to prove my strength. But my main reason is always going to be that I am going to beat him. So when I found out about this, I took the chance. But you say about me holding back power when you did the same. Don't even deny it either. I know that with your true strength, you could've beaten Mirajane and Erza in terms of magical power alone. So tell me, why are you thinking of holding back now? No, not thinking, are holding back."

"...I suppose, I held back a little. But that's my own personal reason. You could even say that Mirajane-san and Erza-san held back as well. No matter how you cut it, if we released our full power here, something disastrous might happen."

Suddenly, Shi-chan took a serious tone.

I don't think I've seen this side before. It is very...questionable. Shi-chan, what's going on right now? Is there something going on right now?

"Perhaps, but you best not hold back during our fight. I don't want you to reveal anymore secrets."

"But we all have secrets, don't we, Kagura-san?"

For some reason, his eyes, and Yukino's eyes sharpened on Kagura, who did the same right back at them...is there something going on that I'm not aware of? She does things like this...and I'm not sure what's going to happen...

"You're right, we all do. Some more than others, isn't that right, Shinobu?"

Saying that with slight venom, I moved to the other side of Shi-chan so I'm nowhere near Kagura. She's quite the scary girl when she wants to be...and I don't trust the sword that's hanging by her side.

"Well, I suppose. But my secrets aren't nearly as bad as some others~"

Even saying that playfully, Shi-chan had a strong face on. The same could be said for Yukino. Both of them are showing the willingness to fight against her...just what in the hell is going on?

"I suppose you're right, to an extent."

Mumbling that out, she glanced towards the floor.

"But you never answered Kagura-san, how did you find out about what was going to happen?"

"I have my ways, Shinobu. I have my ways."

Kagura looked upwards and grinned...what is she looking at exactly?

---

Unknown P.O.V

Kukuku...

Look at that photo! That's ones too cute! And that one as well! Kobayashi-san is so adorable! Ooooh! That's a good one as well! I can't choose which one I love the best! All of them have a good pose! No matter what, I couldn't ever get bored of looking at these pictures~

The one with the Neko ears is amazing! The tail swishing around, and the adorable expression on his face as he looks upwards. I have to wonder what other poses he would do for the pictures~

And the one with him...naked is also nice as well...almost naked I should say...even then, that's a good one...ooh, if I look at it at an angle then I might be able to even see...n-no! I shouldn't objectify this boy like this! It is cruel and mean...but damn, he's got a nice body...

Oooh, there's also one with him bent over, showing his butt~ Too bad that it is covered by the shorts, but still it has the right curves, and tightness that I would expect~ Have to admit, that's the cutest I've ever seen~ N-Not that I look often, but when you find a cute boy you find adorable, sometimes it is good for them to have a cute butt~

And there's one with a sleeping Kobayashi-san~ That one is the most adorable~ When he's asleep, he's really so very cute. And his sleepwear, that's the best about this~ It is so small, bearing his midriff~

Ooh! This one as well! The one where he's hugging some blue haired girl. I don't really care about the girl, but the boy just looks so delectable when he is getting hugged~

Then there's this latest one~ The Inu boy is the best~ Ooh, I'm not sure if I like Inu boy or Neko boy the best? Maybe I could have Kyuubi boy as well? That would be a cute one~

What other kind of animal boy should I ask Mikazuchi-san to get me a picture of next...? All I had to do was tell Mikazuchi-san about today's events, and I got all of these lovely photos...I wonder what else she would want to have another special photo for me...maybe even talking with him...that would be nice...he seems nice...

"What are you looking at Hi-"

"IYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! HE CAN'T SEE ME HAVE THESE PICTUREEEEEEEEEEEES!

---

Levy P.O.V

"IYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Someone screamed from where the King is! Who was it that was screaming!?

"W-What the hell is that!?"

Yeah, everyone wants to know what that was Shi-chan! I'm pretty sure that it was a little girls voice that was screaming! But why would a little girl scream like that!?

"It's the Princess, Shin-chan!"

For some reason, Yukino was really angry that she was screaming! S-So, that was the Princess screaming?

"Y-Yeah...but it doesn't look like she's in danger..."

In danger? Why would she be in danger? I don't understand...

Yukino turned her eyes upwards to see the Princess freaking out. She doesn't look like she's injured...yet why did Yukino think that she would be?

"Y-Yes, it seems to be fine..."

Her voice wavered, and she backed away.

"H-Hisui! Is there something wrong!?"

The King worried for his daughter who shook her head rapidly.

"N-Nooooooooooo~! I'm fine Otou-samaaaaaaaaaa~! I was just caught by surpriseeeee~!"

She replied while sobbing to herself. Hmmmmm, the Princess is a little weird, huh. Why did she scream exactly? Because she was caught by surprise? I didn't think that she would scream for such a reason.

"...Princess..."

Kagura went to the back, resting her back against the back and sighed to herself. Folding her arms, she gazed at the arena.

I also turned back to the arena, peering at the two fighters in the pit.

Seeing that both of them looked ready, the King turned his head and raised his hand.

"If you're both ready, then begin!"

The King threw his arm down, signifying the beginning of the match.

"Juvia is going to begin!"

As soon as he said that, Juvia turned into Water, and went straight for Mira! So fast! She went on the offensive straight away! I didn't expect Juvia to suddenly go on the offensive like that!

"Hah!"

Mira swung her demonic arm at the Water body, pushing the Water away with force that made the air ripple around her, forcing a gust of wind to smash into the back wall, breaking it apart!

