Chapter 3

The Guild was boisterous as ever. It was a bright day and by the looks of it, it was promising to be a sunny day. A few members were taking a break and relaxing by the pool, while the other members are still hectically in and out for a mission.

Everything was normal like any other day, except for one new unusual development.

If anyone were to take a look at Laxus, they would say he was being his usual self; meaning he was frowning again. If the newer guild members were being asked, they would say the Lightning mage was being creepy; meaning he was being scary with the way he was eyeing everyone sharply. If anyone dared to even come near Gajeel and ask him, he would snicker and say, Laxus was simply being his indifferent self.

None dared to point out the fact that the Dragon Slayers was sitting at one corner protectively and that going anywhere near their vicinity at the moment would be subjected to the older Dragon Slayers displeasure. So they were doing their best to ignore the bizarre situation.

And then there's Wendy...

Well, she's the crux of the odd spectacle. They can't even get near Wendy. Wendy was completely surrounded – encased – by the two males and she was happily giggling as she played with Gajeel with a glowing ball that Laxus had just bought for her. She had came in running – with Laxus tolerantly trailing behind her – straight to Gajeel and showing him her ball chirping heartily before running off upstairs, and came back down five minutes later, flush with delight.

And now she is stuck with them like glue and the two Dragon Slayers are more than happy to dote on her.

The whole guild hall was bewildered. The core members of Fairy Tail speechless and totally dumbfounded. They knew that Laxus can be slightly awkward with the younger members, but this is outright pampering!

And they are not letting anyone coming near their youngest Dragon Slayer while they were being... well, being mother-henning. Even the Exceeds can only be near them to an extent, much to Carla's grunted annoyance.

"I wonder what is going on with them," Gray murmured absentmindedly as he gazed at the Dragon Slayers. "I've never seen them acting all mollycoddled."

Cana snorted behind her beer. "Ya might as well outright said mother-henning. It was glaringly obvious after all."

"And get my ass kick?" Gray retorted. "No thank you. As much as I relish a good brawl, I am not suicidal." Cana snickered.

Meanwhile, at another table. Carla was voicing her displeasure to Happy and Pantherlily strongly.

"I really don't get what's going on with them." Carla ranted. "I'm not against them bonding or anything but preventing anyone else coming near Wendy is ridiculous! Wendy is my charge and they won't let me sit beside her. They… they've been acting oddly for three days now. What happen the night?" Carla hissed, pacing irritated and bristling. "Their hogging is driving me crazy!"

Pantherlily hummed absentmindedly, deep in thought. His stared at the three dragon slayers, who was humouring Wendy as she continuously threw her ball upwards.

"I've been noticing Gajeel have been restless. Maybe that's the reason why?" Pantherlily trailed frowningly.

"Restless enough to smother Wendy?" Carla toned incredulously.

Pantherlily shrugged.

"Natsu is restless too," said Happy. "He kept disappearing at odd hours in the night."

"You didn't follow him?" asked Carla.

"Natsu said he was just taking a walk," Happy replied.

Carla sweat-dropped. "Tomcat, you are so gullible." She sighed.

At the dragon's corner, Laxus eyed his surroundings with boredom. Beside him, Wendy was giggling as Gajeel was showing her tricks with her glowing ball. Said Iron Drgon Slayer was balancing the ball by the tip of his nose and was swaying slightly so as to not drop the ball.

While they were engross in their leisure, Natsu came down from the office. He strolled towards them, stopping in front of Wendy. Gajeel dropped the ball onto Wendy's hands as they snapped to attention. Laxus and Gajeel nod to him while Wendy look up at him. Wordlessly, Natsu bend down and touch his forehead to hers. Both of them had their eyes close, simply basking on their fellow slayers presence. Then, Natsu smirked lopsidedly as he playfully swapped his nose with Wendy and their hatchling giggled. Natsu straightened up and after a reassuring pat on Wendy's head, he left for the bar. Laxus and Gajeel watched him go.

"Kinana," Natsu greeted the barmaid. "Would you be a dear and make me one of your brain-freeze concoction? I have a pounding headache."

"Rough day, Master?" asked Kinana pleasantly.

"No more than usual," Natsu replied.

"Coming right up," said Kinana as she prepared the drink.

"Trouble, Natsu?" asked asked Wakaba a few seats from him.

"Just one of those days," said Natsu tiredly.

Wakaba eyebrow rose and he blow his cigarette. "Does it have to do with your missives lately?"

Natsu smiled wearily. "Noticed that haven't you?"

"Hard not to." Wakaba told him apologetically.

