A/N: Before I begin, I'd like to address some constructive comments regarding this story, specifically regarding Ichigo and Kazui.
Anikong: Thank you for voicing out your concern. Though it might come up like something out of character, let's not forget that this Ichigo lost everything and is only recovering from Survivor's Guilt when he joined Fairy Tail. Mind you, Ichigo had killed before or at least didn't hesitate to kill his enemies, e.g., Ginjo, Aizen, and Kageroza. Let's not also forget Kisuke's teachings of having the intent to kill in battle. This, combined with the loss he suffered, brought about this desire to protect that would often resort to killing if necessary. For Kazui, his beliefs stem from Ichigo. He has that same drive to protect, especially Wendy, and knowing that the one responsible for her condition might do it again, he decided that the best way was to end that threat permanently. Still, I want to hear your thoughts more as this story progresses, and I do hope you enjoy the chapters to come.
LightSpecter141: I appreciate that you understood my approach to handling Ichigo. He might be the most powerful character in the story; it doesn't mean that he isn't susceptible to trauma. He is human, after all. As for your two questions:
1. There will be cannon-divergence. Certain events will change since the Kurosaki family's involvement will play a major role in the coming arcs.
2. Wendy will keep her short hair, though I plan to let it grow a bit...maybe around shoulder-length.
Guest: Now that you mention it, yeah. Ichigo and Karin do get informal with everyone, even with superiors. However, when Ichigo addressed Makarov as "master," they were still new to the guild. In Karin's case, it was just to remind her. They may be rough around the edges, but Ichigo and Karin know how to show respect where it is due.
With that out of the way, let's move on to the chapter.
Edited on September 17, 2021
Chapter 6: Grand Magic Games, BEGIN!
"This is it folks!" the announcer exclaimed as the crowds began to cheer wildly. "The big day is here! The Grand Magic Games will begin shortly. This is going to be a year to remember!"
As the crowds scream and cheer in anticipation for the grand opening of the tournament, the members of Team Natsu still can't get over the fact that their supposed fifth member, Wendy, will be out of commission for a day or two. It helped that Elfman volunteered himself as a last-minute replacement, but the circumstances that led to the girl's situation were still a mystery. They suspected an ambush from a rival team to be the cause, but without any evidence, that's all it will be…a suspicion. There was, however, a small sliver-lining in all of this, and that came in the form of Kazui.
To say that they were impressed by the boy's determination and resolve would be putting it lightly. The bold declaration made by the young Soul Reaper moved everyone who witnessed it, even Porlyusica. The reactions were varied; Elfman thought it was manly, Gray and Natsu smiled at the boy, Lisanna and Lucy thought it was a bit romantic with the latter now having good material for her novel, and Erza nodding to the boy's conviction. The ones with the best reactions were from Orihime and the girl in question. Orihime was smiling a sincere smile filled with pride and nostalgia since this was the same thing Ichigo did for her all those years ago. Wendy, however, was deeply blushing that her face was just as red as Erza's hair, and steam was coming out of her ears. It was both heartwarming and meaningful, especially for the two children.
"I never thought Kazui would be so bold to do that for Wendy," Lucy commented regarding last night's events.
"Yeah," Gray agreed. "Who knew the kid had that kind of attitude?"
"Well, Orihime did say that Ichigo did the same for her when they were younger," Erza remarked. "In a way, this is just history repeating itself."
"That was the manliest thing I've ever seen!" the hulking Strauss exclaimed, forgetting the outfit dilemma they were just talking about earlier.
"I'll say. Let's win this first day for Wendy!" Natsu yelled with a fist lit aflame up in the air.
"YEAH!" the rest replied with confidence.
In the commentator's booth, three individuals were seated and watching the arena as it further filled the vacant seats while waiting for the start of the tournament.
"We're just moments away from the start of the Grand Magic Games here, folks," the lead announcer said through his microphone. "I'm your lead announcer Chapati Lola. I'll be handling the game's play-by-play. Beside me is former councilman Yajima who will be our lead commentator. Mr. Yajima, glad to have you with us, sir."
"Glad to be here," replied the former councilman.
"Let's not forget our guest commentator, a member of Blue Pegasus and current holder of Miss Fiore, Jenny Realight!"
To Yajima's right sat Jenny Realight of Blue Pegasus. She is a beautiful young woman with light blonde hair tied in a ponytail behind her head with two short bangs framing her face. She has light blue eyes and a soft-shaped face. She wore a purple dress that stretches down to her ankles while a slit runs down from her waist to the end of the skirt. Her guild emblem is stamped on her left shoulder. "Blue Pegasus will be taking the win this year!" the beauty declared jovially.
"Now, the time has come to meet our contestants," Chapati announced. "In eighth place, an old school bunch of wizards from Magnolia. They had luck in the prelims, and they're rearing to take back first place by force. Give it up folks for Fairy Tail!"
The crowd's reaction, though, wasn't very welcoming.
"They're booing at us!?" Natsu exclaimed in surprise.
"I did not see this coming," Gray remarked while looking at the stands.
"I want to go home," Lucy muttered.
"Who would've thought they'd make it this far after losing every year," the lead announcer remarked. "Securing a spot in the prelims was no small feat for them. Will the Tenrō Team's sensational return help Fairy Tail become Fiore's greatest guild!?"
