Hello, everyone. This is your author in-progress, ArtLotus! I hope all of you have a nice day up until now because I really am sorry for the delay. So, without further ado, I present to you, The Blue Flame of Fairy Tail
Ja'ne! ArtLotus out!
Chapter 11: Fairy Tail Unite!
Flashback…
"This is a change…" Izayoi uttered standing in front of Lucy, Gray, Natsu and Gray while Erza stood next to him as they all stared in awe at their guild's building which had been rebuilt after the Phantom Lords destroyed the guild in the past. "How long has it been since I've been here…?" He asked as Erza steps forward and looks at him with a small smile.
"Long enough." She answered his question before she and the others walk towards the guild's entrance, leaving Izayoi alone to stand upon the entrance. Once the blonde admired the view of the new building outside, he walked through the entrance and he was met by a loud greeting by Max standing over the counter of the shop to his right along with an outdoor café setup.
"Izayoi! You're back, my friend!" Max greeted smiling over the blonde's appearance as Izayoi casually raises his hand in greeting at him and the other members that were sitting nearby who had taken note of his arrival. After greeting them all, the blonde watches his team walking further inside the guild and he pocketed both his hands before going over towards them, a smile plastering over his lips at the sight of his new guild. After knowing the kinds of addition on the guild such as a swimming pool, the interior look, game parlor and the second floor which anyone could go up there. Currently the blonde stood in front of his team as he looks around the interior look of the guild overall, whistling impressively before a cheery voice wakes him up out of his stupor.
"Izayoi-kun!" At the mere mention of his name, Izayoi let out a smile at Mirajane rushing towards him from the bar as everyone in the guild looked at the scene. "You've return!" She exclaimed smiling widely at the arrival of the blonde Dragon Slayer. "How did your trip went?" She chided.
"It went well. I've settled S-Class Jobs that's worth wherever I go and I managed to eavesdrop on something happening at Akane Beach. They said something about Fairy Tail, so I went to check up on whoever they were but when I got there, I've got some news about a kidnapping towards the Tower of Heaven." Izayoi proclaimed before raising his thumb across his shoulder behind his back and pointed it towards his team mates. "Found out about the recent rented boat they've rented and found out about the tower. I've picked up Titania and Natsu over here from their impending deaths and we've celebrated." He finished with a nonchalant smile which Mirajane responded with a warm smile, hearing every word of his.
"Yeah, that's true! He saved both me and Erza! I don't know how he did it but he did!"
"Didn't you remember what I said earlier? He jumped from over the top of the tower with both Erza and you." Gray remarked crossing his arms over his chest as Natsu quirked an eyebrow.
"Really? I didn't remember…"
"Maybe that's what you get for eating Etherion, fire breath!" Gray accused as Natsu immediately glared at him.
"It's not my fault!"
"Guys…" Erza muttered to both of them as Natsu and Gray rigidly stops talking before they assumed their position of silencing themselves. After seeing they've calmed down, Erza turns to Mirajane. "Yes, it's true. Without Izayoi, Natsu and I would not have make it out alive in time. So it is thanks to him that we were be able to stand here to see our new guild." She exclaimed smiling as Mirajane cups both her hands over each other.
"Thank goodness, you were all safe to begin with." She said to all six of them including Happy. "And I wouldn't expect anything less than Izayoi-kun's timing to save both of you, Erza, and Natsu." She remarked as Erza nodded at her and Mirajane looks up at Izayoi. "Thank you, Izayoi-kun." She thanked with a smile of appreciation.
"No harm done. I was just in the neighbourhood." Izayoi smiled as Mirajane chuckles over the back of her hand. "Anyway, since I've returned this sooner…I've assumed you missed me?" Izayoi smiled playfully towards Mirajane who stops chuckling before replying with a smile.
"What do you think? You are the famed Dragon's Fairy as I've heard from the neighbouring countries. Maybe you shed some light to it." Mirajane pointed out as Izayoi glances sideways.
"Do I have to know why they gave a title like that?" Izayoi grumbled in slight annoyance before looking back at Mirajane with his playful smile. "But for your earlier question, I would say you missed me even if you don't want to think about it." He answered.
"Who wouldn't miss you?" Mirajane asked tilting her head sideways as Izayoi kept his playful smile before the two registered the appearance of Makarov standing near the bar.
"You've returned, you bunch of fools?" Makarov called out to them as everyone turns to him and Gray noted the appearance of Juvia as well who stood next to Makarov.
"I'm not included, right?"
"You're a lot different than a fool."
"Same to you, old man. I gotta say though, liking what you did with the place. Did you use your own funds for this from your old days?"
"Welcome back, Izayoi." Makarov greeted with a smile before turning his attention towards the others. "This is our new member, Juvia. Ain't she a cutey?"
"Juvia is glad to be of service!" Juvia curtsied as Gray briefly laughed.
"So you really joined?"
"You helped us a lot at Akane." Erza proclaimed as Juvia smiled.
"It's all thanks to you. Juvia will work hard!"
"Glad to have you!" Lucy waved as Juvia looked creepily at her.
"Love rival!"
"Actually, I'm not…"
"And we have one more new member. Come on, say hi to everyone." Makarov chipped as everyone turns behind them to see none other than Gajeel sitting nearby.
"You've got to be kidding!" Gray exclaimed.
"Gajeel!" Natsu shouted as he and Gray settled on a fighting stance.
"Wait! Juvia recommended him!" Juvia interrupted as she stands in between Natsu and Gray.
"Juvia is one thing but he's the very person who destroyed the guild!" Erza glared at Gajeel who looks sideways.
"Now, now…They say yesterday's enemies are tomorrow's friends. Yes?" Makarov stated as Natsu put his hand over the table in front of Gajeel.
"You got to be kidding! You expect me to go on jobs with this guy?!" Natsu asked as Gajeel replied.
"Don't worry! I ain't sharing my work!"
"Cold as steel!" Natsu proclaimed in surprise.
"I just want jobs, that's all. I can't believe I ended up here in the most annoying guild of all…" Gajeel said to Natsu.
"Say that again!"
"Poor Gajeel-kun was always all alone, and Juvia couldn't leave him like that, so…It's not that kind of relationship, though." Juvia waves furiously in denial at Gray.
"It is the role of we elders to guide youth from the wrong path to the right one. Deep down, even he is good. Or so I'd like to believe…" Makarov whispered to himself at the last part.
"If that's your decision, Master…" Erza stated. "But I think it's best to watch him carefully for now."
"As you wish." Makarov replied before the lights went off and Izayoi looks to the stage that mysteriously sets up behind him. When the lights switches on, he could see Mirajane sitting on a chair with a guitar.
"I will now sing a song to commemorate the new guild, to welcome back Natsu's team and Izayoi-kun's." Mirajane announced through a microphone as she strung a few chords as everyone cheered for her.
"I brush the desk with you gone…The shadow drops…Alone again, today…Looking up at the starry sky, I say a prayer…You are now under this same sky…Even when you're shaking with tears…Even when it seems like you'll be lost to the darkness…Don't forget…You always have…You always have a place to return to…You always have people waiting for you to return…" Mirajane finishes as everyone congratulated her.
Smiling at Mirajane, Izayoi turns around to leave before Makarov addresses him.
"Where you're going, boy?"
"Would it hurt that I'll be leaving right after this?" Izayoi answered without facing Makarov face to face but he still kept smiling.
"Why is that? You just got here."
"The reason I'm here is not of my free will, sadly. They insisted I'd be here." Izayoi answered. "Unfortunately, I have a very strict job to be doing. The client wanted it to be done timely."
"When will you be returning?"
"You'll just have to wait and see. I'm not one to lay back and wait it out. You know that, right?"
"That's right. You always find challenges in life in the forms of S-Class Jobs. I understand that now. But would it be such a request of me to ask for your return?"
"I'll keep in touch." Izayoi simply answered but before the blonde could leave, a fight issued between Natsu and Gajeel broke out.
"Shooby do bop!"
"What do you think you're doing?!"
"I'm shooby do bopping, you jerk!"
"Stop…" Makarov gaped at the two before a beer cup got thrown towards Natsu's cheek.
"Who threw that?" At this, Gray stands up and bumps against Erza who was about to eat her cake but the cake got thrown off from the plate and onto the ground.
"You're goin' overboard!"
"My…strawberry cake…" Erza utters before she watches in horror at her cake being stomped upon Elfman's foot.
"Listen up, you all! Real men don't make such a racket!" After that, Elfman was kicked upwards by Erza who looked angered.
