Chapter 37 - Domus Flau
Released 12/7/15
I'm back, finally. It's been too long since i've posted a chapter so here it is. Fortunately the hiatus was probably worth it and i'm glad i did it. Because now i have all kinds of ideas for the future of the fic and has allowed me to write ahead a little. I don't know how long the grand magic games arc will end up but as you can probably tell it will be very fight based so i will try and keep it interesting i promise.
Also for a long time now i have been working on my second fanfiction which has now been uploaded. It is a pokémon fanfiction i have released to celebrete my long awaited completion of the nationaldex. It is called 'the Birth of a Champion' and is my interpretation of the origin story of the champion Cynthia from the forth gen games. It would mean the world to me if you gave it a read because i have been very exited to see what people think of it.
Please fave and follow if you haven't already and please review because it really helps. I would still like to hear your ideas for the fanfiction so please if you have any review or pm me.
Enjoy!
Crocus' grand arena of Domus Flau was filled to the brim with cheering fans, under the watchful gaze of the mighty wizard lords the crowds shuddered with glee and anticipation for the event that was the Grand Magic Games Opening Ceremony.
"Welcome everybody once again for the grand opening of the eighth annual Grand Magic Games!" A voice boomed over the crowd. He was quickly drowned out by the mighty cheers of the crowd.
"I am Chapati Lola and is once again an honour to be acting as host for this prestigious event." Lacroma screens appeared all over the stadium allowing everyone to see Chapati's face, today he was wearing long green hair that cascaded down his back, and it was no longer a secret that this man wore wigs to hide his baldness so now he simply went all out with his style choices.
"To my right is my faithful main commentator once again back after last year's events, it's the wonderful Yajima!"
A short old man stood up on his chair and gave a bow. "It is more than a pleasure to be here, I am sure the competition will be hotter as my kitchen this year." He said with a grin.
"Oh yes it will be, I'm sure none of you could forget the incredible conclusion to last year's Grand Magic Games, with none other than the underdog's Fairy Tail taking back the title of Fiore's strongest mage guild. But of course now everyone is out to get them, every guild has a single thing on their mind and that is Fairy Tail's utter annihilation in this year's event."
Supporters of every other guild roared in approval.
Fairy Tail who was sat in their private box just grinned as if to say bring it on.
"Wow they really want to take us down this year huh?" Cana said looking around.
"Ah we'll be okay Fairy Tail are Men!" Elfman yelled.
"Shut up you oaf." Evergreen said from next to him.
"Quiet brats this is it." Makarov ordered, he caught a glimpse of a short woman with blonde hair at the back of the stadium. "Hmm so she is here, I guess she has her reason for not sitting with us." He whispered under his breath.
Chapati continued "Now, I am quite certain you all know the results of last night's preliminary round, Babel where 161 guilds competed to make it into that elite 8. Today those elite guilds are going to be presented to you all so buckle your belts as we introduce this year's top eight magic guilds."
The crowd roared and fireworks went off the sheer noise made the stadium rumble.
"So our first guild is certainly a regular to the grand magic games and is by far one of the strongest competitors, would you please put your hands together for Lamia Scale!"
The crowd cheered and out of one of the gates walked five mages all of them dancing and producing magic.
"Now Lamia scale has produced a team with a mix of the old and new. The leader of this year's team is the incredibly talented ice mage Lyon Vastia who is taking over from Jura of the ten wizard saints this year. Too his left is the ever cute god slayer, Chelia Blendy and to his right is none other than Yuka Suzuki the user of wave magic." Chelia held up her hands in greeting earning a cheer from the crowd. Yuka looked on his eyes sharp.
"Wow, Chelia's as confident as ever isn't she," Wendy said in awe she remembered how terrifying it was last year walking out there.
"Now for Lamia scales two new additions to the team first is the stunningly beautiful rising star Lisa Wells and her partner in crime, the bomb man, it's Wake!"
The two new members followed behind the rest, Wake, a black haired man with a rough jagged beard, he grinned confidently as he surveyed the arena. Lisa was in a smoking hot white bikini her deep green hair tied into a thick plait and ran down her chest. The men in the arena were heart struck at the stunning woman who rivalled even Mira and Jenny in sheer beauty. Wake noticed this asserting his dominance over the men by giving the woman a kiss.
