Author's Note: And we finally get to the big reveal! Lots of positive feedback on the last chapter, good stuff and shows me I'm doing it right! I won't keep you, go on and read to your heart's content ... it has only begun.
Let me know what you guys think too!
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail
"Are you all ready?" Erza asked in a serious tone.
Lucy glanced at her before looking past her and towards the gate that they had to pass through, the roar of the crowd just beyond. She felt slightly queasy at the thought of having so many people coming to see them. 'Maybe that's why Diana didn't arrive … poor girl can barely handle a handful of people staring her down,' Lucy thought as she swallowed nervously.
"Let's get this over with … someone out there hurt Wendy and we are going to make them pay," Natsu answered before ending with a growl.
They were all still upset about how Wendy had been found. She looked like she was in so much pain … both physical and mental but there was nothing that could be done for now. All they could do was get started and win to make it up to her. They weren't going to let whoever it was that hurt her to get away with it, such was the way of Fairy Tail. The others nodded grimly to Natsu's statement, each feeling the same on the subject.
"I promised her after all and a man doesn't go back on a promise," Elfman declared as the team lined up side by side.
"Then let's do this," Gray said as they started walking, Elfman hoisting the standard of Fairy Tail on a flag over his shoulder.
The group moved in focused silence as they passed through the gate and into the arena where they would compete, the deafening sound of the crowd and blinding light greeting them as they entered. While Lucy's eyes adjusted to the light she could hear the announcers speak over the crowd.
"And in 9th place, barely managing to claw their way into the top ten we have … Fairy Tail!" announcer Chapati Lola said excitedly. "Once renowned as the strongest guild, will they be able to regain their past glory?'
"If I know Fairy Tail, it is to expect the unexpected," commentator and ex-council member Yazima said with a content nod.
"But they better watch out because Blue Pegasus is in it to win this year!" guest speaker Jenny Realight said with a wink to the crowd.
Fairy Tail walked in, Natsu leading with a fist pumped in the air but to their surprise they received a chorus of boos and jeers. They looked around in shock, a frown of Erza's face as they made their way to the center, next to the 10th placed guild, Twilight Ogre. Apparently the group had managed to recover after the initial defeat from Fairy Tail and made it to the goal by the skin of their teeth. However, ignoring the cross looks from the trashy guild, Lucy couldn't help but feel a lump in the back of her throat from the treatment they were receiving. She was used to getting critical looks and some heat for their destructive antics but not outright rejection.
"Hey," Natsu said softly as he rested a hand on her shoulder and gave her a soft smile. "We'll do this and prove to them that we're the top."
Lucy couldn't help but smile at his words, feeling more at ease knowing her team was here with her. Then she caught a very loud cheer coming from the crowd, or more accurately, one section. They turned with wide eyes to see the entirety of the Fairy tail guild, all present members anyways, cheering and waving at them with a large guild banner under them.
"Go Fairy Tail! We're number one!" the guild cheered, master Makarov himself standing on the stone ledge while waving his arms vigorously.
"That's right," Erza said softly. "As long as our friends are here, that is all we need."
The others nodded at her comment before a newer voice joined the ranks of the guild.
They narrowed their eyes at the blonde girl sitting beside Makarov, her little feathery ears and bright green eyes seeming too familiar. 'N-no way … what is she doing here?' they thought collectively as they gawked at her. The rest of the guild noticed her as well, their jaws hitting the ground in surprise.
"First Master!" Makarov shouted in shock as he looked at the small girl beside him. "What are you doing here!?"
"I came to cheer Fairy Tail on~" she replied with a big smile. "Besides, it was boring on the island," she added with a cute pout.
"Well … we got a spirit on our side, victory is ours!" Natsu cheered as he pumped his fists.
"Y-yeah …" Lucy sweat-dropped but tried to get passed it as the next team was being announced.
"And in 8th place in the preliminary round … the hounds of Hell's army, Quatro Cerberus!" Chapati announced to a resounding cheer from the crowd.
The five mages came forward, each dressed with some sort of dog collar, leather, or spikes while screaming, "Wild!"
"They should talk to Diana and Romulus," Elfman chuckled under his breath while the others snickered at the comment.
