A/N: Thanks to Quathis for the chapter title!

Spar by Moonlight

The full moon was visible between the small gaps in the jungle canopy, shining silver and bright alongside the many twinkling stars in the night sky. The night wasn't still or quiet. Many animals hunted in the dark, thousands of insects sang and chirped, and a group of mages were writhing, groaning, crying, and whimpering in terrible pain.

"Seriously… how are you not in terrible agony like everyone else?" Ultear asked Erza in disbelief.

Erza wore a smug smile as she stood in the dim light of an oil lamp that hung from the hook mounted beside the closed door of a wooden hut the group had stumbled upon and was now 'borrowing'. Behind the door were her guild mates, each one enduring intense, excruciating pain caused by the magical runes that adorned their skin. The runes burned like molten lava and felt like it too; searing hot and unbearable. It was Ultear's powerful spell to bring out each mage's true potential, allowing them to further maximize their magical abilities to a substantial level to give Fairy Tail the edge they needed to compete in the Grand Magic Games.

Not everyone was behind the door, rolling, clawing, and twitching on the floor. Jet and Droy had turned pale and craven when they first witnessed the effect of Ultear's Arc of Time spell on Natsu. The men had hung back to watch over Bacon when everyone else, including young Romeo, mustered what little courage they had to proceed with the torturous process.

"Do if for the sake of Fairy Tail, to bring back our pride and reputation. For seven years we lost at the games, feeling nothing but shame and utter defeat. This is our chance to show Fiore that we haven't given up!" Romeo had encouraged everyone when some felt hesitant to step forward. The boy was second to volunteer, determined to grow stronger and hoping to achieve new strength like his role model. After his brave display, the others had followed right after.

The spell's effect differed on Erza compared to the others. To her it felt like nothing more but hot pinpricks that lasted less than half an hour, bringing a perplexed look from Ultear.

"I toughed it out," Erza chose to answer.

Ultear still couldn't believe the other. Beside her were Jellal and Meredy, both pulling up their hoods and ready to go.

"We can't stay in one place for too long," the man informed. Erza nodded in understanding, catching his small smile in the darkness as he glanced over his shoulder. "I hope to see you again, Erza."

"Don't forget to send us any information about that mysterious force in the Games," reminded Meredy as she happily waved good-bye.

"Everyone should be feeling fine before the Games begin. Hopefully," said Ultear as she too pulled up her hood. "I wish you all the best of luck. And please take care of Gray."

Erza nodded once more and gave them a final wave and a determined smile. She watched as their dark cloaks merged into the shadows, hearing only their fading voices as they chatted freely amongst themselves like a group of good friends.

Erza was happy to see how much the three of them had changed for the better. They were Crime Sorcière, an unofficial, independent guild whose goal was to bring a definite end to all the evil in the world brought on by the Dark Guilds and the infamous Black Wizard, Zeref. Many Dark Guilds had been eliminated by the three members in the past seven years. It was a truly astounding feat.

They had chosen this way of life – this life-long mission – to atone for the sins they had committed in the past.

"As long as we are alive, we will seek out evil and destroy it before it could corrupt the hearts of others," Jellal had told Fairy Tail when they met earlier that day.

Erza wasn't just happy. She was proud, relieved, and most of all, grateful to see the return of her old friend. He had regained his memories during his imprisonment; he remembered who he was and the terrible deeds he had done. However, when he had confided with her during their stroll by the beach in the light of the setting sun, he was full of regret and ready to give up on living. Erza made sure to set him back on track with a quick, hard slap to his damn guilt-ridden face… and an unforeseen tumble down a sandy slope.

Erza huffed at the memory, glad that no one was around to see her blushing face. Fiancé? That's a good one… she mentally thought in a sarcastic tone as she rolled her eyes and smirked at Jellal's poor attempt at lying. He wasn't an expert in showing his feelings… and neither was she.

She stiffened when she heard something approaching the hut from the side. She twisted around just in time to find Bacon emerge from the giant fronds of ferns that were just as large as him. Happy and Carla were hovering above him, with the blue Exceed holding onto a small, portable Lacrima lamp shaped like a lantern. The soft yellow light emitted by the crystal chased away the darkness and made the shadows dance with every subtle movement Happy made.

"Bacon," Erza addressed the boy as she approached the trio. She offered a kind smile when he paused to look at her questionably. "What are you doing here? Where's Jet and Droy?"