"Silence!"
Snickering at this particular scene, Izayoi looks at Makarov who glances at him. After seeing the nod he got from the Master, Izayoi started walking out from the guild without paying attention to the Mirajane and Lucy who looks at him leaving.
"I remember…Izayoi said he doesn't have long till he's gone…" Lucy frowned.
"Izayoi-kun…" Mirajane watches Izayoi's form until he disappears.
Time Skip
"Laxus!" Both Jet and Droy shouted at the appearance of Laxus in front of them as the person walked past them to stand in front of the battered Gajeel.
"So this is the kid that did a number on my guild? So gramps let someone join to keep the guild from being busted up?" Laxus addressed before he shouted. "That's exactly why people look down on us! You little piece of… On the road back to town, I heard things in bars here and there that really pissed me off. Fairy Tail ain't anything special…? Those guys are already through…?" Laxus questioned before striking lightning to Gajeel who screamed in pain. "it's your fault!" He shouted before punching his fist into the ground and shoots off a stream of lightning towards Gajeel.
Looking up at the approaching assault, Gajeel stayed on his position to take the hit but his eyes widen at the appearance of someone appearing before him.
"Hm?" Laxus watches in surprise as his assault dissipated all of a sudden before he looks at Izayoi smiling over him with his hand extended, steam raising up from his palm but no visible wounds could be seen over it.
"I'd think you're going too far, ain't that right, Laxus?"
"You…" Laxus stared at the smiling blonde in front of him, recognizing him from the rumors swirling from his travel back to town.
"The name's Sakamaki Izayoi." Izayoi introduced. "And you must be Laxus Dreyar, correct?"
"What's your business here?" Laxus asked.
"Well, I'd hope to meet Makarov's grandson before I leave but I never thought it would be you."
"What makes you think that?" Laxus asked Gajeel stared at Izayoi as both Jet and Droy looked at Gajeel in realisation.
"Don't think Makarov's grandson would be a bully. Are you always like this?"
"Wait, is it that Gajeel never even…" Jet trailed off as Levy continued.
"Because he wanted us to recognize him as an ally…He just took it, without defending himself!"
"You don't know what you're talking. In fact, you shouldn't defending someone like him." Laxus pointed out as Izayoi shrugs his shoulder.
"Why shouldn't I? Isn't this one of Fairy Tail's action? Protecting comrades supposed to be rather than hurting them as the opposite? I don't know about you but I think you should check yourself before—" Izayoi was cut in by Laxus shooting a stream of lightning towards him to which he easily slaps it away with the back of his hand. "Come on now. You shouldn't be so grumpy, Laxus. Did you sleep well before coming here?" Izayoi joked as Laxus gritted his teeth before focusing onto Gajeel.
"I'll teach you what happens to anybody who takes on Fairy Tail!" Laxus shouted at Gajeel who kneels down behind Izayoi.
"Stop it, Laxus! That's enough!" Jet shouted.
"The weaklings should stay outta this!" Laxus shouted back as he shoots out lightning directly towards Levy who raises her arms to shield herself but Gajeel saw this and sprinted towards her. Just before the lightning could have struck Levy, Gajeel stood in front of her with his left arm transformed into steel and took the brunt of the lightning assault, leaving the after burn of the assault visible on his steel arm.
Meanwhile, Levy opens her eyes and lets down her arms to see Gajeel shielding her with his steel arm, much to her surprise.
"Are you satisfied?" Gajeel asked Levy who did not respond rather than stared at him. Then, Gajeel revert back his steel arm to normal before walking away.
Seeing the Iron Dragon Slayer walking away, Izayoi followed after him and leaves Laxus to grit his teeth at the two before he too left the vicinity.
"Why are you following me?" Gajeel muttered glancing behind his shoulder towards Izayoi.
"It's my decision to follow you. You can't get rid of me. Anyway, you're a part of Fairy Tail now, correct?"
"What does it matter now?"
"You're different than before, Gajeel. That's what I came to say." At this, Gajeel turns around and stops to stand across Izayoi.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't be dumb. If Makarov knows what he's doing on recruiting you into this guild, then I'll support his choice. Even if you destroyed the guild in the past, that doesn't mean you cannot repent for what you did now. I saw what you did earlier as one of your act of retribution." Izayoi proclaimed as Gajeel turns his eyes away. "Don't worry. Everyone will soon warm up to you sooner or later. The past can't determine your future. The present can, whether you want to or not. But I'd think you're well on your way there." He smiled before lightly punching Gajeel's right shoulder and walking pass him. "Keep the guild safe until then, alright?" He muttered the last part to which Gajeel heard the request before seeing the blonde leaving.
Just as the blonde disappeared out of sight, Gajeel looks down thoughtfully before frowning and looks back at the way the blonde left. "What's his problem…?" He asked before he left the area to accomplish his job elsewhere.
Present
Domus Flau
Panting repeatedly due to exhaustion, Wendy looked at Cheria with half lidded eyes.
"I guess you're not going to give up?" Cheria asked with a small frown, seeing her opponent's determined look to not give up.
"Wendy!" Natsu exclaimed.
"She can barely stand!" Lucy said looking at Wendy's condition, noting the constant panting that brought worry to her.
"Wendy…" Erza called frowning.
"This is an incredible fight…" Gray commented after watching both Sky God Slayer and Sky Dragon Slayer casted their respective spells at the early parts of the battle. But after Wendy has casted one of the Dragon Slayer's Secret Arts, she along with everyone was dumfounded to find Cheria healing her wounds by herself. Whilst Cheria heals herself, Wendy suffered a massive magic drain from using all her magic power for casting one of the Dragon Slayer's Secret Arts and looked to be in a disadvantage for the moment.
Walking down the arches of the Domus Flau, Jellal disguised as Mystogan watches the fight between Cheria and Wendy. "If that Cheria girl has some connection to Zeref…Wendy is in danger!" Jellal finishes as he stood in front of a few spectators.
"Hey, you!" One of the spectators sitting behind Jellal stated in slight frustration at being blocked from his personal view of the match.
"Huh? This guy…" Another spectator said as he looks at Jellal.
"From Fairy Tail…?" A female spectator nearby said.
"Should I stop this? Or wait and see?" Jellal thought to himself, wondering to choose either one of his choices.
"Wendy…" Doranbolt looks down at Wendy as he stood a good distance behind Jellal. "But right now…Seven years ago. I infiltrated Fairy Tail. To some extent, I'm acquainted with inside information on Fairy Tail. Mystogan…You're not supposed to exist in this world." He said in mind as Jellal glances behind, sensing someone's eyeing him.
"I don't mind fighting, but I've got no love for one-sided violence where the outcome is clear." Cheria explained as Wendy gritted her teeth while looking down with closed eyes.
"The Council…At a time like this…" Jellal thought turning slightly to look at Doranbolt before focusing onto the fight.
"You know, you can always surrender." Cheria simply proclaimed to Wendy.
"I can't!" Wendy shouted. "The fact that I'm standing here just by someone's sacrifice…That fact always will be inside my mind. I…I am ready. I'm standing here means that I'm prepared to fight for my guild like he did! I don't need your pity. Until I fall and I can't move anymore, come at me with everything you've got! Please!" Wendy looked up in determination.
"Wendy…" Carla frowned from her position.
"…He'll be watching you, Wendy. Wherever he is, he'll be watching you." Erza stated as everyone looks at her with forlorn looks on their faces, knowing full well who Wendy was speaking about. They also knew who gave the determination shown on Wendy's face at the moment.
"Sure. That's only common courtesy." Cheria smiled as Wendy smiled also.
"Right!"
"Well, now it's my turn to break out a big move!" Cheria said as she spread her arms apart and the dark winds spiral around her palms. "I'll make it easy on you and end this with one strike." Cheria then twirls around as Wendy look on. "God Slayer's Secret Art!"
"Cheria, no!" Lyon yelled in surprise.
"Not that!" Jura added.
"Fool! Do you mean to kill your opponent?!" Obaba stated.
"I'm answering the full strength of your feelings with my full strength! That's what love is!" Cheria said as Wendy look on in surprise at the burst of wind blowing out from her.
"W-What is that magic?!" Erza asked witnessing the unfamiliar magic being casted by Cheria.
"That's…" Jellal muttered silently.
"Heaven's Gathering Clouds!" Cheria finishes as she shoots forth her spell and Wendy shielded herself with her hands before the spell simply dodged her and swept away, earning a smile from Wendy.
"She dodged it?" Romeo asked with a look of surprise.