Just how would master Goldmine react to a Fairy Tail mage actually having one of the fabled hounds of the underworld as a pet? Might just give the old timer a heart attack on the spot … maybe it would give Diana claims to becoming the next master of Quatro Cerberus, who could guess?
"And next we have in 7th place, the beautiful dancers of the deep seas … Mermaid Heel!" Chapati said, receiving an even bigger roar from the crowd as the mages stepped out of the gates.
Five female mages walked towards the center, almost all waving to the crowd and blowing occasional kisses while the lead one remained silent, a katana head firmly to her side as she looked the others over. Lucy caught Erza looking back at her intently, sizing her up before frowning slightly.
"What's up Erza?" Lucy asked curiously as she looked at the Re-quip mage.
"That one with the white bow," Erza replied softly without looking at her. "… She's strong."
Lucy looked back at the said mage, not seeing anything particular about her that screamed powerful but she trusted Erza's experience. If she said that mage was a heavy contender, than Lucy would believe her.
"In 6th place, the wings in the darkness, the great charmers … Blue Pegasus!" Chapati announced to a varying degree of reactions.
As the mages made their way into the arena, the Trimens, Ichiya, and an odd man in a bunny suite, the cheers they received mostly consisted of girls fawning over the Trimens. Others jeered at Ichiya while others wondered who the heck was in the full body bunny suite? Lucy would have asked as well but she couldn't gather up the energy to really care … Blue Pegasus was nice but they creeped her out.
"Everyone, do your best!" Jenny commented while giving a thumbs up to her representing team.
"And now, the 5th place team and sure to be big hit this year … Lamia Scale!" Chapati nearly screamed in his excitement along with the crowd.
Then the said team of mages made their way in. Lyon the big-mouthed Gray, Yuka the master of eyebrows, Toby the dog man, Jura the bald glory, and a pink haired girl that Lucy couldn't recognize made their way to the center. Meanwhile the crowd roared in approval, several shouting claims of praise and awe at the present Wizard Saint. 'Jura is definitely going to be a dangerous one … I hope we don't go one on one with him,' Lucy thought with a shudder. She remembered the power displayed by the man when they hunted Oracion Seis and that was while injured.
"What is this!? 5th, are you even trying!?" their master shouted as she waved her arms around and … spun?
"Sorry grandma, it was my fault since I'm clumsy," the pink hair girl replied with an embarrassed blush … right before she tripped …
"Owie …" she murmured as she sat up.
"Geez … pay more attention Shellia," Lyon grumbled while shaking his head.
"Sorry Lyon," Shellia replied as she slowly got up.
"Never seen her before," Natsu commented with a tilt of the head.
"Shellia is Shelly's little sister," Yuka explained.
"And she's really strong," Toby added with a grin.
"Yeah but my 'love' isn't nearly enough yet," Shellia said as she smiled shyly.
"I was complementing you!" Toby shouted suddenly.
"Ah, I'm sorry Toby," Shellia squeaked back.
As they continued on others mages discussed a few things amongst themselves, mainly some past bets coming up and the Trimens shamelessly flirting with any female within reach. Erza looked ready to skin and gut Ichiya on the spot but she kept it together … even if he was pushing it by getting so close while sniffing her and going on about perfume.
"And now for our 4th place team and this is a surprise. A guild that is competing for the very first time with us, join me in welcoming the midnight raiders … Raven Tail!" Chapati said.
"What!?" Erza snapped as she looked to the group walking in, led by a man in a full set of armor.
"But that means …" Lucy murmured as she looked at them.
"A dark guild!" Makarov shouted in outrage at he looked at the guild formed by his very son. "They're ok with a dark guild participating … why I ought to …"
"Master calm down," Cana said calmly as she held the master back herself, seemingly not minding the squirming and angry little man's attempt at escape.
"Hmm … I do feel a malicious force," Mavis commented from her spot near the guild members.
"Well according to official information Raven Tail has existed for several years and was approved by the Magic council recently," Chapati discussed with Yazima while answering the crowds concerns.
"Damn that Ivan … just how did he pull this off?" Makarov asked as a tick mark formed on his head.
"Fairy Tail …" the man in armor said, his voice colder than ice. "How did you like our little greeting? I'm sure the girl delivered the message."
