Hello, everyone! One Half here again!
Okay, first thing first. As some of you probably remember, I was complaining about my eyes… Well, my illness appeared to be much more serious than I thought, in the end I'm ended up with surgery. Currently, I'm still recovering after it and I can't work at PC for more than 4 hours yet, so there's pitifully little time to do anything but work. My recovery should take about one month more. But even after that I'm intending to take it easy, so updates will be coming out slowly until summer. Sorry about that, but I have what I have…
Now, for the reviewers:
Rajo: Again, thank you for being my reader and for big review, your opinion is really valuable. As for your question… Well, maybe word 'hypocrisy' really didn't hit the mark, I just wanted to avoid tautology with words 'lie' and 'liar'.
Goal be Quick: Yo! Thanks for the review, and believe me, I'm working as fast as I can in my current condition.
mulabitchesmula: Thank you and sorry for long wait.
Fanficlover909925: Yeah, such a long chapters are really bad for fingers…
FanFictionHunter: You're right about Juvia but how exactly Ultear may catch Natsu's interest? She's just a human and her magic is so flawed…
Rocky wolf24, Guest: Thanks you, guys, let's continue with the story.
I believe I didn't forget anyone, if so – my deepest apologies. Now, let's proceed.
Blue22 lighting: Thanks a lot, believe me, I really enjoy writing this fic!
I hope I didn't forget anyone, if so – my deepest apologizes. Now, let's proceed. Initially, I wanted to tie up all loose ends in this chapter and start the Edolas arc in the next one right away, but when it became obvious that it's turning into another monstrous 20k+ words chapter I decided to split it in two. As such, this chapter is mostly the comical omake, so don't look at characters' actions here too seriously. Though, here's some important thoughts as well.
Also, I'd like to answer a popular question I see in PM. I read quite a lot of chapter of the so-called 'sequel' to Fairy Tail – "the 100 years quest" and I really can't see it as a canonical material. As such, aside from geography, I'll ignore all events described in there. I may change my mind, but now I see no reasons to do so.
Don't forget to leave a review!
Chapter XXXVIII – Psycho Circus, Part IV
…
February 18, X785, Late morning, SIR, "Host Zone".
The 'Host Zone' of a Sphere of Inverted Reflections (SIR) serves as an anchor for other zones. All ley lines merge here, and all ethernano flows cross here. However, aside from time flow difference (like the rest of SIR), Host Zone have no special properties. In large SIRs that belongs to major factions, Host Zone is just a service zone, intended for service personal only. However, since Natsu's SIR is very small (for now), he couldn't waste such a precious space for nothing. As such, this Host Zone became a 'common training grounds', i.e., "elemental" zones are intended for people, who possess corresponding elemental attribute, whilst host zone (currently) is meant for sparring, group tactical training, etc… Also, due to big time flow difference with the outer world, this SIR is not intended for permanent residence.
Due to all aforementioned circumstances, in Natsu's SIR exists only one more or less solid building – mess hall (at least Natsu plans to use it as such). It is located in 'Host Zone', few miles away from the SIR's entrance. However, currently this building was used… not by purpose, so to say.
"Mhmmm…" Erza moaned sweetly as she stretched her limbs. The smile on her face was senseless but blissful. Right now, she was lying on table (which actually is meant for dinner), as Natsu was still sleeping beside her, tightly holding her right arm. Orgy and sodomy, which transpired in this room ever since Erza finished her first re-origination and was brought here by Natsu, cannot be described with words, so there's no reason to even try. As Natsu was still holding Erza right arm, she raised her left and thoughtfully looked at it.
She was well aware that all magical beasts' bodies (including dragons) are stronger than those of humans. But she never thought that difference actually is so huge. Considering all those perversions she went through within last 60 hours, if she still would've been a human, she'd most likely been dead two days ago due to exhaustion. But with her current physique… she actually wouldn't mind to continue. Too bad, but there's no more time for that.
"Good morning," She smiled again as she felt gentle kiss on her earflap, Natsu also woke up.
Instead of a reply, Natsu just pressed Erza's head to his own, tightly, and quietly whispered "I love you…" As she heard his gentle voice, Erza felt a surge of passion, but as she tried to embrace her lover and kiss him, he skillfully wriggled out and jumped down from table, on which he and his wife were sleeping. "Sorry, cara mea, but I'm afraid there's no more time for that," God of ruin said with apologetic tone.
"Nasty boy… Erza mumbled resentfully, seriously, he ignited her passion and then ran away… but she knew his modus operandi long before their wedding, so no sense complaining now. She unwillingly sat up and then slipped down from table. Standing on wooden floor, she looked over herself, obviously, after everything that transpired before, a shower would've come in handy.
Naturally, Natsu had similar thoughts. "Come, I want to show you something," Natsu called for his wife, as he headed towards building's exit, "It's not far."
"Hmm?" Erza looked at Natsu questioningly but followed him. The place that Natsu wanted to show was a small river, or a waterfall on that river, to be more precise. Its water wasn't just clear and refreshing, it also was rich with yin-attuned ethernano, which is quite useful for female wizards of any race.
Whilst Erza was enjoying cool flow of water, Natsu returned to mess hall and took a common shower in small service building nearby. He didn't join his wife due to two reasons. First – he's male and yin-attuned ethernano is useless for him, and second – if they'd been taking shower together, it could lead to… undesirable delay, and Natsu couldn't allow that. According to his calculations, Mirajane should complete her re-origination within next few hours, and if she'll find herself all alone when she'll wake up, that may seem… unpolite.
When Erza returned fifteen minutes later, Natsu already was dressed up, he just put his sword, Magna Ruina, behind his back when his wife entered the building. That yin-rich river definitely was a nice find (such anomalies are common for SIRs), as Erza now was glowing with liveliness, especially her silver-colored, lotus-like irises. But seeing Natsu's actions, she-dragon actually remembered about quite important thing, "Natsu, what about my clothes?" She asked. She was naked since the moment she finished her re-origination, and she was fine with being like that for no matter how long when she's with her lover, but since they're going somewhere, Erza would prefer… to not disturb the public order.
"Who do you think I am?" Natsu rolled his eyes, "Of course everything is prepared," He added, pointing at small wardrobe near the wall, "Top drawer."
Erza approached the wardrobe and opened the drawer. Inside, she found black, hi-waist sport panty, made of some elastic material, pearl-colored light sandals, and light-silver colored, sleeveless, knee-long qipao cheongsam, with cuts on both tights. Dress seemed light and elegant, but thanks to cuts on both sides it wasn't hindering mobility. Obviously, these clothes weren't from Erza's wardrobe, these were brand new, that Natsu get for here while she was performing re-origination.
She quickly dressed up and looked over herself. "Natsu…" She said uncertainly, "Don't you think this outfit a bit too revealing?" True to her words, this dress was showing a lot of her skin (and scales).
"Perhaps," Natsu replied as he quickly approached his spouse, not trying to hide his rapture about her looks, "But most beautiful woman in the world has no right to hide her beauty!"
"Natsu, I'm not a doll, which you can dress up just as you like!" Erza tried to feign indignation, but her smile, that appeared when Natsu called her most beautiful in the word, made this attempt absolutely unconvincing.
"Such cute horns…" Natsu said quietly as he gently kissed his wife's forehead whilst his right arm slightly touched one of six horns, which now were crowning Erza's head.
"Nasty boy…" Erza mumbled as Natsu's actions completely melted her heart. Probably, in this condition she'd agreed to come naked if he'd asked to…
"C'mon, let's go, there's a lot of things to do," Natsu said as he took Erza's palm, and they both left the building.
February 18, X785, Afternoon, SIR, "Darkness Zone".
Natsu and Erza have arrived to the small but relatively deep valley, covered with tall trees with dark-purple leaves. In the very middle of the valley, a blood-red cocoon (about six feet in diameter) was floating two feet above the black-purple grass. About forty feet away from the cocoon, a black-haired girl, dressed in black sport underwear, was sitting on her knees with her eyes closed. Last time, when Erza was finishing her re-origination, Luciferona didn't come, out of politeness, as she would've been out of place at "family reunion". This time, however, it is her teammate who's completing re-origination, and if she won't be present, it will be against team's spirit. Besides, she was very curious to see how re-origination ends – eventually, she'll have to pass through a similar procedure, after all.
As Erza and Natsu approached, Luciferona opened her eyes. "Magister," She slightly bowed to Natsu, and then looked at Erza, "Erza-san, good to see you in good health… wow, you look so stylish!" She added as she took a good look at Erza's new clothes, her qipao cheongsam, in particular.
"Tha… thank you," Erza stuttered a little. Since she was virtually cut off from the world during last three and half a month, she had no chance to get used to 'new' Lucy's personality.