Commentator Yajima gave the team a thumbs up before saying, "I'm proud of them! Way to go, kiddos. Now get out there and show them what you can do!"
"CHEER 'TILL YOU BUST A LUNG! HOORAY! HOORAY! HOORAY!"
Unsurprisingly, the rest of Fairy Tail all came to cheer their participating guildmates. Everyone from Makarov to little Asuka was present, and as usual, they were as lively as ever. The only individuals who weren't present were Kazui since he decided to keep Wendy company, the Kurosaki twins, Laxus, Juvia, Gajeel, and Ichigo. The only Kurosaki present was Orihime, who was looking at a particular spot beside her rowdy guildmates.
"The cheers of our comrades are all the support we need," Erza commented as a smile crossed her face.
The rest of her teammates nodded, but they noticed someone familiar near their guildmates. They gasped in surprise once they realize who this individual was. A blonde girl looking no older than Kazui or Wendy wearing a frilly white dress decorated with a red ribbon in the collar, cheering their team. Once the rest of the guild noticed this figure, they stopped and looked at this person in surprise. The only exception was Orihime since she was the one who first saw this mysterious individual.
"Hooray! Hooray! Woohoo! Fairy Tail is the best!"
The figure was none other than Mavis Vermillion, the guild's founding master.
"Master Mavis!" Makarov asked the first master. "What are you doing!?"
Mavis looked at her surprised guildmembers and put on a childlike smile before answering, "I came to cheer you on, silly."
"Well, yes we can see that," Makarov stuttered, "…but aren't you supposed to be, you know, dead?"
"There's no way I'm going to miss this!" the childing master exclaimed. "Besides, only those who bear our guild's emblem can see me," she then turned to the Fullbringer who was looking at her, "…except for this lady. You must be new to the guild."
"I am, Master Mavis," Orihime replied courteously. "I'm Orihime Kurosaki."
"It's nice to meet you, Orihime. I sense great power within you," Mavis remarked. "How is it that you're able to see me? Even if the members of Fairy Tail are the only ones who can see me, it's still in my discretion to make myself visible to them."
"I can naturally see spirits," the Fullbringer replied. "Regardless, if you will yourself to be visible, I can always see you since you are a spiritual entity."
"I see," the spirit nodded. "Welcome to the guild, Orihime!"
"Thank you, Master Mavis."
"Now, for the reason why I'm here," Mavis paused for dramatic effect, "I got bored in Tenrō Island."
The entire guild, except Orihime, face-faulted at their first master's remark.
Back in the arena, Natsu was laughing at their guild's antics. "With Master Mavis on our side, nothing's going to beat us!"
"At least the ghost likes us," Grey muttered.
In the announcer's booth, Chapati continued to call on the rest of the contestants. "Next is the team that came in seventh place; the rowdy hellhounds…Quatro Cerberus!"
With the banner of the said guild waving through the wind, the members of Quatro Cerberus made their entrance. True to their name, the participants all wore dog-themed attire and accessories.
"Coming in at sixth place is the team filled to the brim with the fairer sex. Introducing the dancers of the blue sea, Mermaid Heel!"
A flash of blue light engulfed one of the entrances before revealing an all-girl group of mages led by a swordswoman. Their entrance made every male in attendance have hearts in their eyes.
"I didn't know there was a guild full of ladies!" Happy exclaimed.
"In fifth place, with azure wings that glimmer in the dark, Blue Pegasus!"
In dramatic poses, Ichiya, the Trimens, and a guy in a bunny costume made their entrance.
"Hey guys," Jenny called her guildmates. "Do your best!"
"Next in fourth place, the goddess of love and strife, the sacred destroyer, Lamia Scale."
Through a series of dazzling explosions, the members of Lamia Scale comprised of Lyon, Jura, Toby, Yuka, and a child a year or two than Wendy walked through their entrance waving their guild's flag.
With the three guilds who participated in taking down Oración Seis present, the members of each team began bickering and reminiscing the past with one another.
"Now to introduce our third-place contestants," the announcer continued. "This is a shocker. This dark and gloomy bunch are making their debut in this year's games. Give it up for Raven Tail!"
The members of Fairy Tail were shocked to hear the name of the mentioned guild. For Makarov, however, it was more anger than surprise. "Why is there a dark guild participating!?" the old guildmaster questioned. "Are you officials out of your mind or are just incompetent!" Makarov began throwing insults at the event organizers, wherever they are, for allowing a dark guild into the competition. Macao, Lisanna, and Levy held the master back before he did something irrational.
The crowds began murmuring among themselves upon hearing the third guild to place in the preliminaries.
"Hey, isn't Raven Tail a dark guild?"
"Yeah. How did they manage to enter this tournament?
Up in the commentator's booth, Chapati began examining the aforementioned guild's documents. "Well, their records seem to be in order. They're an old guild that's been active for seven years. They've just been recently approved legal guild status by the Magic Council."
Yajima nodded in understanding. "If they have official guild status then they're technically not a dark guild which makes them eligible to compete."
Up in Fairy Tail's corner, Makarov was still fuming at the appearance of the former dark guild, more so on its guildmaster, who is his son Ivan. "Curse you! I don't know what you're planning but whatever it is, we'll put a stop to it!"
