Chapter 10

Dancing the blues
Because it's murder on the dance floor.

Well then.

This was possibly one of the worst moments of his life. It just felt like another nightmare. The music had started after everyone had pinned a number on themselves, Jellal reluctantly pinning the number 215 on himself and Juvia doing the same. There were about 20 other couples on the floor, and they all seemed like they knew what they were doing. The rules were that the competitors had to dance to the end of one 7 minute song and those who are judged unworthy or otherwise incapable of proceeding don't make it to the next round. The dancing was free style.. Thank Mavis, was what everyone was thinking. A total of 6 will enter the final judgement.

Now he was standing by, awkwardly, on top of a makeshift dance floor and his partner next to him was doing some strange, out of this world contemporary dance. The judges regarded them with a look of what he could only describe as unnerved, but they still weren't kicked of the dance door.

"Juvia…" He pulled on his collar uncomfortably as she waved her arms in an attempt at a one-person Mexican wave. "I have no idea what ritual you're trying to perform…" He looked over at the Gray and Wendy pair doing a very improvised moon walk. Wendy's feet had a mind of its own and led her to bump into Gray. Where on Earthland did Gray get that outfit from? The Fedora was just very off putting. Was Juvia trying to copy him?

Juvia paused and she spun into him. "Well Juvia doesn't see Jellal leading her into a dance!"

Jellal grabbed her arms awkwardly and attempted to lead her into a spin. Upon spinning her out Juvia's wide outstretched hand managed to connect to his face, and he winced as she slapped him.

"OUCH!"

She smiled sheepishly. "Sorry Jellal."

Hopeless. They should just throw in the towel. He glanced at the other members of fairy tail and they seemed to be doing infinitely better than they were. They didn't even need to win this stupid dance competition.

She had stepped on his foot for a second time. They were incompatible. Someone save him. Jellal glanced at Erza swinging Happy around. They looked as if she were around to spin into a tornado and fly off the dance floor soon. Ok... Maybe he should be grateful for what he had.

"Oh look! There's Jevy-san!" Juvia called out.

Romeo was almost the same height but he was still doing an excellent job leading Levy into a waltz. Levy was thrilled at picking up the steps and soon they were gliding across the dance floor. Levy's strides were too enthusiastic, with Romeo barely keeping up.

Juvia gave a huff of surprise. "Well, look at that, they really are dancing well!"

Levy caught them stare and sent Juvia a smirk of superiority. Juvia felt a vein pop. She was provoking her, and of course she was lured. Jellal sunk. Oh no.

"We're clearly doing this wrong, Jellal."

"When did you figure that out?" He gave her a grimace and tried to lead her into some sort of resemblance to the tango. GOD! Dancing was not exactly something he did in the tower of heaven.

Levy managed to dance her way towards them and gave them an angelic smile. "Juviaaaaa~ Our little competition from our cooking contest wasn't settled before. How about we end it today and see who really is the best bluenette?"

"Indeed Jevy-san. Let's do just that." Juvia sent her a competitive grin, eyes reflecting the fire that was ignited by her taunt.

Jellal threw up his hand and seemed as if he were throwing the towel. Levy noticed and gave a cheeky smirk.

"Well I mean its not like you can win, since you have Jellal as a partner…"

Jellal froze. His eyes began twitching as he struggled not to let her comment affect him. His aura grew hotter and fiercer.

"Juvia…"

Juvia only nodded.

"Let's destroy her."

Both their determination together exploded the entire floor. The judges began to show people off the dance floor. In all honesty, it was amazing that they weren't kicked off the floor yet. They must've thought Juvia's dance moves were something new and exotic. Some new style that they hadn't seen before and they wanted to see what else she had.

"OH! I've got an idea!" Juvia held herself steady. "On the count of three, throw me up into the air Jellal!"

Jellal only nodded though his eye brows were furrowed in question. Jellal picked her up in an embarrassing princess hold and then threw her up carefully. Straight after he had tossed her in the air Juvia summoned a turbulent of water and it circled her, causing a spectacle of water around her. Jellal caught up with her thoughts and summoned a wave of stars that danced around her as she drifted down on her water tendrils. All the judges were fiercely jotting down their performance in their judging pad. Jellal caught her and they continued to dance a sight, combining waterworks and stars. Both blunettes sent Levy a glance of triumph which left her fuming.

Erza could be heard in the crowd of dancers. "I can do that too!" She cried with stars dancing in her eyes.

