Just a quick author's note before starting this chapter.
Although I will give some few descriptions for what will happen for the next two days of the games, I will be skipping them because we have the anime and manga for that. Yes, that also includes the chariot game.
Well, here we go.
...
Natsu felt very pathetic on his performance today. Not only that he received a boo from the crowd because of finishing the race at the sixth place, she lost a bet to Juvia on the number of Raven Tail members beaten. Well, not that her lead was vast considering that she had beaten only one of them.
However, much like the other Fairy Tail mages, he is in a somewhat good mood right now because both teams won their respective fights, courtesy of the Strauss siblings.
There is also bothering him about the dragon slayer of Sabertooth that he encountered at the race. If Sting, as a member of that guild, can say something like caring for guildmates being pathetic, he wondered if what would happen to him and that Yukino girl who also lost the battle.
He should not be bothered by such thoughts but he cannot help but think about those words from Lucy and Gray three months ago. If members of Fairy Tail, who are known to value family and friendship above all else, managed to say those things on his back, he can't imagine how much worse would it be for the Sabertooth members?
"There you are! Juvia has been looking for you."
Natsu turned around to see Juvia and Happy in his humanoid battle form. He almost forgot that Juvia unintentionally became Lucy's replacement from the usual trio. However, not to hate Lucy or anything, he is now actually more comfortable with Juvia than with her. Well, that is bound to happen since he only has both Juvia and Happy for the whole three months.
"Hey Natsu, why you didn't join the party?" Happy asked while biting a much larger fish than usual.
"Nothing, just worried about those Sabertooth guys who lost earlier."
"Eh, what about it?" Both Juvia and Happy asked him.
"It's about what I've heard from that Sting guy from Sabertooth. After hearing my reason of struggling so much just so that I can be at least at the sixth place of that race earlier, he said that my reason was pathetic."
"About when you said it's about doing it for our guildmates who got left behind all these seven years?"
Natsu nodded and continued. "Yeah, if he considered that reason to be pathetic, that just shows how little they care about their own guildmates. I feel bad for them who lost the games this day, especially for that Celestial wizard fella."
Happy was confused on the placing of his partner's concern. In fact, he thinks that Natsu should be happy because that guy who insulted them and the guild will be punished by their master. "Ne, Natsu. Forget about it. She basically just brought it on herself by betting on something such as her life. She's in fact lucky that the mermaid girl showed her mercy."
However, it was that kind of thought from the spectators that made Natsu worry the most. From an outsider's perspective, it seems that the Celestial wizard just bitten more than she can chew.
In reality, Natsu overheard everything with his enhanced senses, even the treatment of Yukino's guildmates to her. She was being heavily pressured to prove herself to the guild. In order to prove herself as worthy of being their "Milady's" replacement, she have to resolve to drastic measures.
Sure, that issue can still be solved without betting her life in front of everybody, but Natsu understood the sentiment because he was something like that before. He would challenge everyone that are stronger than him just to prove his growth in fighting ability. However, that drive just steadily vanished after facing opponents that threatened her friends. The drive to get stronger steadily shifted its purpose to that of protecting his love ones.
"No, Happy. Just like everyone else, she just wanted to prove herself to her guild. It's the guild that put her enough pressure to do it."
Being Natsu's companion for all of his life, Happy immediately understood what he meant.
Although her irrational jealousy is trying to manifest right now, Juvia also somewhat related to the girl they are talking about. Like Yukino, she also wanted the acceptance of people. She even went as far as kidnapping Lucy in the past so that she could be fully accepted by her guildmates at Phantom Lord.
"I get what you mean, Natsu-kun. I hope someone would do the same to her as what Fairy Tail did to Juvia."
...
Feeling that they have been outside enough, the three decided to make their way back to the bar where the rest of the guild went partying. Although they find it fun to spend time with just the three of them, they still have to show themselves to their other guild members because they have nothing to do with how two of Natsu's former teammates treat them.
