Chapter 4
Makarov sipped his ale slowly. He sat comfortably at the table top and casually observing the hall.
He'll have to give Natsu credit. He did well with the guild. The new generation of Fairy Tail was a happy and energetic lot. They were all smiles and cheerful; laughing or cheering as they spend their day relaxing at the hall in between missions. Their smiles got bigger whenever Natsu joins them. They would greet him excitedly and would regale their Master of tales of their mission. They really admired the Fire Dragon Slayer.
They were quite the chatter bunch too. He'd listened to all sorts of stories of what their guild had been up to for the past seven years. Mostly, they tell of how Master Natsu defended their guild against the Magic Council. He's jaw nearly dropped when the young'un happily told him that one time when Natsu pranked an unfortunate very outspoken fool of a Magic Council member for trying to impose their authority over them or when Natsu nearly razed the council for trying to arrest some of their guildmates with some obscure reasons. They swore that they have never seen such an impressive sight. Natsu was livid, and the way he threatened to pull Fairy Tail out of the union was magnificent. It didn't stop there. Apparently, Natsu did obliterate the council's hall as a warning to never disturb the Fairy Tails' again.
He had wondered if it all really happen. With all the stars in their eyes and fists clasps together in reverence, it's hard to tell if the young'un was simply waxing poetry. Stories tend to get elaborated as they were retold after all. He really hoped they were exaggerating. It will be a pain to handle the council otherwise.
Well, one thing for sure. In their absence, Natsu has gotten mightily protective and very possessive.
However, as chatty as they are about the seven years' worth of shenanigans, they seem to be reluctant to talk about their lack of participation of the Grand Magic Games. He had asked them their opinion on the matter and they were immediately tight lip about it. It was a huge event from what he can obviously see, and everywhere he went everyone is talking about it. So he found it baffling that Fairy Tail never participated not once.
It is understandable of course if they held their training in high regards. Natsu had made the possibility of S-class assessment directly after the tournament. He saluted to Natsu for coming up with the idea of using the game as a motivation. Still, that doesn't answer his question on why the guild never once try. Their answer to his query left him more puzzling. 'We are not that cheap' they said, and then promptly went back to what they were doing.
Of course, he suspected it has something to do with Natsu's open dislike towards the tournament. And since the entire guild looked up to the Fire Dragon Slayer, they follow suit.
Makarov hardly blinked when Erza appeared beside him. "Master Makarov, may I have a word." Makarov looked up and stared at Erza inquisitively.
. . . . . . . . . .
"Are you joking me?" Natsu snarled darkly at the lacrima in front of him. His eyes narrowed at the person on the other end.
"No, I don't give a damn what they say. I will not put my guild in jeopardy," Natsu told it.
He bristled indignantly at what he was told next. "Wise or not, they're the ones shouldn't be forcing my hand!"
Natsu listened intently at lacrima. Then he scoffed. "Everyone knows where I stand with this. Their insistent is glaring at me like a red flag. And you want me to consider?"
The lacrima actually shone brighter as if the person on the other end too was getting frustrated. "I hear ya. Really, I hear ya. But I can't agree with you. Even if it's the perfect opportunity my answer is still no."
Natsu looked at the lacrima deadpanned. "Oh don't look at me like that. It's not like I haven't sent representatives to observe the game every time."
Natsu sighed heavily when the lacrima actually vibrate furiously. Natsu groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose, hoping to ease some of his steadily building up headache. "You're still upset about that?" The lacrima responded by shaking on the maximum and actually jumped up from its holder, successfully conveying its ultimate frustration, before it settles down. "I know they are urging strongly this time. But nowhere does it state we must participate," Natsu told it.
The lacrima replied and Natsu blinked. "How the heck you know about that?" Natsu voiced incredulously. "I haven't even reply yet."
Natsu sweatdropped when the lacrima replied smugly. "Why am I not surprise."
Natsu listened to the lacrima, and then a tick appears on his forehead. Then, his eyebrow twitched. Finally, he had enough. "You know what… this argument is pointless. You do your thing, I'll do mine. Find anything, we'll share. Got it?" Natsu glared darkly at the lacrima for good measures. "Don't test me, brat!" Natsu chided before he disconnect it.
Natsu lay back on his chair with a huff and looked out the window. The sun is setting and another day has gone by. Natsu eyed the horizon, worry written all over his face as his mind jumbled with troubling thoughts.
. . . . . . . . . .
"Ow! Ow ow ow!"
"Suck it up, you overgrown hatchling. It's just a little salve," Natsu uttered blandly as he tapped his finger on his crossed elbow impatiently. Natsu looked on dully while Gajeel squirmed, hissing and spitting, trying to defend himself against Porlyusica's tender mercy.