"No! It missed her!" Makarov answered him.
"It seems Cheria can heal herself with her magic, but it only works on wounds. It looks like she can't recharge herself with energy." Mirajane said as Juvia looks on beside her.
"Right."
"Wendy's the opposite. She can't heal herself with her magic, but she can restore another person's strength." Carla explained smiling as Happy turns towards her.
"I see…Then…" Happy was struck by realization.
"…she revived her opponent's physical strength?!" Romeo finishes.
"And because of that, Cheria's magic gained too much force…" Lyon muttered.
"Wendy made her miss…by increasing her strength!" Gray stated in surprise.
"What strategy! Amazing!" Cheria stated with a wide smile.
"Crushing Fang…of the Sky Dragon!" Wendy stated as she swipes her hand across Cheria's arm which leaves scratches but it heals right after.
"That's great, Wendy!" Cheria commented in exictement as Wendy kicks her legs forth while she does it the same. The two then collide each of their kicks at each other causing a wind barrier forming around them and a burst of wind to spiral around. After that, the two jumps away and landed across each other.
"This is an incredible turn of events! Neither side is giving any ground! It's a clash of little fists! Is this tenacity for the sake of their guilds?!" Chapati explained as both Wendy and Cheria exchanged fists after fists with their own respective winds enveloping their fists while simultaneously enhancing their strikes.
"I can't stop this…Though their fists are small, their passion is vast…" Jellal explained as both Wendy and Cheria collided fists against each other while everyone look on in anticipation on who would win against one another.
"Go! Neither of you lose!" Natsu cheered.
"Wendy…" Carla covered her mouth with her paws as both combatants continued battling with determination.
Jumping away after striking Cheria backwards, Wendy then sprinted forth towards her to deliver the last blow. "Izayoi-san…If you're here, will you be proud of me…?" She asked herself gritting her teeth before intense wind gathered around her right fist. "Because…I wanted to make you proud!" At this, Wendy pump a burst of magic in her feet before jumping forth to appear directly in front of Cheria. "…Iron Fist of the Sky Dragon!" She shouted as she punches Cheria right into her face as hard as she could than any previous punches she landed, causing her opponent to fly backwards before crashing onto the ground as the sound of the bell resounded throughout the Domus Flau, signifying the end of the battle.
"That did it, everyone! The time has run out! Cheria's lying down and Wendy's still standing! The match is over and the winner is…Wendy Marvel from Fairy Tail A!" Chapati announced as Wendy let out a hint of smile at the announcement. "Fairy Tail A received 10 points!"
"Awesome!" Natsu grins.
"You did great, Wendy!" Lucy smiled waving her hand towards her.
"Both of them were magnificent." Erza complimented at both Cheria and Wendy's performances.
"Yep." Gray agreed.
"I didn't expect her to win but both Wendy and Cheria did very well." Lyon smiled.
"We were lucky to get to see that." Yuka added his own comment.
"This is the best match I've seen yet!" Chapati announced.
"Even though judging them on magic alone, Cheria's level is far higher…So how can she possibly…?" Jura asked himself before smiling at the recollection of Wendy back then. "The girl from back then…has grown this much…"
"Wendy…" Tears could be seen at Happy's eyes.
"W-What are you crying for?" Carla asked.
Panting, Wendy looks over at Cheria and decided to slowly walk over to Cheria who was beginning to sit up and smiled over at her. Just as she neared her, she heard Cheria spoke.
"You've beaten me…"
"I'm sorry…Did it hurt?" Wendy asked as Cheria puts a hand over her bruised cheek.
"…You've really got a nasty punch there. Did someone teach you?" Cheria commented as Wendy smiled at the question.
"Y-You can say something like that.
"That was fun, Wendy." Cheria said as she slowly stands and started healing on Wendy's wounds.
"My wounds…" She said watching in awe of her wounds disappearing. "I enjoyed it too, a little." Wendy admitted as Cheria smiles at her.
"Hey, let's be friends, okay?"
"Alright. I mean, if you want me as a friend…"
"No, no, no. Answer like friends are supposed to." Cheria explained pulling her hands away after healing Wendy who blinked at her. "Let's be friends, Wendy!" She smiled widely offering a hand towards Wendy.
"Sure, Cheria!" Wendy accepted the offering as the audience around Domus Flau clapped and cheered for them being friends.
"What a moving ending! For this old man, the tournament is over!"
"Hold on there. Just the third day is over." Yajima intervened.
"Thank you, everyone!"
Smiling at both girls in the arena, Doranbolt looks at them before his eyes narrowed and focuses onto Mystogan.
"What's this?! Even though the fight's over, that sinister magic is still around?!" Jellal thought in shock. "Then Cheria isn't the source of that magic?! It's from over there!" Jellal turns over towards the exit. "Heading towards the exit!" During his walk to leave amongst the spectators, Jellal glances behind before disappearing.
"Did he notice me? But…" Doranbolt uttered moving amongst the spectators walking outside.
"The source of that mysterious magic…" Jellal said walking along the corridors before noticing the hooded individual in front of him. "It's him!" Jellal immediately sprinted over. "It's definitely him! I found him!" But before he could get near, he immediately stops in front of Doranbolt appearing upon him. "He came out of nowhere!"
"You're not going anywhere." Doranbolt exclaimed to Jellal.
"Even though the person who possesses that mysterious magic is right over there…" Jellal thought looking up to catch the fleeting glimpse of the hooded individual disappearing.
"Who are you?!" Doranbolt asked.
"I'll put him to sleep. No…Right now, I'm supposed to be a Fairy Tail wizard. I can't lay a hand on a member of the Council." Jellal said in mind, thinking logically about the situation he is in.
"Doranbolt. What's all the commotion about?" Lahar asked walking over to both men with a squadron of Rune Knights.
"Dammit!" Jellal thought.
"I know you're not Mystogan. So who are you?" Doranbolt questioned shocking Jellal. "I'll ask once more. Who are you?!"
"Sorry. I'm in a hurry." Jellal brushes past him before Doranbolt stopped him by the shoulder by teleporting next to him.
"Oh no you don't! Mystogan isn't in Earthland."
"I'm Mystogan." Jellal answered before Doranbolt extended his hand towards Jellal's mask. "What are you?!"
"Who are you?!" Doranbolt asked pulling over Jellal's mask and exposing his face publicly.
"Crap…" Jellal said as he looks over at Lahar.
"Jellal?!" Lahar said recalling his imprisonment of the blue haired mage before Yajima appeared.
"Oh, so there you are, Mystogan-kun!" Yajima called out with a smile as he approached the group.
"Yajima-san?!" Doranbolt stated looking at the former council member.
"Lahar-kun, you can understand why Mystogan-kun hides his face, can't you? He was unlucky enough to be born with the same face as Jellal. I hope you understand." Yajima explained to Lahar who looks at Jellal.
"You're saying…He's another person?!" Lahar questioned.
"Yes, unfortunately." A smiling Salamander walked over to stand besides Yajima, after having been talking to him after the match was over. "You do know of the world called Edolas?"
"Yes. I heard about it from one of my subordinates, Salamander-sama." Lahar affirmed.
"That world and this one are connected. There are people who have the same faces." Yajima explained as Lahar turns back to look at Jellal.
"Then you're from Edolas?"
"That was a great match, wasn't it?" Becky asked walking next to Millianna.
"Yep!" Millianna answered as she and her guild mates walk towards the exit. Behind the two, was Kagura who followed them before she caught a single glance of Jellal and her eyes widen.
"Jellal!" Kagura muttered before she covered her mouth from vomiting.
"Kagura!" Risley called out as she rushes towards her with Arana.
"Hey, what's wrong?!" Arana asked kneeling down next to Kagura.
"Kagura-san!" Becky turns around and stands next to her guild mate.
"Kagura-chan!" Millianna shouted as she stands in front of Kagura
Staying on the ground for a moment, Kagura couldn't stop her hand gripping onto Archenemy to tremble repeatedly. She herself couldn't help but tremble as her guild mates look on in worry for her well-being.
"Kagura! Get a hold of yourself!" Arana exclaimed to the woman as Risley runs ahead.
"Somebody call for a medic!" Risley shouted to anyone who would respond to her distress call.
"Kagura-chan is…" Millianna trailed off as a few person looks at her.
"What's wrong?!"
"Is she okay?"
At the same time, Millianna notices Jellal and she gritted her teeth.
"Jellal…" She muttered before she blindly rushes ahead but a hand gripped upon her wrist, blocking her advance. Immediately, Millianna looks back to see it was Kagura holding onto her wrist in question.