On the way, they saw a familiar white haired girl in a simple clothing who was pulling a suitcase and looked like she just exited the bar where Fairy Tail went to party. They momentarily paused to confirm the identity of the girl and found out that she is Yukino Agria of Sabertooth.
Yukino also saw the three and tried to greet them.
"Good evening, um... Natsu-sama, Juvia-sama, and um..."
Hearing her, Happy immediately introduced himself. "I'm Happy!"
Juvia on the other hand felt weird upon hearing Natsu's name attached with that honorific. But considering that she also used it on her name, she may be just too humble to address people like that.
"Yukino-san of Sabertooth, right?" she asked.
"Yes, I was a member of Sabertooth." the white haired mage replied.
Was. The past tense is way to obvious for her to not recognize. Does this mean that they kicked her out just like that because she lost a single match? If that's the case, then Natsu's worry wasn't been mistaken.
"Wait, you are now not a part of that guild?" Natsu asked.
With his question, Yukino could not hold her tears any longer as she dropped on her knees and let her tears flow on her face. The rain of her eyes were accompanied with her desperate attempt to keep quiet and to not cry out loud.
"Y-Y-Yes..." she replied between sobs.
Seeing this, Natsu and Happy panicked on how to comfort a woman who they don't have any experience interacting with. Their antics may have lifted Yukino's mood a bit but there was no sign of her stopping her cries anytime soon.
Yukino then told them what transpired at their guild, including the part that she was being forced to strip naked and remove her guild mark on her own. Even the money that she had for this even has been stripped away from her for the reason that she earned those while being a member of the strongest and most famous guild of Fiore.
Juvia can now relate way too much with Yukino's situation right now. Before this encounter with her, she can only make some guesses of how Yukino was been treated with her guildmates. But now, this is exactly what was done to her by the children at the orphanage, or that short-lived relationship with Bora, if you can really consider that a relationship. She has been cast aside like she has no remaining use to them anymore.
Although Natsu and Happy have proven their selves to Juvia that they are good with comforting others with their own way, she felt that it is upon her to cheer this person in front of her up.
Juvia kneeled down and patted the crying girl's back. "Hey, it's okay. A guild who don't care for their members is not worth crying for."
"B-But, it was actually my dream to join there. Then this happened... Now I have nowhere to go."
"If it's fine with you, Juvia can let you inside Juvia's room at the inn for the time being."
"No, I don't want to impose that much."
"Well, Juvia can give you a few jewels for your expenses. And this time, Juvia won't take no for an answer." she said in a commanding tone similar to that of a mother.
"I-I thank you, Juvia-sama. I promise to pay you in the future." Yukino replied.
Juvia was about to say something about not paying her because she can't just take money from someone who is just about to restart her wizard career. However, her main problem right is her ruined pride as a wizard, and if she will refuse her in wanting to pay her back in the future, it will only be misunderstood as her seeing Yukino as an incompetent individual, something that she needs to avoid the most.
"Sure, Juvia will be waiting for it. If you want, you can come and join Fairy Tail."
"I'll consider it."
Meanwhile, Natsu was seething in anger upon knowing this mistreatment. Even if his own teammates want him kicked out of their team, he never experienced such level of mistreatment as this. It is a common knowledge that a mage's guild insignia is their pride as a mage, and to be force remove their own is a severe form of humiliation.
"It's not my business how other guild operates." Natsu said.
"Hey Natsu!" Happy scolded him.
"But if they treated their members like trash, they don't deserve to be called a guild at all!"
...
"No Natsu, that is a terrible idea!" Juvia discouraged him.
"Why not? I want to challenge their master to a fight! If he loses, I'll have him quit his own guild!" Natsu retorted.
"Juvia is with you on that one because I can't forgive them for what they did to Yukino-san. But if we attack their inn tonight, we will be disqualified from the games."
Although it is a common occurrence that guild fights happen outside of the games, there's a chance that they as a contestant will be disqualified. They cannot allow that to happen because they still have Raven Tail to punish for what they have done to Wendy and Lucy.