"Well how about that folks Lamia scale make quite the entrance. What did you think Yajima?"
"Lamia Scale have proved in the past they are a guild to be feared I have no doubt this is the year they will decide to prove it."
"Quite, right now we should move on to the next guild to make it to the top please welcome, Blue Pegasus!"
The crowd once again roared, especially the women who all held up banners decorated with the faces of the Trimen and Ichiya.
"This team has no especially new additions but they are all old favourites so please put your hands together for Eve, Hibiki, Ren, Ichiya and the previous miss Fiore Jenny!" The crowd roared and the five mages simply walked in before all striking a powerful pose showing off how good looking each one was. The crowd cheered even louder.
"Now for a guild who skipped out of last year's competition but has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the past please welcome, Phoenix Grave!"
Five mages walked out of the gate with each member exuding powerful auras.
"Now I am sure you will all remember four of these powerful mages but we will make no hesitation in introducing them. Leading the team as usual is the most good looking, the most handsome, Mace Orlando!"
The tallest man among them raised his head he had slicked back sandy blonde hair and a smirk of confidence in both himself and his team. The women swooned over the man the instant they made eye contact.
Cana's eyes burst open, holy crap that guy is hot, she almost said out loud, she made a note to make sure she bumped into him later.
"With him are the three knights of valour, Astrid of the sword, Yew of the sea, and David of the sky!" The three walked together Astrid had long grey hair, a huge two handed cleaver sat on her back and she was clad in dark leather armour. Yew had wavy aquamarine hair that reached her shoulders and deep green eyes she wore a long blue dress that seemed to flow like water. The third knight was young, he had white spiky hair and purple eyes in. A unique style he was simply wearing a black t shirt with moving images of stars and galaxies on them.
"The final member of phoenix grave is new to the guild but not new to the Grand Magic games, it's Flare Corona." Flare was nervously walking next to her new companions but was comforted that the crowd was still cheering despite her record.
Fairy tail was shocked but Makarov soon calmed them down he could tell she was different. Flare caught Lucy's eyes and creepily whispered "blondie?" Which sent chills down the celestial mage's spine.
"Now a team that surprisingly came fourth this year and is the guild that had the crown knocked of their heads, ready for round two its Sabre-tooth!" A much louder roar than before erupted from the crowd as the five members took the stage.
"Now you should know all but one of the members of Sabre-tooth this year. Leading the party once again are the twin dragons who put on a stellar performance last year the amazing Sting and Rouge." The two dragons entered the arena and instantly a new pressure was felt over the crowd from the sheer power of their magic, this just caused them to cheer more.
"Wait? Isn't Sting the guild leader now?" Lucy asked,
"Well, my dear I believe they have bent the rules slightly and temporarily made someone else guild master." Makarov said looking over to the Sabre-tooth box.
The crowd cheered incredibly loud, Frosch and Lector jumped up and down in their box. Yukino smiled at their antics as she sat in an almost throne like chair.
"The next two both also back for revenge on Fairy Tail are Rufus and Orga."
The crowd roared again. "Do you think they ever stop cheering?" Orga said waving.
"Ha, I have no memory of it, they will be hoarse by the end of the week." Rufus chuckled.
"The final debuting member to Team sabre-tooth is probably the youngest member they have, still he has made quite the name for himself around Fiore so give it up for Aaron Helm."
"No way!" Wendy and Carla said, sure enough the redheaded boy from the beach over a month ago strode boldly into the arena along with his friends. "He's strong enough to make it on to Sabre-tooth's team," Wendy began to blush when he turned his head to Fairy Tail's box. Carla sighed. Suddenly something else seemed to draw Aaron's attention he looked over to Chelia in Lamia Scale with a bemused look on his face. Wendy noticed Chelia also blushed and turned away. Wendy's heart fluttered she grabbed it not knowing what was going on.
"Now this the team you have all been waiting for, they came fifth in the preliminary round but we know that none of you have any doubts of their strength, ladies and gentlemen it's time to reveal the strongest guild in Fiore here comes Team Fairy Tail!" The crowd roared louder than ever, Fairy Tail included, as the five strongest mages of Fairy Tail entered the arena. Their faces were resolute and their statures were strong.
