Happy Sunday, everybody! I hope your days are going well!

Here's another chapter for you guys!

Enjoy the read!

Chapter 199

Getting Wild and Drunk

That night, the entire guild decided to hold a celebration party at a bar next to a canal called Bar Sun. Everyone was having a good time laughing and boozing it up without a care in the world, being as rowdy and loud as they were back in our old guild hall.

"It's certainly been an eventful day, hasn't it?" Erza asked.

"Yup, and it looks like we have our work cut out for us," said Mira. "But that also means we'll have to give our all tomorrow."

"Don't you worry!" Natsu roared eagerly. "Tomorrow's when it's all gonna change because I'm taking part in the next event and set that scoreboard on fire!"

"Aye, sir!" agreed Happy.

"Well, if Salamander's taking part, then I might get in on the action," grinned Gajeel. "It'll be a chance to one-up him and show the results of my training."

"Say, has anyone seen Lucy and Gray anywhere?" wondered Levy. "I haven't seen them since the matches."

"Well, you can't blame them after the way they lost today," said Macao. "They got screwed over no thanks to Raven Tail and are probably too ashamed to show themselves."

"Do you think that we should check on them?" asked Romeo. "They seemed fine to me."

Juvia then let out a gasp of horror, comically crying as she began to fantasize. "No! What if Gray and Lucy are doing that kind of thing?!" she cried. "She could be confusing my beloved with her feminine whiles and taking him all for himself!"

It was then that Gray and Lucy happened to be behind her.

"We're right here, Juvia," Gray spoke flatly.

"Well, it's pretty clear that her imagination doesn't have an off switch," sighed Lucy. "And neither does her mouth."

Sieri, on the other hand, chuckled. "You know? I like this girl," she said. "She has a ton of romantic fantasies just like I do." She then put an arm around Juvia. "Hey, Juvia, right? How's about I teach you a thing or two about romance? Another woman's perspective can give you knowledge, especially regarding how to get the guy you like."

Juvia's face went pink but looked interested.

"Hold on there, Sieri," I warned. "Don't be filling Juvia's head with your crazy ideas. One of you is bad enough."

"Aw, come on, Willy. I'm just helping a woman in need," Sieri winked playfully.

"Anyway, how are you feeling, Lucy?" asked Levy.

"Don't worry, Levy. I'm good now," reassured Lucy. "Matter of fact, I'm more fired up than ever."

"By the way, any update with Wendy and Carla?" Gray asked Lisanna and me. "They doing all right?"

"They're still pretty weak," replied Lisanna. "Porlyuscica hasn't left their side."

"And from what I heard, it'll be a while until they regain their full strength," I added.

"I still can't believe Raven Tail managed to get away with doing what they did to them," scowled Elfman. "I'd love to give them some payback for what they did!"

"I'm with you," said Max crossly. "If anything, we should at least report them for it! Maybe we can get them to disqualify those bunch of jerks."

"That probably won't be the best idea considering how things turned out today," I pointed out. "Even if we could report Raven Tail, I doubt the officials would do that much less take our word for it."

"What do you mean by that, Willy?" asked Elfman.

"Well, for one thing, our guild isn't in the greatest shape as far as reputation goes, along with having me as a pariah," I explained. "If we told them what Raven Tail did, they and many other people will probably think we're acting like a bunch of sore losers and won't believe us even with witnesses. Furthermore, we don't even have proof of what Raven Tail did during Lucy's match."

"But what about Mr. Yajima?" suggested Lisanna. "He's one of the announcers and was watching the match the whole time, so he must have seen something."

"I'm afraid that not even he can help in this situation," Tu Chi spoke as she sat next to Makarov. "If we had Mr. Yajima testify, everyone else would believe he's showing favoritism and is blindly speaking for our behalf. And the same could be said for Blue Pegasus and Lamia Scale."