Now that's what I call strength. She hasn't even done a Full Body Take Over yet. If she did, she would be capable of beating her in one shot. But this is a Water Woman, she might have skills that we don't know about yet.

"Juvia wont be stopped by this type of attack!"

Juvia turned into a human again, her watery form having dissipated and put her hands together as she skidded back, a single blade of water formed. The sharp blade reflected the sunlight, shining it into Mira's eyes.

"Oh, so you're going for full offensive are you?"

Mira baited the Water Woman to attack her. Said Water Woman was wary of Mira's actions. I don't know what it is, but I can tell that Mira isn't afraid now. She saw what Juvia did to Jenny, but she isn't showing anything like fear.

"Take this!"

Deciding to ignore her better judgment, Juvia went onto the offensive again. Swinging her arms downwards, the blade of Water made a slash against the white haired girl.

"Sorry, this isn't enough."

Said girl used her quick feet, pivoting and dodging the slicing blade. It went so fast that it dug into the ground, cutting it apart! A big gash was left in the earth because of the Water blade!

Juvia wasn't stopped though, making two large whirls of water surround her palm. It twisted and turned in random directions. Left and right, it didn't seem to follow a pattern.

Mira ignored the water around her opponent, going towards Juvia with a bounce in her step.

"Step back!"

Juvia fired an extremely hot burst of water, capable of melting flesh!

Mira, deciding it would be better to dodge became light on her feet, sliding her body to the left, the water going past her and burning the ground behind her!

Y-Yeah, good call Mira! That could've burned you! It would've been disastrous if that actually hit you!

"Don't think so!"

In the middle of dodging the attack, Juvia sent another attack at Mira.

Unprepared for the incoming assault, Mira was blind sided by the scolding water! G-God! I can even see the steam that's coming from the water! But the water didn't stop, and went around her, in a whirlpool like prison!

"D-Damn, is she going to be alright Shinobu-chan?"

Looking for guidance from the only male here, Shi-chan simply patted Sherria-sans head.

"I wouldn't worry. A little boiling water isn't going to stop a monster like Mirajane-san. She's really powerful, and if I'm right, she could use her own magical power to enhance her defences, therefore not allowing the burning water to become a problem for her."

Yeah, like he said, I'm sure Mira wouldn't let an attack like that effect her. She's stronger than that. She did score the highest after all, and it was implied by Shi-chan and Erza that she held back even then.

And it was proven true a few seconds later, when the steam cleared.

In the middle of that flow of prison water, stood Mira, uninjured! R-Really? She isn't injured at all? Not even her clothes are burned! Smoke was coming from her hands, but her hands didn't look burned in the slightest...

"Aah, so she increased the power around her hands to take the brunt of the attack. That's pretty cleaver, Mira."

Praising her rival, Erza bit her tongue and let a strained smile spread across her face. She was in the middle of deciding if it is a good thing or a bad thing that Mira didn't get injured. I suppose that any injury that Mira suffers now could add onto Erza's victory later on...

"Well, I wouldn't put it past her. I've heard the rumours of 'Fairy Tails Demon' before. I heard that you wouldn't want to be alone with this Demon, or she will completely annihilate your body and soul."

I-I think that's a bit of an exaggeration, Kagura. Although when seeing Mira angry, I might agree with you.

"Juvia's going to capture you!"

Juvia shot more and more of that steaming water at the prison, attempting to contain Mira.

Mira looked around, as if she was studying the water. Whatever she was looking for, must've been important as she didn't even bat an eyelid as the prison turned a different shape.

Growing from just a flow around her, the boiling water raised and raised and went lower as well. It quickly became a jail cell of sorts, with bars of burning water completely encasing her!

"Try and escape that Mirajane-san from Fairy Tail. One touch and it will burn your flesh."

That's what Juvia said, as she made a dense shape of a bubble in her palms. The water was as boiling as the water cage that has Mira captured. If she doesn't get out of there soon, the heat from being in that cage alone is going to make anyone start sweating.

But Mira didn't even looked like she cared.

She focused her eyes towards a certain point of the watery cage.

"W-What are you looking for?"

Juvia questioned with a hesitant voice.

Mira didn't answer Juvia and walked over to the place she was looking at. The place that she ended up was the right hand back corner of the cage. Mira eyed it up for a second or so, before she bent down.

Taking a single finger, she made that dark energy encase it, and with a smirk on her face, she poked the bottom right hand corner.

At the next second, all of the water that made the cage, was dispersed! J-Just what did she do!? Was that really just a single poke!?

"B-But how?!"

Juvia wanted answers.

Mira stood up, and waved a hand in front of her face.

"Using a big structure like this, would have a weak point, a place were it would be the hardest for you to reform the water. Simply, it is the furthest from you. Using my power, I sent a charge of energy from that weak spot, sending it around all of the water cage. Because you couldn't compensate for the overwhelming power that seeped in, you lost control of the structure, and it simply vanished. It is a good spell, but for it to work, you're going to have to work out the kinks."

T-That's amazing! She found such a spot? How did she do that? Even I couldn't tell that spot was weak, basically it is an entry point for her Magic to disperse the water cage. T-That's simply brilliant.

"Hehe, I wouldn't expect anything different from Mirajane-san~ She's quite the smart girl, after all~"

Shi-chan was ecstatic because of what he just saw.

Even I was a little happy about it. No offence to Juvia, but I know Mira and I know that she's really powerful.

"Yes, your future bride is really strong, isn't she Shinobu? Does that attract you to her? Do you like strong women?"

