"How is Gajeel ?" Lucy asked Levy. After the last fight, it was midday, so everyone was taking a break, and after that, the tournament will continue. After his defeat, Gajeel was send into the infirmary where Wendy was currently healing him.

"He's awake, but he's pouting now"

"I guess losing against a child must hit his pride"Lily chuckled at the situation. Lucy was then pushed by an animated Natsu "I want to fight this Eclipse child. If Gajeel didn't stood a chance, then it's my turn to wreck him"

"Stop being so childish. You would not do better"

"Losing to a child ? Me ? As if-Ow-ow" Erza pulled Natsu's ear to make him stop. "That's enough, you will do a walk"

"Don't talk like a was a kid!" Natsu's whines echoed through the hallways of the building. Then, Cynthia and Carla entered the infirmary, where Wendy and Gajeel stood, the former was already standing, while the latter hadhis back turned, making it difficult to see his face. "Cynthia, Carla"

"The next fight won's start before a little why, so why not going outside ?" Carla suggested. Cynthia approached Lily who was sit on Gajeel's bed and whispered at him. "He's okay ?".

"It's not a defeat which will bring him down, count on that" Lily nodded "But he probably should stay here and..." he got closer to the ravenette's ear "He's a little grumpy, so don't talk to him for now"

A sweat appeared on Cynthia's temple "O-Okay. Anyway" She grabbed Wendy's hand and rushed out of the infirmary "Let's go Wendy". Without time to say anything, Wendy was dragged away. Sighing, Carla spread out her wings and followed them.

Lily smiled "They are something for sure. When will you stop being in a bad moos ? You lost this one, but surely you will get him next time"

"Nah..." Gajel replied coldly "He didn't even break a sweat. I never stood a chance. And Salamander wouldn't neither too". This caused Lily to lifted an eyebrow. "Are you sure what are you talking about ?"

"Yeah, this brat is way stronger than he looks like. It hurt me to say this, bu I think he would be capable to give Laxus a bad time". Hearing this, Lily placed a paw on his chin. "So, if you're right, does Aura is at the same level as well ?".

"If that's not true, then we might be in serious trouble"

"Hehe, true"

"You impressed me today, Mare" Selene was still amazed by Mare's power's demonstration." I already knew how you fight already, but I didn't know you could do that"

Reve pressed his hand on Mare's hair, ruffling it "I know, right ? Pipsqueak can roll on anyone, our victory is assured, not that is wasn't already the case"

Heather lifted a brow "By the way, you seemed to be pretty sure about the outcome of this fight"

"True, you didn't even landed a look" Hanako added.

"Oh, that ? You didn't already notice it ? Pipsqueak could not lost it. I mean, it was obvious" Reve raised his shoulders, as if he explained common knowledge. Yuri was staring at him from a corner. He's quite observant. He already have a hint about Mare-sama's power. He might be a problem if he see what he is really capable of.

"What are you talking about ?" The door opened slowly, revealing a bandaged Aira who was immediately welcomed by Selene. Cygnus smirked cockily "It's about our little boy. It xas a total massacre !"

"Can we go there, Wendy ?" Cynthia pointed at a crepe store a little further away. She decided (forced) Wendy to make her a walk around Crocus, since she's already been there. And of course, she could not resist to the temptation of sweet food. Not being able to wait anymore, she released her grip off Wendy and started running.

"This girl, I swear" Fortunately for Carla, she didn't have to bear a child like that since she hatched from her egg. Unfortunately for her, it does now.

.

"Come on Wendy, I'll make theh line for-*Clang*" Without looking in front of her, Cynthia accidentally bumped herself hard on something hard, something metallic. She fell on the floor, holding her nose in pain "Ouch, it hurt !"