"As much as I hate to say it, both Willy and Tu Chi are correct," said Erza. "There's nothing much we can do against Raven Tail except make sure not to fall for their trickery again."

Makarov then hopped on a table, looking as wasted as he was fired up while raising a glass. "Listen up, you brats!" he rumbled loudly. "Now that you're here, I want to make a toast!"

Everyone looked across to our guild master, giving him their attention.

"Today, we lost spectacularly, but they say that defeat will fuel tomorrow's victory, and you know what that means!" went on Makarov. "Tomorrow, we climb our way back to the top because Fairy Tail never backs down, and we ain't startin' now! Fiore's greatest guild is us, and come tomorrow; we'll make the entire city of Crocus knows it as well as the rest of the world!"

"YEAH!"

Everyone in the bar let out a cheer that was enough to make the entire bar rumble.

"And I also want to raise a glass to Willy, who was able to achieve victory in the first round of the Crocus Fighter's Tournament!" Makarov continued as he looked in my direction. "May he continue to win as our representative until he becomes the new champion!"

As everyone let out another loud cheer, I could feel my face heating up as I grew embarrassed.

"C-Come on, you guys. You're making me blush over here."

Then, Cana, who was buzzed, cut in. "Way to suck it up, losers," she said with a scowl. "Seriously, how could the members of the great Fairy Tail be so pathetic? It was embarrassing, you know!"

"Like you're one to talk!" countered Elfman. "Maybe instead of hitting up every pub in town, you could have been cheering us on!"

"I did cheer for you guys. I watched everything on lacrima-tron," said Cana. "All of the pubs have it, and the booze is a helluva lot cheaper. Besides, I needed to get some booze after being sober for the past three months."

"Wait, three months?!" exclaimed Warren. "Is that even possible for Cana?!"

"It's true," chuckled Mira. "We were amazed that she stayed sober during that time."

Cana then came over to me. "Hey, Willy! Let's have a drinking contest!" she said with a grin. "Let's see who can put away more beer without passing out!"

"Sorry, Cana, but I'm gonna have to pass," I said politely. "Besides, considering your tolerance, you'd probably beat me by a mile."

"Come on, don't be chicken!" Cana whined as she pressed up against me. "I need a worthy opponent! I already had Bixlow and Evergreen pass out on me, so you're the only one left!"

I couldn't help but blush a bit and pushed her gently back. "No thanks. Besides, in case you forgot, I have a match tomorrow, so I can't afford to be getting into a drinking contest."

Cana then sulkily pouted like a child. "Oh, all right, fine. I guess you do make a good point. I'll let you off the hook because you're adorable."

Then, someone came walking up to our table, prompting me to look up, and who I saw almost surprised me.

It was Bacchus from Quarto Cerebus, and he was also looking slightly buzzed.

"Wel, this certainly looks like a party worth joining," he said. "And you seem to be a strong drinker, little missy. If you're looking for someone to have a drinking contest with, how's about me?"

Cana flashed a competitive smile. "Listen, buddy, I don't know who you are, but you're challenging me to a drinking contest? You got guts."

"Hey, you're that Bacchus guy from the tournament!" I pointed out. "The guy that beat Li-Chung in the final match!"

"Look, pal, this is one girl you don't want to out drink. So take it from us," warned Macao. "Take some free advice and just walk away."

"Her tolerance to alcohol is almost as strong as her dad!" added Wakaba. "She's a real monster when it comes to booze!"

However, Bacchus didn't seem to care, and it wasn't too long before the two started guzzling down cup after cup of alcohol after the other. But several bottles of alcohol later, and to the surprise and shock of everyone, Cana lay passed out on the floor while Bacchus stood victorious. Even I couldn't help but be shocked.

"No way! Cana lost in a drinking contest?!" squawked Laki.

"That's impossible! I've never seen Cana drink until she drops before!" exclaimed Warren.

"Well, as Tu Chi would say, there's always someone better than you," I said. "Or, in this case, a stronger drinker."

