CH35: Gloria Part 2

Zancrow had just beaten Sabretooth's top muscle head Olga. He was so caught up in the moment it didn't occur to him that the victory bell hadn't sounded. That meant, although Fairy Tail had fought and defeated all of their opponents thus far, there was still someone left out there.

He heard the announcer and realized the last man standing on Sabretooth's end was Sting. Apparently he hadn't fought this whole time. That meant he was fresh and at full strength.

Although he had won, Zancrow knew he had overexerted himself. Feeding off of Olga's lightning was no feeble task and the power boost was indeed just temporary. It was enough to tap into the God Force but Zancrow was now starting to see his form dissipate. He saw his tattoos fading and his black aura was gone within a few minutes. Once he was back to base form, Zancrow felt exhausted.

'Damn. I feel like I got ran over by those chariots Salamander and Gajeel competed on.'

Zancrow walked steadily through the city with hopes of rendezvousing with his team. He knew how hard his battle was and assumed equally powerful challenges were taken on by his guildmates. If that were the case, he knew that none of them would stand a chance against Sting should he hunt them down one by one.

(POP)

Zancrow looked up into the night sky and saw a white Sabretooth crest.

'Sting.' He thought.

That cocky bastard wasn't even trying to hide. He was giving away his position on purpose so that he may attempt to win it all for his guild. As dirty as it was, his strategy was foolproof. It was simple tactics. Let the enemy wear themselves out and then swoop in at full strength and win with no problems.

'Guess there's no way around this situation. Hehe.'

Zancrow made his way up a flight of steps exiting into a narrow corridor. He was about halfway up when he heard a peculiar sound.

(tap)(tap)

The tapping continued and he saw what appeared to be a redhead hobbled over a walking stick.

"Erza!"

He rushed over to her and he wrapped her arm around his shoulders to give her support.

Normally he would say a smartass remark to her to get her angry. But he couldn't help but notice her exhausted state. She was covered in small cuts and bruises and could barely walk. This meant that whoever faced off against Erza was obviously in far worse shape than she was. The last thing Zancrow wanted to do was end up like her opponent.

"Tough fight?"

Erza merely smirked and continued to hobble on Zancrow as they made their way to Sting's location.

…

"Prepare to witness the awakened power of a Dragon Slayer." Sting powered up and he was enveloped in a vortex of white light. Power radiated from his person sending a chilling sensation down the backs of Fairy Tail's members.

Suddenly something consumed the Dragon Slayer's eyes. Was it fear? Was it pity? Whatever it was, he hesitated. He was so cocky a moment ago. And now when he came face to face with the prevailing members of Fairy Tail, he became petrified. He tried to take a step forward but ended up on his knees staring at the ground.

"I can't do it. I can't beat you." Sweat was dropping from every pore of the Dragon Slayer. What was wrong with him?

Zancrow didn't know what was happening. 'Surely he's not intimidated by us? We are exhausted. At this point I could barely manage to conjure up a flame much less achieve my God Force. So why is he…"

"I…surrender."

'Umm, what?' The God Slayer thought.

"IT'S OVER! THE WINNER OF THE GRAND MAGIC GAMES IS FAIRY TAIL!" The announcer shouted.

Fireworks began to bombard the skies as the announcement was made and all of Fairy Tail rejoiced in the stands. Their celebration was complimented with the thousands of cheers coming from the spectators.

'All that noise… is actually quite satisfying.' Zancrow thought. They had won after all. For the first time in seven years. He looked at his teammates. Laxus, Gajeel, and Gray all smirked but at the same time looked relieved. 'Guess they knew none of us had a chance against Sting in this condition.'

Zancrow looked over at Erza who was talking with the Dragon Slayer. 'All that hesitation and fear, over a stupid cat? Who names their cat Lector?' He saw the two reunite. Apparently Minerva was holding the cat hostage in hopes that it would raise Sting's power level. It worked, but the overall objective that the plan tried to complete backfired. 'Sabretooth needs to change the way they do things. You don't threaten… family.'

Zancrow felt a tug on his sleeve and he saw Erza beaming at him.

"Zancrow, we won." Erza had the cutest smile on her. She was a fierce warrior who could kick anyone's ass. But at this moment in time, she looked so vulnerable. She looked like she was going to cry. Not from sadness, but from joy.

"I know, I was there." Zancrow retorted sarcastically.

Erza smacked the God Slayer lightly on the backside of his head with a peeved look but it soon subsided. The odd couple both stared off into the sky as the victory fireworks were going off. Quietly Erza slipped her hand into Zancrow's. A sincere smile appeared on his face as he tightened the hold on her hand.

'Fairy Tail. It changes you.'