Hey everyone it's Natsu here.
It is finally time for the dragon tournament. I'm so happy to finally get it out to you.
"Aye sir!"
Not that kind of happy!
Anyway enjoy your chapter cookie. P.S. I still don't own FT
Ch 22: Opening ceremonies.
Connor slept soundly shortly after mastering the fireball. He felt a little more confident once he had figured it out. Light was made off darkness and force it into submission so that's what he did. He allowed his flames to dominate the apocalypse energy and force it to work for him and thankfully it worked. And now he slept soundly at least until Lucy came by.
"Connor! Time to wake up!" Lucy shouted.
Connor jumped out of his bed clutching his chest then turned and glared at the blond "what the hell Lucy!?"
"The tournament is today and they're holding it all the way in Crocus where the grand magic games took place."
"What time is it?" Connor asked tiredly.
"Its at least five o'clock in the morning. I had to get you up early so we could catch the train to Crocus and not miss the tournament."
Connor groaned "okay just please leave my room so I can change."
"I'll be outside the door" Lucy said exiting the room.
A few minutes passed and Lucy was starting to become annoyed. She opened up the door to find Connor asleep once again "wake up!" She shouted shaking him awake.
"What the hell Lucy? Seriously just let me sleep" Connor said tiredly.
"Idiot!" She shouted slapping him in the face.
A few moments later the two of them were aboard Cerberus' back and heading for the train station. Connor rubbed his cheek reminding himself not to piss Lucy off again. Soon enough they arrived at the train station meeting with the rest of team Natsu.
"Its about time. We nearly missed the train" Gray said.
"Sorry you guys I just couldn't seem to wake up" Connor said with a nervous chuckle.
"It doesn't matter to me. I'm just so fired up that today has finally come" Natsu said excitedly.
"The train is here we should go now" Erza said walking to the train while carrying her massive luggage cart behind her.
Natsu wouldn't stop talking about the tournament even after they had gotten on the train. His motion sickness did eventually take over but he managed to fight it and keep talking.
"I know I'll win. I'm gonna prove I'm the strongest dragon slayer of them all" he panted out.
"We heard you the other twenty times flame brain. Erza please knock him out already" Gray said.
Erza did as he asked and silenced the chatty dragon slayer then laid him gently on her lap. "Silence truly is bliss" she said calmly.
"Hey Lucy?" Connor asked.
"Yes?" Lucy replied.
"You said we were fighting in Crocus. Where exactly are we fighting? Dragon slayers tend to wreck everything they touch."
"You and the other dragon slayers will be competing in Domus Flau. Its the arena where they hold the grand magic games" Erza answered.
"Oh so we'll be fighting in an actual arena. But who's funding it?"
"I heard the king himself is funding the tournament. He has a reputation for loving wizards" Lucy replied.
"Is that true Erza? You've been working to create the event" Wendy asked.
"Yes the master and met the king earlier in the week and he offered to fund the tournament and it's festivities."
"Did you explain to him the real purpose behind the tournament?" Connor asked.
"Yes we did. He understands the circumstances and is willing to cooperate and assist any way he can" Titania replied.
"Alright then. Now all that's left is to win this tournament. I'm going to win this but first Erza I have a favor to ask."
"What would that be?"
"Please knock me out too" he groaned gripping his stomach.
Erza quickly struck his head and knocked him out as well and laid his head on her lap as well.
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Hours later they had arrived in the great capital of Fiore. Connor woke with a yawn and rose from Erza's lap.
"So are we here?" He asked.
"I think so I think I felt the train stop" Natsu said also waking.
"Yes we just arrived" Erza replied.
"So we're in Crocus?" Connor asked.
"Yes we're in Crocus."
"Awesome!" Connor shouted rushing off the train.
"Wait for me Cus!" Natsu shouted after him.
"They got over their motion sickness pretty quick" Lucy sweatdropped.
The two dragon slayers rushed away from the train station and into the city. Connor was amazed at what he saw. The city was bustling with life as the citizens walked through the enormous city. Flowers bloomed all around them as people perused the shops and stores. Wizards gave magic shows in the streets entertaining both the young and the old with beautiful sparks of magical lights. The sun shone bright in the sky. Connor felt magic in this place and it made him feel amazing.
The rest of team Natsu quickly caught up and stood beside the pair of Dragon slayers.
"Pretty impressive isn't it?" Lucy asked from behind them.
"This place is incredible" Connor said.
"Eh I've seen better" Natsu said.
"Hello there!" A man's voice shouted.
The group turned to face the man's voice. The man was incredibly tall and slender. He had dull white hair which matched his was pale white skin which was quite disturbing with his gray eyes. He wore a dark black dress suit with a red tie and a pair of dress shoes. "My name is Steven but many call me Slendy" he introduced himself "are you the Fairy Tail wizards I was told about?"
"Yeah we're from Fairy Tail. What about it?" Natsu asked.
"I simply wished to meet you. I will be one of the announcers at the Dragon Tournament and I wanted to meet the participants. I've spoken to nearly all of them. Except the three of you" he said, eerily gesturing at Connor, Natsu, and Wendy "especially you there little girl" he said creepily staring at Wendy.
