The first round of fights is officially over. Gajeel, Erika, Laxus and Todoroki will be moving forwards to the next set. But round 1 is still going on. But of course we'll have a small break in between. Reviews and constructive criticism is welcome. Enjoy!

Chapter 21: Argument

"Well that was certainly interesting." Erza sighed, sitting down at the bar. Her and the rest of the Fairy Tail guild was at their place, which was close to the arena.

"Yes, certainly entertaining as well." Marakrov replied, sitting on the bar itself. "Mira! More booze!"

"Coming up."

"How do you think the rest of the tournament will pan out Master?" Erza asked curiously.

"Honestly, I have no idea." Makarov shrugged. "Without a doubt, ever wizard in the tournament is able to get to number one. If they managed to get in, they are all powerful. Just look at Gajeel and Laxus, some of the best we have. If we assume the others are on a similar power level, anything can happen."

"What about those we've already seen?"

"You mean Todoroki and Erika?"

"Indeed."

"You tell me."

"Well." Erza placed a hand on her chin, thinking. "They... are obviously a capable pair. Todoroki's mix of fire and ice is one to be wary of. And if he is on the same power leve as others, that includes Natsu and Gray. Both are each strong, and even stronger when working together. But, if it's one person using just force, it could be devastating. I believe what we saw him do against Romeo is nothing."

"And what of the girl?"

"Erika is unusual. I must admit." Erza said. "I feel like she's hiding something. Like there is something more to her."

"Do you think she's just plain happy to be competing or it's an act?"

"No, she is happy she's in the tournament. She looks like she's having a blast."

"I'm just concerned about ours." Makarov said quietly. He looked over to a corner, where both Romeo and Lucy were sitting. They were surrounded by Natsu, Gray, Macao, Wakaba, Wendy and Happy. They all tried their best to cheer the two up, but they still have sad looks on their faces.

"Course they're sad." Laxus strolled up to them, sitting down next to Erza. "This is a serious competition however. No disrespect to the pair, they have power, but no where near enough to compete. Lucy isn't near the strength of Gajeel, and Romeo isn't even at Lucy's strength. I'm not surprised they went out round one."

"Laxus." Erza looked shocked, almost like Laxus had hit her with lightning.

"Am I wrong Erza." Laxus raised an eyebrow at her. "We're the strongest guild because we have some of the strongest mages in the kingdom and our bond is the strongest. But it's those two working together that put us up here. In a one on one fight, where our input doesn't affect other members of Fairy Tail, it's out power and strategy that matter. They simply weren't up to the task."

"How dare y-"

"He's right Erza." Makarov stopped her. "Our own skill matters one on one. But not just skill, but determination as well." He glanced to where Gajeel was sitting. "Gajeel simply has more will then Lucy to become stronger. Could be for a number of reasons. Maybe he actually wants to prove he's the best dragon slayer, seeing as he's been beaten by Natsu and never beat him back. Maybe his upbringing with Metallicana is his drive, and wants to show is old man he is tough enough. Maybe it's a reason we don't know. But it's stronger then Lucy's drive."

"There isn't a question that Gajeel is strong, he's more then capable of handling himself. But so is Lucy. She just got unlucky with her first fight."

"She still would've been weeded out." Laxus yawned. "Between me and Jura, it could've gone either way. Wild cards. In a match up like those two, there is only one clear winner."

Erza narrowed her eyes at Laxus, not happy with his view on the situation. Her attention shifted as she noticed Gajeel her up from his seat and stroll towards Lucy.

"Hey Bunny Girl." He muttered, avoiding her eyes. "Good fight... I didn't really want to use my shadow magic but you forced my hand.. good job, I guess."

"O-oh, right." Lucy muttered, also avoiding his gaze. Everyone around them was silent, feeling the slight tension.

"And... sorry if I hurt you too much." Gajeel said. "I was... just trying to win."

"It's alright." Lucy said in a forgiving tone. "I wanted to win as well." Gajeel have a small smile.

Natsu however, had a look of disgust on his face. He stood up quickly, causing the chair he was on to topple over. He glared up at Gajeel.

"You went too far." He spat.

Gajeel peered at him, his smile fading into a scowl. "What was that Salamander?"

"You had won the fight at one point, you didn't need to keep going."

"She insisted on getting up again. I wasn't going to roll over for her."

"You still did too much!" Natsu snapped. "You didn't need to be so harsh!"

"It's a tournament, I can be as harsh as I want. I did say I wasn't going to kill her!" Gajeel retorted, his voice raising.

"Guys, its alright." Lucy attempted to diffuse the situation, to no effect.

"Ya know Salamander, I'll be twice as tough when I go against you." Gajeel sneered.

"You won't get the chance. You'll be face down in second." Natsu threatened.

"Enough!" A high voice snapped. Everyone turned around to see who had spoken. "This isn't my guild."

Everyone's jaw dropped as they looked up, just to find Master Mavis hovering above them, a golden glow around her.

"First Master?" Makarov coughed. "What are you doing?"

"I came to watch the tournament but instead found guild mates bickering." Mavis growled, a vein ticking in her forehead. "Now listen."

"You are in a tournament. Going against friends and foe alike. Like it or not, you will have to face you friends, and even knock them into unconsciousness in order to win. But remember, you are Fairy Tail. Even if you fight until your last traces of magic is gone, you are family. Family stick together. Whatever happens in that arena, stays in the arena. Do not take it personally and leave it in the stadium. For now, drop it and make up." Mavis told them, staring at Natsu and Gajeel. The pair growled but did nod.

"Well said first Master." Makarov said.

"And why didn't you stop this?" Mavis asked him, her polite tone scaring him.

"Ummmm, because no violence was occurring at that time." Makarov whimpered. Mavis sighed, before smiling again.

"Now let's stop the silly arguing. I would suggest a party, but we have a big day tomo-"

"PARTY!" Fairy Tail roared, cutting their first Master off instantly. She looked surprised, but then laughed with the rest as another signature Fairy Tail party broke out.

It's been a little bit since Ive updated, but here you are! Next chapter we get back into the fights! Hopefully you all enjoyed!