"Hey ! Isn't she that kid from Fairy Tail ?" An amused voiced called her. When she opened her eyes she saw a huge shadow looming over her. She stepped back from surprise before her nose picked something familiar. Looking closely, she saw that the armor was landing her hand. "Are you alright ?" Her feminine voice contrasted with her appearance, and was not the one she heard just before, this one belong to the red-haired woman beside her, wearing a playful smile. Cynthia grabbed the armored hand, putting her on feet again. "Um...Thank you, but are we already met ?" Cynthia was excessively polite now, maybe due to the mastodon in front of her. She didn't know why, but she was strong, and a part of her wanted to see what she is capable of, but her reason know it was not the tme"

"Cynthia !" Wendy's call got Cynthia out of her thoughts. Carla followed her, arm crossed "Be careful when you run, or something like that may happen"

"It's not a big deal" The armor, Elian answered. "And, to answer your question: Maybe you don't remember, but we saw each other when we did a collective job on taking out dark mages" Elian pointed her thumb at Regina "Regina over here is the one who healed you" the other girl's smile grew bigger while placing her arms upward behind her back "No problem !".

"Thanks again for that" Wendy bowed respecfully, before Carla made her stop "Why are you here ?"

"For crepes, what else ?" Elian replied as if it was obvious "And these two just decided to follow me. By the way, your fight".

"We can't let you alone" Narbe whispered, however, Cynthia heard her, tilting her head when she looked closely "You and Laxus have the same face-" Quickly, Carla shut her mouth with her paws "Excuse her, she don't have her tongue in her mouth". The girl known as Narbe narrowed her eyes while the other one was laughing. "She got you Narbe".

Elian cleared her throat"Anyway, you want crepes too, I guess ? The bill is on me". Cynthia gleamed when hearing those words before stars appeared instead of her eyes "The bill is on you, huh ?" Elian, Wendy and Carla had a sweat on their temple. I think that was a mistake. Galadriel though.

CZ and Aura were also on a walk in the capital, alone. Aura stretched herself until one could hear her bones crack "I din't realise it, but we were not together many times before. I don't even remember the last time we discussed"

"True"

"And the fact that you're not really talkative"

"It's not my fault, I'm created like that"

"Whatever. In case you forgot, we're not with these people to have fun. We must know the maximum about this world. How does their magic works exactly ? Is there other Supreme Beings or other Players here ? Who might cause trouble to Nazarick ? Do you remember all of this ?" Aura could see CZ making a down face as she reminded their objectives. It seems like she was genuinely fond of the girls she was always with. "I know how do you fell about them, me too I love my pets, but my priority is my mission"

"Hey, you too. I was searching you" Gray called them before they could continue. "The next match will begin soon, so Erza send me to pick you up before you got lost"

"What do you think we are ? Lost children ?" Aura pouted, while CZ was thinking about what said Aura. Gray rolled his eyes. "Wathever, let's go"

"Now the break is over, and the matches can continue !" The crowd roared in excitement " Now, for the next one…" The screen displayed the portraits before stopping on… "Erza Scarlet vs Heather !"

"You hear that ? It's your turn !" Natsu wears a large grin "Show them who we really are !".

"Y-Y-Yes ! K-K-Kicked theira a-a-a-ass E-E-Erza" Said Cynthia who shook uncontralably. Lisanna whispered at Wendy who sweat profusely. "What happened to her ?"

"I-We went for some crepes, then we met Elian-san who wanted to pay them fot you. Then Cynthia decided to eat a few sugar crapes and...here we are" Wendy explained uneasy, so was Lisanna and those who listened the story. Erza only smiled at this and closed her eyes , making her way back, reading her mind

.

" Try to not kill her, I won't like to be in trouble " Luke rested his arms on the guard rail.

Heather shrugged "It won't be an issue, she was already affected by the same magic a long time ago. Her body must be used to it" she turned back as well, preparing herself for the incoming fight. Meanwhile, as the two women were in front of each other, Galadriel could not hide her curiosity. So this is the famous Erza Scarlet, alias Titania. I heard about her, but unfortunately, I could not see from my own eyes what she is made of. I wonder how far her strength goes, however… Her look deviated toward the older man Gildarts. She is not their trump card.

