White Eclipse
Chapter 38

Dawn on Crocus. Lucy, Natsu and Happy were up, leaning over the balcony watching the sunrise. Gajeel was on the ceiling with his as crossed as Levy opened the roof hatch and walked up beside him, along with Pantherlily, now watching the sunrise as well. Erza and "Mystogan" both stood at Erza's balcony staring at the golden star as it began to take the sky. Laxus was standing outside, leaning up against the hotel wall as Mirajane joins him outside. Cana enjoyed the air alone as she began drinking her morning beer. The recovered Gray and Juvia both stood together off to the right of Cana. The wind was blowing against them all. No one said a word, but not a word was needed with how important today was for them. They lead in the leaderboard, but only by a few points. They all remembered the plan that Mavis had came up with, but just like last year, they know that things won't go as exactly as planned. Natsu continues leaning over the balcony as Happy floats to the left of him. He lets out a sigh, but then Lucy places a hand on his shoulder, causing him to look over towards her. She smiles, and then turns back to the sunrise. He does the same.
Gajeel continues to look on with a scowl on his face and arms folded. His scowl slowly vanishes as Levy leans her head against the iron dragon slayer's shoulder.
Erza and Jellal stand together side by side, Erza with her arms still folded. They both turn to each other, nod and smile, and then turn back to the sun as it just peaks over the horizon completely.
Laxus and Mirajane stood under the balcony. Mirajane turns back to Laxus with a smile after watching the sun for a few minutes. Laxus averts his eyes from the sun, to Mirajane and smirks while nodding.
Gray was watching as well, yet he had a look of disdain on his face as he continuously tried to pull his arm away from Juvia, who was swooning over the shirtless mage and holding onto his arm tightly.
From his room, Makarov stood on his balcony with his arms folded. "This time never changes. It's the same feeling as last year when Sabertooth was the problem. Only this time, Mermaid Heel and Quatro Cerberus are right there too. It's anyone's game."
Makarov stares out into the distance for a bit before sighing.
"I believe in these brats."
"Usually, ranking isn't important." Mavis interrupts as she appears, sitting beside Makarov on the balcony. "But this isn't just about ranking. No matter how much they love Fairy Tail, the opposing guilds want them off the top. But you know that, and you know it's your job to not let them shun the Fairy Tail name, even if it's something as small as a tournament, it means too much when the reputation is on the line."
Makarov nods. "I agree. But with your strategy, and the will in these kids, we'll come out in top. Even if it comes down to..."
"...a single person." Sidney finishes the same sentence as all of white eclipse sit in their lobby. "I promise you, I know what they're gonna do to start. If you follow my plan, they'll be scrambled. The rest will be up to you all. I'm sure everyone here is ready. Speak now if you don't want to participate, you have the entire guild on your back. So, anyone?"
The entire guild stays quiet. Looks of determination and readiness were plastered on everyone's faces. Everyone but one person's.
"Alright then. Now that we're all ready-"
"W-wait..." Zalen lowers his head as he hands begin to shake. "I...I can't do it."
"Zalen?" Reve looks over at his best friend. He could see him shaking on fear. "Zalen what's wrong?"
The building mage begins to shake more, keeping his hands in his lap. "I can't...not like this. Not in such an important event. I can't participate. I'm too nervous and..I'll just get in the way."
"Zalen you'll be fine. I got you."
"And what if you don't Reve!? What if we get separated? I'm not ready.. I don't want to.." Before anyone can say another word, Zalen takes off his jacket. "Waiston, please take my spot."
"Me?" Waiston looks at Zalen in confusion. "Zalen you're one of the strongest mages here, why-"
"Just take it! This is...embarrassing enough."
"...Tch..." Waiston pushes the jacket back to Zalen's chest. "I'll take your spot, but keep your jacket on. You know I never take mine off anyways."
Sidney did nothing but glare at his younger brother. He then turned back you the rest of the team. "Alright, this doesn't change the plan much. Waiston's glaciers can make up for the defenses. You all have one hour before time to head to the arena. Don't go anywhere."
Reve looks over at Zalen again. Zalen could feel him looking and ducks his head in shame. Reve shakes his head and huffs, then leans his head back in the chair he was sitting in.
Kuro was standing up, leaning against the wall next to Nami.
"You ready?" Nami asked him.
"Mhm!" He shook his head with enthusiasm. "I can't wait! I'm so anxious!"
"Me too." Nami said with a smile. "Anyone in particular you want to take out?"
Kuro smiles a bit as he puts his hands behind his head. "Blues and the other Kuro. I'm not a fan of water. So I want to test my abilities against the water dragon and god slayer. It'll be a fun challenge after all the training that Daityas has given me."
"Hai! I can't wait to see that either! Your match with Risley Law wasn't even a warm up. You really have come a long way Kuro. And it seems that you were able to make friends with a guy that used to be a leader of a dark guild. Only you could do so."
Kuro flushed red a bit from the complements. "T-thanks.. I'm just ready...I want to win, for Reve and Sidney, Jack and Zalen. They saved me, so they deserve my best efforts."
Nami giggles. "So noble."
Takeru and Selene were on the other side of the room. Takeru was throwing punches into Selene's diamond scaled arms, ducking the occasional swing from her.
"Always keep your head up. Not every fight is gonna be one on one out there. Save your White Shadow for when you need it." Selene kept coaching while Takeru listened and kept punching. "When you win, it's all the pie you can eat."
Kairi, Skye and Heather all stood leaning against a table. Kairi was the know one sitting due to her knee. "We believe in you Heather." Kairi stated.
"Yeah we do! You can win!" Skye added. Heather manages a smirk and nods. "This is for you, ladies. I'll take Gajeel and Erza if I have to."
"Erza..." Heather whispered to herself. Her eyes become narrow, until she spots Luke in the corner of the room with his fingers entangled with one another. She gets up and walks over, sitting down across from the copy mage. "Hey.." Heather smiles at Luke. He looks up from his zone and smile back. "Hey."
"You alright?"
Luke nods. "Just ready to go."
"Yeah, this is going to be intense."
"Very... But we can handle it."
Heather nods and smirks as she playfully hits Luke on the knee. "At least I can. I'm not too sure about you."
"Hey! Heh..we'll see in.. Forty five minutes."

