"There is no 'I' in team, but there is in 'win'"

Control.

Rarely had I lost it, rarely had I let it slip between my fingers.

Control.

Lover of Power, daughter of Strength, and mother of Victory. I adored Control almost as much as I adored Power. I worshipped the ground Control walked on, beckoning me to her side, beseeching me to never leave.

Control.

She was something necessary in even the most crude of situations. Control was ever present, watching. She made grown men bend to her whims, brought entire civilizations to ruin. Worlds crumbled under her feet. Her lips were painted with death and destruction; her kiss brought life as easily as it could take it away. If Power was a God, Control was the Great Goddess. Man worshipped her; they were nothing more than her slaves.

Control.

I was a child when she first came to me, with promises of command and authority. Everyone fell under Control's jurisdiction; she had more authority in one single cell than any creature on earth or otherwise possessed in their entire being. She took me under her wing, treating me as a daughter and teaching me what she knew. She and her lover.

Power and Control.

It was all I could think of on July 2, 791.

"Alexandria Douglais!"

The loudspeaker crackled as my name came forth. I tilted my chin and made my descent to the field. Another name was called—Jenny Realight, a mage from Blue Pegasus. The announcer rattled off various statistics and rules regarding our battle.

Jenny met me halfway, in the very center of the arena. My eyes raked over her physique. She was tall, toned, and blond—utterly beautiful. Perhaps if the situation was different I would've kissed her. If I hadn't known any better, I would've assumed that the woman had been Aphrodite, or otherwise a very close relative. If someone had compiled all the facets and qualities of physical perfection and poured them into one being, Jenny Realight would've been the result.

Her lips were painted with a frown bearing striking resemblance to a pout, and she wore a lilac dress decorated with an ivory sash round her middle. Lavender heels adorned her feet. She was not dressed for battle.

Most likely, she was a user of reequip or transformation magic.

Jenny spoke, "I was really hoping that I'd be able to face off against Mirajane… But I suppose you'll do," she paused and pressed a manicured hand against her chin. "You appear to have a nice enough body…"

"A nice enough body?" I echoed, grinning. "Sweetheart, at least buy me a drink first."

There was a bit of laughter from the crowd, and my opponent scoffed, her face souring in an almost delightful manner, "How hilarious." Her tone was vapid, and her eyes roved over me again. "Now, to begin…"A bikini in a voracious shade of hot pink appeared on her hourglass figure. Ebony and magenta leopard print covered her bosom and butt. The crowd screamed.

"You're going to strip for me?" I blurted, my brows arched as the woman placed a vagrant hand on her hip. "Not that I'm against it, of course. Do as you please; I'm not complaining."

Jenny scoffed again, her face taking on a stronger, antipathic look. "We're having a modelling contest, idiot. Now change into your swim attire and stop with this perverse flirting."

I released a derisive laugh. Who did this woman think she was, acting as if it was she who had Control?

"A modelling contest?" I echoed. "Is this not a battle?"

She tsked. "A modelling competition would serve as a much more effective way of determining who really deserves to win, not to mention how much the crowd loves it." There was a roar of agreement as she mentioned our audience.

A grin was on my lips. "A bikini competition? You can't honestly think that a modelling contest would help us determine who deserves to win, in the Grand Magic Games nonetheless?"

"What's wrong, prude? Are you too cowardly to go against me, I, Miss Fiore? Are you scared that you'll lose?"

"I'm extremely scared," I retorted. "Terrified, in fact. Practically pissing my pants over here."

"How dare you mock me!"

"You're making a mockery of yourself, Miss Fiore," I jeered in a haughty tone. Certainly the cruelty in my voice was unnecessary, but I had no intention of being kind. All's fair in love in war. All's fair when you're playing for something like this.

For Control.

I continued to speak, "Only a coward would suggest that, instead of battling, we display ourselves in an erotic and risqué fashion for the enjoyment of the men and women gathered here. And, as tempting as that offer may be, I'm sure that they'll agree when I say that spilling each other's blood would be much more entertaining." The audience roared in agreement. A smirk settled across my features.

"I am no coward!" Jenny's beauty wilted with her anger; the visage of a beautiful siren turned into a horrific crone.

My lips twisted. "Prove it, bitch."

Control.

She twitched. "Oh, I will, but first… How about we go with the theme of the previous rounds and make a bet?"

"Now you're talking."

She gave me a wicked grin. "The one who loses has to appear nude in the Weekly Sorcerer."

Sudden gasps filled the audience.

"Are-"

Jenny cut me off, "Prostrated before the winner." She knew what she wanted.