Then, Bacchus got back up, went to Cana, and ripped off her bikini top as he staggered away. "I'll be taking the trophy, hot stuff!" he slurred. "Thanks for the fun time!"

Immediately, I glanced away, trying not to look while Macao and Wakaba were furious.

"Hey, pal! What do you think you're doing?!" Wakaba snapped. "You put that back, or Gildarts'll be pissed!"

"And we ain't gonna stand by while you mock our guild either!" Macao yelled.

The two men then rushed Bacchus with the intent to teach him a lesson, but as the two each swung a fist, Bacchus suddenly fell forward, plopping his face to the floor, avoiding their punches. Then, he bounced back up and, while still drunk, fell backward and backhanded both Macao and Wakaba in their faces knocking them to the floor, and while he fell again, he slammed both of their heads into the floor enough to break the wood.

"Oh, no! Dad!" cried Romeo.

"This guy's out of his mind!" cried Max.

As everyone stared in disbelief over what just happened, Erza and Mira came over.

"Bacchus, I should have known it was you," Erza spoke with disdain.

"Leave it to you to cause a ruckus in a bar like this," sighed Mira.

Bacchus immediately sprang to his feet. "Well, if it ain't Erza Scarlet and Mirajane Strauss," he hiccuped with a grin. "Both of you ladies still be looking smoking hot as ever."

"Well, don't you know how to flatter a girl," Erza spoke while rolling her eyes. "Even though your compliments lack any tact."

"Hold on, do you guys know each other?" I asked them.

"Something like that," replied Mira. "We've run into each other on some jobs now and again."

"I heard you two have gone into hiding awhile back," Bacchus went on with a leer. "It seemed like such a shame."

"You could say that we did," said Erza. "And what about you? I heard that not only are you competing in the Crocus Fighters Tournament, and you're also going to be in the Grand Magic Games."

Bacchus heartily laughed. "I first saw this trip as an excuse to get hammered and sample the local color in Crocus," he said. "But after seeing Warcry lose to Orga, my manly spirit got thirsty for revenge, so I'm enterin' the games as a reserve member, and I plan to cause all kinds of trouble." He looked across to Erza. "Maybe the two of us can have our own little party in the battle round tomorrow. It'll be a nice chance to settle the score." He then glanced at Mira. "And maybe we'll have a chance to have a little fun, eh, Mirajane?"

Right then, I instinctively stood up.

"Hey, bud. How about you take it easy with the flirting? And for that matter, Erza and Mirajane aren't the only wizards you should keep an eye on."

Everyone looked at me, appearing to be surprised.

Bacchus then glanced toward me and drunkenly came over. "Well, well. You're Willy Falconer, ain'tcha?" he grinned. "Based on the rumors I've heard about you, I was expecting you to be a big, scary monster, but you're smaller than I imagined up close."

"And you're more of an alcoholic than I expected you'd be, which explains how you were in your match," I spoke coldly. "Not to mention, you talk quite a bit when drunk and, for that matter, have a lack of decency."

Bacchus hiccuped. "Hey, that's just how I roll, kid. And don't you worry, I already got my eye on you. Make sure you show me a good time when we get to fight in the finals. I'm not into men, so try not to disappoint me. You got that?"

I answered back by glaring while clenching my fists. "Just make sure you watch it. Otherwise, you'll get more than just a good time."

But Bacchus didn't seem to care. "Oh, man! I like this kid! That glare's got my soul shaken and stirred!" He then looked back at Mira and Erza. "And you know what we say in our guild. You will always be..."

"Wild," Erza and Mira spoke in disinclination.

Bacchus once again laughed. "Man, you two are always good for a laugh, but try to show a little spirit!"

And while still laughing, Bacchus intoxicatedly staggered away, leaving the pub.

"So, who was that walking distillery of a jerk?" Lucy asked.

