Chapter 37
The Grand Magic Games
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
"Magic"
Flashback
Location / Date / Time Skip
"Sabertooth?" Natsu asked, leaning against the bar.
"That's the name of the top Wizard Guild." Romeo explained. "They passed Blue Pegasus and Lamia Scale a while ago."
"A lot of guild wizards came after us, but I never heard of them." Nicholas said. The Earth Dragon Slayer still had the wraps around his body, but now donned a ombré style jacket that went from blue to green. Tan fur covered his shoulders as he moved both his fabric bands to his arms.
He now donned two black fingerless gloves as his blue shots now had a brown pattern going up. As always, he had his stone necklace and the same shoes as ever.
"That's because they weren't anything special seven years ago." Alzack said. "But that all changed when their guild master recruited five very capable wizards."
"Five people made that much of a difference?" Lucy asked in surprise.
"So what rank does that leave us?" Wendy asked.
"If I had to guess... probably dead last." Brianna sadly answered. The Take-Over mage now wore an orange top with a short lavender cape on her back connected by a matching strap. At the bottom of the top were three lines; one red, another orange and the last lavender.
Her bottom also had a small back skirt, this one orange and hanging off the orange fabric under her belly button. Her paints were bright red and had a pattern on both the inner and outer thigh. Her accessories had changed to large blue gloved that matched her heels. Most shocking was her vibrant green hair, having been tied up in a bun after the dye was washed out.
The members who stayed behind nodded, making Wendy feel sad for her question. "This sounds great!" Natsu chuckled, confusing the others. "I'm looking forward for the chance to climb back up again! I'm all fired up!"
The others cheered in infectious excitement as Cana walked over. "Hey, have you guys seen Gildarts?"
"I think he and master Makarov went to the old Guildhall." Erza answered.
"Alright! I gotta job to do and I better get going!" The drinker joyously shouted before running out the building, making the others chuckle.
Old Fairy Tail Guildhall
The two oldest members of the guild walked down a spiral staircase, dust kicking up with every step. "How'd I never know the guildhall had an underground passage?" The ace asked.
"I never told anyone about it." The third master answered.
"Why all the secrecy?" Gildarts asked as they left the stairs. Makarov opened a metal door to a small chamber before waving his hands. The large metal opened and the two were meet by a large glowing light.
"This is the Fairy Tail Guild's greatest secret." Makarov said to the slack jawed member. "The Lumen Histoire. The very essence of the guild. The true essence Mavis spoke of."
"What am I looking at?" The ace asked.
"I asked the same thing when our second master brought me here." The short man chuckled.
"This has been under our feet for all these years?" Gildarts asked before turning to the third master. "Wait, why did you bring me down here in the first place?"
"Because like him, it is my duty to choose the next Guild master." Makarov said. "And that's you."
Second Guildhall
Lucy finished fixing Wendy's hair when a blast of sand blew their hair back. "What is going on!?" The blonde asked before flames were added to the mix. "Never mind."
They raced around the building to find Natsu and Max sparing in front of the guild hall. The Dragon Slayer charged the Sand Mage and threw a punch that was blocked by a wall of sand. Sand then whipped around and blasted Natsu, sending him sliding back. Lightning then erupted from Natsu, who pulled his head back and unleashed a dual element attack.
The Roar flew past the time mage and clipped some hair before Max dropped to his knees. "Damn. It's not as powerful as it was last time." Natsu complained.
"Tell me you practiced that after we got back." Lucy requested.
"I... give up..." Max panted.
"So, who's the next one?" The pinkette asked, making Nab, Vijeeter and Warren vigorously shake their heads no. Natsu laughed a bit before falling over in exhaustion.
"That must have used up a lot of power." Wendy said.
"Which highlights our problem." Gray added. "Other than people like Gildarts and Laxus, we're too weak to really help get the guild back to what it was."
"He's right. I mean if Max can almost beat Natsu, we're in serious trouble." Lucy said, destroying Max.
"Is there any kind if shortcut that can raise our power?" Happy mumbled before an idea crossed his mind. "Hey, has anyone seen Brianna or Nicholas?"