.

As the signal was launched, Erza summoned a sword, rushing toward Heather. She swung vertically, but the blonde evaded, as expected, but she continued. She slashed multiple times, without success, however, she didn't create a momentum which Heather could use against her. Speaking of her, she gritted her teeth in annoyance. While my strong point is close combat, she doesn't give me time to act. Heather jumped back, trying to gain distance. …Now ! Once she had the occasion, she let her arm emit a purple mist, before it became a goo, and threw it at Erza, but the knight dodged by rolling on the side, her figure glowing. "Transform : Black Wing Armor !" She stopped on her track as her armor changed, holding a black sword. This made Heather raise a brow. Strangely, I thought she would rather opt for long distance armor. Shaking off, she lunged forward, her other arm coated in purple "Poison Dragon's Swipe !" At the same time, Erza struck her with her sword, both attacks colliding with each other. They continued to clash multiple times before Heather was kicked by Erza's boot, sending her away.

"Woah ! I didn't know she was that strong !" Cynthia jumped on the spot from the excitement. Natsu smiled friendly at her "I told ya she is something, but it's always a surprise when we see her in action"

"I don't think we saw each other a lot of times, but you seem to know how my magic works"

"To be honest, I didn't know it. I just…know, but I wanted to be sure " Erza replied without losing her focus, but something else disturbed her. I swear I know her, but I don't remember where… I will see after that. She changed herself in her Heaven's Wheel Armor and summoned multiple swords, plus one in each hand. She pointed one of them at Heather, and the ones floating around her rushed at her. Heather narrowed her eyes and dodged them one by one, albeit some of the swords grazed her, tearing a bit of skin and spatting thin trails of blood, making the blonde gritting her teeth. At one point, she saw a few swords flying straight at her. Her eyes widened and placed her hands on the ground "Poison Dragon's Wall !" She acted by instinct, while her defensive spells are great against organic beings, things like swords were another story, but the thickness of the wall slowed the swords down enough to fall harmlessly. When she dismissed her wall, she engulfed her arm in purple, taking the shape of a claw, ready to attack, but Erza was nowhere to be seen, until her ears peaked - "Pentagram Sword !" Erza attacked from Heather's blind spot with two swords, forming a pentagram. Fortunately, this was on the side of Heather's purple clawed arm, so she could defend herself, but not so much. The attack landed, pushing Heather back. Erza was flying upward, changing into her Flame Empress Armor, flaming her sword as she was falling down. Meanwhile, Heather stood up, seeing her opponent threatening to end the match with the next attack. She parted her mouth, sending a funnel of purple sludge "Poison Dragon's Roar !" Erza saw that coming, so she slashed the roar with a cry, successfully cutting it in two. She pursued her fall by punching a gasping Heather on the cheek. The force behind made cracks on the ground with the dragon slayer laying down, defeated.

"The victory belongs to Erza Scarlet !" The crowd filled the arena with cheers for the fight. Heather groaned, making Erza look down, donning her usual outfit back and extending her arm. Heather stared at it before slapping it off "I can get up myself !" As Erza stepped back, she managed to painfully get up before going back to White Eclipse. Erza was looking at her, still puzzled. I've seen her before, I swear it, but it's impossible to remember. A bit frustrated, she went back as well.

"It. was. Incredible !" Cynthia clapped her hands excitedly "I must fight against Erza" Carla only sighed at her quirkiness.

"So, she can change into different armors. It helps greatly in a lot of situations, and being polyvalent allows us to use a lot of strategies as well " Galadriel spoke to herself while frenetically writing on a notebook. Since the magics in this world are totally unknown to her, when she had an occasion, she took notes and theorized on it. "Unlike in Yggdrasil, there is no Tier magic, and people can use only one type of magic. From what I've seen, Dragon slayers can't crush their opponent, despite being capable of killing dragons, so is it a damage boost ? Or a belief ? Also, for this Erza, I'd put her in the 'warrior' category rather than mage, since the mages I know are rather twigs and must not engage in melee at all cost.