There seemed to be a little imp like creature on one of their shoulders, the creature transforming its face to look like Wendy before acting as if it fainted while the other guildmates chuckled darkly.
"You're the ones who did that to Wendy?" Natsu growled as his lips pulled back, his enlarged canines coming to bare. "We won't forgive you."
"Enjoy the festival," the armored man said as he turned his back to them.
"And now with the top three guilds to have made it past the preliminaries, the top two having done it a full half hour before any other team even came close," Chapati said excitedly before pausing to draw out some suspense.
"Wait, but isn't Sabertooth one of them? But all other major guilds are accounted for," the crowd murmured as everyone's curiosity grew.
"And now for the 3rd placed team wait … what!?" Chapati suddenly stopped as he read a card in his hands, a nervous sweat forming. "… This is unexpected folks but … in 3rd place we have our defending champions … Sabertooth!"
The crowd remained silent in shock as the team entered, none looking pleased at the fact that they were at the bottom of the top three teams. After a few seconds of getting over their stupor, the crowd cheered, having high hopes for the champions. But an unease settled amongst the crowds and mages especially. Who were the two unknown teams, both of which passed the trial in record times and displaced the apparent best in the country?
"And now for the 2nd placed team, another new guild making their appearance for the first time," Chapati began as the crowd became almost completely quiet. "… We have … Immortalis!"
No one knew how to react, the mages stood silent as the sensation of raw magical power flowed over them. The fives mages walked forward into the arena, each looking calm and confident regardless of the incredulous, and angered, looks they were receiving. Lucy had to admit that the man in the lead was handsome, standing at the same height as Laxus with a leaner build, his golden hair flowing to his cheeks in the front. Tan skin, amber eyes, and confident look, and leading his team soundly. He was dressed in a black, long sleeved shirt, bronze and gold gauntlets reaching up to his biceps, a sleeveless white jacket, and dark grey trousers.
As his team got closer, even Lucy in her relative inexperience compared to some others on her team, could tell that the man was powerful. She felt her knees shake in his presence alone and as she looked around, she could tell she wasn't the only one. Few mages showed no reaction, amongst them being Erza, Jura, the girl holding the katana, Elfman though he did wince, and surprisingly enough the armored man from Raven Tail though it wasn't easy to tell with all that armor. All others were rendered silent, some even starting to breathe a little heavier at the ungodly levels of magic flowing off all five of the mages present.
Even the smallest one, a girl with pitch black hair and eyes that were mixed in aquamarine and emerald, had enough magic coming off her to rival Erza. And if Lucy had to guess, the girl wasn't anywhere near the strongest … though her power was dwarfed by the man in the lead and another one that sent all sorts of red flags off in Lucy's mind. She didn't know how to best describe it but if she could summarize the feeling he gave off it was … a tried and true bad boy that could back up whatever he said and knew it. His face said so, with his wild sky blue hair, those odd red eyes with narrowed pupils, and worst of all, the cocky grin displaying a set of pearly fangs.
Lucy didn't have time to get a really good look at the others before Chapati cleared his throat, getting ready to announce the 1st place team. Just at the thought Lucy had a minor panic attack inside. If there was another team on the same scale as these guys from Immortalis, then she was sorry but they could kiss being number one goodbye.
"And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, the team that made it passed the challenge in less than ten minutes, the mysterious contenders that only moments ago even gave us their name is … huh? Wait … is this correct … Yes … is that … I see," Chapati paused as he spoke to an attendant beside him. "Forgive the moment of confusion, now as I was saying, we have our 1st placed team and you won't believe it folks. It seems that their wings are taking them to the top … we have FAIRY TAIL TEAM B!"
The stadium finally became truly quiet, all eyes nailed to the entrance as the five mages appeared, all eyes going wider than saucers at who appeared. All five wore a trench coat that hung on their shoulders and reached their knees, the material primarily black with gold trimming, the emblem of Fairy Tail on the right shoulder. There stood the 1st place team, a sight that no one could have expected. Lisanna, Gajeel, Mira, Laxus, and Diana all stood proudly before them, all smiling or smirking as they approached the center.