Happy could barely utter out another word and Erza had his paw in her hands. She wound him up and threw him into the sky.

Hard.

Happy was screaming, tears spilling forth, as he was launched with incredible speed into the sky and he was thrown until he was a small speck in the sky and then nothing.

Jellal squinted but he could still see nothing. Oh my stars, this women.

The judges gave each other glances of uncertainty and then announced that the couple was out of bounds and couldn't proceed to the finals. Erza gave a cry of shock but graciously stepped of the dance floor to watch. Happy still hadn't come down.

Poor Jappy. He will be missed. In the crowd Charle glared at Gajeel.

"You do that to me, and I swear you won't be able to have kids." She hissed. Gajeel huffed and acted as if he weren't about to do the same thing. He spun the small white cat as she floated in mid air and then followed it with a dip. Levy watched them jealous. Romeo attempted to do the same thing and tried to spin Levy on the spot. He had to go onto his tip toes so that his arms could go over her.

Mirajane looked very displease with the whole ordeal. She needed to get things moving.

Mirajane managed to get Laxus to lead her to where Juvia and Jellal were.

"Spin." She told Laxus and he grumbled as he launched her towards the Jellal and Juvia partner. "Juvia we're wasting this day if we don't at least pair one of the People in Love Alliance with their fated partners!"

Juvia nodded. As much as she wanted to beat Levy, she wanted to dance with her beloved Gray-sama even more. Even if it were some weird rip off of Michael Jackson's moves. She glanced at Gray and Wendy. He was tilting at a perfect 15 degree angle and Wendy tried to copy him by using her wind magic to keep herself from toppling over.

"Jevy!" Juvia called and Levy came trouncing by with Romeo close by. "We're going to attempt to switch partners."

"Ah yes, the old switcheroo. I would love for Gajeel to waltz me into a stupor!" Levy agreed and then held out her hands. "Momentary truce?"

Juvia and Jellal both shook it. "Truce."

"Sorry Jellal, We'll just pair you with Charla so that everyone else can dance with their beloved." Juvia apologised.

"Well, can't be helped since Erza had been eliminated." He grinned. "After all, those in the People in Love Alliance need to help each other, right?"

"Exactly!"

"Ok. Operation switch partners commence." Mirajane announced and spun away making a graceful exit. Jelllal just stared dumbfounded at her retreating figure.

"Ok Juvia, I'll drop you off at Gray's and then pick up Wendy." Jellal instructed. Ok, that sounded weird but whatever. It was like they were going to Macdonalds or soemthing. Jellal lead Juvia towards the Michael Jackson pair and Juvia grabbed both of Wendy's hands as Jellal sent her out. She pulled the young dragon slayer towards her and used that momentum to switch places with her. As she left, Juvia gave a salute and the Jellal and Wendy returned it solemnly. The water mage pulled out her own Fedora and placed a shiny glove of her own on and began to mimic Gray. Again with her pulling objects out of thin air. Jellal made a hasty exit when he heard Juvia let out a 'Hee-he.'

"Goodluck Captain' Jellal whispered. He grabbed Wendy and she squeaked a bit embarrassed. Holding her right hand and arm straight, in line with his arm, he tangoed her towards the next destination; Romeo. Well, it was his misconstrued version of the tango. Levy spied her fellow blunettes making their way towards her and so she decided to take the lead and pulled Romeo towards them. She copied Jellal's dramatic Tango lead and they met half way. They exchanged partners; with Wendy now with Romeo and Levy with Jellal. Again, they left with salutes and Wendy blushed as Romeo gave her a charming smile and offered his hand. Wendy shyly took his hand and placed her other hand on his shoulders. The height difference was perfect as the young mages were able to dance with one another comfortably.

Mirajane watched from a distance and ticked off her mental checklist. Laxus rolled his eyes and continued leading Mirajane into spin. She gave him an appreciative smile. He just knew her so well.

Jellal and Levy had the eyes of the judges on them so they danced with each other for a short while. Jellal pulled her into a sweetheart spin and Levy spun into him. He then turned her outwards with Levy finishing it with arching her arms. Jellal waved his arms and sparkled some stars after her finishing move. They exchanged a triumphant glance with each together.

"Not too bad Jellal."

"You're pretty good yourself Jevy."

Once the Judges's attention had diverted elsewhere, the two were on the move. "Gajeel at 5 o'clock." Levy called. Jellal nodded and then he launched Levy in that direction. Levy pirouetted all the way into Gajeel's outstretched arms, as easily as one would slide into another's DM's and Jellal pinched Charla out of the way.