In the far stands, Ivan Dreyar, the master of Raven Tail, observed his father get riled up while having a smug smile. "Be careful, old man. Getting angry isn't good for your health."
At the arena, a member of Raven Tail wearing golden armor approached the Fairy Tail wizards. "Fairy Tail," the person began, "…I trust that your friend is recovering?"
Beside him was a tall person wearing a blue mask and cloak. On this Raven Tail member was a creature smiling deviously at the angered mages. Then, it transformed its head into that of Wendy's and acted as something had attacked it.
That did it for Natsu. His glare intensified once the bastards revealed that they were responsible for Wendy's condition. "You were the ones who attacked Wendy? I'm going to make you regret it."
"Hehehe," the armored guildsman chuckled at Natsu's anger. "The festival is just getting started."
"Hold on!" Chapati interrupted. "We still have two teams who made it through the qualifying round!" Then, all participants ceased their squabble and turned to the incoming mages. "Coming in second place are last year's champions, Sabretooth!"
That announcement was a surprise. The audience thought that Sabretooth would be the first guild to make it to the qualifying round. Even the other contestants were intrigued. The crowd began drawing up conclusions as to who was the first to pass the qualifiers.
"If Sabretooth wasn't the first guild to make it through the prelims, then who did?"
"I don't know."
As for Sabretooth, they were looking all confident and acting smug in front of the other guilds, especially Fairy Tail.
Finally, the first team to make it will be announced. "And our first-place contestants are…OH MY GOD!"
The entire audience and contestants looked to the team about to arrive. But, then, in a dazzling display of lightning, everyone was indeed surprised as to whom the first qualifying team would be.
"IT'S FAIRY TAIL TEAM B!" yelled Chapati.
"Gajeel!? Laxus!? Juvia!? Even Mystogan!?" the Fairy Tail Team A member all exclaimed at the sight of their fellow guild members.
The turn of events didn't sit well for some of the contestants. They didn't expect Fairy Tail to have two teams competing in the tournament. The same can be said for the audience who were saying it was unfair. Luckily, Chapati and Yajima began discussing the legality of this arrangement.
"I think the implementation of new rules may have left our teams a bit perplexed, Mr. Yajima," the announcer remarked to the old councilman. "Care to explain?"
"Sure thing. The organizers of the event permitted each participating guild to have two teams which they felt would make the Preliminaries more exciting."
Back in the arena, Lucy was confused at her guildmaster's decision. "Why didn't you tell us this was your plan, master?"
Makarov began cackling like some genius mastermind after pulling this ingenious stunt. "You like that!? This is how the Fairy Tail guild takes care of business, BABY!"
"I'm not sure if the committee thought this through," announcer Chapati remarked, still questioning the organizers' decision. "This is a team-based competition, after all. So, won't have two teams from the same guild kind of stack the odds?"
"You worry too much," Yajima replied to the skeptical announcer. "It'll be fine."
"Well, I think it's unfair," Jenny remarked. "Let's say there's an event where each team chooses a member to compete in a battle royale. What's to stop the members from Fairy Tail to team up?"
"It does give them the advantage," Chapati commented. "I guess it's their reward for being the only guild from over one hundred to send in two teams."
"Hehehe," Yajima chuckled. "You certainly have the upper hand. Way to go, Mackie!"
The two other commentators looked at the old councilman curiously. "Mackie?"
"Hey," Jenny called her fellow announcers. "Why are there only four members in Fairy Tail Team B?"
The two other commentators looked towards the mentioned at saw that there were indeed only four members. "That's weird," Chapati said. "Where do you think the fifth member could be?"
"Maybe he's just late?" Yajima replied, though unsure of his answer.
Mavis, however, felt something cold ran down her spine. The sensation felt ominous, chilling, and heavy. The air felt a bit oppressive for her liking that she clutched her arms out of reflex to rid herself of the cold.
"You felt it, didn't you?"
The first master turned to see Orihime with a steely look. "You sense it, too?" Mavis asked.
"I have, for a while."
"What is this feeling?"
"Spiritual pressure."
"It's the first time I've heard of it. Can you tell me what it is?"
"It is the force or pressure that a person's spiritual energy creates when it is released. It can be manipulated to either prevent it from leaking or release it to a degree where any weaker being will feel its adverse effects," Orihime sighed as she knew what or who was coming, "…and right now, this pressure will intensify once the fifth member of Team B appears."
True enough, the pressure in the entire arena became oppressive. The air became tainted with spiritual energy that the pressure it was exerting was taxing even to the contestants. No one was safe. Everyone from the stands or to the citizens outside Domus Flau felt the intensity of this power. Despite the massive weight, those who managed to stay awake watched as the fifth Fairy Tail Team B member finally appeared. The man walked calmly from the tunnel as he made his way to his teammates. He had this aura of unrivaled resolve that it reflected in the atmosphere. His black robes were flaring from the energies he released, his twin swords were humming for combat, and finally, his scowl showed disdain for the ones that harmed one of his guildmates.
The members of Team A gasped in surprise to find out who this fifth member was. Lucy and Natsu shivered as they recalled the pure dread that washed over them the night before. Erza, Elfman, and Gray all stepped back as the great energies the man emanated were overpowering. There was only one word they could muster to speak.