Porlyusica's Hut
The group plus Brianna stared at the healer in hope, only for the elderly woman to close in their face. "Sorry about this!" Brianna said before turning around. "Let's go, lets go, let's go." She hastily said to the others before the door opened again. The healer waved her broom around and they ran for their lives.
"What made you think I would help any humans!?" The hermit shouted.
"Didn't you used to date out master!?" Gray asked.
"Where did you get a disgusting idea like that!?" Porlyusica asked. Wendy glanced back at the healer before joining the sprint.
After a good mile they finally stopped and took a breath. "Why did you think I would change her mind!?" Brianna asked the cat.
"She helped you before, didn't she?" Happy asked.
Carla shook her head before glancing ofer to Wendy. "Is something wrong, child?"
Everyone else looked over to see the Dragon Slayer with small tears in her eyes. "It's just so familiar..." She replied. "Her voice... her scent... it's all the same as Grandeeney..." Everyone stared in shock at her statement.
"How is that even possible?" Brianna asked.
"Are you sure Wendy?" Natsu asked the girl.
"...I don't know." The girl replied. "But... that smell... and that voice. It was the same as my mother."
"I don't see how that's possible." Lucy spoke up. "All four dragons disappeared fourteen years ago in the year X777. But Porlyusica has been an acquaintance of the masters long before that. In other words, she overlaps with when the dragons were still her. So she couldn't be both people at all."
"Dying and reincarnation is probably out of the picture too." Gray added.
"It is strange now that I think about it." Wendy said. "Her voice and smell were all the same, but her tone and attitude were completely different."
"I remember you always talking about how Grandeeney loved humans." Carla added.
"I can't imagine any dragon loving humans." Gray said. "Not after Acnologia."
"Well excuse me for not being gentle." Gray, Lucy and Brianna jumped back on surprise from the healer speaking up.
"You trying to give us a heart attack?" The blonde asked.
Wendy stared at the healer before Porlyusica let out a sigh. "I have nothing to hide from you, so I'll tell you what you want to know." She said. "I'm not the Grandeeney you're looking for. I'm a human through and through. I don't know where the dragons are, nor do I have anything to do with them in anyway."
"So then, what are you?" Brianna asked.
"You are all aware of Edolas, the world parallel to our own?" The healer asked, shocking everyone. "I heard you meet yourselves there. If I were to put it into perspective, I am the Grandeeney of Edolas. I got lost and stranded in this world decades ago."
The entire group screamed in surprise except for Wendy who just stared in disbelief. "I could have had Makarov help me get back to my world, but I eventually grew to like Earthland? I've had all sorts of chances to return, but I chose to stay here."
"Does that mean Igneel and the others are human over there too!?" Natsu asked. "And are they over here too!?"
"I cannot say, I never meet them." Porlyusica replied. "But, I have talked to the Sky Dragon before. In a sort of telepathic way." She reached into her coat and pulled out a stack of papers. "You said you wanted to get stronger, right? These were spells that your mother passed on to me should we meet. Two Secret Arts she left for you: Milky Way and Shattering Light - Sky Drill."
Wendy took the book and held it in her hands. "Those magics are incredibly difficult. Take care not to wreck your body." She turned and walked away from the group, heading back to her hut.
"Thank you so much, Porlyusica!" Wendy raced forward and bowed to the healer, unable to see the smile on her face.
Guildhall
The remaining members were called in for a meeting by Makarov. "I have decided to retire from my position. So please, I'd like to introduce you to the fifth Master of Fairy Tail, Gildarts Clive!" He motioned over to the side only to see Mirajane, much to everyone's confusion. "Where is Gildarts!?"
The model chuckled before handing the short man a letter. Makarov lead it aloud and to his horror, Gildarts had left and given the title of Master back to him! But not before reinstating Laxus into the guild. Makarov cried into a beer as Cana was handed her own letter. Inside was a contact card that she promptly tore up with a smile.
"Stupid Gildarts... How are we supposed to get back to number one that quickly?" Nicholas mumbled, glaring at Laxus. "Most of have been gone for seven years, and those that weren't either left or..." He motioned around, making Macao drop to the floor in humiliation.
"He's not wrong." Laki said. "We're so far behind Lamia Scale and Blue Pegasus, that it's not even funny."