Gajeel was flabbergasted as Levy took over and pulled him into a deep drop, supporting his entire weight with her arms. She locked eyes with him.

"Um.. shorty, how are you even doing this?"

"Gajeel, dear. I carry books equal to your weight all the time. Now let me romance you." She replied smoothly.

Gajeel couldn't help but blush. Jellal watched with raised eyebrows. Well done Jevy. Show him how its done.

The blue haired gentleman soon found Mirajane and gave her a thumbs up as a signal. She smiled brightly and then and gave him a nod of approval. Mission accomplished. The song playing was nearing its end and the Judges announced for all participants to stop. Everyone walked off the dancefloor, excitement filling the air.

"AWW! Gray-sama and Juvia were about to do a synchronised moonwalk!" Juvia pouted and Gray scratched his head confused.

"Juvia were you always my partner?"

"I am ALWAYS your partner!" She replied dreamily. Gray shrugged and accepted it.

Too into your routine huh Gray? Jellal noted.

The judges began their announcement. "Numbers; 215, 223 and 225, 234, 242 and 264..."

Levy jumped up and down. "Ohhhh that's us!" She exclaimed. "I'm so excited to be in the finals!" Juvia and Jellal grinned proudly. The PILA sure could do anything they set their mind to.

"These numbers DID NOT make it to the finals." The judges concluded.

Smiles faltered. "Its not like we wanted to be in this dumb competition to begin with." Huffed Levy.

Jellal side eyed her. That's not what you said a couple of minutes ago Jevy.

"The reason being they had exchanged partners in the midst of competition and that goes against regulations."

"Worth it." Murmured Juvia. The members of the PILA nodded in agreement. They got to dance with their loved ones after all. That counts as a success mission in their books. Everyone exchanged hi-fives.

"The numbers that have made it are; 243, 245, 246, 255, 257 and 657" They declared.

"We do have a member of the People in Love Alliance that had made it!" Juvia exclaimed excitedly. "It's Jane-san and Laxus!"

Laxus looked down at Mirajane, eyebrows curved. "Jane?"

"That's my name." She chirped and gave the audience a graceful bow.

"I don't understand."

"You don't need too." She hooked her arms around his. "Time for the next round Laxus. Ready to show off your dancing skills?"

"Pipe down Mira, you promised not to tell."

She smiled at him. "I'm still keeping that promise."

His large frame led her into the dance floor once more for the final round. There she met Jenny and Hibiki. For Jenny, the price was very tempting. Two whole double paged spread in the Sorcerer Magazine covering the winner today. Amazing publicity.

"Mirajane!" She jeered. "No doubt you're only here because of your cleavage and seduction skills."

Mirajane did not falter. "Oh, sorry Jenny, I didn't even notice you were in the competition his whole time."

Jenny let out at screech and pointed a shaky finger at her. "I'll show you who's better by winning this competition. Come Hibiki! Let's show these fools who's on top."

Hibiki bowed politely and directed them an apologetic smile. Mirajane waved and wished them good luck.

"You never falter do you Mira?"

"I don't need to waste my energy being angry at Jenny. She's kind of cute."

"Careful, your teenager Mirajane is showing again." The Lightning mage taunted.

She chuckled a bit. "Teenager me never left."

The rest of the people in love alliance however weren't welcoming the insults. Juvia seethed at one of her nakama being insulted. "I'd be a shame if that Jenny-san had a bad trip…"

Jevy winked at her knowingly. "I'd be a realll shame."

Jellal looked at them confused. "Where is she going?"

"Never mind Jellal."

"Ok. The final round will consist of a 5-minute ballroom song. You may dance the waltz, Tango, foxtrot or the quick step. Good luck finalists."

Jellal sighed in relief. Just imagining himself perform his god awful Tango- which wasn't really a tango- in front of everyone would have been mortifying. From the corners of his eyes he spied three blunettes scurrying away. This just reeks of bad news.

Jellal followed them and watched them duck behind a bush. Jellal kneeled next to them and gave them a small cough.

"Jellal, you'll blow our cover!" Juvia hissed.

"What cover? Everyone can still see us!"

"We're going to help Jane a bit so that she beats that Jenny!"

