Chapter Eight: Objective POV (Narrator's POV)
Saturday arrived faster than many of the Fairy Tail mages thought possible. Each of the people in the guild that was also attending the university were attending the ball that evening. Mirajane had called and made up with Freed Justine after the incident with Evergreen and Elfman. Lucy and Natsu were attending together, and Happy was going with Carla. Many of the members were more than excited to go to the ball and thought that it was a wonderful idea that the board at the university had come up with.
Usually it was Mirajane who was cleaning and taking care of the main room of the guild hall, but on this special, August evening the guild's master was taking care of it. Master Makarov stood in the middle of the room and sighed. "It looks so empty." He said to no one in particular. "Heh. It looks like we are moving in again." A pink haired woman said with red eyes that made you feel like you were going up in flames. "Porlyusica. It is nice to hear your voice." Makarov said with a smile as he looked at the decorations on the walls of the room. "Hm. Maky, you know how I feel about the smell of humans, but I am doing this for you." Porlyusica said hiding a smile from Makarov. Porlyusica looked at the walls and smiled to herself. The walls were decorated with purples, golds, and a little bit of black here and there. There were small tables with chairs around the edge of the room. The bar was taken out temporarily for the occasion, where it once sat was a bandstand and dance floor. "It It looks nice, Macky." Porlyusica said rather shocked that he had done a decent job decorating the building. He turned to her and saw the little bits of shock on her face. "I am not as bad as one would think with decor." He said with a large smile. "To keep everyone out of here was not as hard as I thought though."
The day went by quicker than many thought it would. Makarov and Porlyusica stood at the door to welcome the members of the guild and their dates. Each member wore a mask and formal attire as requested. Cana and Macao were even sober. Fairy Tail members began their arrival at five o'clock that evening and when everyone arrived the ball began.
Makarov walked over to the bandstand and stepped in front of the microphone. "Good Evening ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the very first Fairy Tail University ball." He started with a large smile. "At midnight we will announce Fairy King and Queen. Think of it as a homecoming court." The room burst into applause at the thought. Makarov held his hands up to receive silence. "Ladies and gentlemen, the band will be on in just a moment. I would like to take this moment to remind each one of you that we are not serving alcohol and if you have brought any with you please, bring it to any of the professors in the building. Your safety comes first. Dinner will be brought out in an hour. We will stop the dancing and enjoy dinner, then we will have a dance contest. Then at the end of it all the King and Queen will be announced." The room cheered and applauded as Makarov stepped off of the stage and the band entered. The band that was playing at the festivities that night was a local group that had gotten rather popular over the last few years.
Many of the girls sat down and talked together, mainly just the thoughts of being Fairy Queen. "I think that Mira will win the running this year." Kinana said with a small smile. Kinana has purple hair and green eyes, she worked with Mira in the bar of the guild. Her mask was an off white color with a gold trim and seemed to have serpent like designs. Cana, Chico, and Mickey sat with her at the small table in the corner. "Probably, but if not her it would be Erza." Mickey said pushing her brown hair off her shoulder. Cana, Chico, and Kinana nodded in agreement. Mickey's mask was the color of lavender with a darker purple trim to match her dress.
A group a guys sat at a table on the other side of the room from Cana and her group of girls. The group consisted of Macao, Warren, Max, Eve and Hibiki. "Who do think has the lead in this running, Hibiki?" Max asked having to be a little louder than he normally was. "It is possible for anyone to win something like this. The thing you have to keep in mind is that its not that much of a fabulous thing to be chosen for it." Hibiki said with a hint of masculine grace. "Hibiki, I just have one thing to say." Macao said seeming rather gloomy. Hibiki raised an eyebrow at Macao. "You sounded so gay with that comment." Max, Macao, Eve and Warren laughed heartily. Hibiki shook his head from side to side as a woman in a cream colored mask with a lavender trim walked up to him. His mask was white with gold trim around the outside of the mask and around the eyes. "Dance with me?" Her voice was soft and gentle as she held out her some what of a pale hand with lavender polish on her long nails. He took her hand and they moved to the dance floor, both wore smiles under their masks. Her blue eyes were the only thing that he could see on her face other than her mask and blonde ringlets. The song that began playing as they stepped onto the dance floor was a slow song of love and romance. Hibiki Lates lead her with grace and experience. "You have had experience dancing my good sir?" She asked sweetly. "Yes, I have. Have you?" He asked as he spun her around. "A little. I am not one who is often found on the dance floor." She replied full of truth and confidence.