Lucy took in their appearances, noting some changes she either didn't expect … or simply didn't know they could happen. Almost all were dressed in their attire with the primary colors being black or gold. Gajeel had a black muscle shirt, without the usual feathered extension that hung over one shoulder, his biker like jeans, and his iron toe boots plus the coat. Laxus' had a golden button shirt with black jeans and his coat, his headphones nowhere in sight. Then Diana had her dark jeans and matching leather jacket under the coat, her sports bra being black with gold lining to bring the whole look together.
Then there was Lisanna, dressed in thigh high black socks, black shorts that made good on showing off her backside, a crop top that exposed her flat stomach and some cleavage, her hair falling gracefully along her face before ending at her neck as usual. Lucy had never thought that she would even see Lisanna dressed in such a … well, revealing way. Lisanna tended to be on the more reserved side along with Levy and Wendy but apparently a change had been deemed necessary. Lastly was the person whose appearance confused Lucy the most and she wasn't the only one taken by surprise.
There was Mirajane, in an outfit similar to what some had described to Lucy as her attire before Lisanna's 'death'. A pair of black leggings and boots, black miniskirt with gold trimmings, sports bra like Diana, and a gold collar around her neck with a little pendant that Lucy couldn't quite make out. Then there was the most startling part … Mira's eyes. The once solid blue irises that some could confuse for top grade sapphires weren't the same any more. The very borders of her eyes now had a purple shade rimming the sapphire color and Mira's pupils seemed narrower than Lucy remembered. After she got over her initial shock of their appearance she noticed something else … and it was more worrying than anything.
None of them were giving off a strong magical signature … as if they weren't stronger than a D ranked mage at best. If Lucy hadn't known any better she would have laughed and asked what happened during the three months that left them in such a state but she did know. Mages like Mira, Laxus, and Diana do not go from being absolute powerhouses to drawing near blank on magical energy just like that which left the only other option … they were completely suppressing it but then, why?
After almost a minute, the crowd finally roared but not in excitement or praise. It was outrage, why did Fairy Tail have two teams and how was this fair. The five mages ignored it as they stopped close by, the jeering of the crowd and odd looks from some of the other mages going completely over their heads as they maintained their smiles. After a bit, the silence was broken … by the red eyed man from Immortalis as he nearly skipped over.
"Yo Diana! It's been forever," he said as he walked up to her without a care in the word while Diana gave him a flat look.
"Too soon if you ask me," she replied in a tired voice. "How are you … Damian?"
"Aww … don't be like that, we're regular buddies," Damian replied as he tossed an arm over her shoulder. "We came all the way just to see you and you got away in the little maze."
"I knew you were following our magical signatures," Diana muttered as she rubbed her forehead. "Regular headache you are."
"Preach it!" the black haired girl said as she grinned at Diana.
"That little brat is Phiona," Damian muttered with a playful glare at the younger girl.
"Hi," Phiona greeted sweetly with a wave. "By the way … can you stop suppressing your power, I wanted to get a good read on it."
"But that wouldn't be a fun surprise," Gajeel commented with a smirk.
"Or you're trying to hide it because it isn't all that much," Damian teased as he let go of Diana and looked at Gajeel. "After all, there were only three signatures worth note and I'm guessing you weren't one of them."
"Want to run that by me again?" Gajeel asked with a glare but was cut off by Diana before he could do anything.
"Gajeel don't … though I would love to watch you tear him a new one, he isn't someone you can take," Diana said softly while looking at the amber eyed man who'd remained silent, looking back at her intently.
"So are you going to stop hiding or not?" Phiona asked in a somewhat cute but impatient manner.
Diana glanced at her team for a moment before sighing. "Sure … why not …"
And with that, all five took a deep breathe before relaxing, a small swirl of mana dissipating around them before it hit Lucy. Just like that, their magical pressure taclked her like Natsu running away from a train. Her knees nearly buckled this time, all eyes widening and even the crowd growing silent at the sudden pressure touching them. 'H-how … did they get this strong? Gajeel feels nearly as strong as Erza and Lisanna … she feels stronger!' Lucy thought in shock as she glanced around her. Now only Jura, the girl with the katana, and Erza remained impassive while others started to sweat or fidget nervously.