Wendy hid behind Erza's back trying to avoid his gaze.
"Well anyway I've been asked to escort you to your hotel here in Crocus. Please follow me" Slendy said walking off to the group's hotel with team Natsu close behind
"I should write this down. It might make a good story" Lucy said pulling out her pen "crap I don't have any paper."
"Here have one of mine" Slendy said offering Lucy a page of paper.
"Thanks" Lucy said jotting down notes on her page.
Slendy brought the team to their hotel. It was a cute little cottage-like place. The walls were painted a wonderful shade of bright blue. Although it was small it felt homey and warm.
"I do hope you enjoy your stay here. The rest of Fairy Tail is also staying here courtesy of the king" Slendy said.
"Then let's get going!" Natsu shouted rushing to the hotel doors.
"No no Natsu. You won't be staying here" Slendy scolded suddenly appearing in front of Natsu.
"How did he get there so quickly?" Everyone thought together.
"You and the other dragon slayers will be staying in the luxurious Crocus Gardens. You are the guests of honor so for the time you stay in Crocus you will be treated like royalty" Slendy explained.
"So you're going to stick eight dragon slayers in one hotel?" Connor asked.
"We are perfectly aware of your destructive capabilities. Do not worry we will handle any damage done to the hotel. It's the least we can do for you dragon slayers for saving Crocus during the dragon invasion"
"I'm not sure how I feel about this.." Wendy said.
"It'll be okay Wendy. You'll have Connor and Natsu with you the whole time" Lucy said consoling the young girl.
"We must hurry young dragon slayers. Time is wasting the opening ceremonies begin tomorrow at one o'clock and you must get ready" Slendy rushed.
"Alright alright we're going" Natsu said "we'll see you later guys!" Natsu shouted as he followed Slendy to Crocus Gardens.
Connor took Wendy's hand and smiled at her "it'll be alright. I promise" he assured her.
Wendy smiled "you're right" she said.
"We'll see you guys later!" Lucy called out to the dragon slayers as they headed off to meet the other dragon slayers.
"Have you ever been to Crocus Garden?" Slendy asked.
"No" Wendy and Connor said in unison.
"I have. I fought Sabertooth and wrecked the place. Happy memories" Natsu said happily.
Connor and Wendy sweatdropped at the pinkette.
"Well for the two of you that haven't been there it really is quite impressive" Slendy stated "and here we are" he gestured to the beautiful exterior of the Crocus Gardens hotel.
The beautiful orbs of light that shone above the garden entrance looked a bit duller in the afternoon sun. Nevertheless it was an impressive sight. It gave off an aura of intimidation and power like only those with great power and stature could stay in such a place.
"You're right. It is impressive" Connor said in awe.
"Please head right in. I'll see you later on for now get comfortable" Slendy said slinking off into the distance.
"He is so creepy.." the three dragon slayers thought in unison staring at the slender man.
"Well let's head in. It's time to do this" Connor said "let's go meet the competition."
The trio entered the hotel lobby to be greeted by all the other dragon slayers. Rogue and Sting stood off to the side chatting away, well Sting was anyway while Rogue just stared at Gajeel. The iron dragon slayer sat on a large purple couch staring down the competition particularly Laxus. Laxus leaned against a wall his eyes closed ignoring all other distractions. Even Cobra was there sitting in the corner smirking in the shadows. Connor could feel the raw power each of them possessed. Each and every one of them possessed the strength of a dragon it was intimidating and frightening. This was bound to be an event of epic power and strength.
"About time you showed up salamander" Gajeel grunted.
"Salamander? Natsu!" Sting shouted rushing to meet the famed dragon slayer to which he looked up to.
"Hey there Sting. How's things in Sabertooth?" Natsu asked the younger dragon slayer.
"Its become so much better since we met Fairy Tail. We watch each other's backs. You ready for the tournament?"
"I've been ready. I know I'm gonna be the winner"
"You'll have to get past me first Natsu"
"I'll take you on anytime junior"
"Hey salamander! Don't ignore me!" Gajeel shouted.
"Will you shut up metal head!" Natsu snapped back.
"You wanna start something ashface!?"
"Bring it stud face!"
"Both of you please calm down!" Wendy cried.
"Yeah guys please just calm down!" Connor shouted putting himself in between them.
"Ugh.." Rogue groaned "is this necessary?"
"I'll burn you down to size!" Natsu shouted.
"That doesn't even make any sense!" Gajeel shouted back.
"So many voices..." Cobra said from his corner.
Laxus growled becoming irritated "will you just shut up!" He roared sending electric sparks that silenced all his fellow dragon slayers.
"I knew I could hear dragon slayers, pumpkin" said a voice from behind them.
The dragon slayers turned and faced the voice.
"Hey it's the king!" Natsu shouted.
"Hello dragon slayers" the king of Fiore, Toma E. Fiore said "I'm glad all of you are here for this momentous event."
"We're glad to be here sir" Connor said "and I appreciate you paying for all of this."