Macao, Max, Eve and Warren sat at the table in awe as Hibiki Lates lead his mystery woman on the floor. Mirjane and Freed stepped onto the floor in their eye site and began to dance along with the beat of the music. "You dance wonderfully Mira." Freed said behind his red mask with black trim. "Thank you." Mira replied sweetly from behind her pink mask with a darker pink trim. The four continued to dance happily and gracefully with so many others on the floor. Chico walked over to Macao, Max and Warren who had been joined by Nab. Her mask was a pale orange with a golden trim. She tapped Warren on his shoulder. "Would you care to dance?" His mask was a tan color with elegant golden design around the edges. "I would love to." He replied as he took her hand and stood. Chico and Warren passed Wakaba and his wife, Lucy and Gray, and Juvia with Natsu. Lucy and Natsu had come together, but were becoming decent friends with Juvia and Gray so they had changed up the partners for the dance. Warren bowed still holding Chico's hand while she curtsied. The music had picked up a little bit, so the pairs of people were moving a little faster than before.
Most of the music that had been played in the first hour was slow music and mid tempo music. It was a ball and the band was definitely making it feel elegant and like a true ball. Mirajane and Freed sat this dance out and sat at one of the tables near the floor. "Freed, don't you think that Hibiki and his mystery woman seem to be a little too different?" Mira asked pulling her mask off. "What do you mean, Mira?" He asked following her by pulling his off as well. "I mean that they are totally different. Look at her dance stature compared to his." When Freed looked to the pair dancing he could see the difference. Hibiki's dance stature was that of a true dancer and his lady friend was dancing as if she were a model. "She seems to dance more like a model." Freed spoke softly having not taken his eyes from them. "I think that we should match make our comrades." Mira said with her smile widening on her face. Freed chuckled lightly. "Mira, if that is what you wish then my dear lady we shall." Mirajane had never heard Freed be so gentleman like before tonight, but he was definitely being very proper. Mirajane left her mask on the table and walked over to Hibiki. "Excuse me, ma'am. May I cut in?" Mira asked with a smile on her face as she curtsied. Hibiki nodded and took her hand, while Freed bowed to the mystery woman.
"Hibiki, tell me something." Mira said as they danced to the rhythm of the music. "What would you like me to tell you, milady?" Hibiki was being so prim and proper like Freed was that night. "Do you have a girl?" Her smile showed nothing but curiosity and innocence. "No, but there is one girl that has caught my eye this evening." He replied trying not to sound dorky. Mira giggled lightly. "Who? Tell me who she is? Or better yet what her mask is." Hibiki's back stiffened as he realized what Mira was going to try to do. "What is the matter?" Mira asked as she slightly tilted her head to one side. "Nothing. Uh. Her mask is off white with a lavender trim. The interesting part was that it looked like the designs were something you would see from a mage with the ability to use Take Over. Blonde hair and blue eyes." Hibiki lost himself in his description of the one girl who caught his eye. Mira smiled and continued to dance with him as the music began to stop she asked him one other question. "Do you know who you were dancing with?" Hibiki stopped and looked into Mira's blue eyes. "In all honesty Mira, I have no clue. She has a model like stature and her hair is blonde." He said as she nodded understandingly. "Go. Ask her to dance the next dance with you. You may not regret it now, but you might later in life." She smiled at him. Hibiki nodded, bowed and walked away towards the woman he wished to see.