Gajeel scowled. He sat there unhappy while Porlyusica bandaged his torso. "She doesn't have to be so rough about it – Ouch! Woman, what the heck? Loose it up a bit, will ya?"
"If you don't shut your yapping the next five minutes, I'm going to make sure you can't breathe!" Porlyusica hissed at the Iron Dragon Slayer darkly. She continues to scowl as she finishes wrapping him up.
Gajeel grumbled at her. "Da fuck did I do to ya?"
"Your fault for going overboard. Did I not told you to be careful?" Natsu said with raised eyebrow.
"It wasn't my fault!" Gajeel defended. Then he glared, pointing at Laxus, who was sitting not too far from him, arms wrapped up and in a sling, shirt torn with slashes and nursing a killer headache after gotten hit on the head. "He was the one who was throwing lightning like crazy. How come you haven't scolded him?"
Laxus was about to retort but a warning growl from Natsu silence him. Laxus quickly back down and harrumphed instead.
Natsu continued like he haven't heard Gajeel's complaint. "You had Wendy with you. What happen if she got badly injured because her nest-mates got carried away with their little rough playing?" said Natsu pointedly at them. Laxus' face scrunched up and Gajeel winced. They avoided eye contact with the Salamander and instead gazed at Wendy.
Wendy for her part, was happily talking to Porlyusica. It was just recently they had unexpectedly been revealed of Porlyusica true identity. After they had completed one of their missions, they – plus Natsu, who wanted to take a break from the seemingly endless paperwork – decided to visit Porlyusica for some booster, so to speak. It was after they were chased off like usual that they realized their hatchling had been very quiet. When Laxus asked what was wrong, worry etched on his face, Wendy broke down crying uncontrollably. Needless to say, her nest-mates panicked.
They tried to console her but it was to no avail. Wendy kept on sobbing and sniffling. While Gajeel and Laxus murmured to her softly, Natsu was getting more anxious, and that makes him protective. Not knowing what was bothering their little hatchling makes him worse. When Wendy managed to stammer out that Porlyusica smelt like her Grandine, Natsu had to furiously and firmly rein-in his instinct from immediately hunting down Porlyusica.
Natsu had carried Wendy back to his house and all of his Dragon Slayers siblings spend the night, curling around their distraught hatchling. It was unanimously agreed that Wendy will spend the next few days staying with them until each of their instinct was appeased. They will not let Wendy out of their sight anytime soon.
The next day, when Wendy had calm down a bit, they went back to Porlyusica and Natsu all but ordered her to explain. And she did.
From then on, Wendy visited whenever she could. And Porlyusica grew fond of her. That's why, when Wendy's two idiot big brothers were being careless for pride's sake, Porlyusica wasn't happy.
"We might be a little carried away," Gajeel admitted guiltily. But he scowls darkly at Natsu nonetheless. "But do ya have to drag us all the way here?"
Natsu smirked smugly at him. "Awww, ya scared, scrap metal?" Next thing Natsu knew, he received a metal punch on the face," Natsu spluttered, gazing at Gajeel in shock. Gajeel was bristling petulantly. Laxus snickered beside him. Natsu smiled malevolently. "You wanna play, lightning rod? I'm all fired up."
"Bring it on, Flame brain," said Gajeel excitedly. Natsu smirked, his eyes glowing bright red.
Unfortunately, before they could start, they were interrupted. "Brats, if you want to brawl, take it outside!"
. . . . . . . . . .
Natsu eyes bore into them, piercingly. The Master sat impressively on his wide hair back chair, eyes uncharacteristically serious. His arms were rested casually in front of him; his elbow on the table and his fist gripped together, leaning against his lips and chin, covering them from view. With the bright rays of sunlight and his back towards them, the Fire Dragon Slayer was overshadowed. In a way, it was unnerving his audience.
Natsu hummed noncommittally as he contemplate their request. After a while, Natsu slowly said, "You want most of the Tenrou group… to attend the GMG…"
"At least the core members," said Master Makarov. Flanking him are Erza and Gray, both sat silently as the old man do the talking for them. "Erza and Gray, as well as a few others have expressed their interest. They are curious about this tournament."
"That may be so but I am reluctant," Natsu told them outright. "I do not like my guild anywhere near it."
"Natsu, you sent representatives to watch the tournament. Why not send us as your representatives this year?" Gray speak up.
"I sent them for the sole purpose of recording the whole thing. If it wasn't for that, I couldn't be bothered with sending anyone!" Natsu scowled at their resident Ice-Mage.
Erza and Gray exchanged confused glances before Erza continued. "Natsu, I know you do not like the tournament for God knows what reason, and you turn it as a training motivation and period. What we – the Tenrou group – are having problems with is that we can't grasp how intensive our own training should be."