Control.

"Sounds kinky," I said, my eyes flashing. The crowd erupted—deafening shouts and screams rang out around us. Jenny smirked. I was tempted to burst into laughter.

Her hands melted into her hips. "You sure you want to take the risk?"

I released a light chuckle. "Oh, I'm quite certain."

"So be it." As soon as the words escaped her lips, Jenny's swimsuit vanished. It was quickly replaced by some sort of armor. A ridiculous black headdress, complete with conical ear coverings blossomed from her blonde scalp. A dark battle suit covered her body, leaving only the white skin of her belly exposed. Metal plating covered her arms and much of her legs, and metal heels protruded from the bottom of her foot. The effect of the costume made her look like a rather large, poisonous insect.

"This is my battle form!" Jenny bellowed.

"And this…" I unfastened my verdant cloak and let it drop to the ground beside me. "Is mine." I was clothed in shades of green—earth colored leggings and an emerald tank top covered my body. A simple leather headband and similar brown gloves were the only things close to accessories I possessed.

Jenny blinked.

"What?"

I took a step forward, the brown leather of my boot crunched against the ground.

Control.

I opened my arms. "You wished to go with the flow of the previous matches and made a bet, and I allowed that. Now we decide that bet with a battle."

Jenny cackled. "You're going to try and fight me? In that?"

I smiled.

"I'm going to destroy you in this."

Power and Control.

Jenny started laughing, and she threw a cheap spell in my direction. I didn't even have to move to deflect it.

I was focused on two things and two things alone

Power and Control.

"Corpus sidera mundi!" I shouted, and as soon as the words fell from my tongue my body was shrouded in a deep purple light. Just like that, I had given into darkness. My eyes flew backward as a rapacious, pulsating energy ripped through my veins. I thought my head might split open—thought my chest my rip apart. My sternum wailed in agony—on the exact spot my lacrima was anchored. Pangs of electricity cleaved through my veins. In the background I heard screaming, innocent gasps of surprise and panic echoed over the sound of rushing blood.

I whipped my head forward again, my pupils dilating and resulting in an almost demonic, malevolent expression that danced across my face. No longer was I a shade of human; my skin pulsated with the violet color characteristic of the night sky. My entire being was absorbed by the magic that I worked so hard to contain. Jenny blanched, a look of pure terror spreading across her face as I gave her a wicked grin.

I was no longer human; I'd forfeited that right.

Jenny flung a pitiful excuse of an attack at me. I laughed and batted it away. In a moment of terror she threw up whatever protective enchantments she could muster. Tragic really. It'd take more than that to destroy a demon. She should've thought twice before she provoked me.

Inhaling sharply I sprinted forward, and in a flash I was in front of the woman. My magic energy screamed, the aura exploding around the entire arena, the sky above us darkening into one that could only be found at night. Stars dotted the heavens above, and the sun died. We were in a different realm entirely.

I could hear the screams spattered across audience, people gasping in horror and fear.

Control.

I stepped forward, my boot breaking into the earth's crust as my face came inches away from the other woman's. Jenny swung a fist, and I had to give it to her—she was no coward. I allowed the woman to land a kick on my shin. Her eyes glinted with newfound courage.

I pulled an arm back. My voice was barely a whisper.

"I win."

Time seemed to freeze as I brought my palm forward, leveling a blast at her core and launching her shaking body into the air. Jenny flew several yards, her limp body soaring as a bird, and she crashed, landing several hundred feet away from me in a pitiful pile.

Power and Control.

With a loud gasp I let go of my spell, allowing waves of normality to wash over me and replace the hollow feeling left behind by my magic. I rolled my shoulders and examined my opponent with reticent curiosity. Jenny sat up, tears streaming down her face.

The announcer's voice cut through the silent audience, "And the winner… Alexandria!"

People burst into cheers.

A genuine smile, radiant and content blossomed across my face at the applause, and I lifted my arms in a moment of bliss.

I was all smiles as I addressed my opponent, "I'll be looking forward to seeing you in your birthday suit, Realight!" Jenny burst into sobs. I loved the sweet taste of victory.

I snatched up my pine cloak as I crossed the arena to my exit. I'd won my team 10 points. They fixed me with assorted looks of awe, admiration, and appreciation upon my return.

Juvia was particularly ecstatic, "Congratulations, Xandria!"

"I'm impressed." Even Gajeel seemed happy.

"Thank you!"

Cana was squinting at me, "Are you gay?"

"Gay?"

"Yeah, gay, as in a lesbian?"