"Might I ask you something?" Freed asked as he escorted his dance partner to a table. "By all means, ask away." Her voice was calm as she took a seat with Freed. "What is your name? You have seen my face, therefor you must know me." He was trying to be confident. "Well, I do know you. You are Freed Justine. Your steady girl is Mirajane. Good news travels fast at the school. I am Jenny Realight." She said with a small smile. Jenny pulled off her mask and he nodded. He remembered her, he knew her. Freed had become good friends with a lot of the guys around the school and had found out who spoke of her with kind words and color on his face. "You know that there is someone here you has immense feelings for you." Jenny's face seemed to show nothing, but shock. "Really? Who?" Her voice was giving her away. She had always been hopeful that no one hated her enough to not love her.
Hibiki Lates walked over to the table where Freed and Jenny sat. He stood next to the woman with the unique mask that had caught his attention from across the room. Freed smiled slyly as Hibiki began to think of what to say. "Milady, your beauty has caught my attention from afar. As I have gotten closer to you I realized that your not only beautiful, but gorgeous. Your blue eyes sparkle in the fluorescent lights and even behind your mask I can see such a magnificent smile." Jenny blushed hard behind her mask as he spoke of things that a girl only dreams about. "Well, you certainly have a way with words." Jenny spoke softly and you could hear the smile. "Thank you, milady. I can hear your smile when you talk. It is truly your best feature, next to your heart and soul." Hibiki said as he lifted his mask only enough to kiss her hand. "I would be honored if you would dance with me." He said as he took her hand in his and began to lead her onto the dance floor.
Erza stood with Mira watching Hibiki say his words of love, and beauty. Mirajane giggled when Hibiki helped her from her chair and onto the dance floor. "You are really good at this, Mira." Erza said adjusting her black mask with golden trim and elegant designs. "Thank you. Now, if you would excuse me. You have a friend coming to visit you." Mira said gesturing towards a tall, lean figure with blue hair. The way he walked towards Erza made it seem like he was a prince, he carried himself regally. Erza's cheeks turned red behind her mask and at that moment she was glad she got the full faced mask instead of the half face.
Freed sat and watched the scenes unfolding before his eyes at the ball. He was truly glad the Mira had suggested the match making of their comrades.
Erza stood before the regal figure, her knees trembled slightly behind the purple fabric. "Erza, relax." His voice was filled with warmth, and kindness. She smiled at her prince. Some how he always knew when she was nervous. Always. "Gerard, it is nice to see you here." He smiled brightly and bowed taking her hand in his. "Madam, won't you dance with me?" He asked as he kissed her hand. "Gerard Fernandez. What has turned you into someone so gentlemanly?" Erza asked a little worried. "Erza, it is only to be polite. Plus, I really care for you. Is it wrong to show a woman I care about so much, a little politeness and affection?" He spoke softly, his voice held some hurt to it. Gerard dropped her hand and stood back up. Erza looked into his deep brown eyes and could see the pain that she had caused him. It broke her heart to see him like that. "Gerard, I'm sorry." Erza said taking his hand in her gloved one. "Please, can you forgive my suspicious attitude?" She asked as she turned him around to face her. It was then that she noticed how sad he looked beneath his half mask. Seeing him look so sad made her heart hurt worse. She pulled her mask off and put it on the table and pulled his off as well. His face held no smile, no hint of happiness or joy. Erza pulled him into her arms and held him. If there was one thing that she knew about herself, it was that she did love him. She just didn't know how to love him. It seemed like he was feeling only a little better when she looked up at him and kissed him. The only thing that her brain or fear had any control over. For once her heart took control.
Hibiki and Jenny danced for another fifteen minutes before the music stopped and Master Makarov climbed the steps to the stage once more. "Ladies and Gentlemen, dinner will be served in the next couple of moments. Please move towards the dining area out back for dinner. We have put up a rather large tent to avoid any unwanted visitors." Master Makarov chuckled lightly with the crowd. "May I escort you to dinner, ma'am?" Hibiki asked holding his arm out to her. She nodded and slipped her arm around his as they headed towards the dining area out the back door.