Natsu frowned. "You don't have to train yourself too hard. You are advancing your skills, yes. But you are not to push yourself past your limits. We get stronger on our own pace."
"True. But even with your past recordings we just couldn't feel it," Gray interjected. "We can't judge how strong those contestants were. Sure, see them at it on the movie lacrima is cool and all but it wasn't just the same as being there… you know."
Natsu was silent. He then stood up and face the window. His hands clasped behind his back as he pondered.
"Natsu, think of the benefits. What harm can it do?" asked Master Makarov.
Plenty old man, Natsu thought to himself bitterly. His eyes shut as he sighed. Plenty.
"Fine," Natsu decided. Turning back to them, he stated his verdict. "The Tenrou group can attend the event if they so wish but only to observe. Fairy Tail are not participating and we never will. No, I will not compromise on this," Natsu's eyes hardened when Master Makarov wanted to object. "I expect you all to be on your best behaviour. If I hear any rumours otherwise, you will be call back and there will be consequences. Are we clear?"
Erza's and Gray's eyes light up and they bumped fist quietly with each other. Master Makarov smiled as he stared unwavering back at the young guild master. "Crystal."
. . . . . . . . . .
Crocus, the capital city of Fiore. The town was quite festive, all of its inhabitants are busy getting ready for the biggest event of the year. People from all over the country flock the city, merchants and the city's vendors took this opportunity to promote and sell their business, the squares were decorated lavishly; with florals and banners, and all the hotels and inns are fully booked. The place was swarming.
Anticipation vibrated heavily in the air. All of them have eyes towards Domus Flau; the venue for the Grand Magic Games tournament.
Erza, Lucy and Gray are strolling the city, glancing briefly at all the festivity as they passed.
"This city sure is huge," Lucy uttered as she looked around.
"And pack," Gray supplied deadpanned.
Lucy chuckled. "The same can be said for our town and I didn't hear you complaining."
"Please, Lucy. Magnolia isn't this bad. At least, our little town is not stifling," Gray told her humourlessly. Lucy sweatdropped.
As the trio continued to stroll in silence, eyes wondering and listening to all those loud, cheerful greetings, there was one conversation going on that caught their interest. It seems that wherever they go, they were recognized.
"Wait, those guys… aren't they..?"
"Hey, no kidding. It's Fairy Tail."
"I've never seen them come down in large groups. Do you think they'll participate this year?"
"Fairy Tail? Nah! They never participated in the tournament. Rumour has it they guild master abhorred this whole thing."
"Maybe they're actually weak. They never participated because they don't want to show how pathetic their guild are."
"Oy! Watch your mouth, you idiot! Fairy Tail is one of the strongest guild out there. They're famous for their morals."
"That maybe so. But not by GMG standard. And you know the winning guild is considered the best guild in Fiore…"
The Fairy Tails' continue towards their destination. After hearing that conversation, however, both Erza and Gray had fallen to tense silence. Lucy, having noticed the sudden strained atmosphere, inquired. "Erza? Gray? What's wrong?"
Neither Erza nor Gray answered. They keep walking purposely, their eyes covered in shadows and their face very grim.
Later that afternoon, while Lucy was out sightseeing, Gray approached Erza, who was looking out from the balcony.
"You seem troubled," Gray leaned against the railing casually beside her.
"Just thinking," Erza remarked instantly.
Gray glanced at her questionably. He hummed noncommittally as he stretched, releasing his stiffness. "What's on your mind?" He asked directly. He was never the one to beat around the bush.
"Just some silly thoughts," Erza sighed tiredly. "I can't help pondering over the conversation that we heard."
Gray tilted his head towards her, eyes widened marginally. "You're still hung up on that?"
"I can't help it. It bothers me," Erza told him.
Gray sighed. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "You never bothered with what other people think before. Don't start now."
"Gray, have you ever wondered why Natsu never participate in this tournament before?" Erza asked him instead. Erza turned to him, her eyes stared straight at him. "Not once our guild participated. The younger members said Natsu hated this event right off the bat."
Gray shrugged. "He has his reasons."
"Still. For him, it's odd. Natsu used to like this sort of thing."
"He's the master now. He can't remain the same like he was seven years ago. What happened with us, bound to leave a scar on them," said Gray casually.
Erza's eyes narrowed. Her lips pursed as she frowned. Her fist clenched and unclenched as she ponders. After a while, she sighed and turned to gazed at the scenery, leaning against the railing. "Still. What those idiots said just… pisses me off."
"You're not the only one," Gray intoned darkly. His eyes pierce into her. "What they said bothers me too. But Erza… There is nothing we can do about it."