Erza smirked at him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

For some reason, Shi-chan's face turned a little red, nodding! W-Why are you nodding all of a sudden!?

"W-Well, I like strong girls yeah. They're cool. But as long as they are nice. That's the main thing I like about girls."

Phew, that's a good save Shi-chan. If you said that you hated weak girls, I would've cried. I can't compete with these people, no matter who they are.

"O-Oh, so Angel is into strong women huh...makes me want to become stronger."

That's just...no, I wont touch that subject. It would be something of a taboo, you know? I couldn't even comment on Jenny's words.

"J-Juvia is...annoyed!"

Shouting that out, Juvia's water bubble of heat was shot off at Mira. The steam off the bubble was fogging up the arena, making it harder to see. Maybe it was her strategy to make the place unable to bear.

Upon seeing that kind of attack, Mira went on the offensive, and tightened her fist, swinging it at the Water Woman's attack.

The attack was broken apart, Mira going forward in a burst of speed. Juvia, seeing that her opponent was coming for her, made a hand gesture towards the place behind Mira.

"Try this!"

The water on the ground tried to move, turning into small spikes that would be able to shred flesh.

But Mira was quick, as she turned and shot off a dark ball, dispelling the water, also making a crater in the ground. Because of the impact of that little dark ball, the arena shook with a great overwhelming sensation.

"I'm coming for you Juvia!"

Declaring that with narrowed eyes, Mira once again shot for the Water Woman.

"N-No!"

Seeing no opion left, she retreated from the Demon girl, using the same water form that she used to attack with to back away. The large stream of water went directly backwards, attempting to escape the Demon girl.

"Get back here!"

Mira didn't stop though, bursting into a speed that was high, catching up to Juvia's body as time goes by. She was so fast that it was all a blur to me and a few others. Shi-chan and Erza didn't have a problem keeping up with the speed it seems, and Kagura is the same. Those four are on a completely different level to myself.

"Go away!"

Juvia attempted to stop Mira in her tracks. Even though I couldn't see her move her hands or anything, a needle on water, sharp enough to pierce flesh, sprang form from the body of water, going for Mira's heart!

"Tsk."

Clicking her tongue, Mira rotated her body midair, the needle of water stabbing the ground behind her.

But it didn't stop, and raised out of the ground, turning its attention towards Mira! But the thing is, she hasn't noticed! She's got her attention on the water body of Juvia! If she doesn't turn around, she's going to her stabbed!

but the water needle didn't do anything like attack her. Instead, it was just staying in the air, and an aura was surrounding it...but Mira hasn't noticed that, instead opting to go for Juvia instead.

She made a ball of darkness, firing it at the watery body of Juvia. Juvia's watery form sank into the ground, the ball going overhead. Confirming that the attack had missed her, Juvia's watery body rose from the ground, going away from Mira.

"Geez, stop running away and fight me like a real woman!"

Mira complained and dashed for Juvia once again, who's sleek water form was able to travel quite fast. It wouldn't be impossible to say that her water could travel as fast as a normal speed Mira.

Mira was able to catch up to Juvia and swiped her arm at her.

Juvia's water body was dispelled, turning her back into a normal flesh and blood being. Juvia was shocked. Maybe it is because Mira is able to break apart her water body technique.

"G-Get back! Water Slicer!"

Juvia was fearful, and tried to do an attack. She did the same attack against Jenny, that is able to cut through most structures easily!

Mira cocked her head to the side as the thin curved blades of water went for her. Raising her left arm, Mira stuck out her hand, and grabbed the water slicer! She actually grabbed that sharp blade of water, and is holding it in her hand!

"B-But, how!?"

Juvia was shocked when Mira used the water blade that Juvia sent at her, and batted away the other water slicers that were heading for her, changing their trajectory so they'd cut up other parts of the field. I did hear that Mira does know some Water Magic. So is it that what she's using to hold the blade right now?

Once knocking the blades away, Mira crushed the water blade within her palm, dispelling it, the water flowing to the ground. Wiping her hands together, she looked at Juvia.

"If you're going to win, you better pull out your best moves now."

Hearing that, Juvia sent out a number of attacks towards the Demon known as Mira. All of them were either blades of water, or just brunt force attacks of water. All of them looked menacing, ready to kill should it make contact with someone.

Mira concentrated magical power in her hand, forcing it towards the incoming attacks, it literally ripped through all of them, turning the constructs into nothingness! T-That's some power she has!

"...!?"

Seizing the opportunity as Juvia looked shocked on what to do, Mira took her strong fist, nailing it deeply within the Water Woman's stomach!

"Gwah!"

Spiting out bile, Juvia was blown back, colliding with the wall!

"Yeah! That's it Mirajane-chan! Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

...Well, Sherria-san says it best, after all. Cheering like that really is the best after all. I couldn't do anything that good, hehe~

"Even with an attack like that, the water needle is still there..."

Shi-chan gazed down at the arena, focusing on a certain place.

Following his gaze, I saw that for a fact the needle was still there, and it was getting stronger. The waves of power coming from it was...strong indeed. If I didn't know any better, I would swear that she was trying to kill Mira or something.

"If she's not careful, that water needle could pierce Mira's flesh, and take her out. I'm thinking that Juvia is counting on the fact that Mira is too busy to capture and beat her that she doesn't notice that single magically powered needle."

Like Erza said, Mira doesn't even notice the needle. If Erza is right, Mira needs to become aware of the needle, and needs to make a counter strike or she's going to lose this battle.

"Ugh, Juvia isn't happy now."

Juvia came out of the wall, spitting to the side.