Mira and Freed smiled at each other when they saw Hibiki with Jenny and Erza with Gerard. They had done some good things that evening. Elfman and Evergreen sat together with two seats next to Elfman. Freed held the chair out for Mira and then sat next to her. "Are you two having fun, Elfman?" Mira asked her brother with a large smile. "Of course. Things are going wonderfully aren't they, Ever?" Elfman said looking from his sister to his fiance, who nodded in agreement. The two had been rather sneaky about the engagement, not a soul knew. "What about you and Freed?" Evergreen asked sipping on her water while the waiting staff put a salad at every setting. "We are having a wonderful time too, Evergreen. We even played a little match making." Mira said with an innocent smile. Elfman looked at her with his serious face. If anyone knew Mira was always involved in match making it was him, but the last time it happened it didn't go so well for anyone involved.
"Elfman, do not give me that face." Mira said slightly agitated with her brother. Elfman shook his head side to side and sighed heavily. Evergreen looked at Elfman and just shook her head at him. She knew that Mira tried to be involved in everything since she didn't fight or do jobs anymore. Most of the table was quiet while munching on their salads. "Erza, what are you doing tomorrow afternoon?" Gerard asked setting his water back on the table. She looked up from her salad with a smile on her face. "As far as I know, nothing is happening tomorrow afternoon." Her reply came out politely. "Would you like to go and see a movie or something?" Gerard asked with a shy smile. "I would love to, Gerard." Erza smiled as the waiting staff began picking up salads and putting down a lime palette cleanser. Many of the members looked down at the green ice cream looking bowl in front of them. Lucy, being who she was took a small spoonful and put it in her mouth. "Lucy, what is this?" Levy asked from her left. "It is a lime palette cleanser. They serve it between courses to cleanse the palette, but only a small spoon. You do not want to get a brain freeze." Lucy spoke loud enough so that everyone could hear her. Even Master Makarov was paying attention to her instruction.
Jenny had removed her half mask after the lime palette cleanser was picked up. She put the mask in her purse and turned to Hibiki who had followed suit. When he turned back to look at her, he melted. There was something about her that made him feel so insignificant to others around them. "Hibiki, relax. You look like you might turn to water." Jenny spoke as the shrimp Alfredo was put at each setting. Hibiki smiled and tried to relax, he knew how right she was. "Jenny, I know that we have only really gotten to know one another just recently." Hibiki began nervously. Jenny smiled at him and raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Well, I was wondering i- if milady would honor me by going steady with me?" As the words left his lips the entire area went completely and totally silent. Mirajane who was at the other end of the table smiled happily. "Aw." Several of the girls around the table spoke softly. Hibiki could feel the heat rushing his cheeks as he looked around, but when he looked back to Jenny he saw that she was as red as he felt. She took a moment and drank her water. "Come on, girl! Don't leave my boy hanging like that." Ren Akatsuki said standing up not far from them. Sherry looked up at Ren with wide eyes, but a small smile appeared beneath her mask. It always warmed her heart that he cared so much about his closest friends.
Jenny looked at Hibiki and nodded yes. She didn't trust her voice to respond to Hibiki Lates. The Hibiki Lates. Hibiki pulled a ring off his right hand and slid it on her right hand ring finger. The ring was nothing flashy, it was his class ring and the gem on the top of the ring was an emerald. Jenny leaned forward and kissed him lightly with a smile. The entire table busted into cheers and awe's. "That definitely gives some true beauty to the festivities of the evening." Makarov said with a large smile. Ren had sat back down at this point with a smile, but didn't really seem to show true happiness for his friend. "Ren, is there is something wrong?" Sherry asked with some concern on her face. "Uh. Well, I guess it is just jealousy. It is nothing real big, Sherry. Thanks though." He said with a quick smile as the waiting staff put down a plate at each setting and large platters of fruits with vegetables in the center of the table. Sherry nodded understandingly as she grabbed some watermelon and cantaloup.