"I'm all right now. I've calmed down." Kagura assured Millianna who stared at her.
"But he's over there…"
"I know. I'm okay now. I'm sorry." Kagura stands up from the ground before looking at Jellal. "So they've been hiding him…" She muttered before her eyes spotted Salamander standing close to Jellal and immediately, her heart aches in pain. She slowly raises her hand over her heart as she felt the fast pace beating of her distress heart, much to her confusion. She then look up at Salamander who turns to her direction and stares at her for a moment before he turns back around towards Yajima, Jellal along with Lahar and Doranbolt. "Does he know…? He does knows…" Kagura thought before her eyes narrowed dangerously at Salamander, a sickening feeling started to develop in herself. "…Why…?"
"Jellal in Fairy Tail…? Why, Er-chan?!" Millianna looks down in surprise while a sense of betrayal came upon her.
"I appreciate your understanding." Jellal responded to Lahar who turns to him.
"Oh, no. I apologize for not knowing the circumstances." Lahar apologises towards Jellal.
"To me, Jellal is an evil being." Jellal said while putting on his hat and mask. "If I run into him, you can bet I'll report him."
"Good." Lahar nodded as Jellal turns around to leave.
"Well then…"Jellal answered as he walked past Yajima. "I owe you, Yajima-san." He whispered before walking past him and surprisingly Salamander came following him.
"We have something to discuss." Salamander whispered as Jellal looked at him before nodding and the two left.
"Just this once. Get out of here before you cause Makarov any trouble." Yajima said to him telepathically.
"Right. I swear I'll be gone by the time the tournament is over." Jellal assures the former council member.
"Don't worry, Yajima. I'll keep an eye out for him." Salamander answered to Yajima telepathically as Yajima closes his eyes.
"Alright. Thank you, Salamander-sama."
Walking to stand next to Doranbolt, Lahar spoke. "That was the real thing." He said which surprises Doranbolt. "I don't want Yajima-san to lose face here, but we won't let him get away." He proclaimed determinedly.
"Did I lose him?" Jellal asked himself looking everywhere once he gotten out of Domus Flau.
"Do you mean Zeref?" Salamander asked telepathically as Jellal looked at him in surprise. "I've sensed the magic earlier in the fight between Cheria and Wendy. And I've also sensed one last year." He informed as Jellal looks at him in surprise, not expecting the individual in front of him to sense such a magic like him.
"Then you do know…" Jellal uttered.
"Whatever it is, his or her magic was like Zeref's but not exactly like his." Salamander answered as Jellal nodded, believing his explanation to be true before he looked out in the sky.
"Who are you?" Just as he asked, Salamander spoke.
"Anyway, I hope you have time for this evening."
"Why?" Jellal turns to Salamander in question.
"As I said, we have something to discuss about." Salamander smiled before he walked past him. "But from now on, you should be careful, Jellal Fernandez. There are people going out for blood. Your blood specifically."
"Who?" Jellal couldn't help but ask in slight curiosity.
"Someone scarred from her past. Someone who lost her brother..." Salamander answered. "Anyway, stay on your feet. Lahar will not tolerate to capture you when you're alone. He knows." He stated surprising Jellal, expecting Lahar to not expect him anything more than his Edolas counterpart. After a while, the blue haired mage then nodded in understanding.
"Alright. Thank you. Where do we…?"
"Near the outskirts of Mercurius. You know?" At the nod from Jellal, Salamander nod once before walking past him. "Don't let anyone get you from behind on your way there." After lending the last advice, Salamander walked away from Jellal who stared at him until he disappeared from view.
"Salamander…Who are you exactly?"
Night
In a secluded area of Crocus
"Gramps…What's Lumen Histoire?" Laxus asked leaning against the wall as he looked down at his grandfather who looked down after hearing the question.
"You heard this from Ivan?" Makarov responded as Laxus closes his eyes.
"Heard about it? All I know is he wanted it badly."
"That brat will be the end of me…" Makarov looks down at the thought of his son.
"He called it 'Fairy Tail's darkness'." Laxus exclaimed before silence engulfed the atmosphere.
"It's not darkness." A voice said as both Laxus and Makarov looked at Mavis walking towards them which interrupted the silence.
"First Master!" Makarov looked at her in surprise.
"Lumen Histoire…That's our guild's light." Mavis answered to Laxus's curiosity as surprise etched on his face, recollecting Salamander's words which were the same as Mavis.
"First Master, you mustn't!" Makarov reminded stepping forward as Mavis turns to him.
"I know. Only the master of this guild has the right to know about it." Mavis answered smiling down at Makarov who nodded. She then turns to Laxus, "Do you understand, Laxus?"
"If it ain't anything weird, then I won't bother looking into it."
"thank you!
"But…"
"Hm?" Mavis tilted her head in curiosity as Makarov looked at his grandson.
"…Salamander said the same thing as you."
"As me?"
"He told me that Lumen Histoire is Fairy Tail's light." At the end of his statement, Mavis stared at Laxus wide eyed which was followed by Makarov who froze rigidly while staring up at his grandson with surprise evident in his wide eyes.
"He did?" Mavis asked that particular question towards Laxus who slowly nodded.
"But that's impossible!" Makarov protested. "The Sixth Master can't possibly have known. There's no such possible ways for him to know. The Fourth Master doesn't know about Lumen Histoire, so he couldn't have passed on that information to him." Makarov explained as Laxus watches his grandfather grimly.
"Wait, so what does this mean? Is Salamander…?"
"No." Mavis answered immediately putting a stop to his assumption. "He cannot be in any kind of alignment as Precht…" She stated before looking down. "I know of him."
"You know of him, First Master?" Makarov looked at Mavis.
"I don't know about him extensively nor do I know of him on an extent. But I can sense he is on our side." She answered confusing both Makarov and Laxus. "I understand it is hard to believe but for what it's worth, I absolutely believed that he will not do us any harm." She said confidently at both of them, believing in her faith of the Sixth Master.
"Thank you, First Master." Suddenly, Mavis looked up at Salamander standing a good distance across from her. "For your information, I am not worthy receiving such hopes from you." He smiled before he walked towards her, Makarov and Laxus. Just as he neared the three, he chuckles at his earlier statement. "Not to alarm you of anything but I can't stop to hear my name being called."
"Oh, really? Did you coincidentally came here or you were already spying on us?" Makarov asked turning to him with a frown.
"Third Master." Mavis called which silences Makarov before she smiles up towards Salamander. "How are you this evening, Sixth Master?"
"I'm well. But seriously, I literally can't help myself when I saw the three of you and that my name is somehow involved in your conversation."
"We're sorry but we were enjoying ourselves of speaking about your name in this topic." Mavis smiled cutely, believing the individual in front of her was not her enemy and was the opposite. "But we were surprised to hear that you know of Lumen Histoire. Laxus told us about it." She then continued. "So we'd like to ask if you've known about Lumen Histoire."
"…Yes, I've known about it for quite a while." At this, Mavis continued asking.
"But how did you get that piece of information?"
"I found it all by myself. Fairy Tail's Heart." Salamander answered as Mavis stared at him in mild surprise while Makarov just stared at him along with Laxus. Don't worry, I won't let that slip past anyone. I understand all of your concerns about my knowledge of Lumen Histoire when I am an complete stranger."
"No, you're not. You're not a complete stranger, Sixth Master. You protected this guild in our absent. We are thankful for that." Mavis nodded in appreciation. "But since you've answered my question, I'll rest my case." She finishes off with a smile as she looks at Makarov who shared a look with her before nodding towards her.
"Yes, we are grateful to you for protecting this guild during the years we've been absent from the world." Makarov stated before he continued. "Although…I would like to know how you've manage to find it by yourself."
"I do think that I should answer that another time, correct?" Salamander asked. "This sensitive topic is specifically discussed between masters of this guild, am I right? No offense, Laxus."
"I understand." Laxus nodded before relaxing his stance after reassuring himself that Salamander is not the enemy.
"But I am quite curious how Ivan obtained that kind of information? Only a few could have possible known about Lumen Histoire." A frown could be seen underneath his hood as Makarov nodded in agreement.
"Yes, where did Ivan get a hold of that information?"
"The second master…It was likely Precht." Mavis answered frowning.
"It's possible…" Makarov nodded.
"I never imagined that Precht would fall to the dark side. And now, as a result of my shallow-brained selection…" Mavis looks down sadly.
"No. It's nor your fault, First Master." Makarov tried to reassure.