"Relax, it's Erza we're talking about" Luke calmed a grumpy Heather who was healed by Aira.

"It's no use, you know how she is" Waiston shook his head in defeat.

"We still have the lead, so it's okay " Selene stated. "By the way, who hasn't fought yet ?"

Luke counted with his fingers "Let me think… Reve, Tak and Sydney if I'm right. As for Fairy Tail… Hothead, Shizu, Gildarts and the drunk ma'am which I forgot her name and Mare's twin"

"I wonder if she is as strong as Mare " Hanako asked herself.

"Judging by Mare's abilities, I think she might be a rather big fish" Zalen pondered.

"The next match will be opposed… Natsu Dragneel and Takeru " The man in black smiled not only when he was called, but mostly against whom he would fight. "Finally…"

"Oh, Tak is keen about this " Luke remarked.

Selene shook her head "It's not surprising, they didn't stop bumping each other "

"Yeah, like all of us !" Kuro added high and proud.

"Anyway, good luck Tak " Zalen said.

"Luck ? It won't be necessary " Tak cracked his knuckles as he faded in the corridor.

"I-I hope he will be alright " Mare said distressed frighten by Takeru's abrupt behavior.

"At your place I should not be worried" Reve smirked. "Tak fought Salamander more than any of us, even Luke. He knows how to handle him "

"If I remember correctly, Takeru uses shadows to fight. How do you fight a shadow exactly ?" Yuri talked to herself.

Cygnus giggled "That's why he can't lose. All he has to do is hiding in his shadow or using trick against this idiot and game over "

"Such a low tactic " Aira replied deadpanned.

.

"My turn ! My fists just started being numb" Natsu hopped beyond the border to land directly on the arena.

"Be careful, Natsu !" Lucy warned him.

"He seems really excited about this" Cynthia commented.

"That's because him and this guy, Takeru, haven't stopped fighting each other since they met. And this match will finally settle who is truly the winner" Erza explained, which Cynthia nodded frantically "But he should not be underestimated, as he can manipulate shadow "

Aura widened her eyes. He's the one who followed me last night ! "By the way, if he manipulates shadows, how are we supposed to fight him in the first place ?" It was a genuine question, as far as she knew, unless one has a specific item against that kind of enemy or maybe light magic, Aura truly had no idea how to deal with that. Cynthia was wondering it as well, both of the girls were staring at Erza, waiting for an answer.

"I can enlighten you" A voice from behind suddenly appeared from behind, freaking Aura and making her jump back. How does she do that ? I can't sense her arrival despite my skills. And I'm a Ranger !

"First !" The Fairy Tail's members were surprised as well. "You continue to see us fighting ?" Lucy asked, which Mavis giggled "Of course, I'm having so much fun, and honestly, I want to see where it's going. Anyway, to answer your question Aura : He can't hide indefinitely in shadows or be permanently intangible, that would be too magic consuming and it would work only one time. Moreover, Natsu is more suited for 1v1, so he is at advantage " Cynthia stood agape by her explanations "Whoa, how do you manage to find that out ?" She's right, after all, it's not like Mavis stalked them nonstop. Mira decided to speak while Mavis smiled proudly, stars appearing around her "Our first master just here is someone very intelligent and deductive. Only one sight and she can guess how to counter an opponent " After hearing that, Cynthia could only admire Mavis.

"However, as long as he has magic, he will be hard to hit. It will be better for Natsu to win before it ends into an endurance battle" Erza broke the mood and Cynthia pouted for that.

.

"Hey, Rogue, isn't he using the same magic as yours ?" Sting stated while looking at his partner.

"It's no matter, you know which one is better" Rogue replied. His interest dropped since Gajeel was defeated, but he can't allow himself to leave, and he wanted to see where it was going.