In the meantime, Natsu approached the cocoon and took a good look inside. "Oh, nice, we've arrived just in time, only eyelashes and fingernails remain."
"Nothing strange happened while I was watching over Mirajane," Luciferona reported.
"Good, then let's just wait a bit, she should be done within an hour," Natsu suggested.
45 minutes (local time) later.
Just as Natsu assumed, less than an hour has passed when everyone presents here felt a disturbance. All three looked at blood-red cocoon, as cracks began to web over its surface. Finally, with bright crimson flash, the cocoon dissipated, revealing a snow-haired girl, who spent last ten weeks (of local time) inside of that cocoon. Just barely, but Mirajane made it – tomorrow (in outer world) will be her 20th birthday, and she'll be able to celebrate it properly.
Mirajane slowly opened her eyes and stood up from her knees. As it was mentioned, consciousness and subconsciousness are playing equal role in re-origination, creating DNA and then creating their new bodies according to that DNA (first stage), step by step. As such, only after the process is complete, the performer can take a good look at himself (herself) and evaluate the result. By the way, Erza wanted to do the same with her new body, but Natsu distracted her immediately after she woke up, so when, a bit later, she discovered those neat little horns that now crowning her head, she was quite surprised. But since Natsu took liking of those horns, Erza had no reasons to worry.
Mira was examining herself for about ten seconds, and then let out a sigh of relief – she didn't get any weird feature. No, since Mirajane decided to walk the path of magic, she was prepared to pay the price, even if that price will be her beauty, but since everything turned out alright, she was quite relieved. While she was looking at herself, other three were doing the same… okay, other two, Erza wasn't really interested.
But of course, Natsu didn't know Mira's body nearly as good as he knew his wife's. Even though he examined her right before she began (with little scandal), he probably won't notice one or two percent changes in her dimensions and stature. He only noticed two small changes. First – Mira's hair – one thread of her hair (on forelock) became blood-red. Second – her eyes – they were of the same size, color and shape as before, but if one'll take a closer look, he'll notice a thin blood-red ring around each of her irises. And that was it – Natsu didn't notice any more changes.
"Congratulations, Mirajane," Lucy greeted her teammate. Yes, by the way, after quite a lot of thinking she decided to not change her name officially. She decided to keep her given name and use name "Luciferona" as her alias, after all she had no reasons to dislike the name given by her parent, despite her tensed relationships with her father during last few years. Initially, tiger-girl wanted to change her name to prove that she has nothing to do with her imagined self, but obviously it is much better to do with her actions, not words. Of course, she informed Natsu that she won't mind if he wants to call her Rona.
"Yeah, nicely done," Natsu agreed. Erza just waved her arm – she was performing re-origination in parallel with Mira, so from her POV they've seen each other just a few days ago. Besides, she was very displeased about that Mirajane stands naked in front of her husband. She knew that there's no way around, since she also performed re-origination, but it was really hard for she-dragon to keep her yanderish impulses at bay.
"Hurry up and give her the clothes," Erza asked Lucy, who was holding a bag with Mirajane's clothes that she took off before she attempted re-origination.
"Wait!" Mira suddenly exclaimed as she raised her hand, asking everyone to stay back. Then she performed two hand seals in rapid succession, creation a power seal over her body, "Miko no Chishiru!" [Priestess of Blood] As red light enveloped Mirajane, her skin was torn open at multiple spots as multiple torrents of blood flowed out of those 'wounds'. Blood quickly gathered over Mira's body, forming a quite revealing armor made of blood. In the meantime, two large streams of blood bursted out of Mirajane's wrists, forming a massive scythe, with ten feet long shaft and seven feet long blade, both shaft and blade were decorated with many horrific images (undead-themed).
"AAAARGH!" With wailing war cry, Mirajane swung her scythe, sending forth a crimson shockwave. Arc-shaped shockwave hit one of the valley's walls, and made a deep fissure in it, showing excellent destructive capabilities of Mirajane's new magic.
*Clap* *Clap* *Clap* Lucy clapped her palms several times, applauding to Mirajane.
"Impressive," Natsu said calmly. Actually, the spell that Mirajane just displayed was quite a sloppy work, she'll need a lot of training to learn how to use her new spells effectively, but, most likely, Mirajane knows that herself, so Natsu didn't say anything about that to not discourage his protégé.
Erza didn't say anything, she just thought, 'Finally you got magic creepy enough to fit your obnoxious personality…'
In the meantime, as Mirajane cancelled her spell, her weapon and armor dissipated as blood returned into her body and all her wounds were closed. Lucy approached Mirajane and gave her the bag with her clothes, and whilst Mira was dressing up, Natsu spoke out, "Alright, I'd like to congratulate all of you with success of your training efforts, but now we really have to visit the guildhall, especially you," Natsu addressed his wife, "The guild is full of weird gossips regarding your absence…"
"No doubts…" Erza replied, narrowing her eyes as her lotus-shaped irises flashed with starlight. "Those people really can't keep their mouths shut… but that's alright," She said, mashing her knuckles, "A short lesson of good manners should bring them back to their senses…"
Lucy and Mirajane just looked at each other and slightly shook their heads as Natsu just waved his arm, saying, "Do as you see fit." With that being said, he headed towards SIR's exit as three girls followed him.
Omake – Changes' Summary
During Nirvana's arc (and its aftermath), several characters underwent serious changes, so I guess it's time to update and supplement their guild cards.
Guild card № 4/781 (Updated)
Name: Natsu Bloodfallen
Aliases: The Accursed God, The God of Ruin
Birthdate: 7.10.X766 (18 years old)
Birthplace: Arx Tenebris (Realm of Pandemonium)
Family: Supreme Goddess of War, Morrigan (northwestern pantheon) – mother; Ramiel, the Fallen Watcher – father; Erza Bloodfallen – consort.
Affiliation: Fairy Tail wizards' guild, S-class mage; Ten Wizards Saints, member.
Guild Crest Position: Right bicep, dark blue (changed its color after Natsu got hos domain and new power).
Evolution type: Birthright (Natsu doesn't need any type of evolution).
Power: Mantra of Ruin (wicked weave), Sixteen Nights in Sixteen Hells (Sword arts set), Thunderglow Sword (Sword Arts Set), Fallen Blade (Sword Arts Set).
Elemental Attribute: Pulsar – thunder (45%) and metal (55%) combination.
Notable Equipment: Two-handed sword Magna Ruina, honorbound saint-grade sacred artifact.
Power description: from aside Natsu's power seems similar to common lightning magic, but of course, considering Natsu's lineage, power that he acquired when he got his domain cannot be simple. Besides, power acquired by a god always fits his attribute. Actually, Natsu's spells essentially are charges of heavy metal (Curium-250), which have a shape of torrents of liquid-like lightning thanks to electroweak force fields. Natsu's spells by themselves have peerless piercing capabilities, but also Natsu can use his power to create secondary electromagnetic fields to propel chunks of metal, for example. Also Natsu is a master swordman, who has access to three top-grade sword arts sets.
Additional Trait: Thanks to the curse that Natsu contracted when he woke up Sin, he got Special Body Constitution-like trait that forces him to use wicked weave instead of magic or mystic weave.
Guild card № 32/784 (Updated)
Name: Erza Bloodfallen
Alias: Holy Dragon Princess
Birthdate: 4.04.X765 (19 years old, estimated birthday, real one is unknown)
Birthplace: Unknown (spent her childhood in orphanage)
Family: Supreme Goddess of War, Morrigan (northwestern pantheon) – mother-in-law; Ramiel, the Fallen Watcher – father-in-law; Natsu Bloodfallen – consort; names and statuses of real parents unknown.
Affiliation: Fairy Tail wizards' guild, S-class mage;
Guild Crest Position: Left elbow, silver-colored (Erza lost her guild crest in process of re-origination, when she got new one it became silver-colored).
Evolution type: Bloodline Inheritance.
Parental Being: Andromeda the Starbinder, Imperial Princess of Golden Eternity Dragon tribe.
Power: Covenant of Stars (magic, will evolve to mystic weave after Erza's 3rd re-origination), Star Crystal (Runic art); Holy Dance (Sword arts set), Hidden Blade (Sword Arts Set).
Elemental Attribute: Quicksilver – fire (50%) and metal (50%) combination.
Notable equipment: Astrum and Eclipsis pair bastard swords, moon-tier indestructible-grade sacred artifact (set counts as one artifact).