"Now if you don't know who is walking out that door right now you are a fool. Leading this year's team is none other than Laxus Dreyar." Laxus thrust his hand to the sky and lightning began to shoot out. "And next to him is the incredible ice make wizard Gray Fullbuster and the hero of last year's dragon attack, Natsu Dragneel!" The crowd gave an enormous roar as they too held up their hands to release their magic's joining with Laxus'. The magic seemed to come together and very quickly moulded into the insignia of Fairy Tail causing the crowd to gasp.
"Here she is supposedly the best woman in Fiore with a blade it's Erza scarlet." Erza requiped into her heaven's wheel armour and flung swords into the air until they surrounded the guild mark in swords.
"And the final member of Team Fairy Tail and no doubt their secret weapon debuting this year, everybody meet Link!" The cheers for Link were much quieter as he walked into the arena covered in his dirty hooded cloak. He smirked underneath the hood the rush of the arena filling him. He had never seen so many people and rather than getting stage fright all he could feel was excitement as to proving what he could do. He noticed him and his team were receiving some harsh glances, Laxus wasn't kidding they were all out to get them.
Chapati had to wait for the crowd to die down before he could introduce the next guild and it took quite some time.
"Well then the next guild is our favourite all female guild lead by the scarily strong Kagura its Mermaid Heel."
The five women representing Mermaid Heel all walked out looking bold.
"Grand Magic game regulars Milliana, Arana and Risley are joining her as well as another debuting member the mysterious Iris."
Link and Erza quickly swiped their heads around at the name. Link's eyes met Iris's as she curtly nodded her face ambiguous and unreadable under the traditional sheikah bandages.
"I was wondering when we would next see her." Erza said.
"Hmm, I was wondering what she was up to, I'm surprised she ended up joining a guild." Link answered back pondering what her motives for being here could be.
"Hmm, yes the members of Mermaid Heel are looking tougher than ever just like all the guilds here, so far it is looking to be quite the competition this year." Yajima pondered.
"Ah yes I absolutely agree, but there are two more guilds left to introduce the both of which are debuting in the grand magic games, first up, it seems after a total reform the once dark guild Insignia has changed its colours and made it to the top of the food chain." Only some of the crowd cheered as the five walked out of the gates but all five members were smiling and waving.
Link looked round and nodded at Roran who was leading the pack of mages.
"Now these mages are all new to the games so please give them a warm welcome, leading them is the earth mage Roran and next to him is his beautiful girlfriend Cryse." The crowd began to cheer louder and Cryse spread her wings. Roran grinned looking around the arena.
"The three members behind them are Hero, Linebeck and the most recent addition to the guild Azuma." The guild cheered louder now but Erza turned in shock. She caught eyes of Azuma, he was tall and incredibly muscular, his dark face matched his dark brown dreadlocks. He grinned at Erza and nodded, Erza just watched as he walked past.
"Someone you know?" Link asked,
"Aye, I fought him once on Tenrou Island when he was in a dark guild called grimoire heart, he almost beat me." Erza said.
Link was interrupted when Chapati spoke up again. "And last but not least is another debuting guild that was formed recently their name is as shadowy as their nature here comes, Dragon's Shadow!"
The final guild walked out of the gates. The whole of Fairy tail gasped when they saw who was among them, Erza looked over to Azuma to see that he was also shocked.
"Among Dragon's shadow are the Mages, Vaati, Puldrek, Stefan, Zancrow and Rustyrose."
The five mages walked through the arena to their positions, Vaati was a tiny imp of a man with purple skin and pointy ears, he could easily be mistaken for a child despite his bearings as an adult. Puldrek walked aside his beast who had also entered the arena. He looked over to insignia and scoffed at the look Roran was giving him. Stefan had short black hair and was wearing glasses and a lab coat he looked around the other competitors with a keen watchful eye which ended up resting on Link. The other two were known by members of Fairy Tail and Azuma as former members of the dark guild Grimoire Heart, Natsu grimaced whilst looking at Zancrow. Zancrow noticed and gave him an evil looking smirk.
"And so that is it, you are now looking at the forty mages who will be competing in the eighth grand magic games and don't they all look powerful. It is anybody's guess who will take victory but there is no doubt that whoever it is will have to work hard to get there, join us tomorrow for the first day of games where we will reveal this year's set up." The crowd cheered once again as the mages began to file out.