"My soul is quivering." Bacchus stood up from the bar. Behind him, was Kuro, Blues, Rocker and Yaegar. He still had a bruise on his forehead from the headbutts, but no bandages. He swirled his gourd around to make the sound of a liquid inside, swooshing around. As he turns around, he looks at his team. Kuro stood with his arms crossed as Blues was fixing his tie. Yaegar and Rocker stood there calmly as well as Bacchus nodded to all of them. They all follow him out as the begin their walk to the arena.

Millianna, Araña, Risley and Beth all waited for their leader. Kagura finishes tying the bow on top of her head and slides on her boots. She stares at the mirror for a few minutes, seeing her comrades in the reflection of the oval mirror. She sighs to clear her mind, and then grabs her sheathed sword, gripping it tightly as she hooks it to her hip. She rises and walks to her guild mates. They all exchange nods as they walk out toy the arena, preparing for the all out fight that was about to come.

.
"Here we go. Last chance to take bets! Who's gonna win!" Ruika held her hand out as Tartaros was posted on the same tower as always. Maggie juggled a bag if jewels in her hand as she stayed in thought. "You know what? Put it all on them Fairy Tail blokes for me."
"Ah she's going with the heavy favorite! What about you Kiora!? Tobias?"
Kiora pondered in thought for a few seconds. "I'm going with White Eclipse!" She said as she puts her bag of jewel down.
"I'm going with White Eclipse too." Tobias tosses his bag to Ruika.
"Wait, change my mind! Tobias is bad luck, I'm going with a Fairy Tail." Kiora yells out.
"Asshole..."
Sora slides a plate of brownies to the middle. "All in! Quatro Cerberus will win!"
"Gee thanks Sora. Brownies instead of money. Such a sweet little girl." Ruika says with sarcasm. "Anyone else want in on this?" No one answers her. Instead, Rugal, Arcturus and Daityas stand side by side as they waited for the final event to begin. They all look down at the teams inside the arena. "It seems White Eclipse made a heavy switch. And looky there." Daityas grins. "Sister Taya is competing."
"Oh really now?!" Kiora Maggie and Ruika come up to the edge as Sora jumps on Arc's back. He lifts her up on his shoulders. "She better mop the bloody floor with them mages."
"Heh...how cute, still have concern for those who betrayed you." Arc chimes in.
Before Kiora could obliviously spout from her mouth how Arc was the exact same as Tayakata, Daityas turns and gives her the evil eye, signaling her to not say a word. Kiora slowly closes her mouth as she awkwardly averts her eyes back it the arena.