Power description: Erza's Star Dragon Slayer magic uses energy of light to create flows of ion plasma, which she can control via magnetic fields. Thermal plasma, made of plasmatised heavy metal (thorium-232), heated approximately to 20,000 Kelvins, can incinerate almost everything. Just like in Natsu's case, the complex nature of this magic makes most anti-magic measures ineffective against her advanced spells. Due to an initial mislead, Erza started to learn Flame dragon slayer magic, however, she completely lost both access to flame spells and ability to consume flames after she learned true nature of her lacrima and the Dragon queen's soul now sleeps within her. Despite it seems like light, Erza's magic actually fire/metal based. Erza can use this destructive force in form of spells or in form of runic inscriptions.
Additional Trait: Erza possesses Special Body Constitution (SBC) – Heavenly Lotus Demonic Body.
Guild card № 17/784 (Updated)
Name: Lucy Heartfilia
Aliases: Luciferona, Woebringer, Tiger Slayer
Birthdate: 1.07.X767 (17 years old)
Birthplace: Kingdom of Fiore
Family: Jude Heartfilia (Father, Alive); Layla Heartfilia (Mother; Deceased).
Affiliation: Fairy Tail wizards' guild, mage;
Guild Crest Position: Upper part of right hip, dark violet.
Evolution type: Bloodline Inheritance.
Parental Being: Byakko, White Tiger of the West.
Power: Summoner of Woe (magic, will evolve to mystic weave after Lucy's 3rd re-origination), Infinite Horizon (Bow arts set).
Elemental Attribute: Abyss – darkness (64%) and void (36%) combination.
Notable equipment: Longbow Azure Rift Bow, moon-tier indestructible-grade sacred artifact.
Power description: Apparently, Lucy is able to draw tremendous amounts of power from another dimension (the realm where all terrible fantasies dwell). She can use this power directly (conjuring spells with Oko prefix), but her real power lies in summoning of horrible creatures or cataclysmic phenomena. Together with her bow, she's excellent combatant at long and very long distances… though, it doesn't mean that she's weak in close combat.
Guild card № 2/776 (Updated)
Name: Mirajane Strauss
Aliases: She-devil, Blood Valkyrie
Birthdate: 19.02.X765 (20 years old)
Birthplace: Kingdom of Fiore
Family: Elfman Strauss (younger brother, alive); Lisanna Strauss (younger sister; presumably deceased); parents (deceased).
Affiliation: Fairy Tail wizards' guild, S-class mage;
Guild Crest Position: Upper part of left hip, blood-red (Mirajane lost her guild crest in process of re-origination, when she got new one it appeared blood-red-colored).
Evolution type: Magical Avatar Physique.
Physique type: Bloodshadow Valkyrie physique.
Power: Transformation of Blood (magic).
Elemental Attribute: Shrapnel – metal (70%) and void (30%) combination (attribute changed according to Magical Avatar Physique specification).
Power description: This magic allows user to use his own blood in offence and defense, and, using advanced spells, to transform his surroundings to bloody hell.
When Natsu gave Mirajane a choice out of three 'recipes' in his possession, he was pretty sure that she's going to choose physique with abilities, similar to her Take Over magic. Other two scrolls Natsu showed just as examples. However, Mirajane, by reasons known only to her, bursted with enthusiasm when she's read the description of Bloodshadow Valkyrie physique. Natsu has no idea why Mire took liking of that malicious and dreadful magic, but he realized that he's quite far from understanding about what's going on in Mirajane's head.
Guild card № N/A (Being Natsu's familiar, Sin isn't an official member of Fairy Tail)
Name: Sinalledion
Aliases: Sin, Lord of the Damned, 8th guardian of Tower of Din
Birthdate: Sin was about 5 600 years old when he was captured by Tower of Din's forces, not long before beginning of War of Saints, which happened about 8 500 years ago. As such, technically Sin is about 14 100 years old.
Birthplace: Neraya Mountain Ridge (home of Heavenly Thundercloud Kirin tribe), Tower of Din (rebirth).
Family: Sin's family ties have withered long ago.
Affiliation: Crown Prince of Heavenly Thundercloud Kirin tribe (former); Guardian of Tower of Din (former), Fairy Tail wizards' guild, unofficial member.
Guild Crest Position: N/A
Evolution type: N/A
Race: Heavenly Thundercloud Kirin (undead).
Power: Chilling Flame of the Damned (wicked weave).
Elemental Attribute: Thasaidon – void (100%) – this isn't Sin's inborn attribute but one he got after rebirth in Tower of Din.
Power description: Apparently, Sin's Chilling Flame of the Damned has something to do with ultracold quantum gas, but that vague description doesn't explain how that horrible power actually works, especially in light of the fact that it equally harmful for both physical and ethereal bodies. The ways of Tower of Din are truly unfathomable.
Omake II – The 24 Hours Endurance Road Race
…
When Erza finally appeared in the guildhall, that caused a bit of stir, though it is hard to say what exactly was the reason of commotion – her unexplainable, two months long absence (outer world time), her new appearance features (horns and scales), or her new outfit.
Few people were discussing Mirajane's new haircut (that blood-red strand of hair), while guild was celebrating her birthday. By the way, Gray's wasn't present during Mira's birthday (though she didn't seem sad due to this). Apparently, he was on mission, but it is unknown – did he meet some issues during mission, or he intentionally took a long mission to have a legitimate reason to be absent. Either way, Gray's absence at his girlfriend's birthday and Mira's indifference about her boyfriend's absence – one doesn't need to be Natsu to realize that their relationships cooled down a lot. However, Natsu had no more intentions to interfere – he decided that those two are grown-ups enough to sort things out by themselves.
As for the reason why people wasn't gossiping about Erza, whose absence was quite a topic until recently – that was because one of guild's main annual events was drawing near – The 24 Hours Endurance Road Race.
February 22, X785, 11:50, Town of Magnolia, In front of guildhall's gates.
With exception of Gildarts, Laxus and Mystogan, entire guild has gathered in front of the guildhall. Due to rapid increase of the guild's roster, now there were more than 200 wizards – quite a crowd, to be honest. Also, a lot of townspeople gathered here, intending to watch the event – two large lacrima screens were installed on both sides from guild's gates.
Participation in the Endurance Race was conditionally compulsory – all Fairy Tail members must participate, with exception of those, whose physical condition doesn't allow them to participate (due to disease, trauma, etc…). Another possible excuse for absence – important mission (with 1 000 000+ jewels reward), for this reason, Gildarts, Laxus and Mystogan were absent.
Since Natsu joined Fairy Tail, it was his 4th Endurance Race, however, until now he never participated. He always was on mission during previous events. Today's event Natsu also wanted to skip – he still needs money to get resources for wood zone for his SIR, and quickly, because without wood zone he can't place metal zone. Besides, there are lot of ways to improve and extend his SIR, so he'll be needing a lot of resources in the future, as such, he'll need a lot of money. Endurance Race, on the other hand, is a waste of time, Natsu had very low opinion about that event.
Erza, on the other hand, really wanted to participate in Endurance Race, and of course she wanted to participate together with her husband. Natsu was quite displeased with her behavior, they even had a fight over it. In the end, Natsu gave up and agreed to participate in Endurance Race, but mentioned that she has to be 'punished', thus, he will not allow Erza to win, no matter the cost…
As Fairy Tail wizards were gathering near the start line, warming up and chatting, an infamous journalist from Sorcerer's weekly, Jason, was reporting from the scene: "So cool! It's that time of the year again! This grand event is here! Fairy Tail's traditional, all-wizards mandatory participation 24 hours road race!" Jason was screaming, holding a lacrima-powered microphone as several lacrima-powered cameras were flying over the place. "And I, Jason from the Sorcerer's weekly, will be doing the play by play!" He continued his 'report', looking at the large lacrima screen, "I'll be giving you the cool scoop on this hot event!"
"And here he is!" Jason found the person of note, "The undisputable titleholder for this road race, Jet!" The reporter came closer to the member of the team 'Shadowgear', who stood with quite arrogant expression on his face. "Rumors say he's compensating for being mostly useless on quests!" Jason added.
"Hey!" Jet retorted angrily.
"Just rumors, man!" Jason tried to calm him down.
Truth to Jason's words, Jet has several years-long streak of wins. A year ago, for example, he won easily, due to lack of competition. Natsu was absent, Erza was absent (she was secretly dating Natsu back then), Laxus and his team were absent, Mirajane was just a waitress without magic, others haven't joined Fairy Tail back then. This year, however, will be different entirely.
"Damn that Jet… He thinks this year's gonna be a walk in the park again," Gray growled grimly. Ice mage improved himself a lot since the last race, but he didn't get any new feature that could give him an edge in such event.
"That punk? Gray, don't make me laugh!" Mirajane snorted as she came closer to the ice wizard. "Today race's level is way higher than that of a previous one… victory will be mine!" Blood Valkyrie proclaimed.
"Nobody who says 'victory is mine' ever actually wins," Gajeel noted as he approached the start line.