(…)
Gray's fist smashed through the table, "what the hell is going on? How have not one but five dark guild mages made it into the games?"
"Gray, your shirt?" Cana pointed out from behind a mug of ale.
"You never know Gray maybe they are changed people." Lucy said trying to diffuse him, she was not surprised he was angry after what Grimoire Heart had done to everyone. She was on edge that Puldrek was in the games, it had taken three of them to beat him and his monster last time.
"And Gray, did you see how Azuma and Rustyrose looked at each other, it is quite obvious they no longer agree on certain things." Erza stated.
"Besides, if Roran trusts him enough to let them join his guild then I think we can assume he is safe." Link joined in, Gray grunted as he subconsciously removed his trousers.
"Well, personally I don't really mind it, it's about time I showed that god slayer punk a thing or two." Natsu said smashing his flaming fists together.
"The thing we should be worried about is the rest of the new guild, we know three of them already have a bad track record." Mira said worried. The guild's concerns began to build as voices were raised.
"Alright brats, let's not get worked up over this, this is hardly as bad as Raven Tail was last year. For now we will simply observe their actions. If Dragon's Shadow turns out to be shady we will act but otherwise we should treat them like any other opponent." Makarov surmised. "Anyway enough of this talk of darkness we're meant to be having a party aren't we come on we made it through the preliminaries!"
Everyone cheered for their team and began to once again make merry and discuss the predictions on what was going to happen in the next few days. The air of excitement building just waiting to flourish into a famous Fairy Tail brawl.
Link during all the loudness sat quietly in his chair, despite the fact that Gray and Natsu had so much energy, Link was tired after the climb the night before, he had only had a few hours of sleep before the ceremony. For a moment he glanced down at his left hand. His triforce glowed dimly. Erza noticed this.
"Are you alright Link?"
"I'm fine, it's just itching a little, how's yours?"
"It's the same but it doesn't really bother me much, maybe it's stronger for you because you've had it longer." Erza suggested.
"No I don't think it's that. Hey Erza you haven't had any dreams recently?" Link asked.
"No more than usual they have been quieter since we… you know."
"What?"
"Started sharing a bed?"
"Oh," Link said in understanding. During their recent training camp the pair had taken to sharing the same tent, not in a sexual sense, just so they could be close to each other. It had had a soothing effect on Erza's sleep, she was normally a light, tense sleeper but with Link by her side she felt safe and secure. It was something she couldn't explain herself.
"Why do you ask?" Erza asked.
"I'm not sure yet, I'll tell you when I know." Link said with a frown. "Hey Erz do you mind if we go visit Iris there's something I need to find out?"
Erza looked confused but nodded, "Tell you what you go ahead, I'll come by later maybe I haven't seen Kagura and Milliana in a long time."
"Alright then see you in a bit." Link said, he was tempted to kiss her but they were still nervous in front of the guild so he just smiled awkwardly before sneaking out.
(…)
The night covered streets of Crocus were simply enchanting, Link strolled through them at an incredibly casual pace enjoying the sights of the moonlit city. Tonight the sweet floral scent of the city was merged with the smell of alcohol and food as the city celebrated the opening of the games. A few times Link bumped into bumbling drunks on their way home, he was happy to help them if they needed it and did so with a smile. He noticed that he found it hard to shake of the more drunk females that he bumped into but managed it in the end. He soon reached the inn Mermaid Heel were occupying, much like Fairy Tail's it was large but humble and seemed to have a tropical theme going on. Taking a deep breath Link walked into the building.
Although he knew mermaid heel was an all-female guild he was quite taken aback at how many women were here. He felt incredibly out of place immediately. A member of the guild noticed Link walk in and eyed him with a sharp glare. Link's eyes were drawn to her electric green hair and her formfitting outfit, he recognised her from the arena but couldn't recall her name. She began to walk over to him with a distinctive sway in her hips.
"You know, it takes a lot of guts for a man to walk in here on his own." She said with a sweet smile. The other members of the guild were beginning to be drawn into the scene. She stopped in front of him, they were of equal heights. "My you are quite handsome aren't you, no wonder you can walk in here with such bravado."