I blinked, "Well I like men and—"

A chuckle interrupted us, and Laxus clapped a hand on my back. "You're a freaking hero! We've got 12 points now, same as Natsu's team, and we owe almost all of those to you-"

"Oh shut up," I blurted, batting him away with a wave of my hands. His grin grew broader.

"What? I just said you did amazing."

Juvia bowed her head in agreement, "Magnificent."

Laxus' eyes flashed in what could only be described as mischief. "You're a badass, Alexandria."

"Oh stop embarrassing me, you bastard."

"So I'm the bastard?"

I ignored him and turned my attention to the others on my team. "Thank you, all of you, but, I think I'm gonna go back to Honeybone for the time being, maybe take my shower before we start celebrating tonight."

"I'll come with you." He stated.

I glanced at Juvia, "Did you… hear something? I could've sworn I just heard the sound of Laxus offering to shower with me." She giggled, and I could feel Laxus blushing behind me.

"Hey that's not what I—"

With a final pointed glance at Juvia I left the company of my teammates and traipsed down an adjacent corridor. The echo of footsteps behind me told me that Laxus had, in fact, followed. I rolled my eyes as he fell into step beside me.

"You were amazing," he said. "Seriously, don't just brush off the compliments."

"Thanks."

"Are you really taking up that bet?"

"Yep."

"Are you just going to respond in one word answers?"

"Yep."

"Jerk."

"Bastard."

He threw his arm around me and we both chuckled.

~Laxus' POV~

She was surprisingly soft. I didn't really know what I had been expecting, maybe for her body to be harder, more solid like mine. But she was comfortable, and holding onto her, even with just an arm draped over her, was like holding onto a cloud.

She also smelt good. Not like a perfume, or even some kind of cologne. She smelt clean, and fresh, despite having battled. Like soap. Or a crisp spring breeze with hints of sweat and earth mixed in.

And she was warm. Not enough to burn me. But her entire being somehow seemed to radiate heat at me. Like standing next to a heater on a chilly day, she somehow managed to warm me too. I didn't know if it was because I was so cold, or if she just had some kind of eternal fever.

And I didn't want to let go. I'd never admit it, but I didn't want to release her. She somehow managed to draw me towards her every time we were to break apart. Like a magnet. Or maybe a drug.

Of course, she shrugged my arm off within seconds, with a soft laugh and a dazzling grin.

"Paws off, Sparky."

~Xandria's POV~

I stepped out of the shower, the pads of my feet hitting a cool tile floor with a pleasant suctioning sound. I snatched a towel from the rack at my right, angry drops of water dripping past my jurisdiction and collecting into small lakes and streams on the white flooring.

I wrung my hair as quickly as I could, allowing damp strands to hit my back in an almost repulsive manner. I shivered and reached for the nearest article of clothing. I pulled on what I could, until I realized, rather unfortunately, that I was lacking a shirt. It was certainly tempting to walk out into the empty room and grab someone else's clothing.

I swung the bathroom door open and prepared to march out. Steam poured out in drifts, and the chill of the bedroom hit me like a slap. A really hard slap. Perhaps walking out in a towel wasn't the wisest idea. No I'd rather stay in the warmth of the bathroom. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Laxus, lying with his eyes peacefully closed and his headphones snug over his ears.

"Hey! Asshole!"

Laxus didn't stir. I snatched a bottle of unused lotion from the counter and leaned my body further out of the doorframe. It sailed through the air, landing with a satisfying thwack on Laxus' chest and causing him to jerk upwards with a shout.

"What the fuck?!"

"Morning, Sunshine."

"What's your problem?" He barked.

"Give me one of your shirts," I ordered. "Or Gajeel's or someone's whose clothing is bigger than mine."

He stuffed away his anger, and the emotion was quickly followed by curiosity. "You don't have a shirt?"

I rolled my eyes. "As much as I'm sure you'd love to see me in nothing more than a towel, I'm afraid the temperature is too cold for that," I retorted. "Just get your lazy ass up and hand me a top."

He muttered a few very creative swears and got to his feet. I watched with disinterest as he rummaged through his things; clothing was the only thing he seemed to care about keeping organized.

"Where's your clothing?"

"With Evergreen; I forgot some and left it with her bags."

He turned around and a pout crossed his lips, which was something I'd never seen on Laxus. "Why can't you just go out in a bra? Cana does it all the time."

"Didn't I just say I was cold?!"

"Well couldn't you just-"

"Stop making stupid suggestions and give me something to wear," I barked.

He released another string of swears and snatched up what appeared to be his fur coat. It went flying in my direction and flopped to the ground. I eyed it with unbridled irritation.