"…Ichigo."
The rest of the contestants were wide-eyed at the power of this new arrival. For Jura, he has never felt a presence so massive from anyone aside from his fellow Wizard Saints. Even then, he can tell that Ichigo's true power was kept sealed and that once all of it is released, no force on Earthland will be able to stop him.
For Sabretooth, none of them expected that someone with this much power would be in Fairy Tail. Sting and Rogue lost all forms of color in their faces once they recognized who this person was. Fear quickly filled their minds as the threat of death resurfaced. The image of a demon in this man had made them shiver.
One of their teammates, Yukino, saw the fear-ridden expressions they wore. "Sting. Rogue. Do you know this person?"
"That's him…" Sting muttered.
"Him?"
"The man we encountered…" Rogue clarified. "We met him last night. His mere presence alone was overwhelming. We swore to never engage him."
Rufus, another Sabretooth guildsman, asked, "Why?"
"Because he threatened to kill us…," both Dragon Slayers replied while trembling.
The rest of the Sabretooth contingent were wide-eyed from their words. Nothing ever scared the twin dragons, so to find out that this person had this effect on the two was startling.
As for Raven Tail, their plan to rid of their nemesis guild just hit a major roadblock. They were not expecting the appearance of such an individual among the ranks of Fairy Tail. That's not the only thing they noticed, however. Unlike the rest of Fairy Tail, this one had a look that saw countless battles that meant life or death. Ivan began to grit his teeth at this unwanted man. He knew that if either one of his guildmates fought Ichigo, he would annihilate them. It was clear; this man was the greatest threat to their plans.
"Mister…Ya-Yajima," Chapati said while resisting the pressure. "Who…is this pe-person?"
"This must be…Te-Team B's…fi-fifth member," replied the old mage.
"Wha-What…i-is he?" Jenny said while under the oppressive weight.
"Why, I'll be damned, Mackie!" Yajima grinned. "How you managed to get a hold of someone more powerful than Gildarts is truly beyond me!"
The rest of Fairy Tail wasn't fairing so well either. They were all enduring the pressure that Ichigo was releasing. Even Lisanna, who already experienced the Soul Reaper's spiritual energy up-close, knew that this was far beyond that of when he trained her and Wendy. Then she noticed Orihime barely affected by the enormous force. Finally, thee Take-Over mage saw the Fullbringer's hairpins come to life and erected a dome that effectively relieved them of the powerful energy.
"Thank you, Orihime," Mirajane said to the mother Kurosaki while regaining her breath.
"It was no big deal," answered Orihime with a smile that eventually became serious. "I was expecting this."
"You did?"
"Yes. When I saw Ichigo last night, he was angry at those two mages from Sabretooth. He said that those two dragon slayers murdered their dragons to gain power." The comment earned her a gasp from her guildmates. "It made him remember the way he lost both Aunt Masaki and Uncle Isshin, his parents. He loved them so much and hearing both Sting and Rogue talk about killing their adoptive parents brought back those painful memories he's been trying to forget. It didn't help that he heard the news of Wendy's condition. That drove him to make a decision."
"What decision would that be?" Makarov asked, fearing the answer the woman might give.
"He'll give everyone a reason not to mess with Fairy Tail."
Back in the arena, everyone was moving away from the dual-wielding swordsman as Ichigo approached his teammates. This was the first time Juvia and Gajeel met the Soul Reaper, and they were both glad and terrified. Terrified of the ungodly power he possessed and glad that he was their fifth member. Laxus and Mystogan (which was Jellal in disguise) couldn't utter a single word to express how overwhelming Ichigo was.
When the orange-haired Soul Reaper finally reached his teammates, he lifted his spiritual pressure he asked them, "Do any of you know who attacked Wendy?"
It was from Team A, specifically Natsu, who answered. "It was Raven Tail," the pinkette answered, finally regaining his breath.
Satisfied, Ichigo nodded before disappearing and reappearing in front of the mentioned guild, startling its members. Even the other contestants were surprised at his speed.
"What do you want, Fairy Tail scum?" questioned the armored Raven Tail member in a cocky tone.
Suddenly, a column of spiritual energy exploded from Ichigo, engulfing him in the raging torrent while blasting the malicious guild away. The blast sent shockwaves throughout the stadium that people had to cover themselves just to resist. The energies that swirled around him were black with red wisps floating here and there. The air around him became thick, and the ground he was standing on cracked due to the sheer intensity. The power he was emitting reached into the sky that pierced the heavens and split the clouds in half. His eyes were black with golden irises, all the while sparking in a dark crimson hue. The reaper's blades hummed in unison to his display of force.
"Such power…" Mavis could only mutter those words while witnessing Ichigo's power. "It's not magic he's releasing."
"It's not?" Levy asked the first master.
"It isn't," Orihime replied for the spirit. "What we use isn't ethernano, but spiritual energy which is the essence of life itself. Among our family, my husband was born with the potential to become the most powerful spirit energy user there is."
"It feels so dense and potent," the spirit of Mavis remarked.
Ichigo continued his glare upon the members of Raven Tail. In a cold and tranquil fury, his voice reverberated like two people were speaking through him; he gave the devious guild an ultimatum. "If you so much as lay a finger on Fairy Tail, I won't hesitate to put you down…" he lowered the energies he released and walked away. Eventually, his spiritual power disappeared, but he added another word to his warning that put the fear of the reaper into the hearts of Raven Tail while in his hollow voice, "…permanently."
