Dragonheart
Chapter 5: Day 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or any of the characters involved except for the members of Dragonheart
The members of Dragonheart stirred, their forms slumped over the tables in the taproom of the tavern they had rented for the duration of the event. The children were all huddled together around the fireplace, while Bruga was slumped in the middle of the floor, Tin's small form resting on his chest, rising and falling with the larger man's breathing.
Slicer was smiling to himself as he sat in the window near the door, looking over the members of his guild.
"Master? Did you sleep?" Anna asked as she stirred, rubbing her eyes with a hand.
"Yes, I'm just an early riser, especially today."
Slicer stood from the windowsill and made his way toward Anna as she started to try and stand.
He offered her a hand and pulled her up.
"What do we do now?" She asked.
"I suppose we'll ask everyone when they wake up. We could either stay and watch the games or go home."
"What do you want to do?"
"It doesn't matter to me. While I think watching the games would be a good learning experience for the younger members, it won't be as good an experience as participating," He said.
Anna went to respond when a knock on the door stopped her. The two spun to look at the entrance, both frozen in place.
"Expecting someone?" Anna asked.
"No, you?"
"No…"
After another knock, Slicer walked to the door and grasped the handle before opening it slowly. He started in surprise when he saw who was waiting for him on the other side.
Makarov Drayer was standing patiently inside the doorway.
"Ah, good. You're awake. I was beginning to wonder if I'd come calling too early," he said with a grin.
"Master…" Slicer said.
"None of that, you're your own Master now young man," Makarov said as he pushed past his former guildmate. He walked into the taproom and looked around.
"I see you picked up a few of our bad habits," Makarov said as he spotted the passed-out members of Dragonheart.
"I… well, maybe some of them," Slicer replied as he closed the door.
"Makarov Drayer?" Anna looked at Slicer, a question in her eyes.
Slicer made a negative gesture, he would answer her later… as soon as he knew what was going on.
"What brings you here Master Makarov?" Slicer asked.
"What did I just say?" Makarov asked as he turned on the younger wizard.
"Sorry, force of habit."
Makarov scoffed before turning back to the others.
"I came with an invitation. As you know, this year the Grand Magic Games allowed multiple teams from the same guild to participate. Fairy Tail managed to place in the top eight with two of our teams."
Slicer's eyes widened, he had not been informed of the final placements, just that his team had come in ninth after Natsu's team. He had assumed they were the only ones from Fairy Tail to place in the finals.
"You don't mean to absorb Dragonheart?" Anna asked.
"No my dear, nothing so crass. I came to offer you a place in our stands to watch. The guilds that are participating can invite friends and associates from outside the guild to watch from their booths, which are closer to the action and afford a better view. I figure your younger members might be able to learn a bit if they can actually see what's going on."
Makarov turned to Slicer as he said the last part, the look in his eyes demanded an answer.
Slicer considered the proposal. He was ready to call it and go home, but he knew that some of the others would have wanted to stay.
"I'm all for it," Anna said after a minute of silence.
"As am I," Tin's voice interrupted the conversation.
The trio turned to see Tin had awoken and was slowly climbing off of Bruga.
"And you are?" Makarov asked.
"Tin Slugonivan the Third, magician extraordinaire and all-around person to be," He replied with practiced ease and a bow.
"And may I say what an honor it is to meet you, Master Makarov, your magic inspired me to pursue life as a guild mage, and adapt it for my own use."
"Always a pleasure to meet a fan, and a fellow magician," Makarov said as he extended a hand.
The two men shook.
"Now, what's this I hear about us staying to watch from Fairy Tail's booth?" Tin asked.
"Master Makarov just arrived to offer us seats in their booth for the duration of the games," Slicer explained.
"A generous offer, considering how strapped you'll be for room," Tin said as he turned back to Makarov.
"They had two teams place this year, so most of Fairy Tail is participating in the games directly," Anna added.
Tin's eyes widened at her words, looking from her to Slicer who nodded confirmation, then back to Makarov.
"Two placements? Fairy Tail's really making a comeback, isn't it?" He asked.
Makarov gave him a knowing smile.
"So, I take it your answer is yes?" he asked, turning back to Slicer.
The young man nodded, "It would appear so."
"Good! Then you can meet up with us at our inn in two hours. Once you've woken up and cleaned yourselves up a bit," Makarov rubbed his finger under his nose as he spoke. Doing his best to hide the grin that was trying to form on his face at the familiar sight.
"We will do that. Thank you, Master," Slicer bowed from the waist.
"Think nothing of it, my boy," Makarov replied before walking out the door.
"Well, you heard him. Let's get everyone up and cleaned up," Slicer said.
Anna and Tin smiled before turning to their respective duties. Slicer looked out the window and saw Makarov turn a corner and disappear from sight.
"This may not have been a wasted trip after all."