"Not a problem! I know just the thing!" Romeo said, making Macao grab his sons face.
"We're not doing that! We said we were never going to that again!" His father declared.
Natsu and his crew walked into the guildhall, confused by the argument. "You don't have any authority anymore Dad!" Romeo shouted. "You're not the master anymore!"
"I'm saying this as a member of the guild!" Macao shouted back.
"What's the problem now?" Gray asked.
"Father-son issue, maybe?" Brianna asked.
"Everyone for not participating, raise your hand!" Macao and every other member who stayed behind raised their hands.
"But we've got the Tenrou team here this time!" Romeo shouted. "Natsu and Erza are here! There's no way we can lose now!"
"What are they talking about?" Natsu asked.
"While you were gone, an annual festival was created to decide the number one guild in Fiore." Romeo said, catching Natsu's attention. "All the guilds of Fiore get together and compete with their magic power. It's called the Grand Magic Games!" Everyone from Tenrou perked up in excitement at the idea. "If we can win there, Fairy Tail will become the number one guild in Fiore!"
"That's probably how Sabertooth got the title in the first place." Erza said.
"Do you really think we can win with our current magic power as it is?" Makarov asked.
"The winning guild gets 30 million Jewel and a giant trophy!" Romeo added.
"We're going!" Makarov declared, erupting protests from the others. "Don't let anything in the past bother you, we'll be fine!"
"I'm all fired up!" Natsu shouted before turning to Romeo. "When is this thing?"
"The games start in three months!" Romeo answered.
Natsu slammed his hands together, creating a flash of sparks. "That's plenty of time! We'll be in shape by then! Fairy Tail will be the number one guild in Fiore again!" Everyone from Tenrou nodded in agreement while the others hung their heads.
"We've already decided we're going, so let's skip all the whining and chitchat!" Makarov declared. "Let's aim for number one and the 30 million! Fairy Tail will dominate the Grand Magic Games!"
"Apparently, They've come back." A blonde teen said, sitting on a broken piece of stone.
"Who are you talking about?" A black haired teen standing next to him.
"The members of Fairy Tail that disappeared 7 years ago." The blonde answered.
"I'm not interested." The second boy replied.
"Don't lie to me Rouge." The sitting teen said. "Especially when you looked up to Gajeel that much."
"That was a long time ago." Rogue said back.
"It sure takes you back." The blonde chuckled. "Last time we saw them, we came up to about here. You were a pretty big fan of Gajeel. Not me, though. He was too scary."
"Stop bringing up the past, Sting." Rogue said.
An archer raced forward and fired an arrow at the black haired teen, only for Sting to catch it. He picked his teeth before throwing it back, tearing through the helmet and destroying the stone wall behind him. The archer practically pissed himself before running away.
"Hey, buddy. You really gonna leave your friends behind?" Sting said, motioning the bodies behind the two.
"Why'd you guys start without us?" The humans looked over to see two Exceeds walking over. "Eh, thats what they get for messing with the Twin Dragons of Sabertooth."
3 days later
Akane Resort
Natsu and his team arrived at their training camp along with Shadowgear, Wendy, Juvia, Nicholas, Brianna, Lisanna and the three Exceeds. "Let's get to work!" Lucy cheered, despite everyone being in a bikini/swimsuit.
"Remind me never to let you pick a training camp again... or a swimsuit." Nicholas complained, pulling on his brown trunks. "Gotta be a size too small."
"At least yours makes sense." Brianna said, crammed into a cat print two piece bikini. "Who's the genius who designed this thing to be so small?"
"Both of you lighten up." The two looked down to see the three Exceeds all in varying degree of swimwear. "We're here to train, not play." Carla declared.
"Don't worry, we have plenty of time for training." Erza spoke up from the water. "But overworking ourselves isn't good either. So let's have some fun before we get serious."
A giant sandstorm launched Jet and Droy into the air as Natsu and Gray raced passed them and started swimming. Wendy stared at the paper in her hand and sighed in defeat before Levy walked over to her.
"Hey Lisanna, are you sure you don't wanna train with your siblings?" Lucy asked.