"I'm afraid I haven't met you young man. Are you that new dragon slayer everyone has been talking about?"
"People talk about me?"
"So you're the one who beat Erza Scarlet?" Sting said "you're famous!"
"I am?"
"I see that you haven't noticed. You are quite famous. The world renowned Erza Scarlet beaten by a young dragon slayer. I must say it's quite an honor to meet you" the king said.
"No I'm honored to meet you my king. I'd rather not be so known for it. It was simply a friendly competition if it was a real fight Erza would've been the winner."
Toma smiled "I'm glad to see you're so modest. What is your name?"
"I'm Connor Coccino my lord. It's an honor to meet you sir."
"And you as well. Now back to what I was saying. It is tremendous to see you again dragon slayers after all you did for this country during the dragon invasion" Toma began "the eight of you are all incredibly powerful and there are hardly any that can match your powerful magic and skills. This is an incredible event of the most powerful fighters this world may see. I ask you to give it your all"
They nodded together and bowed to their king.
"We'll give em' a show your majesty" Natsu promised.
"I'll expect a great one Natsu Dragneel. Now please go to your rooms and relax. The opening ceremony begins in an hour at the Domus Flau stadium I will see you there dragon slayers" Toma said exiting the hotel and entering a carriage waiting for him outside.
"Alright you heard the man let's go enjoy some downtime before the big event" Sting said walking off to his room with everyone else behind him.
Connor began to follow just as Laxus grabbed his shoulder "hey kid I'm looking forward to fighting you. You better make it a good fight" the great Laxus Dreyar said.
"Don't worry I'll make it worth your while" Connor replied.
"I'm counting on it Connor" Laxus said as he walked to his room.
Connor arrived in his room and sat contemplating the tournament for most of the night before finally passing out in his bed. He needed his rest because tomorrow he'd be taking his first step into the Dragon Tournament.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
"Wake up Connor!" Wendy shouted.
"Ugh..." Connor groaned "what is it Wendy?"
"We have to go right now!"
"Wait now?!"
"Yes! come on!"
"Okay okay let's get going" Connor said jumping out of his bed.
The two of them ran as fast as they could to the Domus Flau and upon arriving collapsed onto their knees.
"Why on Earthland did they put this Damn stadium on a mountain?" Connor whined.
"I wish Carla wasn't with the others right now. She would've made this so much easier" Wendy panted.
"Come on we still have to get into the stadium" Connor said rising and sprinting off again with Wendy close behind.
"Where the hell are Connor and Wendy?" Natsu asked as he stood in the stadium ring with the other dragon slayers.
"They'll show up soon enough" Gajeel said.
The dragon slayers stood on a grand stage in the middle of the ring beside the king. People began to flood into the arena filling up spots in a matter of minutes. The turnout was fantastic and that certainly pleased Makarov and his wallet since the winner would receive the money earned from the ticket earnings and that would pay quite a lot of debt.
"We made it!" Connor shouted running onto the stage with Wendy right behind him.
"What took you so long?" Natsu asked.
"I uh.."
"He slept in" Wendy answered.
"You seriously need to fix that Cus" Natsu scolded.
"It's not my fault I sleep so long" Connor whined.
"I see you've finally arrived Connor, Wendy. Pumpkin" Toma said "we can at last begin please stand beside your fellow dragon slayers and we can start." The pair followed the king's orders and took their spot beside Natsu. Toma faced the crowd and began to speak "welcome my subjects to the opening ceremony of the Dragon Tournament. Behind me are the mighty dragon slayers whose power is said to be able to defeat and kill dragons. Now they stand before us to fight and which of them greatest of them all" he said proudly "will it the mighty Laxus Dreyar? Maybe the famed Salamander, Natsu Dragneel. Or could it be the newcomer Connor Coccino? We shall see beginning today" The crowd cheered in anticipation. "I will now explain the rules to those unaware of them. As some of you may know most dragon slayers have a flying cat friend and they are allowed to have them for the preliminary round only. It is a fight to the finish you must knock out your opponent to gain victory. Other than those rules there are no others we wouldn't want to hinder such raw power would we? I hope you enjoy this great spectacle. Tonight there will be a celebration in the main square of our city and I urge you to come. Now begin the opening ceremony!"
A loud fanfare sounded and a mixture of elements bursted from the stage. Electricity sparked around the base of the stage, iron pillars lifted the stage from the ground as black and white banners fell from the now raised platform. A powerful wind blew from behind them releasing beautiful orange flames and finally snakes of purple energy slithered up the sides of the iron pillars. Each aspect representing the mighty dragon slayers and their magic.
"Now my friends let the Dragon Tournament begin!" Toma shouted excitedly.
The dragon slayers stood side by side enjoying the cheers of the crowd. The tournament began now and they were prepared to give it all.
Hey everyone it's Natsu here.
I hope you enjoyed the fights begin in the next chapter. I'm not sure who to have fight first though but I do know I want to Connor and Natsu fight later. I won't say when. If you have an idea for a fight I will do my best to please you.
Have a nice day my friends. Until next time.