In all honestly it didn't seem like Mirajane and Laxus needed their help. Laxus's form was in top shape, and he held himself poised and lead his partner flawlessly. There was no way this was his first time dancing. Mirajane complimented his structured exterior with graceful twirls and movement of her own and melded with his lead as if they were one being. Her form was mesmerising to all that laid eyes on them.

"Ok. They're going to make their next step…. THERE!" Juvia held out her hands and materialised a small puddle of water next to Jenny and Hibiki and they danced their quick step routine with large leaps- demanding the attention of the audience. Luck had protected them as they barely missed the puddle and Juvia cursed a bit. Another poor contestant, however, had stepped in that puddle and slid out of the dance floor with a scream.

Juvia grimaced at her mistake. "Oops…"

Jellal was about to let her have a piece of her mind when he spied Jenny attempt to trip Mirajane with a quick swipe of her foot. Laxus had lifted up Mirajane by the waist and gave her a quick spin around him at that very moment, so her attempt had been foiled.

"Oh. It. Is. ONNN!" Jellal growled.

From her peripheral vision, Wendy spied one of the judges whispering to the other judge. With her better hearing she could pick up their conversation. "I'm giving my vote to the Jenny- Hibiki couple. I'm a big fan of Hibiki…"

Alarmed, Wendy told the group of her discovery and Levy gave them a reassuring nod.

"I got this guys."

She sneaked off and when that judge had walked away Levy got out her air pen. She wrote in lovely cursive 'sleep' using her solid script powers and pushed it towards the judge. She immediately closed her eyes and feel into a deep slumber. Levy caught her in time placed a finger on her lips and whispered shhhhhh. The seemingly innocent mage then dragged her unconscious body away. The spectacle itself was a terrifying. Jellal had to remind himself that this was not a murder. 'Murderers in Love Alliance' did not have a pleasant ring.

Juvia nodded in approval and then turned to Wendy. "Ok Jendy-chan, you're up!"

"Juvia-san, what exactly am I to do?"

"Nothing." The water mage answered and then began tickling the small dragonslayer. Wendy started to laugh, and then covered her mouth. She wheezed as Juvia continued to assault her. As she did so, the wind began to pick up and everyone's skirt and dresses began to pick up and flutter everywhere. Mirajana had a skin tight dress on so it wasn't affected by the wind. A poor contestant's halter string had come undone by the wind and she cried herself off the stage.

"Wrong person!" Juvia cursed and stopped her attack on poor Wendy.

They watched as Jenny and Mirajane were competing with eye catching spins and extravagant moves. No one could predict who would win out of these two beautiful ladies.

Juvia grabbed a fist of Jellal's shirt and shook him. "Jellal! DO SOMETHING!"

"What do you want me to do? Blow up the dance floor with Grand Chariot?" He groaned as Juvia started to nod, but upon seeing his face distort into disapproval she quickly shook her head.

"O-o-of course not. Why would Juvia want that?"

"We'll just have to trust our Nakama." Levy said after appearing out of nowhere. Jellal had to force down a surprised scream. They would not let him live it down had he screamed.

Jenny took out a small banana peel from her pocket and as soon she was in their line of vision as threw it on the ground. It seemed as Mirajane's luck had run out and her foot slipped over the banana. Luckily enough for her, Laxus easily caught her and disguised her slipping over into a double spin. He sensed something coming down at them, and so had Mirajane apparently as she whispered to Laxus to throw her into the air. He did as he was told with restrained strength and Happy had finally come back down and she caught him elegantly. She came back down with Laxus catching her.

Jellal sent some stars around her as she did, and the song had ended with Happy victory posing on her palms and they had stopped in a very outlandish pose. They had grabbed everyone's attention with that last move and everyone cheered for the couple.

"We will announce our winner!" The main judge announced. "According to all our judges, but one who had gone missing, we here by declare number 245 the winner!"

Mirajane and Laxus went into the stage to collect their trophy. All the blunettes gave loud cheers for their default member as she blew kisses at them and threw her flowers at Jellal.

"Oh god. Am I getting married?" Erza perked up at this.

After a few photos of the winners they returned to their friends. Everyone called it a day.

"Never again Mira." Laxus griped.

"You always say this." She replied coyly. She left Laxus lost for words and went to join her newfound alliance.

Things were definitely going to get a lot more interesting with their latest member.

Hi everyone. Looked through my old documents and found this beauty. Thought I would finish it off and post it for old good times sakes. Same old crack. God it's been years since I've been on her. Peace! Also Gray's Michael Jackson dance was actually in the anime.