Another break chapter, I know, two in a row. But it can't all be punches and kicks can it? Reviews and constructive critisicm is welcome. Enjoy!

Chapter 36: Feelings

"Well, certainly didn't expect people like that in this tournament." Erza sighed. She was up in her dorm room which she shared with Wendy and Carla. "Rider and Blackward. Their magic worries me."

"Being able to steal magic at will and have full control over it... it's certainly impressive." Carla muttered. "How do you feel Wendy?"

"Better. When he took my magic, I felt lightheaded and weak, but it's returned and I feel completely normal." The bluenette answered.

"I felt the same." Erza nodded. "Do we know if Rider is part of a guild?"

"Nope. All we can assume is that he's a lone wizard. Then again, we don't know much about what's up north." Wendy shrugged.

"Blackward is also interesting. Shrugging off magic? I don't care how strong he is, magic should affect him somehow." Carla thought.

"At least we know physical attacks don't work. His armour seems to be very durable." Erza placed a hand on her chin.

"Well we also know a very strong armour wizard." Wendy smiled at Erza.

"Thank you Wendy." Erza smiled back. Carla looked between the two.

"These two have such a close bond, it's amazing. I'm so glad Wendy is happy." Carla thought to herself. However, despite the happy image in front of her, it became cloudy, foggy, warped. It twisted and melted away in front of her and was replaced with a dark image. A huge, looming empire, buildings stretching to the sky, with a force of magical power unmatched. The sky above it was blood red, and standing at the gates of this indestructible force of magic, was the Black Wizard himself.

"Carla?" Wendy's voice brought Carla back to reality. Both Erza and Wendy were staring at her. "Did you hear us?"

"What? Oh... um..." Carla placed a paw on her forehead. "Sorry. I'm just exhausted after just watching the fights take place."

"It's alright. To be honest, watching the fights are draining to say the least." Erza chuckled. "Come on, let's get into bed."

"I'm... going to get some water first." Carla said. "Don't wait up for me, get some rest." The pair nodded and waved Carla out of the room. As soon as the door closed behind her, it happened again. The corridor twisted and morphed into something new. Wendy was in front of her, battered, bloody, bruised, face to face with a man of unspeakable might. Wendy's magic was low and she could barely stand, yet this man strolled towards her without remorse or hesitation. He towered over her, his magic almost suffocating.

"Carla?" A man's voice brought Carla back. She span around just to see Makarov looking at her with concern. "You're... sweating."

"Master Makarov. We... have an issue." Carla gasped. "I... I had another vision. Something, terrible is on the way."

"Calm down Carla, please, explain to me what you saw."

"A... a huge empire of buildings higher than the sky. A force so great it's crippling. At the head of it all, Zeref."

"Zeref... I see." Makarov muttered. "Hmmm. Thankfully, I don't know any buildings in Ishgar that match what you described. This is a vision, correct? Not just a day dream?"

"I... I believe it's a vision, yes." Carla swallowed thickly.

"I see... with no guess as to how far away?" Carla shook her head. "Right. Thank you for telling me Carla. I will look into what you have said. Please, try to get some sleep. Still one more day of round one to think about."

"Of course. Thank you Master."

The night went by peacefully, yet only one person couldn't fully rest. Sharing a room with Gajeel and Pantherlily, Gray laid awake, staring at the ceiling of the room. Being an ice mage, he usually never got cold, but thinking about the match up tomorrow sent a small shiver down his spine.

"Talk to me." Gajeel's rough voice rang through the room. Gray turned over to look at him. Gajeel was looking back, a somewhat curious expression on his face. "Why you still awake?"

"Just thinking about tomorrow." Gray muttered. "Nothing big."

"If it was nothing big you'd be asleep idiot." Gajeel chuckled. "You're worried about fighting Juvia aren't you?"

"Do you blame me?"

"Yes. If it was me or Erza or someone you'd be hyped. But you aren't. So, what's different about Juvia?"

"You, what, nothing." Gray stuttered. "It's just..."

"Don't ignore feelings Gray." Pantherlily's voice was then heard.

"I'm not ignoring them, I just don't want hers to get in the way." Gray snapped.

"I'm not talking about hers." Lily raised an eyebrow.

"Oh shut up." Gray groaned. "Look, I just don't want to hurt her."

"Not hurting her would offend her stupid." Gajeel told him. "It's a fight. You give your all, no matter the opponent. Look at me. Lucy is weaker than me, by far. I didn't hold back at all because that would be disrespectful. In the same way I wouldn't want anyone holding back against me. It's rude. If you can kick my ass, damn well kick my ass. Then I learn and grow stronger from it."

"So if you fought Levy you'd beat her up?" Gray asked quietly. Despite the dark room, Gajeel turned slight red.

"Not the discussion!" Gajeel snapped. "I... I would beat her. I'd feel bad for the Shrimp, but yeah I'd beat her. She would be mad if I went easy..."

Gajeel rolled over, clearly not wanting to discuss the matter any further. Gray looked over at Lily, who shrugged.

"The best outcome of this is playing fair and not giving any advantages Gray." Lily said. "Just imagine you're fighting Erza or someone."

The final day of the tournament arrived, with the stadium just as full as the first day. The final eight fighters were waiting in their separate rooms, anxiously waiting for the names to be called forwards.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the exciting final day of the Trail Of Magic is finally here!" Lola called to everyone. "As usual I am joined by Mr. Yajima, but today's special guest is Fairy Tail's Mirajane!"

"Pleasure to be up here." Mira giggled.

"Isn't it. A lovely view of the arena and the stands. Everyone, only eight people remain in round one, and only four will go through to round two. Those fighting today will be Juvia, Sting, Ichiya, Sho-Ju, Gray, Ghost, Sherria and Minerva. Yajima, Mira, any announcements before we reveal the first fight of today?"

"Good luck everyone." Mira smiled.

"I don't have anything to say except there has been some breathtaking battles, and I hope we see that today." Yajima nodded.

"Excellent. Now, enough waiting. Fighting today will be the ice mage from Fairy Tail, Gray Fullbuster, against the water mage from Fairy Tail, Juvia Lockster."

Gray heard his name over the lacrimal and took a deep breath. His fists were clenched as he left his waiting room, strolling down the corridor, the only sound were his footsteps and his swirling thoughts.

"First into the arena, with a body made completely of water, it's Juvia!" Gray heard Lola call Juvia forwards, as well as cheers, and a few wolf whistled, from the crowd. While he cold see out of the tunnel leading to the arena, he couldn't make Juvia out perfectly.

"And now, the icy wizard who had proved himself time and time again, it's Gray!" Gray swallowed thickly, before walking out into the arena, a fist held high above his head. He quickly glanced around the stands, before his eyes laid themselves upon Juvia standing opposite him. She has ditched her usual clothing. She wore a black tank top with a dark blue, knee length skirt. Her hair was down with no hat.

"Despite these two being guild mates, it's a battle of the strongest. They can't afford to go easy on each other." Lola said. "Well, it's time. Gray, Juvia, are you two ready?" The Trail Of Magic begins in..."

"3."

"2."

"1."

"NOW!"

I love cliffhangers. Hope you all enjoyed!