The young boy turned towards the door of the hut and frowned, hearing everyone's awful moans. He was supposed to be looked after by the men of Shadow Gear at the group's campsite by the beach. Wendy didn't want him to worry about her and had asked Jet and Droy to keep the boy entertained. Levy had brought some books for him to read and a little homework to do as well, but it didn't seem like he was interested in doing either at the moment.

"He's worried about Wendy," Carla answered for Bacon with a slight shake of her head. She sighed in defeat and crossed her arms, however she too started to frown at the sounds coming from her teammates.

"And we lost Jet and Droy in the jungle somewhere," Happy added. "Not sure how that happened…"

Bacon started for the hut, but Erza held out her hand to stop him. "No, no. You don't want to go in there. It's not a pretty sight."

The boy's frown deepened.

"Don't worry. Wendy will be fine. She and everyone else are going to be okay," Erza tried to reassure.

However, Bacon continued to stare at the closed door.

Feeling sympathetic, Erza started to ponder over what she could do to get his mind off of everyone's pain. A brilliant idea came to her when she remembered what she had wanted to do yesterday, which in actuality was three months ago. With the others currently occupied, there was no one to protest against her idea. The corners of her lips curled into a smile that unfortunately didn't go unnoticed.

"I certainly hope you're not thinking about that," Carla spoke up the instant she saw the woman's expression, her sharp, inquisitive eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"About what?" Happy asked, glancing between the two.

Erza rested a hand on her hip and gestured at Bacon with the other, ignoring Happy's question. "I see no other option that will distract him from his worries," she started to argue. "No harm will come to him. I promise you and Wendy."

"Promises are only empty words if you cannot keep true to what you have said," Carla dared to retort.

Erza smirked at how bold the cat has become lately, especially when Bacon's safety was a concern. Very few would ever argue against or defy Titania's decisions with the level of confidence Carla portrayed. Erza couldn't help but respect the young but mature feline. Carla was never one to openly show her caring side and would likely never admit she cared for others who were not Wendy. She was just as protective of the boy as the Sky Dragon Slayer.

Placing a hand over her heart and giving a genuine smile, Erza said again, "I promise you, Carla. There will be no harm done."

Carla didn't believe her, but that was to be expected. Erza didn't give Carla the time to properly respond. She touched Bacon's shoulder to draw his attention. "Come with me, Bacon."

Happy sharply gasped when he finally realized what they were talking about. "You're going to beat up Bacon?! You're so mean!" he exclaimed.

"Be quiet. I am not going to beat him up," Titania snapped, tired of hearing that accusation. Happy flinched away and reeled back his excitement. Erza shifted her gaze between the two flying Exceeds. "Both of you stay here and watch everyone. Bacon, come with me. We're going play a little game."

Bacon was hesitant to follow and kept looking back at the noisy hut.

Erza reached down to grasp his left hand and gave him a little tug and a friendly smile. "They will be fine," she reassured once more, softening her voice and expression. Kindness often got him to listen and understand from what Erza had observed back at the guild. The boy was still unhappy but he nodded nonetheless, moving to follow.

Right after Erza turned around, Carla swooped in front of the mage's face with a disapproving scowl. "Erza, you can't–"

"Trust me," the warrioress began, "it's better that he doesn't stay here all night listening to everyone groan in agony."

"It's like they're being tortured," Happy had to needlessly point out.

Carla visibly clenched her jaw as she met Erza's stare. After a moment of tense silence, she finally sighed in defeat and conceded, "Very well… If you lay a scratch on him, it will be Wendy whom you'll have to deal with."

Titania smirked. "Duly noted."

The white Exceed fluttered aside to allow Erza and Bacon to pass.

"Can I come too?" Happy begged as he circled above her head, making the shadows dance and flicker all around them.

"No. Stay here and watch over everyone," commanded Erza, making the blue cat stop and pout in disappointment.

Gently pulling Bacon along with her, Erza left the light of Happy's Lacrima lamp and entered the darkness. She pulled out a small Light Lacrima of her own, a long, pale yellow crystal fragment as big as her index finger, and levitated it over her shoulder so they could see the narrow, trodden path ahead of them. Bacon curiously eyed the hovering light for a brief moment before glancing behind them in the direction of the hut that was now hidden by the dark jungle. His frown noticeably returned.

Erza gave his hand a little squeeze. "Wendy is a strong girl. Don't you think so too?" she asked, pushing aside a giant frond blocking the way.

He nodded. But then he did something that surprised her; he opened his mouth and spoke. "Wendy…" he said, his voice quiet and full of concern.