"It is my fault! I…" Mavis trailed off before she squeezes her eyes as tears presented themselves in her eyes, terrifying both Makarov and Laxus.
"First Master!" Makarov called waving his hands back and forth before watching Mavis turns around and crouched down.
"G-Gramps! What do we do?!" Laxus questioned his grandfather.
"I'm not crying! Not at all! I'm not…crying…" Mavis cutely stares out before she closes her eyes to hold off her tears.
"Laxus! Go on, hold her!"
"That hurdle's too high!" Just as Laxus finishes, Salamander walks past grandson and grandfather before kneeling down and lightly patting Mavis's head, surprising her and both Dreyars' present.
"You don't have to lie to admit your crying, Mavis." Salamander said as Mavis slowly turns around to look up at Salamander and her eyes widen recognition at the sight of the pair of mischievous purple eyes along with a smile directed towards her.
"…" Mavis stared at him with her tears still visible at the corner of her eyes as Salamander gently brushes off her tears before putting his hand over her right cheek while Makarov and Laxus looked at them in mild surprise.
"G-Gramps!"
"Shut up, Laxus! D-Don't ruin it!"
"You shouldn't worry about anything, Mavis." Salamander exclaimed smiling. "I'm here now." After that, silence overcomes the atmosphere as Mavis stared wide eyed at Salamander who only smiles at her. Then, Salamander stands up and extended his hand towards Mavis who accepted it and stands up.
Grasping his glove covered hand, Mavis looked at Salamander before squeezing his hand comfortably.
"…I have to go. Unfortunately, there's some unfinished business I have to deal." Salamander explained to Mavis who nodded before she let go of his hand albeit reluctantly. "I'll see you later, First Master." He bid before turning his head a bit to face both Makarov and Laxus. "Third Master, Laxus." He said before he turns his head around and walked passed Mavis who looks out ahead of her before she warmly smiles and glances behind to see nothing but empty air. She still smiles as she stares out ahead of the empty street while grasping her hand that was held by him.
"It is you…"
Outskirts of Mercurius
Standing in waiting was Jellal disguised as Mystogan, who looked at Mercurius from atop a roof of a building.
"Did I keep you waiting?" A nonchalant voice appears as Jellal turns around to see Salamander standing across from him.
"No, I just got here."
"So, mind telling me what's going on? What is your mission, Jellal Fernandez?" At this, Jellal pulls down his mask to reveal his lower part of his face as he stared at Salamander who waited for his response. The two stared at each other as the Mercurius shined like a light amidst the dark night behind them.
Sun Bar
"Cheers!" Everyone cheered as they hit against their drinks over their victory of the third day of the Grand Magic Games.
"Today felt great!" Natsu exclaimed lifting a piece of meat as he stood on top of the table.
"This isn't the guild, so don't break anything!" Lucy scolded him.
"Did you see my true power out there?" Cana asked bragging as she sits on top of a table with her arms on top of a barrel while Wakaba, Macao and Max stood nearby.
"That was a cheat, wasn't it?" Wakaba stated.
"Gray-sama, you were wonderful today, as always!" Juvia smiled at Gray who sat across from her.
"I didn't do anything…"
"You were great, Wendy!" Carla complimented smiling at Wendy. Said girl turns to her Exceed and smiles widely.
"Really?" Wendy asked at Carla standing on top of the table in front of her.
"You surprised everyone." Panther Lily added as he stood with his small sword raised, posing for Reedus who's drawing a portrait of him.
"Yeah! You were great, Wendy!" Levy complimented nodding sitting next to the sleeping Gajeel.
"At any rate, you've got amazing recuperative strength, Erza." Lucy said to Erza sitting next to her, recounting how the red head could stand up and be present during Wendy's match unlike Elfman who was still laying down in the infirmary.
"That's thanks to Wendy and Porlyusica-san." Erza smiled crossing her arms.
"Even with their power, Elfman hasn't recovered…" Mirajane let out a smile as Lisanna sighed and put her hand on her forehead.
"It's pathetic…"
Crocus
Morning
Watching upwards towards the Domus Flau from a distance was Salamander who stood on top of an oversized sculpture overlooking the whole of Crocus. A frown could be seen smeared on his lips as he thought about the meeting yesterday. A meeting which he known and deemed to be important at the moment than watching in on the first match of the fourth day of the Grand Magic Games.
Suddenly, a lacrima vision appeared in front of him and Warrod could be seen as a hologram of himself standing in front of him.
"What did you call me for, Salamander-sama~" Warrod smiled before he noticed the grave impression on Salamander and a frown replaces his smile soon after. "By the looks of it, it's something important."
"I didn't call on you just for fun, Warrod. You know that."
"Yes, and I apologize for that. Anyway, what it is that intrigued your mind at the moment?" Warrod asked seriously with a serious tone as he looked at Salamander.
"It's happening again, Warrod. The same magic power I've sensed last year." At the answer, Warrod grimly looked at him. "There are three of them releasing such magic just like last time."
"Does Jellal know of this?"
"No. He'd probably sensed one of them." Salamander stated. "Jellal had already told me about everything and he sensed the same magic power as Zeref's but at the same time it isn't." He looks down. "What does all of this mean? They've been active ever since Fairy Tail…" He trailed off into silence
"It is more likely something will happen." Warrod interrupted the silence as Salamander nodded.
"Something big. Bigger than all of us expected, and frankly, I'm not anticipating it." Salamander stated before looking directly at Warrod. "But why now? Why at Crocus?" After he asked those questions, Salamander looks down thoughtfully before looking back at his colleague. "Do a thorough research about Crocus and everyone who served the King. They might hold a hint to this."
"Are you sure? You do know it might take quite a while to get the things you want."
"Make sure it'll be done before something happens."
"Understood. Anyway, I recently heard Raven Tail is eliminated from the tournament. I read that the culprit is none other than Makarov's boy, Ivan."
"You've heard right. That foolish man tried to perform a magic trick in front of everyone else. One that they would not see or hear, but sadly, it backfired." A small smile appears on Salamander's lips at the recollection of the shock look on Ivan's face.
"Might I guess it has something to do with you?" Warrod asked knowingly with a small smile.
"It might. Don't you read the news? You could have searched for my involvement." Salamander stated as Warrod kindly smiles at him.
"…How long…? How long has it been since we've met?"
"Two years? Give or take, a few months. Why?"
"You seemed to enjoy yourself a lot more these days. You've been active since joining in the Games. I do think that it has something to be doing with the return of your guild mates."
"They're your guild mates too."
"But they're not in my time. That time has long gone past and I'm just watching the younger generation now."
"You still can give them quite a fight, right? You've still got it, Warrod."
"Although, not the entirety of my young self." Warrod answered as Salamander nodded. "So, how long will you stay like this?" At the question directed towards him, Salamander smile knowingly.
"They'll know, soon enough…"
"I hoped that it'll be true, and I can't wait for it to happen. You along with me, know of this matter will soon be exposed." Warrod said before he let out a chuckle and smiles at Salamander. "Do not worry, my friend. I will research what I can. In the meantime, you should return to your fellow guild mates. They might be wondering where you are by now. You are, in fact the star player. Hahahah!" Warrod laughs in playfully at the last part, causing Salamander to shake his head with a smile. After a while, Warrod stops laughing before he sent a last smile towards Salamander. "Be well, my friend. Whatever happens from this point onwards, it will be up to you to make a decision and I will respect such decision."
"Tell Wolfheim and Draculos, I'd say hello and my thanks."
"For what?"
"You're not the only one who could handle all of them at once." Salamander said smiling knowingly, referring to the other Wizard Saints. "I always assumed the three of you got my back on this." At seeing the knowing smile on Salamander's face, Warrod smiled in response.
"I'll send the message." Warrod bid with a nod before he disappeared and the hologram screen disappears into thin air, leaving Salamander to smile and looks out to the open sky.
"Salamander-kun." A voice called out in his mind as Salamander looks at his left, seeing Meredy standing on top of another sculpture across from him. He noted of her frown smearing on her face and he turns around to face her along with the frowning Ultear.
"Yes?" He answered telepathically.
"I'd think you should see this." Meredy stated as Ultear guided her orb to hover in front of Salamander who looked at it in slight curiosity. But just as his eyes immediately spotted the imagery of Lucy screaming in pain by flashes of heat in the water and after that, spotting the slight glimpse of the attacker, a large cracking sound could be heard.