Natsu sighed heavily. He perked up when a mug of ice cold red drink was presented to him, and with a cheers towards Kinana, drown the beverage in one go. Natsu instantly froze and shuddered violently.

"Wow," Natsu coughed slightly, having swallowed his first sipped too fast. "Now that packs a punch," He then rested the cold mug on his forehead, in a bid to reduce his migraine. "Yes they are. They are urging us to attend this year," Natsu answered Wakaba's previous question.

"Are we participating?" asked Wakaba casually.

"No," said Natsu steely.

Silence ensued while Natsu took another sip, this time slowly, of his drink. "Will you give them a reason? The Tenrou's are back. I'm guessing many will expect us to take part this year," said Wakaba once Natsu put his mug down.

"My aversion is no secret," Natsu said firmly. "They should know better to expect anything. They should minded their own business."

"What are you talking about?" asked Master Makarov as he joins Natsu on the countertop, feeling curious having overheard their heated discussion. "Take part in what?"

Natsu's face scrunched up but he said nothing, just sipping his drink.

Wakaba sighed and answered. "Shortly after you went missing, a new magic tournament was introduced. All mage guilds battle one another for the title of the number one guild in Fiore. All guilds gathered to fight it out via magic. This tournament is named Grand Magic Games."

Master Makarov listened with rapt attention. At the revelation of the tournament's name, he looked contemplative. "My, sound festive."

"It is," Wakaba affirmed. "Whichever guild won will become the strongest guild in Fiore."

Master Makarov hummed. "So, what's all the fuss? What's this about taking part? The tournament seems exciting enough."

"When it first been introduced, your disappearance was still fresh in our minds. Thus we didn't take part. However, Natsu and few others attended the event. When he got back, he forbade Fairy Tail from ever taking part," Wakaba explained.

Master Makarov's eyes went wide. "Forbade?! Why?"

It was Natsu that answered him. "Because I didn't agree with what the tournament represent. It is insulting," said Natsu.

"Seems harsh, don't you think?" Master Makarov expressed dubiously.

"Harsh…" Natsu intoned coldly. "That tournament is merciless."

Master Makarov didn't rebuke. He gazed contemplatively at Natsu. After a while, he gave sidelong glance at Wakaba. "I wonder, besides the title, what's the grand price? Surely being number one isn't all there is to it."

Wakaba actually smirk at that. He had to temporarily look away from the third guild master lest he laughed out uproariously. Already, Wakaba is inwardly snickering. Once he was sure he can keep a straight face, he answered the old man. "The winning guild will get the prize of Thirty million jewels," said Wakaba, shrugging nonchalantly.

"Thirty million jewels!" Master Makarov exclaimed in shock. Wakaba nodded and Master Makarov addressed to Natsu again. "And not once in our absence Fairy Tail participate in this tournament?"

"Like I said it's insulting," said Natsu, standing up from his stool. "And tactless. I will not allow Fairy Tail to demean itself in such manner."

"But… it's… thirty million jewels!" Master Makarov stuttered.

"I've made my decision, Master Makarov. I refuse to allow Fairy Tail to attend the death trap of gladiatorial tournament. We are not participating nor are we having anything to do with it. End of story."

"But Natsu, be reasonable. It can't be that bad."

"My decision is final."

. . . . . . . . . .

Wendy hummed as she watch her nest mates bantering. Master Natsu is doing his best to hold the court, so to speak. But the frequent eyebrow twitches easily tell that he is fast losing his patience. Laxus and Gajeel are in disagreement over their current topic of discussion, and they are growling and close to snap at each other. Already, their eyes shone with their respective magic and are clenching their fists in intimidation.

She had to applaud Natsu for showing tremendous restrain. Seven years ago, a brawl would have happen by now.

Finally, after getting nowhere and Gajeel and Laxus arguing about something else that is completely off-topic, Natsu have had enough – she can practically see four enormous ticks – grabbed both males by their collar and smacked them forward. Natsu then huffed with his arms crossed. Wendy sweat-dropped.

Wendy continue to hum absentmindedly. After the night at the pool, Natsu had encourage her to rein free her instinct. And she did. When she is with them, her restrain was basically none existence. It baffled her that every time she tries to control herself, it backfired.

It certainly didn't help matters when Natsu keeps doting her! Gejeel and Laxus had follow suit.

It makes her feel warm and happy.