The spiritual pressure Ichigo released didn't just affect those in the stadium but also everyone in its immediate vicinity. The same can be said in the infirmary where Wendy was resting. With her was Porlyusica monitoring her condition and Kazui, who decided to keep her company. The moment the three felt the massive weight, the young Soul Reaper quickly created a barrier to lessen its effects.
"What was that enormous pressure?" Porlyusica questioned, never having felt such a powerful presence before.
"That was my father," Kazui replied.
"Your father!?" the old healer asked the young reaper incredulously. "What kind of wizard would your father be to have that much of an overwhelming presence."
"We're not technically wizards."
"Oh? That what would your family be considered?"
"It's kind of hard to explain."
"Then if that's the case, I won't pester you for an explanation."
"Thanks, Lady Porlyusica."
"And would you stop with the 'Lady' title! Just Porlyusica would suffice."
"Ok." The pressure eventually subsided, and Kazui took down the barrier.
After that small rant, the wizened healer decided to ask the boy one question bothering her. "Was that show of force from your father necessary?"
"It was."
Both Wendy and Porlyusica quickly turned to the boy in surprise at his quick answer.
"How so?" the old woman inquired.
"The way I see it, that stunt my dad pulled had two purposes. One would be a warning to all participants not to get on his bad side. The second would be making himself the biggest threat in the entire competition. If all rival teams focus on taking him down, then Fairy Tail won't have to worry about the other contestants sabotaging them."
The old healer was impressed by the boy's sound explanation. It would seem that whoever this kid's father was made it a priority to make the boy perceptive and draw sound conclusions. Not only that, the way Kazui explained it had an air of confidence…like the plan will be full-proof. Content with the explanation, for now, Porlyusica told the two that she'd be going out to buy medicine if someone from the guild needs treatment. That meant the two kids were left alone in the infirmary.
Kazui and Wendy were quiet for several minutes, both unable to start a conversation. Then, they finally tried to glance at each other, and once they made eye contact, both quickly turned their heads in embarrassment. This lasted for another few minutes before the blue-haired Sky Maiden decided that the silence was unbearable.
"Ummm…Kazui?" Wendy called, stuttering.
"Huh?"
"About last night, I just want to say…thank you."
"For what?" the kid reaper asked, confused.
"For what you said," she replied, her face all flustered, "…for promising to protect me."
Kazui smiled at her words as he recalled the events last night. Sitting at the edge of Wendy's bed, the boy placed a hand on her's before saying, "Of course, Wendy. I will protect you. You're my friend…my first friend."
Wendy tried to sit up, making sure not to disturb a sleeping Carla beside her. She adjusted herself, so she was now sitting beside Kazui. There was still something about last night that she can't get her mind off of. It was about Kazui's sudden change in attitude. That dark and ominous voice he had and the promise he made to kill whoever put her in this sorry state. "Were you serious about killing the one who did this to me?" she asked hesitantly.
Kazui looked down and sighed, his face sporting a frown. "I don't like the idea of killing," the boy replied. "I know it's wrong to take someone's life but sometimes, we have to make the hard decisions."
"Hard decisions?" the blue-haired girl questioned.
"My father told me that people become stronger when they have someone to protect. That said, there will always be those who would come and take what you hold dear away. For dad, it was my mom. He told me once that bad people came and kidnapped her during a war since she was his greatest weakness."
This was the first time Wendy heard this story. She was surprised that the boy's parents already suffered so much before coming to Fairy Tail.
"He did everything he could to bring her back. He made difficult choices that to this day still haunt him. They were only fifteen at that time, but dad did everything he could to get mom back, including killing his enemies." This elicited a gasp from the girl beside him. "Dad told me that to protect those you care for, you need to do everything in your power to do so…even if it means making the tough choices."
Wendy kept on listening, letting the boy's words sink into her.
"He told me to fight to the bitter end for the ones we love." The word love made Wendy blush. "He told me to give everything I have in a fight and not hold back or hesitate because the outcome, regardless of what it is, will always be a foregone conclusion. You either live or die. There's no 'in between' in it, no silver-lining, or alternative."
Wendy was silent after Kazui's speech. Everything the boy said was, in a way, true. There could only be one winner in a battler and sometimes winning means getting to live another day. She understood this. Together with the rest of the guild against powerful enemies such as Oración Seis and Grimoire Heart, her battles were proof of that. Any one of them could have died during those encounters. All their enemies had the intent to end them, but they were lucky to have survived. With newfound resolve, Wendy took Kazui's hand into her own and looked at him. "You promised to protect me from anything that would hurt me. I will also promise the same thing to you."
"Huh?" Kazui looked at her in bewilderment. "You don't have to do that, Wendy."
"I do, Kazui," she adamantly said. "You are my closest friend. I don't know what I'd do if anything were to happen to you."
Kazui fell silent at the Sky Maiden's admission.
"I promise, Kazui, that no matter what happens, I will also protect."