Yes, Natsu still thought of her as a very important friend after all of that talking behind his back. After all, it was partly his fault for being so carefree and destructive. However, he cannot just go back to how it was before when she considered her as his human best friend.
Back to the topic at hand, Natsu realized the weight of the action that he was about to do before being stopped by Juvia.
"Right. I'll send their master a formal invitation to a duel!" he exclaimed, much to the surprise of his two companions.
Juvia was surprised that Natsu was willing to do as far as writing a formal letter to someone. Well, no one can blame her because Natsu and the word "formal" just do not sound good together.
"Tell me Natsu, are you really concerned about Yukino or you just wanted to fight their master?" Happy asked.
"Both!"
...
It was a somewhat peaceful night at the Sabertooth's inn, Crocus Gardens, when a sudden explosion.
Yes, in contrast to what Natsu said to Juvia about sending an invitation for a duel, he expectedly stormed the other guild's inn behind the knowledge of his other guildmates.
The whole guild was alarmed by the explosion that they all went out of their respective rooms and gathered at the main hall. Of course it would be terrifying to see black flames exploding out of nowhere.
Luckily for them, no one was actually hurt from the explosions as they seemingly just fly away from the people that was supposed to be hit by them if they were a normal explosions. This is because Natsu wanted to avoid hurting another mages here other than their master.
Finally, the door where all the members are behind it exploded, scattering whatever the remains of it. Then after the smoke cleared, Natsu who was cloaked in a black flame that is unmistakeably a form of god slayer magic, appeared in front of them with his eyes fixated on the guild mages of Sabertooth.
"Who among you here is the master of this guild?"
The tall and muscular man stepped forward while wearing a scowl that was meant to be intimidating among his underlings. However, Natsu was unfazed by this as he just stared at the man with an uncharacteristic smirk on his face.
"I'm the master of Sabertooth. Why are you here, you filthy piece of trash mage?" the man known as Jiemma asked in a tone that even made his subordinates tremble in fear.
"I'm here to challenge you to a duel!" he replied with confidence. "If you lose, you have to quit your own guild. That's your rule here, right?"
All of the Sabertooth members commented on the terrible fate that is about to fall on this intruder, both out loud or just in their minds. Some even went as far as laughing at him for saying such things. As far as they know, their master has always been an unbeatable fighter and is truly worthy of being the leader of the most powerful guild in all of Fiore.
However, the two dragon slayers immediately got the message across his words. They muttered about Natsu having nothing to do with it because it's not his business what happens here on their guild.
"Do you seriously wish to face my wrath? Very well then. Dobengal, deal with him!"
In response to his master's call, the ninja-like mage known as Dobengal instantly appeared on his master's side. "As you wish, master."
Dobengal was not a participant of the Grand Magic Games but as a member of Sabertooth, he is easily one of the top ten strongest of this guild. Natsu noticed this level of magic but he just sighed as he knew that he is just far above this guy in front of him.
"Wow, seriously? You guys made this coward as your master?" Natsu then faced Jiemma with a somewhat mocking expression. "You're afraid of this 'piece of trash'?"
"Don't be so full of yourself, brat. A footman like you needs a hundred more years of experience before even hoping to stand against me. If you want a shot at the top, you have to prove yourself first. Show me what you can do!"
Dobengal wasted no time as he made the first move by running straight towards Natsu. But before he could notice it, he already stepped on the electrified floor caused by the sheer exertion of his lightning dragon slayer magic. This caused him to tumble down while being electrified.
Natsu immediately lifted the pressure from his magic upon seeing the unconscious body of the ninja who is limping on the floor. He actually somewhat felt bad for the grunt who were just following his master's orders. But just the fact that no one here tries to defend Yukino just made him lose whatever sympathy he has for the guy.
"Did... that prove something? Come on pal, throw a punch at me or something!"
Most of the Sabertooth members were speechless upon seeing one of their strongest mages just dropped like that from Natsu without even trying at all.
Seeing that this insult is going too far for him, Sting readied himself to fight his former idol. "Master, allow me to-"
However, Jiemma raised his hand and blocked his way, a gesture that means he will not allow him as he will now face this intruder.