"That changes today!" Mira announced as her eyes flashed with blood-red light.
"You… you don't have to show so much spirit…" Gray stuttered a bit.
A bit aside, Cana was drinking booze, right from the barrel. "Alright, let's do this!" She said, demonstrating a lot of ardor, which was quite rare for her.
"You're drinking? Right before we start the run?" Lucy asked in slight surprise, looking at Cana's actions.
"I can't run without fuel, right?" Cana reasoned.
"I shouldn't be surprised with such things anymore…" Tiger-girl sighed as Cana stepped aside, "Everyone's really revved up, though," She noted, looking at others guildmates, who usually just lazing about, most of the time.
"No one wants to face punishment, after all," Sin spoke out, descending near Lucy, "Last year Natsu was on mission, but he asked me to watch over things here… so he could secretly date with Erza, as I realize this now… well, doesn't matter – I'm saying that punishment was really idiotic, so don't relax. Such a 'punishment' may harm your reputation…"
"Don't bother," Tiger-girl replied as she smashed the ground with her three tails, making three cracks, "As I see it now, only three or four persons can compete with me here… and Jet isn't among them…" She smiled slightly, and, for some reason, that smile made Sin to pity Jet a bit.
Though, there was one person, who was explicitly demonstrating his lack of enthusiasm – Natsu. He was sitting at the edge of the wooden stage, thoughtfully looking at the blade of his sword, Magna Ruina.
"Ouch! Natsu, stop it!" Mirajane demanded when Natsu turned his blade so the sunlight reflected from it and hit the eyes of Fairy Tail mages.
"Oh, sorry," Natsu lazily apologized, continuing to stare at his blade.
"Natsu, if you're intending to behave like this for the whole day, then just take the mission and get out, you still have five minutes to register it and avoid this race!" Erza shouted at her husband, seemingly her patience has run out.
"Sorry, darling," Natsu replied as he slowly turned his head and looked at his wife, "But this morning you said that we're rivals till the end of the race… since when my rivals have a right to tell me what to do?"
"Humph!" Erza snorted and turned away from insolent god.
"Hey," Sin called as he flew closer to a she-dragon, "Don't let his explicitly indifferent appearance to deceive you… seemingly, you managed to piss him off quite a bit… his intentions are far from good…"
"I know," Erza replied as she again looked at her husband with narrowed eyes.
"QUIET, EVERYONE!" A loud voice resounded, it was master Makarov, who just appeared on the stage. "All members of Fairy Tail!" Master began his speech through lacrima-powered microphone, "A wizard is one with both strength of mind and body! I wish for you to utilize those powers to the utmost in today's competition!"
"Are we really have to be smart for this?" Elfman asked.
"Seems pretty much physical endurance to me," Gray noted.
'And this is why all of you will lose today,' Natsu thought as his eyes flashed with dark blue light.
"The rules are simple. You will run as fast as you can from the start line, then here along the appointed course, heading for town of Hargeon!" Makarov continued his speech, "You must reach the '8-Island' restaurant until tomorrow's noon! As a special motivator – first five to reach the place will be served for free!"
"Whoa!"
"Really?!"
"Yahoo!"
"Nice!"
Free meal idea earned a lot of approving shouts as master continued, "I won't accept any dropouts. If you are a Fairy Tail wizard, then you will run the distance, all the way to the Hargeon! Any type of magic is allowed!"
"All the way to Hargeon…" Reedus mumbled tiredly.
"Every year he just goes overboard…" Wakaba agreed.
"And of course, the person, who comes in last place, will face a punishment of which there is nothing scarier on the planet!" Makarov announced with wicked smile, freaking out almost entire guild.
"Isn't this all because the master looks forward to giving out the punishment?" Macao wondered.
"Last year was just awful…" Alzack trembled a bit.
"It's only one person, though," Gajeel said reasonably. "As long as you don't come in last, what's the problem?"
"That is a quite logical way of thinking," Erza nodded as she came closer to Gajeel and others, "But it is far too negative!"
"Oh, yeah?" Gajeel straightened his back.
"I compete only to win!" She-dragon announced as her lotus-like eyes glowed, "I wasn't training for two months just to be second!"
"She's really going for the win…" Iron dragon slayer was surprised with Erza's competitive spirit.
February 22, X785, 12:00, Town of Magnolia, In front of guildhall's gates.
"Now… it's finally time for the start!" Jason announced to his listeners. "Everyone's heading to the start line!"
"Levy, watch my start!" Jet called for the blue-haired girl.
"I don't have time for that!" Levy snorted and looked aside.
"Don't worry, I'll be watching you…" Lucy said mysteriously.
"You probably don't realize, Lu-chan, but we won't be able to watch his start even if we'd wanted to…" Levy explained uncertainly. Too bad, but, unlike imaginable Lucy, the real one has nothing in common with Levy, so their friendship was slowly withering. Right now, Levy just couldn't realize what Lucy is saying.
"Don't worry about it, Levy-chan," Tiger-girl replied simply.
"Ready!" Master announced as he raised his arm, "GO!" He said, producing a magical flash, accompanied by loud 'BANG' sound.
"Here I go!" Jet shouted as he used his magic and rushed forth, creating a powerful shockwave that knocked down almost all of Fairy Tail mages, "Hai Supīdo!" [High Speed]
"Pulling away right at the start, it's Jet again! Just like the last year!" Jason announced to his listeners.
Almost all Fairy Tail mages were knocked from their feet, and Levy was among them – now she was standing on all four, "Couldn't see him, right?" She asked with bitter smile.
"Wrong," Lucy replied – she wasn't knocked down, by the way. In the next moment, she summoned her bow, Sōko no Yumi, pulled the bowstring, and shot an arrow, aiming at Jet.
"Lu-chan?!" Levy screamed in shock but Lucy didn't utter a single word. In fact, she wasn't aiming at Jet, she was aiming slightly higher and on the left from him. Right at the moment when arrow was flying by Jet, Lucy disappeared within dark violet vortex and that arrow appeared near Levy, instead of tiger-girl.
In the meantime, Lucy appeared just above Jet, and, without giving him any time to react, smashed her boot to his side. Boom! That blow was strong enough to make Jet to fly through entire city block, and then he crashed into one of Magnolia train station walls, and fell on the ground, out cold completely. Several passengers were quite shocked with that event. "Nirokujū!" [Bicorn] At the same moment, Lucy smashed her palms to the ground, creating a power seal, summoning a ten feet high, horse-like creature with two horns, made of dark-violet energy. That was a bicorn, the antipode of unicorn, creature of chaos. "Go!" Tiger-girl ordered as she mounted her summoned steed.
"Lucy!?" Erza exclaimed, watching black-haired girl's actions in shock (just like the rest of the guild).
"Still thinking of her as of cute foolish girl?" Natsu asked, approaching his wife.
"I'm not talking to you!" Erza snorted, quickly regaining her wits.
"That little upstart!" Mirajane exclaimed angrily (despite Lucy is her teammate, today they're rivals). "I won't let you! Miko no Chishiru: Ketsu no Yoku!" [Priestess of Blood: Blood Wings] The red light enveloped Mirajane, her skin was torn open at multiple spots as multiple torrents of blood flowed out of those 'wounds'. Blood quickly gathered over Mira's body, forming a quite revealing armor made of blood. In the meantime, two large streams of blood bursted out of Mirajane's shoulder blades, forming two bird-like wings made of blood. Mirajane swung her wings and rushed after Lucy, eliciting a shockwave.
"WHAT THE HELL!?" Gray yelled as he was creeped out with Mira's new magic (just like the rest of the guild). Seems she didn't tell him about her new power; well, if she wanted to surprise him – she's definitely succeeded.
"You two, get back!" Erza shouted, in the next moment the ground shattered beneath her feet as she rushed to chase Mira and Lucy. After her re-origination, she no longer needs to cast her 'Drive' spell – it soaked into her bones and now always active.
"Those three bitches!" Gajeel roared, "I won't let you! Tetsuryū no Uroko!" [Iron Dragon Scales] Green light engulfed Gajeel's body as his skin became covered with metallic scales. He kicked the ground, making a crater, and rushed after three girls, his speed didn't seem inferior to Erza's.
Seeing this, one after another, Fairy Tail mages began to overcome their shock, getting back on their feet and rushing after Lucy, Mirajane, Erza and Gajeel. For example, Gray definitely wanted to catch up with Mira and ask her – what the hell is going on. In the meantime, on the road towards Hargeon, violet, blood-red, white and green flashes were lighting up the horizon. Seemingly, Mira caught up with Lucy, as did Erza and Gajeel, and that turned into chaotic, free for all brawl.
"Levy-san, Cana-san, if you'll pardon us!" Wendy apologized as she and Carla ran by two girls, who were still on lying on the ground.