"Ever," Elfman started softly as he put a slice of cantaloup on his plate. "Yes?" She asked not really interested in the fruit. "Have you thought about the date and where?" He was trying to be really sneaky about what they were talking about, but it was kinda hard with his sister and her boyfriend sitting next to him. Evergreen nodded quickly and motioned to her purse at their feet. Elfman dropped his eyes to her purse and on the top of her open, little bag was a piece of paper that read: September 15, Magnolia Church, four o'clock that afternoon. Elfman nodded at the piece of paper and went back to his fruit.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the chef is going to make a rather upsetting announcement." Porlyusica said somewhat firm as a tall man stepped out of the building. "Ladies and Gentlemen, please forgive me." The man spoke with a heavy French accent. "We were checking on the dessert and have come across a lot of it is not longer able to be eaten. So, in short there is no dessert this evening. I am so sorry." He bowed quickly and ran back to the safety of the kitchen. Makarov sat there for a moment in a sad silence. He had know what was going to be served and was highly disappointed that it had spoiled in so short a time. "Ladies and Gentlemen, feel free to head back to the dance hall and commence with the dancing." Master Makarov spoke in a monotone trying to not let on that he was upset about something so silly as the dessert. Porlyusica looked over to him and knew what he was doing and why. "Professors and chaperones please stay here. As we need to discuss a few things." Porlyusica spoke as many of the guild members stood up from their seats. "Now, we have seen a great many of these people dance before. We know that they are all appropriate dancers. As you all know, I asked you when you came in and started watching them that you take notes on your favorite dancing pair." Makarov said taking out a pen and small notebook. The group murmured yes and nodded. "One of the other things that I asked you to look into over the last couple of days was dedication, punctuality, team worker, and leadership qualities." The group of teachers nodded once again. "Good, we will start with Porlyusica." Makarov said motioning to his left. "Well, I watched my students a lot closer than normal. Honestly, I think that Levy McGarden is a great example and not to mention the female that has my vote." Porlyusica said firmly. Makarov nodded and wrote down Levy McGarden. "Master Bob?" Makarov said gesturing to him. "Ah, there is a difficult situation Makarov. You see, I think that there are a great many good example students." Master Bob said with a smile. "I understand, Bob, but we have to put one up to vote." Makarov said understandingly. Master Bob nodded his head. "Well, I think that I have the best example for this then. Carla. She may be what many would refer to as snooty, but she is a good leader, has a mass amount of knowledge, and is always ten minutes early to help me." Master Bob said with a smile. Makarov wrote down Carla and looked to Master Hades. "Hades?" Makarov asked gesturing with his pencil. "Pantherlily, Layla, Jude and I all feel that our best female student is Bisca Connell. She is very dedicated." Master Hades said rolling his sleeves up a little bit. Makarov nodded.
The guild hall was bouncing around as all of it's members danced to the music that filled the building. Everyone was on their feet except for Elfman and Evergreen who had taken a seat in the corner. "Evergreen, you have everything?" Elfman asked curiously. She nodded at her fiance and let out a little sigh. "Elfman, shouldn't we tell people?" Evergreen asked looking around at all the friends they had made over the years. "We probably should, but the thing is we planned this for just the two of us and the preacher." Elfman said looking down at his hands. "Elfman, please. We can adjust it. Mirajane will be super pissed if she isn't invited and can't be there." Evergreen said looking down at her engagement ring that she had managed to keep hidden all this time. "Alright. Alright, Evergreen. We will adjust it and we will tell people. Now." Elfman got up and walked over to the bandstand as the song ended. "What can I do for you sir?" A woman from the group asked with a smile. "I need to make an announcement." Elfman said with a smile as he leaned in and whispered that he and Evergreen were going to get married. The small woman gasped and stopped them before they could announce the next song.