"No, I wanted to come along." The Take-Over mage replied, glancing at Natsu. The dragon slayer saw her and waved, making her blush and wave back.
"You just kissed him. You need to do a lot more to get his attention." Brianna chuckled before she started swimming.
"And I thought Mirajane was the romantic..." Lisanna said with a shudder.
The pinkette dived under the waves and a second later a pillar of flames erupted upwards. Gray wasn't far behind and started freezing the water under him. The others were just as busy for the rest of the day, either sparing with each other or practicing their magic.
Night had finally fallen over the resort as the girls rested in the spa. "It's fine Juvia, come on out." Lisanna said, leading the water mage into the mist.
"Nothing like relaxing after a hard day if training." Erza sighed as the others sank into the water.
"I wonder how training is going for the others..." Levy mumbled, staring up at the sky.
"Do you think they might be looking at the same stars we are?" Wendy asked, making the others smile.
"We can do it..." Lucy mumbled. The ground suddenly started shaking before the wooden wall exploded, getting replaced ny a solid stone wall. "What the heck just happened!?"
"Seems like Nicholas showed up." Brianna chuckled. "He always does this when we bathed on the run."
"And why would he do that when the wall is already up?" Lisanna asked.
"Must have been someone trying to peep at us." Brianna answered before a scream was heard. "Yep. That was it."
On the other side of the wall, Jet and Droy were hobbled over holding their jewels. "Should have listened to us." Gray said shaking his head as Natsu laughed.
The Next Day
Everyone stretched their muscles as the waves lapped against their ankles. "I feel stronger already!" Natsu cheered. "All you other guilds better get ready!"
"If we keep this up for three months, I don't doubt we can catch up to the others." Erza said.
"I honestly didn't think three months would be enough." Lucy confessed, lying on the sand. "But now it seems like this is more than we need."
The grains started shaking before Lucy was lifted into the air. "Princess, terrible news!"
"Virgo!?" The blonde asked from atop the maids head. Seconds later she lost her balance and fell over into the sand. "What's wrong?" She asked, pushing herself up.
The maid bit her lip before lowering her head. "The Celestial Spirit world is in danger. We need your help." The humans and Exceed gasped at the spirit's explanation. "The king is waiting for you, I've been asked ro bring you there."
"Wait, I thought humans weren't allowed to enter the spirit world." Lucy spoke up.
"You can if you wear the clothing from the Spirit world." Virgo replied before stepping back.
A magic seal appeared under them and started glowing before it turned into a pillar of light. The wizards screamed before the light faded, leaving only a confused Jet and Droy behind.
Celestial Spirit World
A hole opened up in the realm before the wizards fell to the ground, Natsu and Laki at the bottom. Lucy was fhe last to fall before they all stood up and looked around. "It's so pretty!" Wendy declared, amazed at the stars and planets so close to her.
In a waft of mist the King appeared, scaring everyone but Erza. "You're the ruler of this kingdom?" She asked, shocking Levy and Wendy with her bluntness.
The large spirit nodded before a smile crossed his face, confusing everyone. "Lucy and friends, I have requested you and your friends presence so we may honor your return! Let us celebrate!"
Every other spirit appeared and cheered with the king, much to the human's confusion. "What happened to the massive crisis you were facing!?" Lucy asked her maid.
"I lied." She simply said back. "We wanted to celebrate your return, but we can't all enter the human world at once. So we needed an excuse to bring you all here."
"Don't get to excited, this is a one-time thing." Aquarius added.
"Vespa! Hydra!" Nicholas called out as he and Brianna high-fived his former spirits.
"It's about time you two got together." Hydra chuckled.
"And it's still before Lucy." The mermaid chuckled from her table with Lisanna and Juvia.
"What does that mean!?" The blonde asked.
"You must have realized this, but you are the first humans we have ever invited here." The king told her, making her blush.
The party started dying down as the king left to do... something kingly. "Man, I feel refreshed and ready to train all over again!" Natsu cheered.
"Yeah, we got serious training to do if we wanna catch up to those other guilds in three months." Gray added.
"There is one thing I forgot to mention." Virgo spoke up. "Time flows differently here than it does in the human world."
"Does that mean one year here is the same as a year back home?" Natsu asked.