"Today, everyone is our rival, you really don't have to be so polite," Carla noted to skymaiden. In today's race, all magic is allowed, including flight magic, but, seemingly, Carla willingly decided to not use this advantage and watch over her timid friend during the race.
"Crap!" Cana exclaimed.
"We're the last ones!" Levy screamed in panic.
"Now then, who will be getting the punishment? I can't wait!" Makarov laughed, watching his 'children' wreaking havoc, he was getting more and more excited. "Hmm?" But then old man noticed something weird. "Natsu!? Why you're still here?!" Makarov asked in surprise as he saw Natsu, who stood near the start line, leaning on his sword. "You want to receive a 'punishment', huh?" Master asked with foxy smile.
Natsu picked up his sword and approached Makarov. "Don't worry, Ojīsan," God of ruin said casually as he clapped Makarov's shoulder, "How can I not win this if I'm the only competitor?"
"Hmm?" Makarov looked at Natsu with puzzled expression, he didn't realize what he meant.
"Don't bother," Natsu waved his arm, "See you soon," He added as he made his sword to float three feet above the ground, jumped on it, and flew away.
'For the next year's race, I should ban the flight magic…' Makarov thought, as it is obviously an unfair advantage. Until now it wasn't a problem, but nowadays, a lot of flight magic users appeared – Natsu, Mirajane, Freed, Bickslow, Evergreen, Lucy (though her winged summons consume a lot of mana, for now), and maybe other, less famous mages. Of course, even if they're flying, they still have to follow the route, but still – ability to fly is an enormous advantage. With these thoughts in mind, Makarov headed to the guildhall, Jason and Sin followed him.
From inside the guildhall, Jason continued his report, "So unexpected, last year winner Jet is still out of commission! So cool! Other contenders are fighting just outside the city!" Lacrima-powered flying camera showed the chaotic battle between Gajeel, Erza, Lucy and Mirajane. "Then there's Nab and Warren leading the huge pack! Who will it be that makes a break for it?" Jason wondered, bringing his microphone closer to boney creature, "Let's hear from our coolest commentator, Sin!"
"With Jet being out of picture, the results of the race will be completely unpredictable," Sin noted as one of flying cameras showed Jet, who was still unconsciousness.
Watching at the lacrima-powered screen, Makarov yawned, "It seems that nothing interesting is going to happen until night, I'll go take a nap in my office," He informed, addressing the boney creature, "Sin, watch over things here for me." As he said that, old man headed to his office on second floor.
February 22, X785, 13:05, Magnolia's outskirts, Road to Hargeon
After about an hour of senseless fighting, four 'challengers' finally realized that all guildmates have already overtook them, and now they are candidates for 'punishment'. That circumstance, as well as fact that they've spent a lot of mana and stamina on completely useless battle, forced them into temporal peace agreement. To not turn the race into a circus again, they've agreed to not use movement-enhancing magic, including flight magic. Initially, Mirajane was against that agreement, but succumbed to 'social pressure'. As such, all four now were running along the road, trying to catch up with the rest of the guild mages. By the way, apparently, Raijinshū also decided to not use their flight capabilities to not ruin the competitive spirit – probably they were still feeling guilt for the events that have transpired during autumn festival last year.
In the meantime, since Fairy Tail wizards now were running outside the town – now they could use their magic freely. "Kaiga Mahō: Kansei!" [Pict Magic: Pitfall] Reedus did cast a spell as he drew a pitfall on his own belly. In the next moment, the same-looking pitfall appeared on the road as Max, Warren and Droy fell into it, screaming curses toward painting mage. "What a cinch!" Reedus laughed, drawing another pitfall on his belly, "Everyone, fall!"
But he was unable to finish his painting as he got a hard kick to his back and flew into the pitfall that he drew earlier, for Max, Droy and Warren. "That's what you get for layin' back and painting!" Gray laughed as he ran by the pitfall with four mages at its bottom. Without stopping, ice mage continued his advance, "Aisu Meiku: Furoa!" [Ice Make: Floor] Gray slammed his hands on the ground, creating a slippery layer of ice over the road ahead of him. Two dozens of running Fairy Tail mages, including Nab and Vijeeter, slipped on the icy road and fell, crashing into each other, creating a pile of bodies, which now were shivering due to ice's cold (in addition to February's cold). "All's fair!" Gray mocked the lying wizards as he looked back at them. Apparently, he decided to question Mirajane about her magic later…
"Gray, you bastard!" Nab angrily shouted at Gray, but he couldn't do much about this situation.
On the other hand, whilst Gray was looking back and mocking other wizards, Elfman used this opportunity, "Bīsuto Āmu: Sutīru Buru! [Beast Arm: Steel Bull]" Elfman transformed his right arm into that of a monster, used it to break through the ice, to get a reliable fulcrum, and smashed his left fist into Gray's abdomen, sending him back, rolling head over heels, on his own ice floor.
"Gray-sama?!" Juvia asked in surprise as she saw Gray in that weird situation. However, she didn't stop to help and continued to slide forth.
February 22, X785, 16:25, Magnolia's outskirts, Road from Magnolia to Hargeon
"This is tough work…" Cana mumbled with some efforts as she and Wakaba were running at the back of the main pack.
"You drank too much, Cana," Wakaba pronounced, breathing heavily.
"You look just as tired as me, Wakaba!" Cana frowned.
"I didn't think I'd gotten this out of shape!" Smoke mage admitted.
"Can we even make it to the goal?" Cana thought aloud.
"Ha, you guys are pitiful," Macao mocked two losers, he was running a dozen feet ahead of the two of them, "Learn from this and lay off the booze and tobacco a little." Unlike Wacaba and Cana, Macao seemed much less tired than they are.
February 22, X785, 17:10, Road from Magnolia to Hargeon
Three wizards were running along the road to Hargeon – Bisca, Evergreen and Max. But then, as Evergreen stepped on the certain stone, a square-shaped runic barrier locked all three mages inside. "What's this? Runes?!" Bisca asked in surprise.
"Is it Freed?" Max wondered.
"He's booby-trapped the course!" Evergreen exclaimed.
"Exactly," Freed confirmed as he appeared in front of the three.
"Are you never going to let us out?" His teammate asked angrily, "I know that any magic is allowed, but this goes too far!"
"I never said you couldn't go free," Freed noted with cunning smile as two dozens of books appeared within the barrier, right in front of three entrapped mages.
"What are these?" Max asked as he took one of the books, "Practice Question for the Magical Four-Wheeler License Exam?"
"Practice Questions for the level three Four Elements Sorcerer Qualification," Bisca read the name of another book.
"Freed, what's the meaning of this?!" Evergreen screamed as veins popped on her forehead.
"To escape from these runes, you must answer all the questions, and get them all correct," Freed explained.
"WHAT!?" All three entrapped wizards exclaimed in unison.
"If this race purports to test both physical and mental strength, then this little side game is entertaining as well as fitting," Rune mage explained. "If you feel bitter, blame yourselves for falling into my trap," Freed added as he turned around and continued the race towards Hargeon.
"Hold it, Freed!" Evergreen called but Rune mage was already a hundred feet away.
"Blame ourselves?" Max thought aloud.
"It was you who activated the runes…" Bisca said, looking at Evergreen with narrowed eyes, "We were just caught up in it!"
"We've got no choice!" Evergreen admitted, withstanding searing sights of two fellow mages, "We'll solve all the problems!"
"Do them yourself!" Bisca and Max shouted in chorus.
"You meanies!" Evergreen cried back.
"Forgive me, friends…" Freed apologized for his pretty mean prank, looking back at entrapped three. Bu then his sight fell on Erza, who caught up with him and ran by. "She's brave for not using magic," Freed admitted.
As it was said, after her re-origination Erza's 'Star Drive' spell was always active, so even without using any magic, she was running faster than others. 'Amazing! I don't feel myself tired even a bit! As if I can run like this for a month!' She-dragon was thinking, she really got a lot of benefits after passing re-origination. However, because she was distracted with self-admiration, she didn't notice a certain stone as she stepped on it. Another runic barrier surrounded her. "What?" Erza looked at runic wall in surprise.
"Titania!" Freed called for Erza, using the alias that became completely obsolete by now. "You shouldn't get distracted during the race. You triggered the rune trap, and…"
"Runic barrier? This?" Erza interrupted Freed and asked, looking at him as if he's an idiot. "I am lord of the runes, Freed, and I do not allow you to call these childish scribble 'runes'," She-dragon said, she didn't seem worried at all. In the next moment, Erza outstretched her right arm, literally grabbed two of those runic symbols, of which Freed's barrier was made, and tore them out of the wall. As she did that, entire barrier crumbled within a second. During 'fighting festival', Erza's knowledges about runes were quite humbly, but since then her mastery over runic power grew tenfold, and her perception also grew thanks to re-origination. With these new variables, Erza easily found a huge number of flaws in Freed's barrier, and used them to destroy the barrier.