Heavy and uneasy silence fall between them. Both of them had become too irritated for words; too unsatisfied and a little miffed at how fairy Tail was being perceived.
But for Erza, there is something else. Ever since she returned from Tenrou island, she can't help that things are just not right. Everything is just screaming wrong, wrong, wrong. Sure the guild is as strong as ever, their members more or less doubled since seven years ago. She can't help feeling that their guild is different now. They are not like… like they are used to. Everything is different. Too different.
It does not help matters that Natsu was chosen as the fourth guild master. Who was stupid enough to nominate Natsu of all people!
But Gray is wrong about one thing. There is something they could do to change the perception of Fairy Tail. Erza smirked. Yes. There is something they could do. "I won't be too sure about that."
Gray stared at Erza in confusion before realization dawned on him and his eyes widened. "No!"
Erza glanced at Gray blandly before swiftly make way to the door. "Yes."
"Where are you going?" Gray quickly chase after her. He didn't like the look on her face. Oh, he knew that stubborn look too well. He won't be able to change her mind. His gut feeling is screaming at him that Erza is going to do something that he is not going to like. He might have an idea what it is but he fervently hopes he is wrong. Because if he's right – he shuddered at the thought – they are going to be in serious trouble.
Meanwhile, with Lucy, said Celestial mage was walking on her way back to the hotel when she saw two unknown men, each with a familiar companion of their own. Lucy eyed them in shock. "Those are… Exceeds…"
. . . . . . . . . .
The Next morning…
"This is a bad idea… this is really a bad idea… it is the most stupid, worst, terrible, godawful, atrocious idea ever!" Gray mumbled in distress.
Erza growled in frustration. "It's fine if you don't like it. No one asks you to join."
Gray looked up from his freaking-out session and glared petulantly at her. "Are you fucking kidding me?! What does it matter if I join in or not? We are going to be in so much trouble! And it is all your fault!"
"Master Makarov agrees with me," Erza hissed threateningly at Gray. Her tone hushed as to not let the passerby overhear them.
"Master Makarov is no longer the master of Fairy Tail. Natsu is!" Gray hissed back. He then glanced at the previous master trailing them apologetically, before refocusing to the determine Titania. "Erza, reconsider. What you're doing is insubordination!"
Erza responded by walking faster. The group ignored everyone at the event participation building and head straight at the registration counter. The administrator guarding the counter greeted them with a smile. "Hello. Welcome to Grand Master Games Tournament. How may I help you?"
Erza smiled as she said with conviction. "We would like to enter the Grand Magic Games."
. . . . . . . . . .
Most of Fairy Tail was launching at the guild hall. They had done most jobs they can and had saved money as much as possible for the duration of the famous tournament. Now, as the game draws near, they just want to relax and unwind before training period started. At the moment, they were all watching the pre-games coverage with a few drinks in hand. They were chatting amiably when an announcement from the lacrima stunned them.
'…Lively as ever. The rooms are completely booked, tickets are sold out and… what do you know… some of the spectators are camping out near the stadium. No doubt trying to score the best seats!'
'Can you blame them? This year is bound to be epic. New information just came in. In addition to the participation this year, the ever popular and elusive guild; Fairy Tail, will be joining. That's right, folks. After the shocking returned of their missing core members, Fairy Tail has consented to enter the Grand Magic Games, at last…'
By then, the entire hall had frozen in shocked. Whispers broke out as the members looked around in uncertainty. Some of them are a little furious but predominantly, they were just unsure about this turn of event. They all knew how abhorrent their master is towards the Grand Magic Games and it was plainly obvious that their master will never consent for their guild's participation. They knew without a doubt that their master will not be pleased.
Somewhere in an undisclosed location; Wakaba and Macao jaws dropped at the pre-games coverage that they, themselves were listening in, and they sweat anxiously. He wasn't the only one. They turned to gaze at their Pinkett master – who was sitting at the dining table – fearfully. What they saw terrified them so much, that they wish they could clear the room in a heartbeat.
"Ma... Master..?" asked a quivering Max bravely. He took a step back when his Master looked up and he flinched. Master Natsu has an oppressive black aura surrounding him with red inferno flickering around the edges. His countenance was very dark and only his two shining eerie red eyes can be seen. He was angry enough that scales appeared on his skin and his hands sharpened into claws.
"Time to go," Max mumbled stupidly, and the original core members of Fairy Tail ran for the door. They quickly ducked into the lake outside when the cabin they were at; windows shattered and fire burst from the inside, raging through the broken windows. Their heads emerged from the water, wide eyed.
They shuddered when they heard Natsu roared furiously from within.
"Someone is going to be so dead," Wakaba voiced all their thoughts. The rest of his companions could only nods in agreement, too shocked to do anything else.
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Review on your way out!
-Elvina p.