"–Tsu… If you do that, they'll…"

"…I know that. But What…"

"It won't work. That's just…"

"…You know how…"

"We know but they don't…"

"…Can't keep this…"

Wendy face fell. Natsu are brainstorming. They are trying to come up with strategies. Natsu insist on having a backup plan. And that backup must have backups. Since Natsu only shared that night knowledge with them, he wanted their opinion. Wendy brought her knees up and embrace them.

Natsu had been under a lot of strain lately. The closer this… tournament… the tenser he become. He is getting jittery and he have been more protective than usual, much to Gajeel's and Laxus' ire.

She can't blame Natsu. Just thinking of the possibilities makes her feel uneasy. Out of all of them, only she understood Natsu's fear the most.

Wendy shivered, suddenly felt very, very scared. If what Natsu suspect is true, than they have to be very careful. This tournament screams of dubious intent. She can practically taste it in the air. Wendy hugs her knees tighter.

As if sensing her distress, the other Dragon Slayers stop their planning and went over to their hatchling. Wendy clings to Natsu tightly as she felt his arms settled around her.

Wendy wished Grandine was here.

. . . . . . . . . .

"The what game?" Gray exclaimed, puzzled.

"Grand Magic Games," Romeo repeated nonplussed.

"What is Grand Magic Games?" asked Levi.

"It's a magic tournament held every other year at Crocus. All magic guilds participate in this event. But not us."

"Why not?" asked Erza perplexed.

Romeo shrugged. "Master forbids it. He hates it."

"Do you know why?" Erza asked again.

"Master didn't agree with the tournament," was all Romeo said. Which didn't explain much to the Tenrou group. They exchange puzzling glances before refocusing to Romeo.

"What's this got to do with the S-class trial?" Gray voiced as he saw another Fairy Tail team raced out the door. They all have noticed how hectic the guild was lately and had inquired about it. As far as they know, S-class promotional trial is not this season.

"It was Master that come up with the idea. Even if we didn't participate, that doesn't mean we can't make use of it. GMG has a live broadcast, and they are used for our training. We studied the competitions and from there, we advance our own. GMG provide us good training material and motivation. At the end of GMG, that's when Master will decide if he should conduct S-class trial," Romeo explained.

Erza and the gang – as well as the other Tenrou group that was eavesdropping – was wide eyed. "Then, all this frenetic is for…?" Gray trailed lamely.

Romeo snorted. "Obviously they are doing all the jobs now before training season starts." Romeo crossed his arms and scowled. "Jobs offer will be a bit slower during GMG. Everyone wants to train to be stronger. And do you have any idea how sadistic Master Natsu can be?"

. . . . . . . . . .

Natsu sighed for the umpteenth time that night. His mind are in jumble mess and he was totally preoccupied.

The reason? The Magic Council.

Honestly, he hated those stuck-up councillors. They're like cockroaches and they love to sniff their nose on people's business. They're so annoying that Natsu wish he could just settle it with his fist. But no, do that and he'll be drag off to prison. Master or not.

Natsu gritted his teeth and scrunch up a paper and threw them aside in frustration. The Council just send him a few batch of complaints about something or other and a reminder to rein in his guild now that the troublesome members have returned.

Really, this is news to them how?

He should have break away and be independent when he got the chance. At least he won't get irritated by some controlling stuck-up jerks.

Natsu growled. He walked up to the fireplace, light up the all the useless drivels of paperwork and ate them. All the thinking and paper signing makes him very hungry. He leaned on the mantle by his elbow, fingers running through his scalp as he stared at the fire burning. He was tired and bone weary.

Things has been quiet. Too quiet. It's the calm before the storm. It makes him anxious, his dragon instinct uneasy. The air is getting ominous by the day. Gajeel and Laxus have sensed the dangers. It makes them more alert than usual. Even Wendy was beginning to pick up on it.

It makes him itch something fierce. And he didn't like it. Not one bit.

So he had wracked his brain for contingency plans. Just in case. Better be safe than sorry and all that. Just because his guts are screaming and instincts acting up, doesn't mean he shouldn't be prepared. He had made that mistakes once. And it nearly killed him.

He won't make that mistake again. He can't afford to. Not when his family and comrades have finally return to him.

Natsu's eyes darkened dangerously and his face stoic. He straightened as he glared sharply at the fire.

If whoever orchestrating whatever malignant intent and insist on involving Fairy Tail in the middle of it… They will have another thing coming. If Fairy Tail is force to be in the heart of whatever conflict, they won't be going in alone.

Time to bring in the reinforcement, thought Natsu fiercely.

Natsu went back to his desk. He have a few letters to send.

. . . . . . . . . .

Review on your way out!

-Elvina P.