The boy had no words to say. His heart skipped a beat. Wendy's brave words stirred something inside him that only his parents could. It made him feel safe and precious. No one besides this girl has ever done something like this for him. With a bright smile that could light up even the darkest night, he held on to the girl's hand and squeezed it gently before looking at her and said, "Thank you, Wendy."
Said girl returned his smile in kind. Then, in an uncharacteristically daring move, Wendy leaned into Kazui, resting her head onto his shoulder and sighing in content. The boy got flustered a bit from this surprise action but quickly accepted the sincere gesture, and in return, he rested his head on top of hers. At that moment, the bond forged between the Sky Maiden and the Shining Moon grew deeper through their promises to each other.
Ultear and Meredy were watching the tournament atop the statue on one side of the amphitheater. Looking towards the contestants, it wasn't hard to say that their faces held some form of excitement. That is until Ichigo made an appearance. They were left gobsmacked when the Soul Reaper put on a display of power. When the otherworldly pressure hit, they were left panting and trying to resist the heavy feeling. Luckily for them, it stopped but not before the orange-haired death god released a torrent of black energy that shot upward and tore the heavens apart. It left them speechless and wondering how they have not known someone so powerful, even their time in Grimoire Heart. After that show of force stopped, both former dark wizards concluded that their former master Hades won't stand a chance against Ichigo.
"I've never seen anything that frightening before," Meredy said, still shivering from the sight of black spiritual energy she had witnessed earlier.
"I know," the busty time mage agreed. "His power was massive; nothing like we've ever seen before."
"It was wild, dark, and full of primal instinct."
Ultear couldn't help but agree with her adoptive daughter's description. It was indeed like an untamed beastly deity screaming for battle. Speaking of the Soul Reaper, she remembered that Ichigo's sisters would be meeting them to discuss the mysterious dark energy in the capital. "I wonder when his siblings will get here?"
"Over here."
Meredy and Ultear turned around and saw two young women seemingly walking in thin air towards them. One was wearing a black robe with a white sash on her right shoulder, while the other had what looked like a white pristine military uniform. The two stared at the approaching duo, trying to process the fact that they were walking on nothing but air. Then, deciding that matters were more important, Ultear shook her head and greeted the approaching two.
"I take it you two are Ichigo Kurosaki's siblings?" the time wizard asked.
"That's right," replied one of them. "I'm Karin and this is my twin sister, Yuzu."
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Ultear Milkovich and this is my adoptive daughter, Meredy."
"Likewise. My brother said that you needed help finding this mysterious energy here in the capital. Can you give us any details?" Karin asked.
"Of course. Since the tournament's inception, we've been monitoring this unusual accumulation of dark magical energy. Most of it is here in the capital, though the specific location is something we aren't sure of."
Karin nodded at Ultear's explanation before looking at her younger twin. "Any thoughts, Yuzu?"
"I can feel some unusual spiritual energy here in the capital," the younger twin replied, "…but with all the magical power present here, not to mention big brother's ridiculously massive spiritual power, it's hard to get a grip on the exact location."
"We've been trying to locate the source of this dark magic for years now," Meredy explained. "Still, because of our status as an unofficial guild, it's difficult to move around the city to search properly. So far we've at least pinpointed the colosseum and the royal palace to be the likely sources."
"Mmm-hmmm," Karin nodded. She then had an idea. "Yuzu," she called her younger twin, "I'm going to use a tracking Kidō to find this mysterious power. I need you to maintain the spell while I recite the incantation since I still haven't mastered it." Seeing her younger twin nodding, Karin then took out her zanpakūto and drew a circle on the head of the statue they were standing on. She then divided the circle into four parts, with each quadrant receiving a unique character.
The two wizards grew curious about what the twins were planning. They did hear that they'll be performing a tracking Kidō, whatever that means. The only thing that they were sure about was that this would help their search for the dark magic in the capital.
Placing their hands beside the drawn circle, Yuzu and Karin began pouring their spiritual energy. The drawing began to glow a bright green hue. It was then that the older Kurosaki twin began to recite the incantation. "Heart of the South, Eye of the North, Fingertip of the West, Heel of the East. Carry the wind and gather. Banish the rain and disband! Bakudō #58: Kakushi Tsuijyaku!"
Ultear and Meredy saw the characters in the circles begin to move. Inside the circle, they can see the symbols they could not comprehend. It seemed that the symbols were from a language that only the twins and their family members could understand. These symbols transitioned from one to another, while Karin dictated what could be latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates.
Eventually, the spell lost its light and disappeared, including the very circle Karin drew on the statue. "I thought so," the older twin remarked as she and Yuzu stood up.
"Well," Meredy inquired the two. "What did you find out?"
"The source of the abnormal spiritual energy, as well as the dark magic you mention, is in the royal palace," the Kurosaki Quincy replied.
"Well, that pinpoints the exact location then," Ultear exclaimed. "Now the only problem left is how to infiltrate the castle without stirring up any unwanted attention."
"That's going to be difficult," the female Soul Reaper commented. "With the games going on, it's safe to assume that security will be pretty tight in the most important places, namely the palace and colosseum."
"Got that right," Meredy said. "Still, thanks for the help you two."
"Don't mention it."
"So, where are you off to now?" Ultear asked the twins.
"We'll be going to the stadium and watch the games," Yuzu replied.