"What?! How?!" Freed asked in shock, he couldn't believe his eyes.
"Because your formulas are trash," Erza replied simply, rising her arm, "Let me show you a bit of real runic magic, "Warifu: Ōotama!" [Rune: Tracking Bullets] Three dozens of light-purple glowing bullets appeared in front of freed, and within next Moment, Freed was nailed to the rock at the side of the road. Though, runic bullets didn't pierce his body, but his clothes. "Breaking my running rhythm is a serious offence," Erza noted as she run along the road, leaving freed nailed to the rock, "Now I have to get my rhythm back…"
"Erza, wait! Release me! Hey!" Freed called but he was ignored as Erza disappeared behind the road turn.
…
"After getting past his tricks, she zings one back at him! So cool!" Jason commented, watching the race via lacrima screen, "The race has gotten completely unpredictable!"
"No one wants to get the punishment," Sin noted.
…
Freed, with his clothes nailed to the rock, actually could free himself pretty easily… but in that case, he'll gonna continue race in his underpants. Knowing Freed's weird shyness, Erza left him with quite a dilemma. His clothes are nailed to the rock – he can forcefully rip them and continue race in his underpants, or remain as he is and hope that Erza's runes will dissipate, but how long they actually can exist? An hour? Or a year?
In the meantime, another participant of the race approached the place where Freed stuck, and his face became blue as he recognized who it was – a girl, who Freed was avoiding at all costs since the last autumn – Lucy. Tiger-girl slowed down and looked at horrified rune mage with light smile as her three tails swung and crashed a small rock beside Lucy. But in the next moment her smile waned and she sighed in disappointment. "I was wrong about you, Freed – you are completely useless…" She said, looking at rune mage. But actually, she was looking at the thing that only she could see – a ghostly, violet chain that was sticking out right from Freed's chest. To be honest, because Freed was constantly avoiding Lucy, she simply forgot about the thing that she put on Freed during fighting festival, driven by instinct, not by mind. Three tailed girl brought her hands together, making a hand seal, and ghostly chain shattered.
"GHAAH!" Freed screamed as he coughed out several drops of black, toxic-looking blood. Whatever connection Freed had with Lucy, she just cancelled it for good.
"With this, our business is concluded," Lucy announced as she turned around and ran towards Hargeon.
"Hey, wait!" Freed called for black-haired girl, "What about these things!?" He asked, meaning runes that was holding him on place.
"Those have nothing to do with me, deal with them yourself!" Lucy replied with mocking laughed and disappeared behind the road turn.
"No! Wait!" Freed cried, "Anyone! Help me!" He now called for Mirajane and Gajeel, who just ran by him, followed by Juvia. But none of the three even looked at him, leaving the poor mage to deal with his problem by himself.
February 22, X785, 18:45, Magnolia
At last, Jet regained his consciousness. It took him about a minute to understand what actually happened. And when he finally realized that Sun has already went beyond the horizon, he panicked "Shit! I'm several hours late!" He immediately used his magic and started running as fast as he could, knocking several passersby from their feet and earning angry screams from them.
…
In the meantime, inside of the guildhall, Sin was thoughtfully watching the lacrima screen. 'What the hell is going on? What those guys are doing?' He thought. But as he looked around, he saw just an excited Jason and multiple onlookers watching the same lacrima screen as him, and no one seemed confused even a bit. Makarov was still sleeping in his office.
February 22, X785, 19:50, Road from Magnolia to Hargeon
Road now was passing along the forest. Juvia was sitting a bit aside from the road, near small river, as she put her hand into the cool water. "What a lovely water… as if it washing the fatigue right away…" She said quietly. Half water elemental, she could use the fresh water to restore her stamina. As she got rid of her fatigue, water witch could continue race… but then, her weird personality kicked in.
"Ah, Gray-sama…" She pronounced languidly as her cheeks flushed a little. "Sorry for earlier," She said, apologizing for the time when Elfman punched Gray but she didn't stop to help him. "Juvia was also scared of this 'punishment', so she didn't help Gray-sama, and instead went on ahead! But Juvia is tormented by what she did!" She looked up, at the starry, winter sky, and decided, "Until Gray-sama comes to this place, Juvia will rest herself in this cool water…" She put both hands into the clear water and closed her eyes, "Like this…"
Being consumed by her own, wild imagination, ajin girl didn't even notice that she transformed herself into a water form and merged with the river's flow. "Ah!? What!?" She screamed as she finally noticed that river's water is dragging her away.
"Was that… Juvai-san?" Wendy asked as she and Carla were running along the river, her dragon ears heard her scream even from the water.
"Ah, the water-user," Carla replied imperturbably. "It seems that while she was soaking in the water, she must have changed herself to water by accident," White cat speculated, freaking Wendy out.
At this moment, Gray caught up with Wendy and her feline friend. "Have you seen Mirajane around here?" Ice mage asked as she got close to skymaiden.
"Mirajane-san went on ahead with Lucy-san and Gajeel-san," Wendy explained.
"Already there, huh?" Gray mumbled, "And what about Juvia, have you seen her?" He wondered.
Instead of an answer, Carla pointed at the river.
"Seriously?!" Gray exclaimed in surprise as horrified Juvia's voice called from the river:
"Gray-sama!"
February 23, X785, 3:10, Magnolia, Fairy Tail guildhall
As race continued through the night without noticeable events, a certain someone entered the guildhall and made it to the table in the far corner. Strangely, but, apparently, no one actually noticed this remarkable person, no one but Sin. Boney creature flew closer and landed on the table in front of him. "Natsu, don't you think that this time you went overboard way too much?" Sin wondered.
"Nope," Natsu replied simply, examining a white wyvern's scale that he was holding in his left arm.
"Natsu, what you did wasn't against the guild rules or something, it actually a violation of council's law," Sin reminded.
"Okay, they can start an investigation, look for traces of forbidden magic… only to find nothing," Natsu waved Sin off. "Besides, since only the guild members were direct victims – the investigation will be passed over for the guild anyway…"
"What are you trying to achieve with this?" Sin wondered.
"I'm just wondering," Natsu gave a vague answer, "Has our guild made a wrong turn on its path of development?..."
February 23, X785, 6:55, Magnolia, Fairy Tail guildhall
"The 24 Hours Endurance Race! We're well into the last quarter! Cool!" Jason continued his report about race. "All the wizards, with empty stomachs after more than 18 hours of running, racing towards 8-Island in hope for a free meal! Erza is in the lead, end she doesn't look winded even a bit! Cool! The next group is Mirajane, Lucy and Gajeel, who are still running strong! So cool! Behind them is the full pack in pursuit, not losing focus for an instant!" Jason screamed as flying camera showed Gray and Elfman in the lead of a large crowd of Fairy Tail wizards. "Who will be coming in last? Who will be receiving the 'punishment' this year? You can't miss a second!"
"Ahh…" Makarov yawned as he appeared on guildhall's main floor. Even though here were a lot of onlookers around, master quickly noticed Natsu.
"Oh, master," Natsu waved his arm as he saw Makarov approaching him. "Here, the task is completed," God of ruin said as he gave the wyvern's scale to the master.
"How long you've been waiting here?" Makarov asked, examining the scale.
"About four hours," Natsu said honestly.
"Hmm… you're as efficient as always…" Makarov grunted. "Sorry for making you wait," Master apologized for that he was sleeping all that time. "But why you're alone here? Where are the others?" It was quite strange that only Natsu is here. When he woke up, Makarov actually panicked that he overslept and missed the finish, but when he went down and saw lacrima screens, which were showing the race, he calmed down a bit.
"No idea," Natsu replied to Makarov, "I don't know what taking them so long… not that I really care," He admitted as headed to guildhall's door to backyard.
Makarov went closer to lacrima screens to watch what's going on by himself. "Hmm…?" He immediately frowned as he didn't recognize the surroundings on the screen. Makarov was plotting the route by himself, and he couldn't remember places that cameras were showing now, together with race participants. After about ten minutes of watching the race and listening to Jason report, master learned that no one went to Mt. Ivor to get the scale of white wyvern (monster was subdued by Mirajane and Lucy, they took this mission to test results of their training efforts). Instead, all mages were running towards Hargeon. And since Natsu was the only one who performed the actual task – that definitely has something to do with him.
Though Natsu left the guildhall, Makarov knew that he's still here somewhere. "Natsu, what it does supposed to mean?!" Master asked angrily as he came out to the guild's backyard, where god of ruin was standing beside the pool. "Why you ruined the guild's event?!" Makarov demanded an answer.