"Awesome! This is our dream training ground!" Gray added.
"Actually, it's the more of the opposite." Virgo said as the seal that brought them to the other world returned. "One day here..." The magic circle glowed brighter as they once more felt the sand beneath their feet. "...is the same as three whole months in the human world."
The returned to the human world to find the resort was abandoned as they stared out at the sea. "It's about time you guys got back!" Jet said as he and Droy raced up from behind.
"The games start in just five days!" Droy declared. "You guys have been doing some serious training!"
The group stared out at the sea before dropping face first into the sand in shame. Wendy merely dropped to her knees and started crying in failure. "GIVE US BACK OUR TIME, YOU MUSTACHED BASTARD!" Lucy shouted at the sky.
"I guess we just have to let the others fight this year..." Levy sadly said.
"It's not too late!" Erza shouted, standing up. "We still have five days to train! It'll be hell on earth so prepare yourself! You may not survive!" A brave pigeon landed on her head, catching everyone of guard.
"There's something on its foot." Gray said before pulling it off. 'Fairy Tail, meet us at the broken suspension bridge on the western hill'.
"This sounds like a trap to me." Levy spoke up.
"We'll just have to see." Erza declared before marching into the woods.
West Woods
"I'm guessing this is it." Erza said, staring at the broken bridge.
"So, am I making a new one or are we gonna fly across one at a time?" Nicholas asked. The ropes started glowing before broken chunks of wood rose from the gorge and fixed themselves in place. "...Okay, that's new."
"I think that's our invitation." Erza said.
"Good idea, Natsu will take point." Gray chuckled before pushing Natsu forward.
The pinkette stumbled forward before catching his footing. "Gray you dick!" Natsu shouted back before crossing.
The others followed his lead and walked further into the woods before four hooded figured entered their view. Erza blocked their path as the cloaked individuals stopped in front of them. "It's nice to see you again, Fairy Tail." The front most voice spoke up and shocked them as the quartet flipped their hoods up, revealing familiar faces.
"...Jellal?" Erza mumbled in shock.
"You haven't changed, Erza." Her friend chuckled. "I take it word of my escape reached you. Know that I never intended to escape."
"Meredy and I didn't give him much of a choice." Ultear spoke up.
"Speak for yourself, it was your idea." Meredy chuckled before smiling at Juvia.
"Why'd you call us here?" Gray asked, stepping between Natsu and Lucy. "It can't be just to say you've started over."
"You know we've all committed so many sins during our lives." Ultear stated. "So many, I doubt any of us could ever atone for all of them. So, I've dedicated myself to bringing about some measure of peace to those I've hurt until I die. Even Jellal was a victim of my actions."
"Does that mean your memory has returned?" Erza asked.
"Every bit of it." He replied. "For six long years I've lived with my guilt. I'm sorry Erza."
"After breaking these two out, the four of us came to a decision." Ultear said. "We would form our own guild, one neither light nor dark. Crime Sorcière has but one goal, the destruction of all dark guilds and Zeref himself. So that none may fall into the abyss like we did."
"I've heard of them..." Droy said. "They took out a bunch of dark guilds over the years."
"So, we didn't just summon you here to reminisce about what we've been up to." Ultear spoke up. "We've heard that you're entering the Grand Magic Games. We aren't able to get near the city, but we would like your help."
"What do you need?" Natsu asked.
"Every year, we sense an unusual magic power during the games." Jellal said. "Power that has the same evil nature to it as Zeref. Maybe this is just because we've been to the darkness and know what it's like. We want to find the source of the the power."
"Of course, we'll be cheering for you from the sidelines." Meredy added with a smile. "And we'll be compensating you as well."
"It sounds like a wild goose chase, but we'll do it." Erza said.
"Did I mention we'll be paying up front?" Ultear asked, exciting Natsu and a few others. "No, not money. With my improved Arc of Time, I can increase your natural magic power limit, making up for lost time. My Arc can evolve your container and unlock a reserve of magical energy."
"YEAH!" The legal wizards cheered in excitement.
"Just be warned, this won't be painless." She added, scaring Levy and Wendy. As the others cheered in joy and relief, Brianna and Nicholas never stopped starring at the man next to Meredy, recognizing him despite his buzzed hair.