"Are you serious?" I scoffed.

"What?"

The innocence in his voice was outstanding. I don't think I had ever heard him sound so oblivious before. I rolled my eyes and stomped out of the bathroom.

"Eyes on the ground, asshole," I snapped, snatching up the coat and buttoning it up.

He cleared his throat and glanced down

"I wasn't looking at your… y'know…"

"My boobs. They're called boobs," I said, a grin lifting my lips as I examined Laxus. His eyes remained determinedly on the floor.

"I know what they're called, Alexandria," He retorted. "You act like I've never seen a woman before…"

"Good, I was scared for a second there."

"Gods."

I adjusted the coat and spoke again. "So what do you think, Sparky?" I prompted. He scowled at me.

"It looks like you're wearing a tent."

"Wonderful."

I snatched up a bag from the nightstand beside my bed and nodded at him.

"Let's go then; they'll be celebrated at the local pub by now, no doubt."

"Oh stop your nagging, woman."

A/N: Reviews!

naes151, Crystal Blue Butterfly, StormingMyCastle, Purple Knight Princess, and Spirit of Wynter, Thank you all sooo much for the kind words of encouragement! I really appreciate the praise and it never fails to put a smile on my face.

Mary Leaves said, "I like how you put your character into the tenrou arc, but I'm a little bummed that with levy out of the competition she and gajeel won't be working together"

I know! In all honesty I'm a little bummed that Levy and Gajeel weren't working together either, but I just feel like that was naturally where the story would've gone. Levy is, if not my favorite, then one of my most favorite female characters in the whole series, so I try to give her multiple moments with Xandria and Gajeel, especially in the future. Not to make up for anything, but because she deserves (in all truth) to have this whole 100k+ fic written about her.

SkyBridges said, "Omg I love this story! Xandria is such an interesting character! I can't wait to read more about her and Laxus. I also really loved your take on how Laxus got his scar! I love how the two are slowly warming up to each other one minute, then fussing the next. I'm looking forward to the next chapter!"

Thank you thank you thank you! Honestly, the relationship between Xandria and Laxus always makes me laugh. Because they're not romance novel perfect or domestic, cookie cutter family perfect, they're so raw and real (in my opinion) together. Both characters are very dynamic and have such intruiging pasts, as well as a very flawed and intricate persona, and I am always amazed (as a writer) to see how they interact with each other, because at this point I'm not sure if I'm the one writing the story, or if Xandria and Laxus are.

Mary Leaves said, "That was amazing! You're doing an amazing job of fleshing out your characters and making them believable three dimensional people. I'm really impressed! :)"

This means a lot, even more than the words of encouragement, in all honesty, because your comment demonstrates what I've been working so hard to do, and that is making all of the Fairy Tail characters real, three-dimensional people that we, as humans who are flawed, can relate with. So thank you! :)

Guest1995 said, "This is a really great LaxusxOC story! I initially never paid attention to a Laxus fanfic 'cuz of how he was before he got expelled from Fairy Tail, but recently he's caught my interest when I was creating a new FT OC who's a Wind Wizard ('cuz wind and lightning are, in a way, in the same elemental vein, right?). All in all, I can't wait to read more future chappies! Keep up the good work! *two thumbs up*"

Thank you! Also, can you please hook me up with your fanfic? I would really like to read it! Seriously, send me a link (now or later, if it's not already posted), and I'll be glad to read it and promo it!

Guest1995 also said, "I wonder when Xandria's going to take to the field; things are starting to look good! I also wonder if anything's going to change during Laxus' fight with Ivan & co. (like involving/threatening Xandria, which will set Laxus off in the worst kind of way possible). All in all, I can't wait for the next chapter, keep it up!"

heh hehe *smirks*

Also, there's one more thing I'd like to add (and I know I haven't responded to any of your recent reviews as of yet, so you're probably like 'ummmm?'). There is this one person, and I know there are a lot of people that read and review etc., and you all mean so much, but there is this one particular person who has consistently cheered me on, and who has consistently said some of the kindest things to me, and who has consistently just been an overall ray of sunshine in my life, and I'd like to thank her. Her account is iblamemikegreen and she is just so encouraging. I really wanted to thank her in particular for all the kind words, as they mean so much to me.

Again, thank you all so much for everything you say. You are worth your weight in gold. You guys have no idea how much it means to me when you even leave a simple review such as, "Great chapter, can't wait for more!" I have been in tears from what you've said multiple times, and you guys are the reason that I keep doing what I'm doing. So thank you. Thank you so, so very much. The real stars of this fic are you.