"That's quite the nasty habit."

Mira commented, causing Juvia to narrow her eyes.

She focused on Mira and growled, but in a surprising twist, her body became to turn into water...she's trying to run away!

"I'm not done with you!"

Mira dashed at Juvia, thrusting her fist as she went.

Juvia turned completely to water, shooting her body to the left hand side.

Mira's punch nailed into the wall because of Juvia's timed dodge, shaking the entire stadium! If she keeps doing that, the place is going to be ripped apart! She really needs to stop doing that.

"Ugh! This is tiresome Juvia!"

With irritation, Mira chased after the blue haired girl with renewed vigour.

At the same time she chased after Juvia, I noticed something about the needle Juvia has been concentrating on since when she shot it out.

The needle of water gained in density, turning sharper and sharper. It could even have gained speed due to the magical power that's being focused onto the water needle.

As time was going on, it was looking more likely that the attack of Juvia's could be considered something of a final attack. If that's the case, Mira is going to want to finish this fight quickly.

Juvia stopped running (swimming in water?) around the arena after a minute, turning back into her normal body.

With a suspicious gaze, Mira stopped as well.

"What are you up too?"

Juvia didn't respond to Mira's question.

With even more suspicion, she looked around for the needle, although I'm guessing she doesn't know where it is. She was just looking for a reason Juvia has stopped. Maybe she can sense the power from the needle.

Speaking of the needle, it raised up to chest level of Mira. Without noticing, Juvia made an unspoken command, shooting the needle off like a bullet at the unsuspecting white haired girl!

"S-She's going to get stabbed if she isn't careful."

Erza was worried, and so were we all.

But the most worried person seemed to be Shi-chan...his hands were visibly shaking right now...Shi-chan, don't worry...Mira is tough...

"Mirajane-san! Behind yoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooou!"

Shouting with such a loud voice from Shi-chan, Mira became aware of the needle coming for her from behind.

"D-Damn it!"

Thinking quickly, Mira fired a dark wave at the needle!

But when it washed over the needle, the wave didn't do anything to it! The needle was still there, emitting a very powerful aura.

"W-What in the hell!?"

Mira fired another dark ball at it, but like the first one, it didn't do anything at all! The needle survived the attack! H-How is that possible? How strong is that little needle!? It doesn't make sense!

When the needle neared her, rather than take it on, Mira jumped to the side. But as she was in the middle of jumping, the needle cut Mira's demonic arm, blood gushed out of the wound!

"Argh!"

Mira howled and did a huge jump backwards, landing on the ground several metres away from Juvia and her needle.

"Mirajane-san! Don't give up!"

It seems that Shi-chan is cheering loudly for her, huh. W-Why is he cheering so loudly for her anyway? I know that you like her and all...but you couldn't of developed a crush on her, right?

Mira looked up at Shi-chan and did a peace sign.

"Not until I've beaten you."

Saying that with a smile, Shi-chan also smiled back at the girl with white hair.

"Mirabu, I'm so proud."

Erza wiped away her fake tears, smiling happily at her 'creation'.

"E-Erza-san, I don't think that Mirajane-san likes me like that..."

Shi-chan tried to explain, but Erza placed a hand on his shoulder.

"She does, trust me Shinobu. She's a shy girl at heart, and she will want to be with you. Mirabu is happening, I say it is so. Have you seen the way she looks at you? In the bath this morning, you were going to kiss...although I kind of messed that up, didn't I? In hindsight, I should've waited until you kissed...but it was so great to see you both together, and I couldn't contain my excitement. If you like, I will help you reenact the bathroom scene, only for it to end up with lip locking."

Shi-chan's face flushed and turned away from Erza.

Mira sighed at the red head who's giving a thumbs up and looked towards Juvia.

"So, you've made a strong needle. So what? I will just destroy it."

With confidence, Mira spoke that out and had a gleam in her eyes.

But Juvia also shared that same gleam, and it was even brighter than the first gleam that Mira showed.

"That needle has most of Juvia's Magic infused into it. If you take it on, you're going to lose. It is strong enough to rip through steel as if it was nothing. Juvia was prepared for you, Mirajane-san. She knew that you'd be too strong for a direct fight, so Juvia decided to win with her brain, rather than her strength."

S-So, that's what it is. That's why it feels so powerful. Juvia has poured most of her Magic into it. Mira...that might be able to beat you, if you don't go full Take Over. It could be disastrous.

Mira was taken back by it briefly, even if only for a few seconds. But then, she just let a dangerous face grace hers.

"It doesn't matter if it is ten of those things. They're going to lose, and then I am going to come for you."

"You can try."

Juvia made some complicated hand movements, and shot off the sharp needle. It was so fast as by the time it neared Mira, it had already cut her arm!

"Iyaaa!"

Mira cried out and attempted to break the needle with pure strength, but at the last second, she retracted her hand and used her Magic to propel herself backwards. The dark energy used to propel her attempted to suffocate the needle of water...however, the needle literally cut through the energy, heading for Mira, going faster!

Mira's back hit the opposing wall, the needle heading straight for her chest!

Thinking quickly, she ran up the wall, the needle piercing the wall!

The needle disappeared into the wall, Mira continuing to run up the wall.

"N-No!"

With the sound of crumpling stone, the needle shot out of the wall, right near Mira's stomach!

She jumped back, kicking off the wall just in time. However, the needle kept going for her, cutting into her side! Somehow, she was able to avoid a life threatening injury by using her Magic to once again propel herself!

Landing on the ground, the needle was going down, intending to stab Mira in the head!