.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Here we are! The quickly sprung upon us final day of the Grand! Magic! Games!" Chapati yells into the microphone with excitement. "It's still anyone's game as you can see the leaderboard hovering above you. The finale never changed yet it never disappoints! It's time for the all out battle in the city if Crocus!" The crowd goes into an uproar of excitement and participation. "Now! All teams have been given their starting marks. Will you all please take your carriages to these spots." Chapati keeps talking as the teams all separate into their starting points in the city. "Just like last time, each team has a captain. Defeat the captain and that's five points for your team. Everyone else is worth one point. The fight goes on until one team is left standing. But it's the team with the most points who will be crowned the strongest guild and Grand Magic Games champion!"
Each team stands at their starting point. "Oh my where are my manners! Ladies and gentlemen we have two special guests with us today to watch the finale of the games. Welcome, the return of Councilmen Siegrain and Councilwoman Ultear!"
"What!?" Erza's eyes widened in shock before anyone else's.
"Siegrain!?" Natsu shouted in confusion.
"Ultear too!?" Gray added, also in shock And confusion. The entire B team looks over at Mystogan. He just merely looks at the ground. "First things first Fairy Tail!" Laxus shouted. "We have a reputation to keep!"
"Right!" They all yell in unison.
"Jellal..." Erza thinks to herself. "What aren't you sharing? Why did you release Siegrain"
"Alright!" Chapati screams at the top of his lungs. "Mages ready!"
"Remember the plan fellas." Reve smirks as a gun starts to form in his right hand.
"Right." Jack nodded as waited with the others.
Kuro, Waiston and Takeru simply stay readied. Waiting for their strategy to take place.
"You guys remember the plan right!?" Erza asked.
"Aye sir!" Natsu fist pumped.
"Right!" Wendy nodded in excitement.
"Lets do this." Gray smirks as he gets ready to take off.
"Hai.. I'm ready!" Lucy says as she grips her keys.
"And!"
"Begin!"
The second he heard "begin," Reve finished requiping the gun into his hand. It was a flare gun, he points it to the sky and fires it. The flare shoots into the air and explodes, giving off their location.
"That has to be a trap." Erza says out loud as her and the team continue running. "Sorry White Eclipse, but we have our own plan."
"You see it Heather?" Taya asked as the flare goes off.
"You can't miss it Tayakata. Everyone behind me."
Everyone takes a step back behind Heather as she builds up her magic pressure. A purple magic circles begins to form as she inhales deeply, as much air as she possibly could.
"Jaxon! You ready!?" Taya turned to weather Mage.
"One huge hurricane coming up!" A green magic circle appears under Jaxon as he too begins building up magic pressure. The two combined mages power begins shaking the entire city.
"Roar, of the Poison Dragon!"
"Kairos hurricane!"
Heather fires off a ginormous funnel of poison straight ahead down the street. The force behind the funnel knocked over a bunch of random stands and such. As the funnel roared towards an intersection, the sky quickly darkened, and in the next second, a massive wind blew in different directions. It split the funnel of poison to both the left and right, leaving the middle wide open. The poison funnels kept traveling until the force behind it was gone. Even though this happened, the poison gas still lingered in the streets.
"Oh no..." Mavis covered her mouth in shock.
"This isn't good... It's like they knew we weren't taking the middle." Makarov groaned in displeasure.
"Of course we knew." Sidney stated out loud. Makarov looked over at the SS class mage and the master of White Eclipse, who looked back at them grinning.
"After all Makarov." Calium chimed in. "We all know it's not your strategy. If it was you, you would of went straight ahead."
"What are you saying Calium?" Makarov asked, a little peeved at his tone.
"What he's saying is." Sidney then points directly at the "invisible" Mavis. "I can see your first master, the fairy tactician. I saw her the first day. I am a ghost mage you know. Seeing souls is a curse and a blessing."
"W-what!?" Mavis's face goes completely blue as the rest of the guild look on in shock.
"First master are you okay!?" Levy called out.
"This is a good test for me, Mavis." Sidney continued. "I like strategy as well. So lets see what I got against the tactician. So far I'm winning."
Back on the battlefield, Reve and his team look up as the witness the hurricane.
"That's our signal! Go!" Everyone but Reve take off and split into their respective directions. As they do so, Reve's pupils change into targets. They begin to shift around relentlessly as he spreads out his arms and widens his stance. "Devil's wheel: Long Range." Just above the the city, ten sniper like guns surround the entire area. Unseen to anyone who doesn't look towards the sky. Which in this case was no one but the White Eclipse members.
"Heh..." Takeru smirks as he continues running and sniffing the air. "I'm coming for you Natsu."