"That was Bacchus Groh, an S-class wizard from Quarto Cerebus," replied Erza. "He's someone Mira and I have run into quite a few times over the years, and we know his strength all too well."

"He's known Drunken Hawk Bacchus, master of the Drunken-Chop Hanging Palm," said Mira with a frown. "He and Erza have fought each other many times, but there's never been a clear winner."

"No way!" Lisanna gasped. "You mean to say he's as strong as you two?"

I remained silent, thinking. "That would explain a lot. The way he took down Macao and Wakaba without even looking back and drunk wasn't an accident. That must have been that Drunken Chop-Hanging Palm thing the girls mentioned. And if he's as strong as they say he is, then I might be facing a tough future opponent."

After having enough to drink, everyone went their separate ways walking back to their inns. I was getting ready to head back to the inn I was staying at when Mira approached me.

"Say, Willy, mind if we take a walk for a minute?" she asked.

"I suppose so," I replied.

The two of us then walked together along the canal by the streets. A couple of people were walking around like we were, and the city was ablaze with lights that twinkled like the stars above us.

"So, mind telling me what that was about back there?" asked Mira. "It's been a while since I've seen you look so mad."

"Well... to be honest, I... wasn't sure I acted that way myself," I replied. "Probably because I didn't like how Bacchus guy was acting towards you and for stealing Cana's top."

Mira then slid into my line of vision, looking sulky. "You didn't see anything, did you?"

"O-Of course not! I was looking away!" I replied quickly. "I didn't see anything!"

Mira then giggled. "Sorry, I'm just messing with you," she said with a wink. "Well, anyway, you don't need to worry about Bacchus. Erza and I are used to his shenanigans. Although, I think it's cute of you to get jealous over little old me."

"J-Jealous? Me? Give me a break, Mira," I huffed. "Like I'd be jealous because of a lousy drunk like him." I then glanced upwards to the sky. "But I am worried about facing him in the tournament, considering I witnessed a small demonstration of his abilities."

"Yeah, I said Bacchus is no joke," agreed Mira. "But that doesn't necessarily mean that he's unbeatable. If you end up facing him, I think you can win. But first, you must beat that Raven Tail member, Fuzen."

I started having flashbacks to my past interactions with the man in question and of Flare's hair almost attacking Asuka and Lapis.

"Oh, yeah. I almost forgot about that guy," I said, frowning.

"I heard from everyone else what happened during Lucy's match," Mira said in understanding. "That had to have been terrifying."

"It was. My heart gets pounding just thinking about it," I told Mira as I put my hand on my chest. "Even though Tu Chi told me she'd keep an eye on them, I still can't help but worry. Considering what Raven Tail did today, I can't help but think they'll try and do something horrible to them to get to me and the guild. And the same goes for Asuka, too."

"I don't blame you," said Mira. "But I'm sure they'll be fine. Alzack and Bisca are staying with Sieri and Lapis, and I doubt anyone will try anything as long as Tu Chi's with them."

"I suppose you're right about that," I said. "But still..."

Then, I felt a poke on my forehead, making me blink, realizing that I had stopped walking and Mira now stood in front of me.

"Willy, everything's going to be fine. There's no reason for you to be so worried," Mira reassured. "It's sweet of you to care, but the only thing you should focus on is your match tomorrow, so you could stand to think about yourself for a bit."

I stared at Mira for a few seconds. Then, I let out a small sigh smiling in resignation. "How is it that you always know what to say in situations like this?" I spoke with a chuckle.

Mira smiled. "I just do," she said with a laugh.

"Well, I'm grateful for that, Mira. More than you know," I spoke in gratitude. "I'll make sure to focus, and don't worry. I'll beat Fuzen tomorrow, no matter what he or Raven Tail got planned."

"Good. I'm glad to hear it," said Mira. "I like it better when you're smiling and confident, so make sure you don't lose that."

"I won't," I told her. "And if you get the chance to fight, make sure you win for Fairy Tail, too."