Not taking any of it, she dashed to the other side of the field, going faster and faster as time went by. The needle though, didn't stop going for her. No matter what she did. She even broke off some of the wall, throwing it at the needle, hoping that it would stop its advances, but the needle just ripped through it like someone swimming.

"Come on Mirajane-san...you can win..."

Shi-chan prayed for Mira. I wonder how she and he are going to be with one another. I think that Shi-chan does like Mira, a lot...maybe he does have a little of a crush on her, without even realizing...and she's the same...even if it is small...

The others are even praying for Mira, and praying for Juvia as well.

"Mira, don't lose now."

"Win Juvia-san! Then that means she can't take my Angel from me!"

"Juvia-sama...Mirajane-sama, I'm unsure of who to vote for to win."

"Goooooooooooooooooooooooooo Juvia-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan! Goooooooooooooooooooooooooo Mirajane-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan! You can doooooooooooooooooo it!"

Of course Erza was going to cheer for Mira to win, since they're from the same guild and all. Jenny was praying for Mira to lose, since she wants her Angel for herself. Yukino was unsure of what to do, and Sherria-san was just cheering loudly. As for myself, I didn't know who to root for...I want to root for Mira, but Juvia is also doing well...I guess that I will have to think that either of them wins, and that's fine.

For a few minutes Mira dodged the needle. She didn't do a Take Over, fully anyway. She did make her legs get the trademark Take Over, increasing her speed, but that was it. Even with the enhanced speed, Mira was in serious danger. If she doesn't so something soon, she's going to lose the fight.

She had taken some damage, some cuts showing on her body. But otherwise, she didn't look that bad. She was panting a little, however, she also had a little of a smile on her face...don't tell me that she's enjoying this right now? Mira...you can't be enjoying this, can you?

"That's it!"

With the needle in hot pursuit, Mira decided to change tactics, seemingly having enough of running away, firing a dark blast of energy at Juvia.

"C-Crap!"

Juvia, caught up with the manipulation of her needle, barely had time to jump to the left. Wait...why didn't she just turn into water? Why was she nearly hit by Mira's attack? Usually, Juvia was able to avoid such attacks from Mira...but that one, it nearly got her.

"Hmmmm, it seems that there's a weakness."

Making a comment like that, Kagura walked forward.

Resting near Shi-chan, he cocked his head towards her.

"Noticed the same thing that I did?"

Noticed? What has he noticed exactly? For that matter, even Erza and Yukino seem to have noticed something. Has it got to do with the reason Juvia didn't dodge the attack?

Only Sherria-san, myself and Jenny are confused. The rest of them have discovered something that I didn't expect for them to discover so quickly...

"I've found your weakness~ You need to concentrate on that needle, in order to keep its power at a constant. And while you're doing that, you can't use your watery body. That's something you're going to have to work on~"

Singing that out, Mira disappeared in a burst of speed! Damn! That was too fast!

S-So, that's it, is it? The needles full power can only be achieved when she concentrates fully on it. If she's broken with concentration, or attacked, the needles power is less effective. That's pretty good...I didn't figure that out, but Shi-chan, Mira, Kagura and Erza did. Even Yukino did. They're good alright. All of them are good.

When Mira closed the distance, she gathered a dark energy in the palm of her hand. It was a blackish sphere with a purple outline. It was even leaking a massive amount of power.

"N-No way! Too fast!"

Juvia, seeing that there was an attack eminent, threw up her palm, creating a wall of water to block Mira's assault.

Twisting her hand towards Juvia's wall, she thrusted the ball at the Water!

"Why don't we try a little Demonic Ball?"

Saying that with a mirth smile, Mira nailed the attack in the Water!

Because of the impact of the attack, Juvia's watery shield was broken, revealing her form unguarded. Not looking dejected in the slightest, the blue haired woman summoned water in her palms, directing it at the white haired woman!

"Haaaaaaah! This attack will feel like you've been hit by a train! So take this!"

A torrent of water was shot at Mira! The intense beam was so dense that it couldn't even be seen through like ordinary water! No matter what, that water is going to hurt if it makes an impact! Even Juvia said that it would be like being hit by a train! W-Whats that about!?

At the same time, Juvia's water needle rested on the back of the arena, ready to strike at anytime.

"Is this it?"

Mira though tightened her fist, thrusting that enclosed fist at the stream of water! A mysterious aura covered her fist, making it glow black, like the dead of night. Even if you stare at her for the longest of times, you couldn't help but be afraid of her right now.

DOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!

"The water...the water was dispelled by a single punch!? That's freaking insane!"

Well, I'm glad that Jenny said that, and not me. It was...it was unthinkable that her to just break apart an attack by Juvia's admission is like a train hitting something. But her strength was able to break the attack just like that?

"It's only natural for Mira to be able to do something like that. Don't forget, she's very, very physically strong. Even I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of a hit of Mira's. It would be unthinkable to be assaulted by something like her."

Erza was smiling at her friend/rival. Maybe she's thinking about her match with Mira, should they fight one another. If they all win, it would either be a two on two, or two one on one's.

"B-But even then, her strength is making shockwave's appear. Is it alright to assume that she relies on brute strength and that Darkness Magic?"

Yukino wondered aloud, everyone else having a serious look.

"Even though I haven't seen the full extent of Mirajane-sans power, it wouldn't be unthinkable to think that she does boast a superior strength to someone like me. I don't want to be on the receiving end of her punches, that's for sure. And even with the Dark Magic she boasts, she's going to be a force to be reckoned with."