Hours Later
Natsu writhed on the ground in pain as red markings covered his body. "I hope whatever the hell we signed up for is worth... this." Gray said, feeling pity for his rival.
"I don't think this makes good advertising." Lucy added.
"Stay strong." Ultear told the Dragon Slayer. "I know this is hard, but you still have a long way to go."
Natsu roared in pain before Lisanna reached out and grabbed his hand. "You can do this." She said.
"What the hell kind of pain is he feeling right now?" Gray asked.
"Wanna sensory link and see?" Meredy asked.
"No way in hell!" The Ice Mage shouted back.
'How wonderful!' Juvia thought. 'She's even found her own perky sense of humor.'
"Do we really have to go through that too?" Levy asked, holding Wendy for dear life.
"I think I'm gonna cry..." The petite girl added, tears falling from her eyes as Jet and Droy snuck away.
"Has anyone seen where Erza went?" Carla asked.
"She and Jellal went somewhere to be alone for a bit." Happy answered.
"What about Nicholas or Brianna went?" Slate asked.
"I think they went with the other guy..." Lisanna said.
With Nicholas and Brianna
The three wizards stared out at the beach from a small cave. "So... you wanted to talk to me?" The man asked.
"Cut the crap!" Brianna shouted. "You can't fool us, Suishou."
"How'd you convince them to take you in?" Nicholas asked.
"I was honest, and said I wanted to make things up." The murderer replied.
"You expect us to buy that crap?" Brianna asked. "You destroyed our home, you killed my father! All because of what? Petty jealousy!?"
"Yes, because of that!" He replied. "...I won't pretend I had some existential crisis or a moral dilemma. I killed everyone I ever knew because I felt like my spot was threatened. But... after all this time, I just... I wanted something else. And of that means damnation, so be it."
"What are you talking about?" The Take-Over asked.
"That deal I made with Astaroth is running out of time." He explained. "In two years, if I don't kill you two I lose my soul forever. But I'm not here to kill you guys. I'm here to offer a gift."
He moved his arm and the two prepared for a fight, only for four purple gems to hit the sand. "What are these things?"
"They're Soul Gems." He replied. "Over the years we slayed many powerful creatures. I knew you guys would be back at some point, so I saved them. These are dangerous if not handled correctly. Come on, it should be your turn now."
He walked back towards the camp as the two stared at him as they picked up the gems. "Can we trust him?" Brianna asked.
"We wait and see." Nicholas replied. "But I don't trust him at all."
Hours Later
The group was inside a small hut and screaming in pain as the marks covered them all. Erza was outside with the members of the indie guild. "Seems like your magic has incapacitated the other."
"How are you not being affected by it?" Ultear asked, slightly scared.
"I wish we could help more, but we need to be on the move." Jellal said. "This is goodbye for now."
"Get a hold of us by carrier pigeon if you find anything." Meredy said. "And be sure to do your very best."
"Good luck, and look after Gray for me." Ultear added as they flipped their hoods up.
"Until we meet again, Erza." Jellal added before they walked away.
"Bye!" Meredy waved at the red head who did the same, a small smile on her face.
'A fiancé...' She thought. 'Always such a terrible liar... still, that means he's himself again. It's for the best. This is our story...'
"Hey Erza, look at my drawing." The red head turned to see Happy drawing a broken heart in the sand. In less than a second, Erza kicked him as hard as she could.
"So Jellal..., why come up with such an obvious lie?" Suishou asked from inside their cave, making the girls laugh. "A fiancé of all things."
"You could stand to loosen up a bit." Ultear said. "You afraid or are you punishing yourself?"
"Punishment is what we're all about, or are you forgetting that?" He asked back. "Together, we all decided to never fall in love with someone who walks the path of light. As long as Erza is alive and happy, that's enough for me."
"Still, you could have come up with a better lie than that." Meredy teased.
"I bet you thought
"You two are sleeping on separate mats!" Ultear shouted.
Well, back to this story. Their new outfits will be up in a bit, as will Brianna's new souls when they appear in the story. Also brought back the first villain of this story so that's fun. See ya next time.
Beta read by General Feng Xiang