"Ok then. Thanks again for your assistance. If there's anything we could do to help you in any way, please don't hesitate to approach us."
"We'll keep that in mind," the twins said in unison before vanishing via Flash Step and Hirenkyaku.
Things were not looking good for Fairy Tail.
The first event of the day was "Hidden." The chosen participants from each team will be placed inside a magically conjured town filled with clones of the said competitors. The rules state that mages get one point when they successfully attack another competitor. Thus, the contestants in this game lose one point if a rival contestant attacks them or if they attack a clone. If they are attacked, they will respawn in a different area of the city, and this can happen as many times as necessary until the time limit of thirty minutes is up. The mage with the most points after the clock runs out wins the game.
The participants for this event were Gray and Juvia from Fairy Tail, Lyon Vastia from Lamia Scale, Jäger from Quatro Cerberus, Beth Vanderwood of Mermaid Heel, Eve Tearm from Blue Pegasus, Nullpudding from Raven Tail, and Rufus Lore from Sabretooth.
As the day's special event began, the contestants didn't waste time looking for the other competitors to score a point. Using the clones as cover, the main method they used was an ambush. Sadly for the two wizards from Fairy Tail, Nullpudding kept on targeting them even if the other participants from the other teams were nearby. This skirmish quickly turned into an all-out fight where each contestant did their best to score as many points as possible. The winner of the event was Rufus from Sabretooth for knocking down all contestants in one fell swoop.
Next came the matches. The first bout was between Lucy from Fairy Tail Team A and Flare of Raven Tail. The Celestial wizard did her best to win the fight, but unfortunately, the win goes to Raven Tail. The victory wasn't achieved through fair means, however. Flaire threatened to kill Asuka using her secretly placed hair, forcing Lucy to take unnecessary damage just to keep the innocent girl away from harm. When the blonde was able to get the upper hand, she tried to use her strongest spell, Urano Metria, in conjunction with her spirit Gemini to win the game, but somehow she was sabotaged and ended up losing.
The two following matches went without any interruptions. Between Ren Akatsuki of Blue Pegasus and Araña Webb of Mermaid Heel, the Trimen was victorious while Orga Nanagear of Sabretooth claimed victory against Warcry of Quatro Cerberus. It was the last fight that brought about unexpected results.
The last fight of the day was between Jellal disguised as Mystogan versus the now fifth-ranked Wizard Saint Jura Neeks of Lamia Scale. It was an intense battle where both contestants were exchanging powerful magic attacks against each other. However, their skills were on par with each other. Wanting to finish the bout, Jellal attempted to perform his strongest spell, True Heavenly Body Magic: Sema, but was also sabotaged while in the middle of performing it. This gave Jura the necessary time to deliver the finishing blow and claim victory for Lamia Scale. In the end, both Fairy Tail Teams were in the last place, followed by Quatro Cerberus, Mermaid Heel, Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, Raven Tail, and Sabretooth taking the top spot.
Now, even with the lousy spot in the ranking, Fairy Tail still celebrated like usual. In the bar they occupied, the barkeep was wondering whether they were nuts.
"Jellal."
The disguised former dark mage turned to see Ichigo approaching him. Earlier today, he received an earful from his teammates, specifically Laxus and Gajeel, saying how utterly embarrassing his defeat was in the final match of the day. Luckily, the Soul Reaper found it odd that Jellal would be beaten in like that. He figured that an outside force was responsible.
"Mr. Ichigo," Jellal said.
"Please, just Ichigo," the reaper groaned. "Hearing you calling me that makes me feel old."
The Heavenly Body mage chuckled under his disguise. "If you say so." Jellal sighed in disappointment at himself before saying, "I should thank you for standing up for me back there, even if I deserve it."
"You know, you don't have to beat yourself up for something beyond your control."
"What do you mean?" the former Wizard Saint questioned.
"I know someone sabotaged your match with Jura. When you were…experiencing those strange things during the match, I saw a glowing purple band on your wrist."
Jellal's eyes widened. He knew who had that kind of magic that can affect people. "Meredy."
"That young lady with pink hair, right?"
"Yeah. It was her Maguilty Sense magic. She must've done that along with Ultear to make sure my cover wasn't blown." The blue-haired wizard chuckled under his breath before adding, "Although, it was probably Ultear forcing Meredy to sabotage my match."
"See," Ichigo said, trying to lighten up Jellal's mood. "It's not your fault. You just got carried away trying to impress Erza."
"What!?"
"Oh, don't look at me like that," Ichigo teased. "I saw how you were looking at her back at the beach. It's clear that you have the hots for her."
The leader of Crime Sorciér sighed. "I'll admit that I do feel something for Erza," he paused for a moment before adding, "…but with all the sins I've committed, I don't deserve someone like her."
Placing a hand on the gloomy mage's shoulder, Ichigo gave Jellal a sincere smile that showed understanding. "Everyone deserves to be happy, especially people like you."
"What do you mean?"
"You never had freedom of your own. As I understand it, you were a slave, a pawn, and a tool used by other people. I know how that feels since the circumstances of my birth were the result of an experiment." This revelation made the blue-haired mage silently gasp in surprise. "The same goes to both Meredy and Ultear. Now that the three of you are free, you spent these seven years trying to atone for all the things that were beyond your control. It's admirable, but at the same time unhealthy. Don't let the chance of feeling loved slip through you, especially when Erza also feels the same way. Take it, because with all the shit you went through growing up, a little love wouldn't be so bad now, would it?"