"Well, honestly, my primary goal was to punish my foolish wife who wants to fool around instead of helping me," Natsu admitted. "Though, outwitting the entire guild with just a simple trick was pretty fan, I can't deny that…"
"Natsu!" Makarov shouted as he hit a nearby table with his fist and it turned to dust, demonstrating that master is really angry now. "This event is for strengthening bonds among guildmates! You went way to far!"
"What's the difference?" Natsu asked with his emotionless voice. "You wanted them to run together? They're running together right now. Change of destination didn't really change anything important. On the other hand… no matter where is the destination, no matter how frequent these races will be happening… it won't stop the bonds between our guildmates from weakening…"
"What!?" Makarov's eyes widened as Natsu make an… unexpected statement.
"I mean, even if we'll be making guild-wide events every week… lack or abundance of the events isn't our issue now…" Natsu made a few steps and came closer to Makarov. "Master, how much time has passed since the last time when a kid joined our guild?" God of ruin asked suddenly.
"Hah?!" Makarov gasped as Natsu's question took him by complete surprise.
"About the time when I've joined the guild, Fairy Tail wasn't rich and famous, but its coziness and warmth were so attractive that orphaned kids were coming here, looking for a new home. But nowadays, Fairy Tail became a magnet for beggar-like mediocre mages looking for money and cheap booze. Kids no longer can feel themselves comfortable here. I'm afraid we've made a fundamental mistake somewhere, and now we're going down a slippery path, with fate like that of the Phantom Lord waiting us at the end…" Natsu finished his speech and headed towards the exit from the guild's backyard. "Maybe I'm wrong, but… Just think about it, okay?" God of ruin added and disappeared.
Makarov raised his arm, intending to stop Natsu, but… he just didn't find what to say. Natsu's words pierced Makarov's brain like a spear, of which he couldn't rid of. Master remembered the episode when Natsu brought Wendy to the guild – people were surprised to see someone so young, though Wendy was already a teenager, not a kid. Five years ago, having around 11-12 years old kids was normal for Fairy Tail, but now… Makarov silently stood at the guild's backyard, all alone, looking at the guild building, with quite discouraged expression on his face.
February 23, X785, 10:55, Hargeon
Erza already was within town's borders, she perfectly knew where 8-island is (she once performed a mission there). She was closely followed by four other wizards – Gajeel, Gray, Mirajane and Lucy. Entire crowd of Fairy Tail mages was behind them, with Elfman and Juvia in the lead.
The competition didn't seem really intense, for example, Lucy decided that fighting for the first place is not necessary – since first five will be getting the same reward – she only need to be among them – first or fifth – doesn't matter. Gajeel apparently had the same thoughts. No one could say what Gray is thinking, and only Mira was planning to make a last spurt and compete with Erza.
…
"It's the last few miles toward the goal!" Jason exclaimed – despite he was doing his report for more than 23 hours, his excitement hasn't waned even a bit, "The battle for first five places is heating up!"
…
"Look! Behind!" Suddenly, someone from the crowd of running wizards pointed back, at the large cloud of dust.
"Jet?" Gray asked in surprise as he also noticed the dust cloud.
"No way! I didn't hit him hard enough?!" Lucy also seemed surprised
…
"Jet is catching up as fast as he can!" Jason screamed excitedly. Jet just caught up the main pack and began to overtake it, knocking wizards from their feet. "So fast! Passing them in a flash! So cool!"
…
"Hold it, you guys!" Jet screamed as he already was ahead of the main group, with only Erza, Gray, Lucy, Mirajane and Gajeel being ahead of him. There was less than half a mile to the 8-island.
"Okay, I remember about our agreement, but no way I'll let that fool to deprive this ojō-sama of her meal!" Lucy announced as she saw approaching Jet, "Nirokujū!" [Bicorn] She again summoned her two-horned steed and jumped on him. "Go!"
"Hey, stop!" Gray exclaimed as he, Mira and Gajeel, each grabbed one of Lucy's tails and now they were literally flying behind the summoned steed.
"Let go off my tails!" Lucy demanded angrily as she tried to swung her tails to shake off unwanted passengers, there were about hundred feet to the restaurant. However, due to her anger, Lucy lost concentration and couldn't properly control her summoned steed. Bicorn abruptly stopped but its passengers continued to fly forth.
"What?!" Erza turned around, but too late, and all four crashed into her, after which all five literally flew into the 8-islands' hall. Door behind them got closed immediately.
Baaam! Jet also tried to enter the restaurant at full speed, but door didn't move even a bit and Jet saw stars, as if he crashed into concrete wall.
…
"And Jet didn't make it!" Jason announced excitedly, "Fairy Tail wizards are arriving to the square, but five winners already have been settled, no one else's going to get a free meal in famous 8-island restaurant!"
Five Fairy Tail wizards were lying on the hall's floor as a formless pile of bodies. "Let go of me, boors!" Lucy screamed as she finally managed to free her tails, sending Mira, Gray and Gajeel crashing into the nearest wall. Lucy's tails were more durable than metallic ropes, but using them like that was quite humiliating, one actually could see small tears welled in her violet eyes – she's a young girl, after all.
"Don't cry like a little girl, it was you who violated our agreement," Gajeel waved Lucy off.
"Grrr…" Tiger-girl growled in anger.
"Stop it!" Erza demanded. "This place belongs to Yajima-sensei, don't you dare to make a commotion here!"
"Wait!" Suddenly, Gray called for other four, "Can you smell it?" Just as ice mage mentioned it, all four could smell a wonderful aroma of fresh food.
"It smells… divine…" Lucy said as all five looked deep into the restaurant. There, they've seen five separate tables, served with exquisite dishes. Only now the five of them realized how hungry they actually are. From aside it looked as if they actually teleported to the tables – so fast they appeared sitting at the tables, already holding spoons and forks.
…
Outside of the building the rest of the Fairy Tail mages have gathered. Few looked disappointed, but most of the wizards here never thought that they'll be able to compete for the prize.
Wendy, for example, wasn't disappointed at all – in contrary, she seemed quite excited – it was her first guild-wide event, and she had a lot of fun running and competing with the others. Levy, who was running together with skymaiden for the most of the race, also seemed satisfied.
Most of the wizards headed to the Hargeon train station – there were no reason for them to run on foot back to Magnolia. They were chatting, discussing results of the race.
Though, there were few exceptions. For example, Freed rushed towards the nearest clothes store while being bombarded with mockery from Evergreen, Bisca and Max. Jet knocked himself out, so his teammate Droy was forced to drag him on his back to the station. Carla picked up Wendy and carried her to Magnolia on her magical wings. Juvia was very worried about Gray being inside together with Lucy, so she decided to wait until he comes out. And there was one more guy, wizard named Joey Fullborn, who now was shaking in fear. Apparently, he came last, and now he was afraid of being punished.
…
In Magnolia, onlookers already began to spread out, Jason was concluding his report, constantly screaming "Cool!"
Only master Makarov was nowhere to be found – he was in his office, thinking. He still couldn't find the answer for Natsu's question, 'Have we really traded our coziness and warmth for fame and riches…?'
February 23, X785, 11:40, Hargeon, 8-island.
To this moment, all food was already eaten. All were satisfied and happy with the meal, they were sitting quietly, enjoying the aftertaste. Only Erza was frowning. "Hmm… the meat dish was strange…" She mumbled.
"Huh?" Gray looked at Erza in surprise, "What are you saying? Meat was wonderful, just like everything else!"
"I agree," Lucy nodded.
"I know," Erza shook her head slightly, "It was super tasty… but also… familiar…" She was trying to remember. "Wait!" She-dragon suddenly exclaimed, "How do you feel now?!"
"Stop screaming!" Mirajane demanded, "Quit with that paranoia of yours, all is fine! I feel wonderful!"
"Me too," Lucy agreed, "As if all fatigue from the race went away…"
"I knew it…" Erza narrowed her eyes, "That's not just a nicely cooked meat, that's the meat of silver jade-eyed rabbit! If cooked properly, it can help remove the muscle fatigue and strain, and I know only one person who can cook it… Wait!" She abruptly stood up, making other four to look at her as if she's madwoman. "Has any of you seen Natsu during the race!?" Erza asked as she suddenly realized that she has no idea where her husband actually is.
"Err…" Lucy mumbled, she was quite surprised with Erza's behavior "…before the race, Magister said that he's not going to compete for the prize, so he probably was just running with the others…" Tiger-girl speculated.
"Yes, but also…" Mirajane also remembered something "…but he also said that he won't let you win, no matter the cost…"
Whilst four mages were looking at one another, trying to remember – have they seen Natsu during the race or not, Erza just silently stood with her eyes closed. Then, she opened her eyes, covered her right leg with plasma and kicked the table in front of her with full force, eliciting a dust cloud.