The warrioress slowed in her pace, her eyes wide. No one had ever heard Bacon say a word before. To only say Wendy's name was a sign he truly cared for her. Erza gave his hand another squeeze.

"Wendy is growing stronger. To protect Fairy Tail and to protect you. Do you want to grow stronger too? So you can protect her just like how she protects you?" she questioned, hoping to hear another answer.

The boy looked up at her and only nodded.

Erza smiled, not too disappointed that she didn't get to hear him speak again. "Then let me show you how."

It wasn't too long before they left the jungle and found the beach that was bathed under the pale glow of the glorious full moon. The ocean shimmered with silvery streaks, reflecting the bright orb in the starry cobalt sky. It was a warm, windless night, perfect for a calming stroll in the cool, soft sand. Erza led her sparring partner around the border of the jungle until they found a rocky ledge that was relatively flat and wide enough for the both of them to stand and adequately move around. It was close to the water's edge and high enough to overlook the ocean and its small, silver waves.

Erza pulled out another Light Lacrima, this one twice as large as the previous crystal and brighter too. She placed both of them on the ground a good distance apart to illuminate the area with soft yellow light. The dull black rock they stood upon now appeared to glow with energy. It was bright enough for them to see every bump and crack that littered the stones.

As Titania moved to stand before Bacon waiting at the end opposite of the water, she switched out of her blouse and skirt and into her more comfortable armour set. Next, she equipped an old sword she had only used once in her lifetime; a short, ordinary iron blade with a sharp edge, a golden crescent-shaped guard embedded with sapphire orbs, a black leather-bound hilt, and a pommel that ended with a blue crystal point. It was one of the first weapons she had ever used… and it was once heavily stained with the blood of her enslavers so long ago, back at the Tower of Heaven.

There were a lot of bad memories that came with the stolen sword, but she had kept it in her arsenal so she could look upon it and remember why she was here, alive. The simple blade was both a treasure and a precious reminder of what she had gained and lost in her past.

She held it up before her, her eyes wandering the flat, polished surface, seeing her distorted reflection in the metal that palely gleamed in the light. The weapon was slightly longer than Bacon's small sword and with a little more heft, but Erza was certain he could wield it with ease after a little practice. It was the smallest sword she had befitting for his age. Unfortunately she didn't have a shield to go along with it.

The boy was studying the weapon in her hand with great interest, immediately recognizing what it was. When she presented the hilt to him, he was eager to hold it and with proper care unlike the first time where things were still new to him. He quickly noted the heavier weight and size of the sword and adjusted his grip to accommodate it. Blue eyes carefully inspected the blade while one hand gingerly touched the cool iron.

"This is Freedom," she told him, "I will lend it to you. Please take good care of it."

Bacon's smile was wide when he nodded.

Erza returned the smile with one of her own before moving to stand a short distance away. In her hand was now her standard broadsword forged from steel. She soundly cut the air to practice a few swings, prompting the boy to do the same.

Bacon tested out his new weapon, slashing nothing but air, his skill and control observably better than what Erza last remembered. His secret daily practice sessions with Romeo had likely honed his swordsmanship or made him recall his fighting abilities. At first glance, the boy looked nothing like a swordsman wearing a plain yellow T-shirt, a pair of red shorts, and blue sandals for the feet. Hanging down his neck was his Dreamstone, the pretty round jewel glittering with all the colours of the rainbow.

Once used to the feel of the blade, he grinned in satisfaction, which Erza took as a sign that he was ready. "Do you remember when we fought?" she asked.

He scowled and nodded, the memory obviously not his favourite.

Erza shortly laughed at his expression. "How about we do it again? I know you've improved since then. I want you to show me."

Slightly pouting, the boy hesitated and stared at her warily. Caution was a good thing. It meant he had learned his lesson and understood the consequences of being unprepared.

Erza dabbed a thumb to her chest. "Pretend I'm Romeo. It will be like practice but with real swords instead of sticks, okay? I won't hurt you."

Bacon perked up at the mention of the other boy's name. He thought for one moment longer before finally nodding. He held Freedom by his side in his left hand and took a small bow; a respective gesture that Romeo must have taught him. When he straightened, his whole demeanor changed.

Poised in his familiar stance, his sharp blue eyes were focused on Erza, anticipating her first move.

Titania played along and bowed in respect as well before shifting into her own stance, anxious to find out how much he had improved – if he had improved at all. She evenly met his gaze and for a brief while neither moved nor blinked. Then without warning, Erza lunged at him.