They all could tell one thing … Diana, Laxus, and Mira felt completely different. Lucy thought back to the rare times she felt any of their powers but none ever came close to what she felt now. Even the bits she'd felt when Diana got angry at Gajeel and Natsu was a drop in the ocean she had at her disposal. Only the mages from Immortalis seemed completely unfazed, some even smiling contently as if they were excited that such strong opponents were present. After some tense silence Damian chuckled as he returned to his group and smacked the amber eyed man on the shoulder.
"See? Beautiful and powerful to boot," Damian as he leaned on his shoulder. "So what do you think Horus? Want to make the offer?"
"I'm not joining your guild Damian," Diana said in a dry tone.
"Why not?" he whined like a child denied his candy. "You'd fit right in and be one of our top two mages."
"Fairy Tail is my family, I'm not leaving them for anything," she replied with the same dry tone.
Obviously the subject had come up repeatedly when the two last met. Damian sighed as he shrugged.
"We'll just show you why you belong with us and then you can give your answer," Damian said before looking to Horus. "And you call me rude, introduce yourself."
Horus sighed before slowly stepping forward, Diana responding by walking up to him. As they neared each other Lucy could have sworn that the ambient temperature was steadily rising as the magical pressure increased. She couldn't tell which of the two was doing it but she watched in shock as the ground beneath them slowly cracked as they neared. When they were finally a foot or so apart Diana glanced up at him, their height difference being just a few inches. She was the first to offer a hand, Horus looking at it for a moment before slowly grabbing it and giving a firm shake. At the touch, the pressure double making Lucy drop to a knee and she could hear several others do the same while others panted.
"Diana Venatrix," Diana said in a soft and even voice.
"Horus Siriso," Horus replied in a respectful tone, neither aware of the affects taking place around them.
Lucy looked around again and this time saw that almost everyone, even the members of Immortalis were grimacing from the pressure. The only two still looking relatively comfortable were Damian and Mira, though the later looked like she was concerned about something. Lucy looked back to the two monstrous mages, seeing them looking at each other critically before both widened their eyes and jumped back from each other, the temperature stabilizing as the pressure dissipated back to bearable levels. They looked at each other, no one making a sound as the two searched for something in the other.
After minute or so both relaxed, the tension leaving their frames as they returned to their respective groups though they did glance at each other. As the atmosphere relaxed … somewhat … Lucy stood up again and looked between Diana and Horus. She could tell that the two had never met until now but even then, the way they looked at each other was like someone seeing a ghost from their past. Whether the ghost was from a good time or not was still up for debate.
Then the pair stopped looking at each other as the two Fairy Tail teams came up to each other, the second team being nearly drowned in questions while the announcers continued explaining how a guild was allowed two teams if they qualified. But then Diana cut it off as she asked a question with a near venomous voice.
"Do you have any idea who was it that hurt Wendy?"
They all remained silent for a moment before Erza answered as she scowled at the team responsible.
"Raven Tail claims they did it as a greeting …"
It seemed that the Raven Tail mages heard it and like any dumb dark mages, even if they were technically light mages now, chuckled while smirking at them … oh the stupidity. In an instant Mira and Laxus glared at them, their magical pressure flaring as the Raven Tail mages promptly shut up. Faint sparks of current were flowing around Laxus' body while a purple aura manifested around Mira while a near burning feeling came off her. Lucy wasn't sure what to do but she was sure she'd either by electrocuted or turned to charcoal if she got any closer to either of the S-class mages but there was something that scared her more.
Diana remained silent, her eyes shadowed over as she looked down. No sounds, no reactions, no flare in magical pressure … Diana remained impassive and that terrified Lucy to the core. Ever since she'd seen Diana's anger, her fangs and pointed teeth along with the revelation that she was also a slayer … Lucy knew that she was Fairy Tail's strongest dragon. And now that dragon had found the ones who harmed Wendy, the little dragon that idolized her in every way. Everything fell quiet, even the crowds after their attention was drawn by Mira and Laxus, as Diana turned to face Raven Tail and slowly walked forward.
Her every step felt like a hammer striking the earth, her silence a cold hand wrapped around everyone's throats, her shadowed face obscured by some of her hair bringing the very reaper himself to his knees. The Raven Tail team couldn't move as she approached … they wouldn't have dared to regardless as realization dawned on them … the near fatal mistake they had made. Diana stopped just a foot or so away from the armored man, his hands noticeably shaking as he looked at the monster before him.