Both Meredy and Ultear looked down at the flat surface of the sculpture replaced to nothing more than just a large crater, damaging the imagery of the sculpture. The two then sees Salamander disappears within the blink of any eye, surprising them even more so to see the head of the sculpture completely destroyed.
"It looks likes Sabertooth will get nothing more of mercy." Ultear stated frowning in disappointment of the said guild.
"Will he be okay?" Meredy expressed her concern for the hooded individual while Ultear looked out at the Domus Flau in front of her.
"I don't know. But as it is, Sabertooth should have known to display such an action if they know the price afterwards."
Domus Flau
"Stop!" Natsu shouted in anger as he looks over to Sting grinning with Orga and Rufus except Rogue who quietly looks down with closed eyes.
"Sabertooth!" Erza, Gray and Natsu called at the same time with rage.
"Do you know what it means to dis Sabertooth? I'm going to teach you with her body!" Minerva declared beating the already bruised Lucy within the sphere of water they both were in. After Juvia had toss out everyone from the sphere of water earlier, Minerva had ousted her which peaked her at third which leaves both her and Lucy. Deciding to play with her under the five minute count, Minerva beats her under her spells which causes heat to violently hit her whilst under water. But after Lucy was determined to not give up, that broke Minerva's chain of thoughts and she immediately begin showcasing her sadistic side of beating her after the five minute count, much to the anger of every Fairy Tail member present.
"Stop this! She'll destroy the Celestial Spirit Wizard! Stop the competition!" Captain Arcadios shouted in command as Mato raises his hand in anxiety.
"The referee has stopped it! The competition is over! The winner is Minerva! Sabertooth really is strong!" Chapati announced as Minerva held Lucy by the neck outside the sphere of water, dangling her bruised body for the world to see like a trophy. "Lucy hasn't moved for a while, but is she okay?!"
"Lucy!" Immediately Erza, Gray and Natsu jumps over from the ledge to rush towards her. "Lucy!" Both Natsu and Gray runs towards Lucy dangling by Minerva's hand before she lets go of her hold on the blonde, letting Lucy fall towards the ground. But just as Natsu and Gray neared to catch her, a figure falls from above in front of them and landed lightly on the ground before catching Lucy straight off from the air in his arms. Both mages looked to see Salamander holding onto Lucy and they immediately glared up at the smiling Minerva standing in the sphere of water.
"You weren't kidding, Sabertooth." Salamander looks up at Minerva. "You really want to be the strongest, eh?"
"How could you do this to her, you witch!" Natsu shouted.
"Immediately get the Celestial Spirit Wizard to the infirmary!" Captain Arcadios ordered as the knights quickly runs over to Lucy.
"No! I'll give her emergency treatment first!" Wendy said as she runs over to Lucy.
"I'll help!" Cheria stated running over to Lucy as well with Juvia.
"Lucy, hang in there!"
When Erza finally arrived at Natsu and Gray, she immediately looks over at Miverva who casually exited the sphere of water by sliding off the water and landing in front of Erza.
"What are you staring at?" Minerva asked the red head.
"Lucy-san!" Wendy called out as she neared Salamander. "Salamander-sama, I can help her." She said before she was surprised to hear his comeback.
"No, I'll do it myself." At this, everyone watches in surprise as a burst of bright flames flows out of Salamander and slowly travels to Lucy, enveloping in its flames. Immediately, the wounds visible on Lucy were gone, much to everyone's awe.
"He did it again. He healed Lucy…But how…?" Natsu muttered in surprise recalling Salamander healing Lucy with his flames on the first day.
"…Huh?" Lucy slowly opens her eyes to see a smile greeting her. "…Izayoi…" She muttered before lastly smiling and fell asleep against Salamander.
Both Wendy and Juvia looked at Salamander in surprise, more so than Cheria who had witness his healing on her guild mate, Jura.
"I asked you, what are you looking at? I acted within the rules of the competition." Minerva explained casually as Erza step forward.
"Rules, you say? You mean torturing an opponent who's already lost?" Erza questioned as Minerva laughs before explaining.
"The crowd ate it up, didn't they? Lucy should be grateful. I let her be in second place. Even though the girl is a useless piece of garbage…" Minerva admitted out loud as Natsu and Gray went to stand on each side of Erza.
"What?!" Natsu asked before Orga, Rufus, and Sting appeared in front of Minerva, blocking their way of advancing towards her.
"Uh-oh! What's this?! Are both teams about to rumble?!" Immediately after this, the crowd begin to cheer for it.
"They're gonna start somethin' here?!"
"Sabertooth versus Fairy Tail!"
"We need to keep things calm here!" Yajima stated.
"But the crowd loves it! Thank you very much!"
"This is one of those unavoidable fate things, you know?" Lector asked.
"Fro thinks so, too…" Frosch stated.
"This isn't an official match. If they really do this, we'll go out there too." Panther Lily said as Happy looked determined.
"Aye, sir!"
"Calm down, for crying out loud!" Carla stated to both of them.
"Wild!" Bacchus shouted raising his hand.
"…Four!" The other four members cheered.
"Things are getting pretty lively around here-kabo…" Mato muttered.
"What should we do?" Cana questioned with a frown as she surveys the situation.
"Lucy…" Mirajane frowned.
"Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!" The crowd cheered as Erza, Gray and Natsu stared off against Sabertooth who stared at them off also. Suddenly, Sting made a move of stepping up and Natsu step up too but was held back by Erza.
"Stop it." Salamander exclaimed as Erza, Gray and Natsu turns towards him alongside Orga, Rufus. Sting and Minerva. "You do know the rules if you fight unofficially?" At this, Gray and Natsu looked disappointed before nodding in understanding. "Let them be. Don't be provoke by their stupidity of a mock." He added as Sting frown at his insult.
"What did you say?" At this, Salamander turns around to smile at him, confusing Erza, Gray and Natsu and everyone nearby.
"Do you want me to say it again? You're just all laughs, Sabertooth and a bunch of cowards by showing your superiority when you clearly underestimate one thing."
"And what's that?"
"Sometimes, payback hurts a lot more. So, I hope you're prepared because if we're gonna fight…" A smirk replaces Salamander's smile. "I'm gonna be what you're fighting up against next." At the declaration, Erza with Natsu and Gray looked at him in surprise. Then, Salamander turns his head back and looked to Wendy. "Let's go, Wendy." He said as Wendy nodded and both of them walked out of the scene towards the infirmary leaving Erza to look at them before she looks at Sabertooth.
"He's right. We should stop this. Primarily, both of you." Erza reminded to both Natsu and Gray who looked at her. "As he said, don't be provoke. They'll want us to do just that." She added before she focuses onto Sabertooth. "I don't care if you're the strongest or number one in Fiore, I'll just tell you one thing. You people…have made an enemy out of the one guild you don't want to anger." Erza said to them. "I've heard of the incident that destroyed your inn a few days ago. If my assumptions are correct, it would be better if you prepared yourselves for the worst to come." At this, Sting couldn't help the anxiety building inside of him as he smirks to shrug it off.
Time Skip
Infirmary
"Is Lucy okay?" Juvia asked as she opens the door to the infirmary with Mirajane and Cana behind her.
"Lucy!" Mirajane called in worry.
"You guys…" Gray stated as Fairy Tail B entered the infirmary.
"Even though we're on different teams, we're all in the same guild." Cana reminded as Natsu looked at Laxus arriving on the scene.
"Laxus!" Natsu said in surprise.
"So, how is she?" Gajeel asked as Porlyusica answered.
"Thanks to Salamander, her life isn't in danger and she's miraculously all better to move. That's why we didn't use any bandages because she's completely healed. Although, she has to wake up for us to find out if she's truly okay."
"Really?" Juvia asked as Porlyusica nodded.
"Thank goodness…But how is that possible?" Mirajane asked. "Is Lucy completely alright to stand up?"
"Yes, she is. It is her consciousness that needs to wake up so we can access other possible injuries she might have experienced. But prior to this, she does not exhibit any types of critical injury so that's why we didn't use any bandages." Porlyusica explained to her and everyone.
"It's all because of Salamander?" Gajeel asked as Wendy nodded.
"Yeah, I don't know how. But he managed to heal Lucy-san fully."
"Where is that guy anyway?" Laxus asked as Erza answered.
"He's outside. I don't know where but he said he'll be waiting until Lucy's awake."
"Those bastards…" Natsu muttered at the thought of Sabertooth.
"I know what you wanna say…" Laxus trailed off.
"Lucy!" Happy exclaimed as he looks down at the stirring Lucy. Everyone then watches as Lucy opens her eyes and she clutches the edge of the bed sheets with her fingers.