Makarov sat there reading over the list of men and women that had been suggested for Fairy King and Queen. "So, our Fairy Queen runners are: Levy McGarden, Bisca Connell, Lucy Heartfillia, Mirajane Strauss, Erza Scarlet, and Evergreen." Makarov began as he read the list carefully. "Our Fairy..." Was all that he managed to get out before that announcement was being made in the building. Sitting at the table outside they heard Elfman begin to speak: "Ladies and Gentlemen of Fairy Tail University, I have a very important announcement that simply can not wait another minute." Elfman tried to not be nervous as he spotted his two sisters' faces in the sea of people before him. "Evergreen and I are getting married in September. We wish to invite you all." Mirajane and Lisana looked at each other and then back to Elfman. "Lisana, did you know about this?" Mira asked as she squeezed Freed's hand. Lisana shook her head: No.
Makarov sat there looking at each of his staff members present that evening and smiled happily. "Well," He started as he cleared his throat. "Our Fairy King runners are: Gray Fullbuster, Wally Buchanan, Gajeel Redfox, Cobra, Hibiki Lates, and Jet. Now, that the ballets are ready let's go in and start the vote." Makarov said carrying the box filled with ballets and another box that was empty. "Makarov, would you like for me to do the announcement?" A tall, slender woman in what seemed like a blue outline asked leaning down to Makarov. He turned and smiled at her. "That would be lovely, Grandeeney. Thank you." He spoke with a large smile on his face. She nodded and walked into the building slowly. As she walked into the room, it fell silent. She took a deep breath and walked to the stage, her stride filled with power, grace, beauty, and something that many were not so sure about. "Ladies and Gentlemen," Grandeeney began pushing a lock of golden blond hair behind her ear. "The professors and myself have finished the ballets and they are being passed out now as we speak. On the ballets you will find twelve names. Only choose one female and one male." Her voice was musically and magically beautiful.
The ballets were quickly passed out to all of the students and the voting began. "Ladies and Gentlemen as you finish please bring them to me." Grandeeney spoke from the stage with a breath taking smile. One by one they brought their ballots to her and she put a mark next to each person's name so she could keep track of the number of votes. Soon an hour passed and all the ballots were turned in. The students sat patiently as she counted her tallies. "Makarov" Grandeeney began using her telepathic gift to speak with him. He nodded at her and walked towards her. She handed him the winners' names on a spare piece of paper as she waved Shaggotte and Pantherlily over. Pantherlily and Shaggotte carried a red pillow with plastic crowns on them. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I Grandeeney wish to announce the winners of the first Fairy King and Queen." She smiled the very same smile that Porlyusica used not very often. "Ladies and Gentlemen, your Fairy Queen is Levy McGarden!" Levy jumped as Grandeeney called her name. She blushed as she quickly made her way to the stage. "And our Fairy King is.." Grandeeney began as she flipped the paper over and gasped. "Ladies and Gentlemen not only do we have the winners, but the winners are a couple. Our Fairy King of the Fairy Tail University court this school year is Gajeel Redfox!" The crowd cheered and Levy blushed, knowing that she had voted for her boyfriend and Mirajane. Gajeel walked up the steps to the stage with a not so happy look on his face. He was not the kind of person that went for these kinds of things. Pantherlily placed the plastic crown on his partner's head as Shaggotte had placed the other on Levy's head. Grandeeney stepped towards the stairs and motioned towards the Fairy King and Queen.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Makarov began as he took the stage. "Thank you for coming out here tonight and I do hope that you enjoyed yourself. The night is officially over. At least here it is over. Head home, get some sleep and we will be looking forward to seeing you bright and early on Monday." He started to walk away and then turned back. "Oh! On behalf of the staff I wish to congratulate Elfman and Evergreen on their wedding in September. Should you need anything you know where we are."
With that the night ended and everyone went to their respective homes. Makarov sighed after everyone had left and walked into the kitchen. "Will you all tidy the building for me tonight?" He asked the staff that was still in the kitchen cleaning up and what not. "Of course, Master." The French chef nodded.