"I will, and that's a promise," affirmed Mira.

Soon, we came to the inn where Mira was staying with the other team members and went our separate ways. I then started back towards my inn, feeling better about things. Even though things had been going a bit poorly, and thanks to Mira, I began to see the bright side of things and was looking forward to tomorrow's match.

Then, I sensed a presence which in turn made me stop walking. I glanced around my surroundings, taking a defensive stance as I wiggled my hands slowly.

"Who's there?" I called out. "I know you're here, so come out."

"It's all right, Willy," said a male voice from my right. "It's just me."

I looked in that direction, and from a dark corner, Jellal stepped out from the darkness and into the moonlight, still wearing his Mystogan disguise.

"Jellal, it's you," I sighed relaxing. "You're lucky I didn't attack you."

"Forgive me. I didn't mean to startle you," apologized Jellal.

"So, what are you doing lurking around like this?" I asked. "I thought you, Meldy, and Ultear had to stay undercover."

"I was patrolling the city and happened to be in the area," Jellal replied. "Plus, I received a formal request that took priority, but I can't say what it is."

"Don't worry. I won't try and pry," I said with a light smile. "So, how's the search going?"

"Nothing as of yet," Jellal spoke while shaking his head. "But we'll let you know if there's anything out of the ordinary. Until then, make sure that you're careful, Willy. You never know what could be lurking in this city. And also, good luck with your match tomorrow."

"Thanks for the warning and confidence," I answered with a wave. "And you try not to work yourself too hard, Jellal. Night."

I then walked off to my inn hoping to get a good night's rest.

NO POV

As Willy walked away, Jellal took his leave as well, jumping high into the air and disappearing into the night like a shadow, leaving behind a group of men, sprawled on the ground unconscious and dazed.

At the same time, Fuzen, who was hiding in the corner of an alleyway, peered out making sure that Jellal had gone.

"How annoying," he said. "I was hoping to have a little pick me up, but it would seem that someone beat me to the punch." He stepped out into the moonlight. "If I recall correctly, that was Mystogan another Fairy Tail mage. Despite his performance earlier, he appears to be quite strong. Although, I do wonder what he's doing lurking around this time of night? Could it be that he detected my presence or was it a coincidence?"

Then, a small paper doll came drifting about on the wind eventually stopping while hovering next to Fuzen. Then, a voice came from the doll.

"Fuzen? Are you there? Respond now."

It was Ivan utilizing his Shikigami magic to communicate from a distance.

"Yes? What is it, Master Ivan?" answered Fuzen.

"I thought I told you to stay out of sight and wait until tomorrow," said Ivan.

"Yes, but I was feeling a bit peckish, so I figured I'd go out for a bit while taking a moonlight stroll," said Fuzen. "Supposedly, the bars and restaurants are to die here in Crocus."

"You don't need to lie, you know," said Ivan. "I know you were planning to have another taste of Willy Falconer, correct?"

Fuzen chuckled. "Well, you got me there. Forgive me, but I just can't help myself. I only had a small nibble of him and he was simply divine. I can't help but crave for him."

"Well, don't get too eager just yet," said Ivan. "I want nothing more than to crush and torment Fairy Tail even after the damage we've caused today, but all good things come to those who wait. I promise that you'll get a chance to satiate your hunger."

"I'm glad to hear that," said Fuzen. "But as it stands right now, I'll need something to tide me over, and I hate being unsatisfied, you know."

Then, Fuzen noticed a couple of the men lying on the ground stirring and eventually waking up appearing confused.

"Correction. I've found something that'll help me get by after all," said Fuzen. "I hope you don't mind, Master Ivan."

"Not at all," said Ivan. "Just make it quick before someone sees you."

The masked man lifted up his mask revealing a predatory smile as a sly tongue licked across it.

"Can do."

I hope you guys liked the chapter!

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As always, thank you for reading, and I'll see you next chapter!

Dragomaster, signing off!