"Fro thinks the same"

.

"If the two of you are ready, then start !" Bearly Chapati had time to finish, Natsu was launching himself toward Takeru with a fist coated in flames "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist !" He swung his fist at Takeru who ducked by moving his head. He crouched before laying his arm backward "Shadow Dragon's Claw!" Takeru swung his arm as well, but Natsu blocked it with his other forearm. Both of them jumped back to gain more distance, staring at each other for a moment, waiting for the other one to move. Takeru grunted before inspiring "Shadow Dragon's Roar !" A flue of shadows flew toward Natsu who didn't have the choice but to dodge. As he did, he looked where he was, or supposed to be, instead, there was nothing. "Where did he -" He then felt a pain on his back. By instinct, he swayed his fist behind him, but connected with nothing at all. Then, another pain erupted from his side, so he turned but only to see nothing again. A lightbulb appeared as he gritted his teeth. "Then, that's where you are" Natsu concentrated, heat emitted from around him, then it became a furnace "Fire Dragon's Aura !". Natsu's shadow began to grunt and wiggle before getting away, morphing into Takeru, and he felt that. He frowned in frustration while Natsu smiled "You think you're smart ? Fortunately you didn't succumb to that, or it would be too easy"

"Now that you're revealed " Natsu dashed at Takeru, his fist coated in flames again. This time, Takeru blocked it with his forearm. He used shadows to move above Natsu "Shadow Dragon's Slash !"

"Fire Dragon's Talon !" Both attacks hit their targets, and both fighters recoiled from it. Natsu shook his head and parted his lips "Fire Dragon's Roar !" A funnel of flames made its way toward Takeru who didn't have much choice but to cross his arms to protect himself as the roar engulfed him. When it stopped, Takeru stood there, burned and injured, however, he took the shape of a shadow once more, dashing toward Natsu "Shadow Dragon's Silent Impact !" Natsu panicked and took a defensive stance, bracing for the impact, but it didn't come. Staggered, he opened his eyes just to feel something on his back. He gasped in pain, tumbling on the ground.

"His opponent is strong, like his guild " Cynthia was amazed by White Eclipse's performance and kinda encouraged them internally, she knew it would not be the greatest idea to spell that out now. But ultimately, she was on Fairy Tail's side of course.

"You like tricks, uh ? As expected from someone like you" Natsu said bitterly.

"Still better than being brainless " Takeru spat. Both of them were looking daggers at each other, Natsu was on four legs, flaming his entire body. Takeru rolled his eyes, tired of Natsu using the same tactic. When the pink haired was ready, he hurled himself head first "Fire Dragon's Horn Sword !" Takeru sidestepped before preparing himself for a counter-attack, but he didn't saw that Natsu gripping the ground hard, changing direction and making contact with Takeru who widened his eyes as he was propulsed back, but Natsu grabbed him tighly by the shirt, wearing a demonic smirk "Let's end this ! " Natsu threw Takeru upward, lightning now fusing with his fire. "Lightning Fire Dragon's Brillant Flame !" Natsu brough both of his arms together where fire and lightning merged together. Then, he send a destructive blast at Takeru. It engulfed him as the light was blinding (almost) everyone. When the attack finally stopped, Takeru was falling, not moving. Natsu panted heavily as he smiled, proud of his victory- before an X shape of slash crossed his abdomen, blood leaking making him scream in pain. "Natsu !" Lucy yelled in worry, while the others were baffled by what was happening, except for Erza, Shizu, Laxus, Gildarts and Aura who saw it. He had his chance when he was pushed back. The little blonde thought. Unfortunately, Natsu fell as well, too injured to stand up.

"What an unexpected outcome ! This fight ended in a tie ! So both of them are removed from the list !" Chapati exclaimed.

"Finally, he won't have the answer" Waiston shook his head.

"I think he did well enough" Aira said optimistically.

"Well, he took out one of them, so it's not that bad " Cygnus lifted his shoulders.