Link blushed slightly and scratched the back of his head before he could speak he felt a presence behind him.
"Arana that's not fair, you can't bag him this fast-nya." A girl appeared behind him. She was wearing a fairly skimpy outfit with incredibly feline facial features.
"Urm, listen girls…" Link started before he was interrupted by numerous other girls coming to check him out.
"Look at that armour, are you a knight?" One girl asked.
"Nah, it must be a costume he has no sword." Link was quickly becoming overwhelmed by the women.
"Hey, knight come have a drink with us." A group shouted from the left.
"Alternatively you could allow me to catch you in my web." The green haired woman suggested.
Link suddenly felt a vicious glare from the side of the room, a woman with long black hair wearing white was glaring at him from behind a magazine. Folding said magazine she stood up menacingly, Link knew instantly that he was in trouble. In an instant someone grabbed Link's tunic and pulled him with a familiar strength out of the group of women. His lips collided with another's and he closed his eyes savouring it. The kiss was insanely familiar and Link smiled at the taste of strawberries. He opened his eyes as the kiss finished and looked into Erza's brown eyes. The rest of Mermaid heel watched in shock. Even Kagura looked on surprised.
"Evening ladies," Erza started, "I'd appreciate it if you kept your hands off this buffoon, he is my boyfriend after all." The guild was silent with shock for a moment but very quickly they started to depart knowing that Link was not up for grabs.
"Erza? You got a boyfriend-nya? No fair." Milliana huffed.
"I'm surprised, but congratulations on getting such a hunk of man meat." Risley spoke up.
"Thanks?" Erza said unsurely as she received all kinds of other praise. It was soon Kagura walked up to Erza parting the crowd with her mere presence.
"It's good to see you… sis." She said embarrassed.
"Oh come on Kagura, you say that so formally," Erza pulled her into a tight hug against her hard chest-plate. "I can't believe how adorable you are." She cooed. The rest of the guild watched smirking as their strongest member was being treated like a five year old by her pseudo big sister.
Kagura soon escaped Erza's iron grip before inviting her and Link to the booth she was in. Erza couldn't help but feel numerous jealous stares on her back and Link couldn't help but feel her discomfort.
"So, you got yourself a boyfriend, I'm surprised I didn't think he was your type." Kagura started glaring at Link.
"Well we haven't been going out for long but yes I did. Kagura this is Link." Link smiled and waved slightly. Kagura seemed surprised by this and took up the magazine she had just been reading.
"Wait, you're the one who is entering the games with Fairy Tail." Kagura smiled almost evilly, "Well I've heard quite a bit about you." Link was feeling some fairly negative vibes coming from Kagura. She dropped the magazine on the table open on a spread featuring this year's Fairy Tail team.
"Obviously not from here, you're the dark horse of this competition not many know about you, of course we have a small advantage as you have probably guessed.
Link looked at his small section in the article next to the small amount of text was a picture of him under his hood.
'Link – little is known about Fairy Tail's mysterious last entry, he has been at the guild for over half a year and commonly goes on missions with Erza Scarlet and Team Natsu. His abilities are a total mystery as nothing was revealed in the preliminary round other than the use of an odd claw like contraption and the use of a crystal shield. He also seemed to be the owner of the large red bird that annihilated many guilds on the climb up the tower of Babel. We will be keeping an eye on the mage but make no mistake he will be key to Fairy Tail's victory this year. He's so mysteriously COOOOL.'
"So you of course will know a lot more about my abilities since me and Iris know each other." Link stated,
Kagura nodded "you're a swordsman, from what I've heard, a very good one. I will be greatly looking forward to going up against you at some point." Kagura's eyes flitted to Erza, Link could definitely feel a dark vibe from her, she didn't like him and he had no idea why.
"Speaking of Iris do you know where she is?" Erza asked trying to cut the dark look Kagura was giving Link.
"Unfortunately no, she left a little bit ago, we haven't known her long she only joined recently but she seemed on edge." Kagura pondered looking over at the door.
Link clenched his left hand. "I see, Well it was nice seeing you, I'm sorry we can't stay longer but we have to be in fighting shape for tomorrow."
"Of course, I wouldn't want you any other way," Kagura threatened, "this year, we're gonna take you all down."