Jellal thought about it. Ichigo was right. For most of his life, he didn't have any kind of agency. He had no free will. He was always someone's pawn in a larger game that forced him to do horrible things. Now that he's free, he's been doing everything he could to make up for all the atrocities he did, even if it wasn't in his own volition. With that thought, he finally made a decision. "I'll take your advice, Ichigo. I will do what you told me and tell Erza how I feel. That said, I won't stop what Crime Sorciér has been doing for the past seven years. We will still hunt down all traces of evil magic in the world."
"I never said you should stop. As I said, it's a noble goal, just that you three need to be happy yourselves."
One might not notice it, but Jellal is smiling under his disguise. "You are not only powerful but also very wise, Ichigo Kurosaki. Fairy Tail is lucky to have someone like you in the guild."
"I wouldn't say that," the reaper countered. "It's more like I'm glad that my family and I joined Fairy Tail. These past three months did a lot of good for us. Kazui has a friend in Wendy, Orihime and Yuzu are close to the Strauss siblings, and Karin's hanging out with the rest of the guild. Even I have come to see this guild as something important. They accepted us even with our secrets and origins. They welcomed us into their family. I will protect this new home of ours, I swear it on my name."
"Your name?"
"My name means 'Protector', and just like it says, I will do everything in my power to make sure this new home I've come to know stays safe."
"Indeed, you will," Jellal remarked. He stood up from his seat and looked at the Soul Reaper. "I better get going now. It was a pleasure talking to you."
"Don't mention it."
As Jellal left and headed outside, Ichigo decided to have a word with Makarov.
"Hey, old man!" the reaper called while approaching the aged wizard. "Can I talk to you for a second?"
"Sure," Makarov replied while holding a mug of beer. "What is it, Ichigo?"
"It's about Raven Tail."
Makarov's expression became serious. "What about them?"
"Don't you find it odd that they kept on attacking us during the competition, even when the other teams were nearby?"
"The way I see it, they're just doing it because their master is my son whom I kicked out of the guild years ago."
"I don't think that's just the reason," Ichigo remarked. "I think it's more than just some petty grudge."
Makarov raised an eyebrow at the reaper's words. "Care to explain?"
"I think they want something," Ichigo answered, "…something from the guild that's very important that it was worth risking a fight with us."
Makarov contemplated the carrot-top's words. Ivan knew a lot about the guild's secrets, so it isn't far-fetched that he'd be after something valuable. The old sage's eyes widened as one artifact came into mind. It was the most important treasure Fairy Tail has.
Ichigo noticed this and quickly asked Makarov. "You know what he's after, don't you?"
"I'm not at liberty to say, Ichigo," the old man answered. "It's a secret that only guildmasters have the right to know."
"Then how can I protect the guild if you're keeping this from me?" the Soul Reaper countered. "Look, I know that it must be important that it would be kept secret, but the same can be said to my family's origins. I told you where we come from and what we are because I trusted you. You welcomed us into the guild with open arms and I want to repay that kindness. However, I can't do that if I don't tell what it is that they're after."
Makarov saw the determination in Ichigo's eyes. The man was adamant about protecting Fairy Tail, and it made him happy knowing that someone like Ichigo would say such a thing. Finally, he decided that Ichigo was worth trusting the guild's greatest treasure. "I will tell you what it is that they're after, but I want to clarify something first. What do you plan on doing to Raven Tail after the games?"
Ichigo's eyes showed a frightening look that even Makarov had chills. It was the look of someone willing to get his hands dirty. "If none of them are redeemable, then I have no choice but to put them down permanently."
"Although it is not the course of action I want you to take," Makarov explained, "I will not stop you since they are a threat not just to the guild but to everyone. If they manage to steal the guild's greatest treasure, then all hope is lost."
"If they change their ways, I will consider giving them a second chance. But if they are beyond redemption, then I won't hesitate to eliminate them."
"Very well," Makarov said under his breath. It was time he told Ichigo about Fairy Tail's most important treasure. "What Raven Tail is after happens to be the most important treasure of Fairy Tail."
"What is this treasure you speak of?"
"It's called Lumen Histoire."
A/N: Chapter 6 is finally complete. Initially, I wanted Ichigo to fight on the first day, but I decided not to. I have something more amazing in mind for his battle. As for Jellal, I wanted to address the fact that he was a slave for most of his life. He was used as a pawn, a sacrifice, and a tool by various villains ranging from Hades to Zero. Who better to console him than Ichigo himself, who Aizen manipulated even before his birth. In a way, I also want to show how wise Ichigo has become throughout his life in the fifteen years of living in Fiore. He is a father, after all, and he went through the worst tragedy possible, so he knows what it means to treasure the things that you have. This development, of course, will lead to a change in Erza and Jellal's relationship. I just hope that I do it smoothly.
By the way, I want your opinions on whether I'm pacing the relationship between Kazui and Wendy too quickly. It's only been six chapters, but I think that I might be rushing it. So leave your thoughts in the comments. I greatly appreciate it.
I hope you enjoy this chapter. Leave a like, comment, and be awesome.
Until next time.