"You hurt Wendy …" Diana finally spoke, her voice seething yet somehow calm as it reached all ears. "… You dared to make her cry."
Lucy wasn't sure if she could take this much longer. She felt as if she was standing with her face in a cannon and simply waiting for the end … but was tortured by not know when it would go off.
"No one makes her cry …"
And just like that the dam broke, a surge of magical energy and rage coming off her frame as the ground beneath her fractured, her eyes glowing silver beneath the shadows … but then it stopped as suddenly as it happened. Lucy couldn't even breathe as she watched on, sweat dripping off her body as her legs shook.
"Touch her again and there isn't a man, demon, or god that will stop me from tearing you apart," Diana said in a soft voice that was as sweet as the voice of the very angel of death. Gentle to the ears, caressing even, and making a promise that will be kept until the end of days.
The leader took a trembling step back as the others dropped to their knees … or in the case of the girl with them, started to silently cry as they cowered before Fairy Tail's strongest. After a few seconds Diana turned as she walked back to the Fairy Tail group, looking as sweet and gentle as she usually was without sparing another glance at Raven Tail, the silence still persisting.
"Fuck I'm in love …"
And just like that the silence was gone as everyone looked to Damian with raised eyebrows. He was looking at Diana with a raging blush, his eyes now replaced with little red hearts. Diana glanced back at him before rolling her eyes and looking at Mira, the two seemingly having a private discussion by facial features alone.
"Oi!" Jura snapped as he glared at Damian. "Take those lecherous eyes somewhere else!"
"Wanna go baldy?" Damian retorted as he glared back.
"Such a scoundrel would never be fit for Diana-sama's affections!" Jura shot back as the two approached each other, some looking at Jura with raised eyebrows. It wasn't every day a Wizard Saint addressed another mage with such an honorary add on.
Diana just sweat-dropped while laughing sheepishly and scratching her head.
"Aren't you going to stop them?" asked Mira as she gave an almost distasteful look at the two bickering mages.
"I could … or let them get it out of their systems," Diana replied with a shrug.
"Diana, you terrible tease," Lisanna sighed while shaking her head.
"But I didn't do anything," Diana defended with a pout.
Another small session of bickering sprung up between the two Strauss siblings and the slayer, all the while Lucy wondered where the Hell did the tense atmosphere go? This day had been a whirlwind of emotions and it wasn't even noon yet. All Lucy needed was a bath and a very long nap … preferably after a bottle or two of wine. Cana could be helpful in such regards but for now Lucy tried to pay attention as Chapati finally resumed explaining today's events.
"N-now then … as I was saying before. The two Fairy Tail teams are legal and now we can proceed to the games. If you will please pay attention to the center of the arena," Chapati said as a large stone pillar sprouted out of the floor, each side being carved with the plans for the games, or at least what would be revealed for now.
"As you can see, each day of the festival will have a mystery event before a series of battles. The events will only be revealed and have the rules explained before the event commences and any mage can be selected to participate. Then the matches are decided by votes from the crowd throughout the day," Chapati explained.
"Thus, depending on luck, a mage who competed in the event could possibly be doubled up into a battle and be at a disadvantage magic wise," Yazima added with a nod.
"Now then, the first event is about to start and it is called … Hidden!" Chapati shouted as the crowd roared in excitement. "Just who will the teams select to play?"
Lucy watched as the teams debated for a few moments before walking forward, Chapati listing their names as they came up.
"Yeager from Quatro Cerberus … Beth from Mermaid Heel … Nurpuding from Raven Tail … Eve from Blue Pegasus … Rufus from Sabertooth … Gray from Fairy Tail A … Lyon from Lamia Scale …Mattan from Twilight Ogre …" Chapati listed but then fell silent as he waited for the Immortalis member and Fairy tail B to come up.
Then a woman from the Immortalis came up, her long light brown hair reaching to her waist and hard black eyes, her gaze set on the Fairy Tail B team. Lucy noticed that peaking under her hair were her ears, ending in tapered points while drooping slightly. She was dressed in snug fitting trousers and a long sleeved tunic, a rope tied around her slim waist. She looked almost plain, as is not caring whatsoever about appearances as she waited for the last competitor to by decided. Almost all eyes were on them as Diana tapped Lisanna to which the girl smiled as she nodded and handed her coat over to Diana. Once both were standing with the other competitors, Chapati announced their names.