Shi-chan said with a slight fearful voice. I don't blame you Shi-chan, she's really a monster when it comes to strength. I've seen her beat a Vulcan with a single thrust of her hand. So, I wouldn't want to be a human against her, it would be like suicide. And with her Magic, she's really going to be difficult to deal with.

"Mirajane hasn't even shown her strongest power yeah. This could be called child's play right now. She isn't even using the full Take Over. But maybe she's determined that only a partial Take Over is going to be enough for Juvia. It seems like that is going to be the most likely case."

Kagura nodded her head to Erza's words, taking in the full realization that is Mira. God, I pray that Shi-chan doesn't get killed when they fight...yeah, when they fight, it is going to be an interesting thing alright.

"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Mira charged for Juvia, her fist ready to deal a deceive blow!

But Juvia put her hand out.

"Water Lock!"

A dome of water surrounds Mira, trapping her within the water!

"C-Crap!"

She was trapped in the water. She tried firing a blast in the Water Lock, but the water wasn't shaken in the slightest! That's not good! It would be a repeat of Jenny if Mira can't get out of there!

"This is it. You can't run now."

And if that wasn't bad enough, Juvia has made the needle come again, crossing the distance of the arena so fast! The needle entered the water dome, and started cutting Mira's body all over!

"Iyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Mira cried out and kept firing blast after blast attempting to get out. But she couldn't! Even with Mira's superior power, Juvia's Water Magic is able to keep someone as strong as her inside.

"Juvia declares that you've lost now. The Water Lock will keep you there, and the needle will cut you up. I wont affect the main parts of your body, but Juvia will make it so that you're unable to keep going-"

"Shut up!" Mira exclaimed, her power rising within the dome. "I've come to this tournament to not lose. The only person that might be able to beat me is Erza, and maybe Shinobu. Those two are the ones that I will accept defeat from. You however, can't beat me. Sorry Juvia, but you wont win now."

Mira puts out her hands to either side of her, and magical power builds up. It was so intense that the power was visible, without even making it intentionally visible.

Mira then starts rotating, the water going with her! Spinning around rapidly, the water from the dome decreased and decreased, focusing around Mira's palms instead!

"W-What!? J-Juvia's Water wont listen to her!"

Juvia's Water wont listen to her? What does that mean? She can't attack with it anymore?

The Water all focused into the palms of Mira. The needle that Juvia made before has also been fused with the stream of water that Mira made!

"This is where you lose, Evil Explosion!"

Thrusting her palms outward, a twister of water smashed into Juvia, blowing her backwards!

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

Juvia let out a scream, being suspended in the air. It was in that moment Mira appeared in front of her, and smirked.

"Time to lose!"

Doing a swift combo on Juvia consisting of punches and kicks enhanced by her Darkness Magic, Mira impaled Juvia into the ground. Mira did a swift dive, nailing her foot deep within Juvia, knocking her unconscious.

Mira landed on the ground, letting her Take Over disappear.

The King looks at Juvia, seeing that she isn't awake and makes the announcement.

"With the crushing defeat of Juvia, it seems that Mirajane is going to be moving up to the next round! Lets all give a big hand to these two contenders!"

Wild congratulations rang out throughout the arena, as Mira walked away from the field. At the same time, people came and took Juvia for medical treatment. As she was taken away, I saw that Juvia's eyes had opened, looking in this direction.

"You're the best Juvia-san! You did a fantastic job! You should be really proud of yourself!"

...Shi-chan cheered out for Juvia, who smiled back at him weakly.

"That's right! You did amazing Juvia-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan! You're the best Juvia-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!"

Sherria-san cheered for Juvia also, earning a smile to grace her face.

The others didn't cheer, but Juvia must've felt the love that we all have for her. She's a friend now. And as a friend of us, she's a friend for life. I'm sure the others would say the same as well. Even Kagura seems proud of Juvia, and I thought I wouldn't see such a thing.

Mira joined us back up here, and grinned.

"That was a piece of cake." She walked over to Shi-chan and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Your turns next...also, thanks for the support...strangely, I felt it deep within my heart...it felt nice...so thank you..."

"Y-Yeah...I was happy you won, Mirajane-san. That means your Imouto is one step closer to getting her birthday present, isn't she?"

H-How does Shi-chan know of Lisanna? I don't think I ever mentioned her...

"Hmph, you're really strange, rooting for me yet you're supposed to be cheering for yourself to win. Why are you so strange...and nice?"

"Erm, I dunno~ I guess I've always been strange, isn't that right Levy-chan~?"

Giggling, I gave a nod.

"That's right, Shi-chan is strange but wonderful~"

Mira nodded.

"Yeah, I'm beginning to see that good side of him that you've been talking about Levy." Mira smiled, and petted Shi-chan's head. "Don't ever change. Always be nice and sweet."

"Y-Yeah, sure...anything for you Mirajane-san~ I just want to make you happy after all~"

A-Anything for her!? W-Whats that Shi-chan!? You're not saying that you'd do anything for her, right!? And make her happy!? Shi-chan...you can't be developing a crush on her, can you?

Mira blushed a little, and raised a hand to her face.

"T-That's...don't be so strange Shinobu~"

She playfully pushed him to my ire. Please don't fall in love with one another...please don't...that means Shi-chan wont want to be with me...

Then Mira glanced at Erza as her cheeks went red, who's holding up a banner that has 'Mirabu' written on it. I don't know where she got that from.

I have to wonder why she's blushing right now...Mira, why are you blushing right now? Is it because you like Shi-chan?