"You're quite an interesting fellow. We don't have mages of that guts same of yours. Prepare yourself!"
A sudden burst of pure magical pressure erupted from his body, sending a few mages on his side flying away from him. This display of power just angered Natsu even more as this guy in front of just threw his supposed children aside like nothing.
Natsu threw a straight non-magic enhanced punch to Jiemma which was easily been blocked by the master.
"Is that all you got, punk!" Jiemma screamed as he once again let his raw magic erupt to repel his attacker from him.
The fire mage was unfazed by this and just prepared to strike him with a punch to the gut. Devoid of any magic, he then launched a flurry of punches towards the huge man. Jiemma looked like he cannot do anything against his relentless attacks.
Natsu was about to finish him off with his bright cyan flames when he remembered his main purpose on storming this guild. Now that he already had a good observation of what really is their master's fighting capability, all he needs to do now is to tell them a piece of his mind about what a guild should like. It is not like Sabertooth was a dark guild or something that they would not consider what he is about to say.
He dissipated the ethereal flame on his right fist and looked at Jiemma who was actually not injured in the slightest with his previous non-magic punches earlier, However, the latter was shocked upon seeing the variation of the Council's strongest weapon up close at his opponent's disposal.
"Please treasure you're comrades from now on because someone else won't be as merciful as I am." was all Natsu said before walking out of the remains of the inn without any care in the world.
No one from Sabertooth dared to chase after him as the condition of the inn and their speechless master were already enough reasons not to do so.
...
"You what?" His former teammates asked.
Yes, even though they are from different teams, Natsu still meets up with his former teammates at the Honey Bone inn. That is because he already removed all his negative thoughts of them during the three months of training with Juvia. Of course, if he wanted to comfort the brokenhearted girl, he must also clear his negative emotions or else it would also affect her.
"I stormed Sabertooth's inn. It's kinda fun thrashing there you know?" Natsu replied.
"But that would risk the whole guild to be disqualified!" Lucy scolded.
"No, I didn't actually hurt anyone there, except for that ninja guy who got electrocuted for going too close to me."
Despite what everyone believes, Natsu actually knew the rules of the games, and that includes not being disqualified for hurting a guild member who was not a participant of the games. It is because that case can be passed as just some random guild fights because of the intensity of the competition.
Natsu, with that rule in mind, only targeted the master and avoided the other members, especially the participating ones.
"Natsu, although I understand your motivation, please don't act on revenge." Erza said.
"Fine, I'll be sleeping now. Good luck to your team tomorrow." Natsu said as he went to his own room at the inn.
...
And finally, the third day of the Grand Magic Games has arrived. Multiple cheers from the crowd can be heard from all around the arena. Unlike the first day, the cheers now are a bit more evenly distributed amongst the participating guilds because of Sabertooth not completely dominating the games this year.
However, Natsu just sat down with his teammates, bummed by the decision of Master Makarov to suspend him from participating today's games. It is not actually a big deal considering that it was already been decided that Cana will participate today's first event.
"Ah! This is boring!" Natsu exclaimed.
"To be fair, Natsu-kun already has his fair share of fights last night." Juvia replied. "Juvia is quite disappointed that you lied to her about sending them a formal invitation."
"Hey, it's formal! I did bust their inn but I didn't hurt anyone in the process. I actually stated my purpose first before throwing a punch at their master."
Juvia then realized how stupid of her to even think of Natsu sending a formal letter of challenge. But at least in his own right, he did formally invite their master to a duel.
They continue their bickering that it did not go unnoticed by their other teammates. Mirajane especially was delighted upon seeing this developments from a very unlikely pair.
"Fire and water? Maybe opposites really do attract after all."
...
A/N: Yeah, it's been a while since I updated this fic and it turned out to be a bit shorter than the last few chapter I've uploaded. What can I say, college sucks so my schedules are a bit tighter now.
Just a quick Fairy Tail trivia: Did you know that Aclologia's roar looks the same as Etherion?