"It seems those clowns have a legit strategy." Kiora says as she taps Sora on her opposite shoulder, causing her to look. She then takes her last brownie and stuff it in her mouth. Sora looks back at the tray, and then at Kiora, who quickly points at Tobias. Sora then jumps on Tobias's back and bites his arm causing him to scream and flail about.
"Yeah.. I just want to see who gives the first and last Molly whopping." Maggie replies.
"I hope the celestial loser go down first. I hope they die. I hope their contracts expire. That doesn't happen until death so you get the idea." Ruika was literally seething again, watching Lucy and Yukino run about.
"Issues honey." Kiora says as she looks back at Ruika, swallowing her brownie.
"Shut it." Ruika replied.

Back in the city, Bacchus fades off to the right while everyone else in Quatro Cerberus had went in their own direction. He was running, waiting to run into someone until he came to an abrupt halt, seeing the poison must float low to the ground. "What's this? Poison. What a wild strategy. Against someone who isn't me maybe. He narrows his eyes as he looks past the mist, seeing a few openings. "Heh.." He takes a few steps back and then leaps into the air to the safe zone. At the peak of his jump, something sparkles in the sky. It catches his eye. "...it was a trap! Shit!" Just then, a small beam of magic comes roaring in. With quick instincts, Bacchus barrel rolls out the way, but the sniper shot still slams into his right thigh. "Gah!" Bacchus hits the ground, in the safe zone however, yet he wasn't out of the fire yet. Another glimmering light appears and rushes towards Bacchus. He rolls out of the way, causing the bullet to miss, but he rolls right into the poison. Holding his breath, the poison gave him cover away from Reve's target eyes, yet he was running out of air soon...
"Yes. Heather's poison, Jaxon's weather magic to send the poison flying everywhere. And Reve's target eyes and Long range Devil's wheel combination. And we're just getting started." Sidney nods his head in appreciation of his own strategy.
"Dammit.." Makarov growls. "Those brats will know a way around it."
Gajeel was running full speed when the poison appeared. Now caught in it he held his hand over his mouth as he looked for a way out. "D-dammit!" Gajeel stands on his tip toes, just above the mist as he inhales the air. He then fires off a small Iron Dragon's roar, pushing the poison out the way to clear a path, but not actually dispersing it. "There, nows my chance to get out of this poison."
"Web shot!"
"Nekōsoku Tube!" Before Gajeel could move, he found his arms wrapped in a rubber like tube and his legs held down by webs. "An ambush!? You two wimps can't hold me down for long!"
"But they can hold you for long enough." Gajeel's eyes widen as he looks up at Kagura who was standing sideways on a building thanks to her gravity manipulation. She lands on the ground across from Gajeel.
"Shit! I can't use my magic cause of this stupid cat lady!"
"We'll be ending your run short here." Kagura crouches a bit and grips her sword. In the next second, a huge slash was seen as she ends up on the other side of Gajeel. As Millianna and Araña let go, Gajeel falls backwards white eyed.

"That's one for Mermaid Heel." Kagura says as she walks off.

Levy covers her mouth as she watches on from the screen.
"...No."