But the gaze she's giving Erza right now means she doesn't want any funny business.

"...And you can knock it off as well. Just because I felt something and he said something so sweet, it doesn't mean Mirabu is going to happen. I was just...it just felt like Shinobu was...ugh! Forget it! It doesn't matter anymore!"

Mira went to the back and folded her arms. Erza turned to her, and gestured to Shi-chan as she winks. Mira growled and turned her eyes towards the ground, basically saying she doesn't want to talk anymore.

"With the first match off to a boom, lets see the next match unfurl! Can Shinobu and Kagura come down to the arena please!?"

...The fated fight has come...or what Kagura wants at least.

From her eyes, I could see that she was ecstatic right now. Her face has even broken into a smile. She's really happy right now...no, happiness hasn't even begun to describe what feelings she's showing right now.

"Shinobu of the Light, our time has come to duel."

She approached him, her eyes full of the determination that she's been showing since she found out that she would be fighting him.

"Right...yeah, it has...erm, can I ask..."

Kagura grabbed his arm, and dragged him towards the stadium...God...what's going to happen now? Are we going to find out how she knows him, and what she intends to do...? Shi-chan, please be careful.

---

Lucy P.O.V

[Now it is time for Shinobu Kobayashi vs Kagura Mikazuchi! I hope that everyone is as excited as I am!]

Ooooh! Finally, Shi-kun is going to fight again~

I've been watching since I saw him on the trials~ He's been so cool throughout of the tournament~ He's gotten so strong, and nice as well~ He was nice to that girl...erm, Yukino-san I think her name was.

As I watch it each and every time, the servants around me all comment that he's my boyfriend, and future Mr Heartfilia. And it isn't even true! I never said that I loved him! Okay, I talk about him sometimes, and the promise for us to meet again and the necklaces and everything like that...b-but, he isn't the only thing that's on my mind!

Although his body has changed...if he didn't have the same basic face, I wouldn't of been able to recognize him...but I did and that's fine. Although he has a last name now...I don't remember him having one when we met one another.

I wish I was there right now...cheering him on...like Levy-san is...

"So Lucy-sama, this is your boyfriend huh~?"

"N-No!" I rejected Bero's words, shaking my head. "O-Of course he isn't my boyfriend! I haven't seen him in such a long time!"

"Then why have you been going all doe eyed everytime he appears on the screen?"

"I-I have not Bero, please stop teasing me!"

Ugh! She's just as worse as Aquarius! No...Aquarius is still the worse...each and everytime Shi-kun is mentioned, she says things like "He wont be your boyfriend and you'll never have one like me~" in a teasing tone!

"Aaaaw, I can see why you love him Lucy-sama~ He's so adorable~"

I sighed as Spetto span around in place...please stop spinning...it is creeping me out.

And why do they think I love him!? I don't love him! I don't know him enough to love him! He's just a guy that saved me and I wanted to travel with him...after Okaa-san died. I...I would've loved to escape this place, and go with him and Levy-san...it would be wonderful...we'd all travel together...like they do...I'm so envious. I wish that I had the courage to leave here and go to them...I'm sure that they wouldn't turn me away...

The door opened as Spetto was spinning and it revealed to be Otou-san...right! Otou-san hasn't seen Shi-kun yet has he?

"H-Hey Otou-san! Look at the screen, there's the boy that-"

"Not now Lucy!" He snapped, causing me to recoil. "I'm busy with work. Some other time."

He grabbed a book off the table and left...

Yeah, don't stay and listen...you never do...Shi-kun is just the boy that saved my life, and showed me what it is like to love Celestial Spirits...but that doesn't matter...does it Otou-san? It doesn't matter what I think...what I feel doesn't concern you...it never has...especially after Okaa-san...Okaa-san...

"Lucy-sama, don't worry. Your boyfriend could come sometime and meet your Otou-sama?"

"Y-Yes, that's right Lucy-sama. You should invite your boyfriend around sometime~"

"He's not my boyfriend! And he doesn't even know where I live! Even if I wanted him to come, it isn't like I could get a hold of him to come here, you know? It doesn't matter anyway...he's most likely forgotten about me anyway..."

I looked towards the screen again, to see Shi-kun and his opponent are staring one another out...oooh! Aquarius wanted me to summon her when Shi-kun comes on...hopefully she doesn't have another go at me...

Walking towards the sink that's filled with water, I dipped the key inside.

"Open, Gate of the Water Bearer! Aquarius!"

With the sound of a doorbell, Aquarius appeared, looking pissed as usual...she even has her urn pointed at me...she's not going to attack me, is she!? I haven't done anything this time! Please don't kill me!

"Why did you summon me infuriating brat?"

Ehehe, she's as kind as ever...not really. She freaking scares me...

"T-There...look."

But as soon as I pointed towards the screen, her face softened for some reason...

"Aah, so Aries and Virgo's little Angel is fighting again. You did good brat, summoning me. You know that I love watching him fight. He's gotten so strong...damn that I'm not his Spirit...just so cute..."

A-And you love staring at his butt as well...

But I wont mention anything like that. Could be hazardous to my health. I don't want to die just yet...I'm scared.

"T-That's right. You told me to summon you when he's there?"

"That's right. That's the only time you can summon me that isn't on the Wednesday. Be a good brat now and allow me to watch the cute Angel fight. Damn, everytime I see that face, I get all weak in the tail."

...I suppose that's equivalent to weak in the knees for her...

"Uhh...Aquarius, how do you even know Shi-kun? Have you met him before?"