"Rehea from Immortalis and Lisanna from Fairy Tail B," Chapati said somewhat nervously and rightly so.
Every mage on the field could tell Lisanna and Rehea outclassed the other participants by a wide margin. Lucy watched in slight surprise and fascination as Lisanna took a deep breathe through her nose before exhaling, a big smile on her face.
"Let's have fun!" she cheered even as the others looked skeptically at her.
Then the pumpkin man from the labyrinth appeared before them, smiling at them as they gathered round. As the pumpkin man started to explain something to do with his costume but then Nurpuding interrupted, at least politely.
"Excuse me but, you have yet to explain the rules for this event and I can't help but feel concerned by the fact that two mages from the same guild will be competing. For all we know, they could easily team up for an unfair advantage," he said as he glanced at said mages.
"That can be true under certain circumstances but the ruling stands. The fact that both teams were successful in the preliminaries is nothing short of a miracle and so how they participate in these events is completely up to them," the pumpkin man answered getting a 'tch' from Nurpuding.
"I can't be the only one feeling this," he defended as he looked around.
"I see no problem … both teams earned the right to compete," Beth commented with a small smile.
"Agreed and there is no guarantee that they will even be able to help each other," Eve added.
The other mages added their two cents saying it didn't bother them, much to Nurpuding's disappointment.
"What's wrong Raven? Feeling scared?" Gray mocked with a smirk but before Nurpuding could respond Lisanna started to giggle.
"Careful Gray. As far as our team is concerned, everyone is an opponent and we plan on winning," she added with a devious little smirk much like her older sister would.
"I look forward to the challenge," Rehea commented as she looked at Lisanna. "At least there are some decent mages here," she added as she looked over the others earning some half-hearted glares. They were still too scared of her to try and return a comment.
"Very well now," the pumpkin man said as he turned around and pointed his fingers at the open air. "Field Open!"
As he said the words, a mass of magical energy appeared as a structure started to materialize before their eyes. They watched in amazement as blocks of magic condensed to form buildings and roads, the entire structure taking on the appearance of a town.
"Wow," Lucy said as she looked up at the newly formed town, complete with shops, towers, even a small canal.
"It's huge!" Natsu shouted as he gawked at the imposing structure.
Soon the town was complete, all the participants being teleported into the streets at different points. Some looked around in confusion while others waited patiently for the rules to be announced. As they were explained several screens showed up above the town with direct sight on each competitor for the crowd to view. While that happened the teams each went to a designated booth to watch as well, some discussing who they think would win the event.
"So, you think Gray will do well?" Erza asked to no one in particular.
"If that icicle dick doesn't win, I'm kicking his ass!" Natsu declared before Elfman chuckled, earning some confused looks.
He glanced at them with a sly smirk before explaining. "This event will go to Lisanna … hands down."
"How?" Lucy asked curiously.
"You all saw when she took that breathe right?" he asked back getting several nods. "Well now she has their scents and can track them."
"Like a dog?" Erza asked.
"No … like a wolf," Elfman replied as he looked at the screen depicting his younger sister. "Diana is known as the Huntress for a reason … and she turned Lisanna into a predator. She is the wolf, that is her forest, and she knows who is around her, their power, and how to get to them the quickest. She doesn't need to hide … after all … she's the apex predator there and everyone is simply prey …"
As he said that all eyes, the crowd and other mages included, turned to the screen of the youngest Strauss as the gong sounded, marking the beginning of the games. Amongst all the copies they watched as Lisanna smirked before crouching forward, one hand placed solidly in the ground making her look more animalistic. Then she grinned, Lucy's eyes nearly popping out of her skull as one thought came to mind. 'Since when did Lisanna have fangs too!?' Then in a burst of ferocious power, Lisanna launched forward in a near blur, all other mages in the game completely unaware of their new found status.
The prey walked around in confusion … and the wolf was on the hunt …
Author's Rant: Yet another cliffhanger ... I still regret nothing! How will it go down? Will Lisanna wreck someone's shit? Who can tell ... you'll just have to wait and see!
A pleasure, Jbubu