Erza smiled, "bring it on lil' sis." She then got out of the booth and headed to the door saying goodbye to the various guild members she knew.
Before Link could leave Kagura grabbed his hand. "I'm gonna tear you two apart, no one gets between me and my big sis, you're not worthy of her affection and I'm going to prove it." Kagura said threateningly. Link looked at her confused then realised what all her dark vibes were about, she was jealous.
Link then smiled which took her back, he released his hand from hers and tussled her hair "I look forward to seeing you try… Surely if your Erza's little sis that would make me your future big bro."
Link saw her become insanely furious but decided to make a quick exit before anything else happened. As he and Erza left they left a fuming Kagura as well as a bunch of love hungry young women.
"Don't be afraid to come back again cutie!" He heard as they shut the door. Erza glared at the door jealously. Link chuckled and pulled her close to him taking her gauntleted hand in his. Erza knew then there was no real need to be jealous but she still moved closer to him and they began their moonlit walk back to their own guild.
(…)
Eight guilds stood up in their respective boxes, the tension in the great arena was building as the stare down began. This was it, the first real day of the Grand Magic Games, the first match was soon to be announced and every guild was shivering with anticipation, to prove that they were the best right off the bat.
Link stood in the box next to his team, he was no longer wearing the hooded cloak and had put his old hat back on, his sword and shield were still hidden in his pouch. Natsu was surprisingly incredibly calm as if he were charging himself up on the atmosphere in the arena. Link would be lying if he said he wasn't nervous, he had never fought in the presence of such a crowd. It was quite terrifying.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to day one of the grand magic games!" A voice resounded around the arena, lacroma screens flew open to view the commentators' panel. "I am today's announcer Chapati I'm here along with my good friend Yajima who will be helping me up here as well as our special guest judge, Princess Hisui E. Fiore!" The crowd roared as she stood up.
"It's a pleasure to be here everyone." The princess smiled and waved.
"So she finally got that pumpkin head off huh?" Lucy said happily.
Behind Hisui was an imposing shadow, no one had any doubt it was the white knight Arcadios.
"Now," Chapati began, "Every year the event has been split into five daily games however this year we have something totally new and exciting planned so we would ask all the participants to enter the arena."
The crowd began to murmur in confusion wondering what was about to happen.
"Yo, gramps you know what's going on?" Natsu asked.
"Hmmm, I'm not quite sure but it seems they have been planning this for some time. Head down there but all of you stay vigilant. I have confidence in your abilities." Makarov said. The rest of the guild agreed happily and so the five mages made their way down to the arena. They walked out to be greeted by their rival 35 mages.
"Now Mato will explain how these games are going to work." Chapati announced.
"Hehehe, good morning everyone now before I explain what's going to happen kabo, you all need to link hands with your team mates." The small pumpkin headed mascot told everyone. The mages suddenly got wary unsure what was about to happen but agreed, Link joined hands with Laxus and Gray and Erza was required to stop Gray and Natsu fighting. Natsu was currently crippled on the floor from Erza's vice grip.
"Now prepare yourselves, kabo! Activate the gateway!"
"Wait what?" Almost all the mages said. Before they could react two enormous magic circle opened both above and below them and an insane amount of magic power was poured between them. Link instantly felt weird his body reacting to the magic surrounding him. All of a sudden there was a flash and the stadium totally vanished.
Fairy Tail found themselves in a small jungle clearing.
"Wait, what? Where the hell are we?" Gray said looking around.
Laxus grunted he refused to show his surprise and sharpened his suspecting eyes.
"Were we teleported perhaps?" Link thought.
"Hehehe, welcome Mages to this year's grand magic arena." A lacroma screen flashed open next to them and the face of Mato appeared before them. "Now I am sure you're all rather confused but it is time to reveal all – kabo. The theme of this year's grand magic games is survival and so you have all been teleported to a special arena to allow for such an event. The island you are on is roughly one hundred square miles large and each guild has been placed at different positions on the island. Your first aim is simply to survive you have been sent to this island with nothing but your magic and intuition to help you so I would recommend finding food and shelter… Especially before nightfall kabo. You'll get more information later on in the games so good luck kabo… You'll need it." The pumpkin head mentioned eerily.
Fairy tail grimaced, the grand magic games had finally begun.