"Damn you, what are you doing!?" Mirajane exclaimed, looking at Erza as if she went completely insane. However, when dust dissipated, table appeared completely intact, despite it was a simple wooden table, with no magical properties. Yet, it wasn't destroyed, it didn't even move an inch. Even tableware on it remained intact.
"What the…" Gray asked in shock.
"Guardian formation…" Erza said through clenched teeth, "This restaurant… it's not a prize – it's a trap! This entire race was a set-up!"
"Erza, I know that Natsu is capable of doing any kind of atrocities, but I doubt that Master would've agreed to play along with him," Mirajane said reasonably.
"Master never agreed to anything," Erza shook her head, "Remember, just before the race – have you guys seen sun reflected from Natsu's blade? I bet you did. Well, that wasn't sunlight – it was light of his eyes! We were entrapped in his illusion from that very moment – we've never heard master's real speech, Natsu replaced it with his own version, the real task for the race was something completely different!"
"Wait… you're telling… Natsu deceived the whole guild with his illusion!?..." Gray couldn't believe his ears.
"Not the whole guild," Erza said darkly "Entire city block! All onlookers and passersby also fell 'victims' of that illusion – all who heard master's speaking – they all heard Natsu's version. Natsu's sword is immensely powerful artifact – no doubt he used it's blade to increase the area of effect of his illusion…"
"Bingo!" Laughing voice said, "I knew you won't let me down and will be able to realize what happened!" That was Nastu's voice, but it was coming from everywhere whilst he himself couldn't be found.
"Natsu, you went completely insane?!" Erza shouted, clenching her fists. But no one supported her bellicose attitude. In contrary…
*Clap* *Clap* *Clap* Lucy applauded to Natsu. "Magister, you never cease to amaze me… I've learned a good lesson today," She bowed slightly.
"Don't mention it," Natsu's voice replied. "Nice trick with that running guy, by the way, it would've been problematic if he'd been one of five winners – I really don't like the idea of wasting precious food on that loser…"
Lucy just bowed slightly as Natsu continued, "And, just so you'd know – according to master's original plan, there wasn't any reward prepared for the winners, so there's no reason for any of you to feel dejected. Dishes that you ate just now not only remove fatigue, it also helps strengthen your meridians…"
"Seriously?!" Gray asked in surprise.
"Such food actually exists?..." Gajeel seemed not convinced.
"Anyway, Natsu, what do you want from us?" Mirajane asked.
"From the four of you – nothing," Natsu replied. "You guys performed well, you got your reward – you may go now. I pulled that prank just to remind to a certain someone that challenging me ain't the smartest thing to do…" God of ruin said with unmasked mockery.
"You…" Erza growled, she was already steaming with fury.
"This guardian formation doesn't allow anyone in, but those inside can leave freely… if they don't have a fire attribute…" Natsu explained.
"Huh? Fire attribute? What's that?" Gajeel asked.
"Nothing important," Lucy replied, "C'mon, let's go," She urged iron dragon slayer and others.
"Go through the back door," Natsu's voice advised, "That weird girl – Juvia – is waiting for you outside the main entrance, Gray."
"Tha… thanks," Gray stuttered as Mirajane looked at him with narrowed eyes. But ice mage bravely met her gaze, "Mira, since we're at it… I think we need to talk…" Gray said with heavy sigh.
"Alright," Mirajane nodded as she also sighed. All four headed to the restaurant's backdoor. Only Erza remained in the middle of the hall, she stood, still clenching her fists and breathing heavily due to her boiling fury.
Gray, Lucy and Gajeel have already stepped through the door, but when she was about to exit too, Mirajane addressed the red-haired woman. "Erza, darling, I saw your wedding ceremony… no one forced you, I can swear. You've married a sadist and sociopath willingly, so I guess you're a hardcore 'M'. As such, please, next time, when you feel the urge to be humiliated, be a good girl and don't drag others into it…"
"FUCK YOU!" Erza roared as she threw a huge plasma ball at Mirajane. However, Mira quickly closed the door and Erza's magic hit the wall and exploded. But, just as Natsu said, guardian formation withstood the attack with fire attribute and building remained undamaged.
Guardian formation is like a layer of magic, similar to runic barrier it allows to let pass or block certain entities. Unlike runic barriers, however, guardian formation is created using powerful artifacts placed in certain order. Guardian formation creates a space with certain properties, for example it allows summoned being to exist indefinitely while they're inside. Or it can be used to increase the water's boiling temperature, for example. Formations have almost infinite number of uses.
A peal of thunder resounded, and, with the flash of lightning, Natsu appeared near the main entrance to the restaurant. "If you'd wanted to spent time to work on some technique – that I could understand. If you'd wanted to spent time like in… public baths with other girls, for example – that I could understand as well. But wasting time on that idiotic race, and not only your time but also my own – this is beyond my understanding…" God of ruin said slowly.
"I spent hours trying to explain that to you…" Erza replied, she was still standing in the middle of the hall, clenching her fists. "Probably I was just using the wrong approach… let's talk the language you definitely will understand," She added as, with bright flash of light, two swords, Astrum and Eclipsis, appeared in her hands.
"Come, do your worst," Natsu laughed as his eyes flashed with dark blue light while he grabbed the hilt of his huge sword Magna Ruina…
February 23, X785, 15:35, Hargeon, 8-island.
No matter how big and how passionate are fights between Natsu and Erza, 80% of them have the same ending – they're not your common couple, after all…
"If Yajima-sensei will learn about what we were doing here, he'll be forced to burn down this building…" Erza noted, slowly stroking Natsu's chest. Right now, both were lying on a long table, undressed, and that table definitely wasn't used by purpose.
"Don't worry, as soon as I remove my guardian formation – all traces of the mess we've made here will disappear. We just have to make sure to not forget anything here," He added, looking at Erza's panties, which now was hanging on one of the chandeliers.
Erza smiled slightly, "Natsu… with this new body of mine… how long my life will be?" She asked.
"Hmm?" Natsu looked at his wife in surprise due to unexpected question. "Well, as a Golden Eternity Dragon you'll live for about sixty – sixty-five thousands of years, seventy thousands, if you're lucky, though… since you actually have a heavenly lotus demonic body, your lifespan may be further elongated – lotus is the symbol of longevity, after all…"
"Uhm…" Erza slightly shook her head, "Sixty-five thousands should be enough…"
"Enough? Enough for what?" Natsu asked as he failed to hop on Erza's train of thoughts.
"Ummm…" Erza moaned sweetly "…I decided on my lifegoal. I want to have kids, raise them into powerful experts, and let them care about this world, so you and me could retire from the world's affairs and become one in love and passion…"
"Haaah…" Natsu rolled his eyes, "I've married the biggest pervert in this world…" He said as he embraced his beloved woman.
"Said the biggest egoist in this world," Erza snorted.
"Who? Me? It's not about me – I'm caring about fate of this world!" Natsu retorted.
"Yeah, yeah…" Erza replied skeptically, "Saying that you alone are carrying the weight of the world, ain't that an explicit egoism?"
"This is what I've been telling you yesterday – I cannot carry it alone – I need your help!" Natsu exclaimed passionately.
"Alright, alright, I got it," Erza grunted, not willing to continue arguing. "But, just so you know, as an S-class mages we have to participate in guild's events…"
"That wasn't an event, just a cheap farce," Natsu disagreed as he hoped off the table and raised his left arm, using his telekinetic power to gather his and Erza's clothes on the table and they began to dress up. "What's the point in competition if we have to put severe restrictions on ourselves to make it at least a bit challengeable?" God of ruin thought aloud as he went to remove formation. He borrowed this building from Yajima-sensei until 4 PM, and time was almost up.
"As if we have any choice…" Erza sighed heavily, there really wasn't much rivalry in Fairy Tail for her or Natsu and few of his 'followers'. And that was not just about the guild, but about entire Ishgar. Natsu is a member of the strongest ten wizard of the continent… Of course there are some unranked or hidden experts, like Gildarts, but the most of them are already in second half of their lives, their potential is mostly exhausted…
"Alright, c'mon, Sin has arrived, we're heading to Ivy Bush," Natsu announced.
"Where?" Erza asked in surprise.
"It's the capital of the Minstrel Republic," Natsu explained.
"I know what it is!" Erza snarled, she really disliked when Nastu thought that she's uneducated, "What for we need to go there?"
"Monthly auction will be tomorrow," Natsu answered.
"Auction?" She-dragon returned the question.
And that's it for now! Hope to see you soon, people! In thew next chapter we'll see a bit of life outside of Fiore, and also join Haru in his attempt to upgrade his fire in the new worldbuilding omake.