"Everyone…I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologizin'?" Natsu asked in confusion.
"I blew it again…" Lucy attempted to hide underneath the bed sheets.
"What are you talking about?! We took second place thanks to you, Lucy!" Gray exclaimed.
"We got eight points!" Wendy added.
"Yeah. You did very well."
"My keys…" Lucy muttered as Happy hold it up with his paws and bring it to her offered hand.
"Here they are."
"Thank goodness! Thank you!" Lucy thanked with a smile, hugging her set of keys against her cheek before she looks around the room to find somebody but she failed to find that particular person once she noted his absence. "Where is Salamander?" She asked to everyone and the one to answer is Erza.
"He's waiting outside. I've assumed he doesn't want to disturb you. Anyway, why do you want to see him?'
"I want to say thank you and…sorry…" At the last part, Lucy fell asleep as everyone looked at each other at the blonde's strange message.
"Looks like she fell asleep…" Mirajane smiled warmly.
"Why would she want to apologize to him? She didn't do anything wrong, right?" Natsu asked looking towards everyone for an answer.
"We don't know. Maybe she owes him an apology for something before the match?" Gray proclaimed as Natsu looks down thoughtfully.
"It's like they've got us all feeling down…" Cana stated with a disturbing frown.
"Sabertooth…" Gray muttered with a look unpleasantness.
"I don't like 'em…." Gajeel added before the door to the infirmary opens up.
"Master!" Erza called as she and everyone saw Makarov walking through the door.
"A team, B team…You're all here? Good. I'm not sure if this is good news or bad news. The administrators told me that teams A and B must combine." Makarov informed everyone in the room which surprises them.
"What?!" Natsu exclaimed in surprise.
"Team A and B have to unite?" Laxus asked.
"Why?" Natsu questioned Makarov.
"The disqualification of Raven Tail brings the number of teams down to seven, and having an odd number doesn't work when it comes to matching up for the battle part. Therefore, both of our teams must become one and we have to choose the five members again."
"Choose five members?" Erza asked.
"What about our points?" Carla questioned.
"Apparently, the lower score will carry over. In other words, A team's 40 points…" Makarov answered.
"How cruel…" Happy commented.
"But if that's the administration's decision, there's nothing we can do about it." Erza exclaimed.
"Well, looking at the bright side, we'll be able to put together an even stronger team." Cana said smiling.
"But even if we decide on five people here, the remaining events will all just be tag-team battles, right?" Gray said.
"No. I'm sure that between tomorrow's break and the final day, there will be a battle involving all five members. So you should choose carefully."
"I'm definitely gonna get revenge for Lucy!" Natsu said standing up. "I ain't gonna let 'em get away with laughin' at one of our own!" He declared as everyone looked at him.
Lamia Scale Stand
"No, you did great, Cheria." Lyon assured his pink haired guild mate about her loss.
"Yes, you exceptionally well against Wendy." Jura added as Cheria smiled at the two.
"Thanks. But I'm pretty bummed out on losing. I'd thought if we draw, we would split the 10 points. But I end up losing, and the guild got nothing." Cheria frowned before she puts her palm over her cheek that had been punched by Wendy. "Anyway, Wendy can really punch. I can still feel it."
"That goes to show her determination, right? Although, I don't know where she got that much determination." Jura explained as Cheria nodded.
"Yeah. I agree. But I don't care I loss, I got to be her friend in the end!" Cheria smiled as Jura and Lyon nodded at her along with Yuka and Toby.
"Yes, you've got a new friend. I think that's good." Yuka exclaimed.
"If she loss, they shouldn't she lose her socks?"
"We're not doing that! That's not even related!" After Yuka replied, a voice interrupted the moment.
"I supposed I went in the wrong time?" Salamander asked standing in the doorway of the room as everyone looked in surprise at his appearance.
"Salamander-sama!" Cheria smiled before walking up to stand in front of him. "How's Lucy? Is she okay?" She immediately asked as Salamander responded with a nod.
"Yeah, she's alright. She needs some rest, that's all. In a few hours, she might be standing up and watching the match." Salamander explained smiling. "Anyway, I came here to see you."
"You came to see me?" Cheria asked in surprise, hearing her heart thumping like a hammer against her chest. "W-What for? I loss…" Cheria frowned looking down.
"Hey, even if you loss...You've impressed everyone by your passion including Wendy's. I'm included." Salamander admitted. "So don't lose hope." He assured poking his finger at her nose, causing her to smile. "You'll have a lot of chances later on to redeem yourself."
"Alright!"
"Good." Salamander stands up. "Fairy Tail will see you next in the matches to come." He said looking to everyone present in the room.
"And we'll be waiting, Salamander-sama." Jura smiled with a nod before Salamander smiles at him in agreement and left soon right after. Once he was gone, Cheria held a dreamy smile and everyone looks at her in amusement.
"She's got quite a crush." Yuka said to Lyon who nodded at him.
"It is her love life." Jura added smiling.
Time Skip
Domus Flau
"The Fairy Tail team finished its reorganization and we're about to begin the battle part of day four! Continuing with commentary, we have with us former Council member Yajima-san."
"Thank you."
"And our special guest today is Rabian-san, leader of the Scheherazade Theatrical Troupe."
"It's an honor. Thank you very much."
"The battle part for the fourth day are tag-team matches, right?" Yajima asked Rabian.
"Two against two? I can't wait! Thank you very much!"
"Alright! I will now announce the match-ups for the battles! Everyone, please direct your eyes to Lacrima Vision! The first match is Blue Pegasus versus Quatro Puppy! The second match is Mermaid Heel versus Lamia Scale! The third match is Sabertooth versus Fairy Tail! And now, here comes the new Fairy Tail team!"
"Good luck, everyone. You too, Salamander." Lucy utters smiling on the infirmary's bed.
"This really is the strongest team, right?" Mirajane smiled down.
"I'll be cheering you on!" Wendy smiled.
"Do your best!" Carla cheered.
"This is an awesome team!" Cana commented grinning.
"I can't even picture these members failing." Juvia acknowledged.
"The thoughts of our guild have become one. We're entrusting this feeling to the gods!" Makarov exclaimed.
"Now is the time to show them all! The power of our bond!" Mavis smiles.
"The whole arena is shaking!" Chapati commented as the audience in Domus Flau cheered loudly upon anticipating the newly formed Fairy Tail team. "Right here and now, Fairy Tail is taking the field!" At the precise moment, Laxus, Natsu, Salamander, Erza and Gray walked out of the corridor and into the arena as everyone cheered for their appearances. Every one of them wore the same clothes as they usually wore as the five stood in front of the admiring audience.
"As you might expect, everyone's waiting for Fairy Tail versus Sabertooth, who were nearly about to brawl."
"I didn't know what was going to happen now." Yajima chided.
"It certainly was a heated moment. Thank you very much!"
Standing in the middle of the five, Salamander looks up at Sabertooth and easily flashes them a smile, unnerving Sting, Orga and Rufus at the same time by the sight of his smile. Meanwhile, Laxus, Natsu, Gray and Erza stared hard at Sabertooth.
"Alright, the first tag-tea battle! From Blue Pegasus, Ichiya and Rabbit versus Bacchus and Rocker from Quatro Puppy!"
At the mentioned names, the four stepped forward to stand across each other.
"Bacchus-san, let's get wild with these guys. At the rate we're goin'…"
"What? My soul is quivering. That's enough." Bacchus smiled before he opens his eyes and was surprised at seeing Ichiya and the Rabbit stood directly in front of them with their hands extended for a handshake.
"Well?" Ichiya asked as both Bacchus and shake hands with the two Blue Pegasus members.
"O-Oh my! This is beautiful… Opponents shaking hands before what's sure to be a fierce battle!"
"Too beautiful for words! Thank you very much!"
"The Rabbit and I are gonna…?" Rocker asked to himself.
"His hand smells kind good-four…" Bacchus commented.
"At last, the time has come to unleash you." Ichiya said pointing his finger forward as the Rabbit nodded.
"The Rabbit!" Panther Lily stated.
"We'll finally found out who it really is!" Happy pointed out as everyone in the arena looked at the Rabbit in anticipation.
"We don't even know who the rabbit is…Who could it be?" Ren asked as Eve nodded standing next to him.
"Go ahead and show them…that handsome face!" Ichiya said as the Rabbit pulls out his Rabbit head and everyone gawked at his appearance that looked similarly to Ichiya's.