She turned her gaze downwards, and I felt like I wanted to die...

"Ugh, I have a life outside of you. Although I haven't met him, it feels like that I have. And my life is amazing, when I'm not with you. It is a good one. One where I have friends like Aries and Virgo, a place you can't hurt me. And I have a boyfriend as well...something you wont know anything about, I'm sure."

"T-That's not true...I could get a boyfriend in the future..."

"Not him though. He's too good for you." I mock cried as she laughed to herself. "Besides, I'm sure that he'll get a way better girlfriend than you. It's too bad, you wont ever know what it feels like to have a boyfriend. It is the best feeling, did you know? But brat, remember the deal? When you meet up with him again, you give him my key, and we go our separate ways."

S-She keeps saying that...why does she want to go to him so badly? He's nice and everything...but why is he better than I am...? I'm a good Celestial Mage as well...I can be a good one...just like Kaa-chan wanted...

"B-But! I don't want to give you away Aquarius!"

"You'll do it or I will drown you!" I cried and shuffled away. "Ugh, obviously I can't do that...tempting though...anyway, you will give him my key. You can have Aries or Virgo. Then I can make the Angel boy find my boyfriends key, so we can live together in a peaceful world, without you. Aah me and my boyfriend will go on double dates with the little Angel and his girlfriend, which isn't going to be you sweetheart."

She's really determined to make sure that I don't get together with him and for him to have her key...

"S-So, do you like love him or something...?"

"Something akin to an Okaa-san, actually. I just want to take care of him, after what he's been through. But no, I'm stuck with you, aren't I? Why am I always the unlucky one? It's not fair. Why do you hate me? Really brat? What have I ever done to you?"

O-Oh, I didn't expect her to have that kind of love for him...but can I answer what she has done to me? She scares me everytime that I summon her. I even cry to myself sometimes when she's around.

I turned back to the screen, to see that he is looking at the girl with purple hair...

They both look really strong...

I could only pray he can beat this girl...

I grabbed the necklace that I always wear...I hope that he's still wearing the other half...it was silly, but I thought that it would be nice if we had something like that...star crossed lovers or something...n-no! Not lovers...not lovers...

I wonder...if you can hear this Shi-kun, I want you to win...please win...I'm sure that my hero would be able to beat anyone...

Suddenly, in the midst of him and the girl staring one another down, he put a hand to his chest, and looked around...what's he looking for...?

[This strange feeling...hero...huh...]

W-Wait, what did he say...?

That's a strange thing to say...why would he say hero all of a sudden? Would it be too big of a coincidence that he and I thought the same thing?

[What are you saying all of a sudden?]

The girl asked with mild irritation.

Shi-kun smiled and pulled something out of his shirt...t-the...necklace...

[For some reason, a warm feeling just came from this necklace...I got this from someone I rescued. I remember her, and her Okaa-san as well. She's...She's the one that helped me decide to get stronger actually...yeah, in the end, saving that girl made me feel so great...to think that someone was saved by me is the most beautiful feeling in the entire world...]

The most beautiful feeling...

"He said beautiful feeling, not beautiful girl brat."

"Do you always have to put me down!?"

When I snapped, I instantly regretted it.

Aquarius' eyes went towards me, her urn pointed at me as well.

"Sorry, I didn't hear what you said. Care to repeat it, baka?"

Ooh God, she's going to kill me...she's going to murder me...

"N-No! I said you're lovely and everything that's good about this world!"

Aquarius nodded as if accepting that.

[Oh? Someone helped you decide to get stronger? Who is this person exactly?]

The girl asked with mild interest.

Shi-kun...you couldn't possibly mean someone like me...could you? That would be one strange coincidence...

[...The name huh...I remember it well. Usually, I'm not so good with names, but this one stuck with me. It starts with an L...] Shi-kun looked at the screen, and as if peering into someone's eyes, he smiled. [...Right, Lucy-san?]

"..."

I was speechless...

H-How in the heck did he just...

"D-Damn, did he just say your name brat?"

"...Unless it is someone else, then yes...he said my name...but how...? Why would he say my name...?"

"Hehehe, seems like there's hope for you yet, brat. Although I wouldn't hold out much hope."

Hope for me huh...

Shi-kun, you do remember me after all...that was strange...for a second there, I thought I felt him right next to me...I wonder, what was that about? Shi-kun...did you and I...just connect somehow...?

---

End chapter!

So, more mysteries! How did Kagura even get close enough to the Princess to give her those photos? How did Kagura get the images in the first place? Is Kagura a secret pervert? Or is it Hisui~? Lol.

And Mira won her match (was there any doubt?) against Juvia! Hope that was somewhat enjoyable! The next match is Kagura vs Shinobu, where he unleashes some power!

And even Lucy appeared! But, how did Shinobu 'hear' Lucy cheering for him? Was it really just a coincidence? Do they have some sort of special connection? Or is the necklace magical? Or, is it none of those things and something completely different?

And next chapter, some more mysteries kick off! So, here's a little preview to get everyone psyched up!

Yukino; What kind of connection do you have to Shinobu Kobayashi exactly?

Mirajane; I think it's about time you start explaining what's going on around here.

Kagura; Finally...you're going to understand how I feel!

?; Personally, I think he'd be a good kill. I've never fought against a Devil Slayer before.

Shinobu; I keep telling you, that we haven't met before! Why can't you understand that!?

Well, I hope that you enjoyed that little preview, and the chapter as well! I might show some more in the future to build up suspense and whatnot. So, look forward to the next chapter! Until next time!

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