"He's…" Natsu stated.
"…Extalia's…" Gray tailed off as both Ichiya and his Edolas counterpart posed after jumping and landing on the ground.
"Double Handsome Attack!"
"No way!" One of the spectators flinched in disgust.
"Gross!"
"Nichiya?!" Panther Lily said in surprise.
"This is a dangerous…" Ichiya said as NIchiya finishes.
"…parfum!"
"There are…two Ichiya's?!" Erza asked as she fell backwards before she hits the chest of Salamander.
"That's totally messed up." Salamander smiles as Erza looks up at him.
"How did Nichiya end up joining Blue Pegasus?" Happy asked.
"It was an encounter with myself…It was fate indeed."
"Yes. It happened one sunny afternoon…" Nichiya trailed before Ichiya started telling his story about he got lost inside a forest where he smell perfume. Ichiya then tried to get out of the forest but ending up going deeper into it and was dehydrated until he fell unconscious. He then woke up by the sight of Exceeds of Edolas and was surprised to see an Exceed similarly having a face as him. From that point onwards, they bonded well and Nichiya became a member of Blue Pegasus ever since.
"And so, our friendship deepened even more." Ichiya finishes as Nichiya continued.
"It's the parfum of memories that are just too beautiful." But just as he finishes, Bacchus appeared in front of Nichiya and strikes him with his palm, flying him backwards as Ichiya turns around in tears.
"What did you do?!"
"Men!" Nichiya shouted in mid-air.
"Ichiya-san! Can he even fight?!" Ren shouted at Ichiya.
"Naturally! He's got the same face as me! In other words…he's got the same fighting strength!" Ichiya proclaimed looking down at the lying Nichiya flat on the ground. The Ichiya's looked at each other before Nichiya passes out.
"Looks to me like he's dead!" Ren shouted frantically.
"It can't be!"
"Four…Time to stop messin' around…" Bacchus muttered standing behind Ichiya with Rocker.
"For us, it's now or never, so we're gonna win this." Rocker said grinning.
"Suddenly the revealed identity of the bunny is down!"
"That makes it two against one." Yajima commentated.
"Game over, then? Thank you very much!" Rabian said.
"Hold on, you two!" Ichiya extended his hand forward at Bacchus and Rocker who closes in on him alone.
"Drilling rock for you!" Rocker said kicking Ichiya backwards.
"Drunken Cleaving Hook Palm, Under the Moon!" Bacchus recited as he strikes his palm onto the ground and the force of it collides with Ichiya, knocking him into the air.
"Men!"
"Ichiya…" Nichiya called out in mid-air while striking his usual pose.
"Nichi…ya…"
"It's gonne be over now!" Bacchus declared running over towards Ichiya with Rocker behind him.
"I got you involved in this battle…I didn't realize you were a gentleman who couldn't fight…" Ichiya thought as Rocker came up in front of him.
"Drilling rock for you!" Rocker punches forth Ichiya in the face, spiralling him backwards and into the air yet again.
"And yet, you chose the path of fighting alongside us. And you're incredibly handsome…Why are you on the ground? Why are you hurt?!" Ichiya stated in mind as he got beaten over from both Bacchus and Rocker before he falls on the ground nearby Nichiya had fallen.
"Oh, boy! Is this the end of the match?! First the cat in the bunny suit, now Blue Pegasus's Ichiya is down! Wait, not yet! It looks like Ichiya of Blue Pegasus is going to stand up!" Chapati announced as Ichiya appeared to be standing up and looks at Nichiya lying across from him.
"I won't let your feelings go to waste! Handsomeness is justice!" Ichiya thought opening his eyes wider as a burst of magical power burst out of Ichiya and lighting up the arena. Suddenly, Ichiya appeared to be growing taller and more muscular. "Muscle-men! Men-men-muscle-men! Muscle-men-men!"
"H-How'd he suddenly turn wild…?" Bacchus commented with wide eyes.
"That's the power of parfum!" Rocker said to him.
"I dedicate this to you…The parfum called victory!" Ichiya said as a yellow aura enveloped his whole body. He then walk towards both Bacchus and Rocker with a frown.
"This is kind of touching…kabo…" Mato stated.
"Wild Four!" Both Bacchus and Rocker said as they attempt to attack Ichiya.
"Drilling rock for you!"
"My soul is quivering! Drunken Cleaving Hook Palm!"
"Take this! It's my…Beautiful Dreamer! Smile!" At this, Ichiya smiled as both Bacchus and Rocker stop in mid-air. "Smash!" Ichiya punches them upwards and they collided against the wall in a heap.
"Down! Quatro Puppy is down! The winner is Blue Pegasus!" Chapati announced.
"Men!" Ichiya said posing for everyone.
"Against Bacchus…" Erza said in surprise.
"It looks like he's not just an idiot." Gray commented.
"Nah, he's awesome!" Natsu added.
"How handsome can you get?" Ren asked
"That's our blue angel." Hibiki said.
"He's so cool." Jenny exclaimed.
"I knew Ichiya-san could do it!" Eve cheered.
"Are you okay, Nichiya?" Ichiya asked holding Nichiya in his arms.
"Wasn't very…men…of me…" Nichiya muttered.
"Wow, what a great match, huh?" Chapati said over the microphone.
"I-I suppose…?" Yajima contradicted.
"It was extremely disgusting. Thank you very much."
"Alright, on to the second match! Lyon and Yuka from Lamia Scale! Versus Kagura and Millianna from Mermaid Heel!"
"This should be interesting." Natsu said standing next to Salamander before the two comes across Sting and Rogue from the other side of the arena. Gritting his teeth, Natsu glared at Sting while Rogue stared at Salamander who smiles at him.
Infirmary
"Lucy-san! Are you awake?!" Wendy said over to Lucy lying on the bed in front of her and Carla.
"Which match is it right now?" Lucy asked Wendy.
"The first match just finished. It looks like Blue Pegasus won." Wendy informed the blonde.
"The second match is just about to begin. It's between Lamia Scale and Mermaid Heel." Carla explained.
"I see...Then Salamander and the others' match hasn't started yet. Will he go up against Sabertooth in the next match?" Lucy asked as Wendy and Carla looked at each other.
"I don't know about that, Lucy-san. But he'd said that he would after he saved you."
"He saved me?" Lucy asked as Wendy nodded.
"Yes, he healed you like on the first day. The reason why you aren't wearing bandages is because he healed you until your wounds are gone."
"Is it really…" Lucy trailed off looking down with a small smile.
"Yes." Wendy nodded before she reminded herself. "Oh, Natsu-san said he'd come and see you before his match." Wendy reminded the blonde who nods at her.
"Rest up a little more until then." Carla pulls the bed sheet over Lucy more. "It's important for you to get your strength back."
"Thank you. I will." Lucy smiles whilst nodding.
Domus Flau
In the arena, everyone watches as the competitors from both guilds, Lamia Scale and Mermaid Heel walked out from their respective corridors and walked towards the center of the arena. At the sight of the four competitors, the spectators roared in excitement and shouted supporting words towards them. Lyon and Yuka stops just as they arrived at the center, awaiting for their opponents to arrive. Said competitors were on their way towards the center as Millianna waved her hands towards the spectators.
"Support for Mermaid Heel! Cheer for us!" She shouted towards them all with a smile and a few waves while she advance towards the center by walking backwards. On the other hand, Kagura kept walking with calm composure before she stops once arriving to the center spot followed soon by Millianna. The four competitors stared at each other for a while before Kagura turns around and stops besides the surprised Millianna.
Everyone watches as Kagura uttered a few coherent sentences towards her comrade before she soon walked away and stood a good distance from the center arena. Once she puts down her sword in front of her with both hands on the top of the handle, she stood waited. Expressing a calm look to her face, Kagura stood watch as Millianna starting a move towards Lyon and Yuka. Just as she watches Millianna, she switches her gaze to her left and towards none other than Salamander who gazes at her. As the two kept their steady gazes, they were unaware of Erza taken note of the action as she looked curiously at both of them.
"Is there something going on between the two of them…?"
Gazing at Salamander, Kagura unconsciously frowns deeper as a thought clouded her mind at the moment in regards of the person she'd known and begun to trust over the past year.
"…I don't want to believe it but...are you really hiding Jellal, Salamander…?"
And that is it for chapter 11, ladies and gentlemen! I hope all of you are satisfied! So sorry for the delay! I have to recollect my thoughts over the real world. Anyway, I hope you will be patient and keep your inner fanboy or fangirl inside for the next chapter, alright?