In less than two heartbeats, she was before him, her sword nothing but a silvery-yellow streak that aimed for his dominant side. He didn't fail to impress her; his eyes flickered to her incoming blade and within one split second, he used his short height to his advantage and quickly ducked under the sharp edge. Immediately, he rushed forward to counter with a stabbing thrust, taking Erza by surprise.

Freedom's deadly point stopped short from piercing into her armour and through her stomach. The warrioress smirked, astonished at how good his reflexes had become and the level of control he had over his weapon. "Excellent maneuver," she praised when he pulled back, wearing a boastful grin. I might not have to hold back after all, she mused as she returned to her initial position.

They both fell back in their stances and both wore different smiles. Erza motioned for him to come at her. Bacon broke into a dash, his sandaled feet soundly smacking against rock. He was upon her before she could count to two, holding the black hilt of his borrowed sword in both of his hands and swinging it downwards for a fast vertical strike. Erza twisted her body out of Freedom's path, feeling the wind rush by her, and followed with a broad horizontal sweep that targeted his neck.

Again, Bacon simply ducked to avoid the steel edge and, with his sword still low, he slashed upwards. Erza felt the cold tip of his blade brush past the bare skin of her leg when she took an evasive step back.

The boy didn't stop there; he instantly closed the distance between them with a lunging step and brought his weapon around for a fast side swipe. Steel met iron in a deafening clang when Erza blocked the young swordsman's attack. A brilliant shower of orange sparks erupted between the grinding blades before they both parted only to clash again and again and again.

Erza allowed Bacon to stay on the offensive to scrutinize his improved skills and admire his quick-thinking. She parried and blocked each of his attacks and managed to dodge only a few. Whenever one move failed to break through her defenses, the child would attempt another approach, constantly keeping the mage on her toes.

The dance they did was unlike the first time they tangled with swords. Their weapons where gleaming streaks of reflected light that collided with echoing clangs, each impact bringing sparks to life. They circled, side-stepped, twirled, rolled, and leapt around one another; their footwork and movements seemingly moving in time to the music of clashing steel and iron.

Titania was more than impressed with her little sparring partner. The quiet, innocent little boy was a true warrior at heart even when he couldn't remember who he was. She could even dare to say that he was almost as good as her. The only thing he lacked was the physical strength behind each of his blows.

Erza shifted onto the offensive and pressed the young swordsman back, keeping in mind not to be too rough to avoid another scolding from Carla and Wendy. Having no shield, Bacon dodged, rolled, flipped, and ducked to evade and staggered backwards whenever he tried to block her blade with his own.

The boy flipped backwards to escape the woman's latest sweep of her blade. When he landed, he paused to catch his breath. Glistening sweat was trickling down the sides of his face and he was panting. He was exhausted, his sword wavering in his grip, but he was far from giving up. The light of the Lacrima crystals made his eyes glow brighter than usual with anger and fierce determination.

Titania moved back and took a moment to catch her own breath. Sweat dampened her brow and body and the humid, tropical air certainly didn't help. She brushed away a few strands of her scarlet hair that clung to her damp face and shot a challenging sneer at her little opponent.

When Erza took one slow step to warn Bacon of her approach, the boy fell into a defensive stance, raising his right arm forward and holding Freedom behind him with his left. The mage lunged on the second step only to falter in her running stride the instant she sensed the boy's magic aura flare up. Bright blue, swirling energy gathered around his borrowed sword, the light outshining the small Lacrima crystal nearest to them.

Erza recognized the spell immediately; it was the same power Bacon had used to slay the giant raptordile she had forced him to fight. So his special ability wasn't just limited to his own sword. That was very interesting.

Erza knew she should stop the boy from using his magic, but curiosity and excitement got the better of her. She closed the distance between them and within that time, the magical energy enveloping Freedom increased in power and turned into a fiery red.

With a mighty yell, he spun in a rapid circle, his shining sword unleashing a powerful wave of energy that burned like fire but slashed like a blade. For one split-second, Erza saw nothing but his incoming magic and within that same split-second, she used her own weapon as a shield and braced against the impact. However, no matter how strong her grip was, her broadsword was painfully knocked right out of her hand.

Her blade of steel was sent flying to the side where it landed somewhere in the dark ocean waters with a loud kerplunk. Erza's wide eyes turned from her lost sword to the young warrior before her, amazed at the sheer force behind his incredible attack. She clenched her right, trembling hand that throbbed with pain. Having to experience it first-hand was entirely different when compared to watching it unfold behind the bars of a cage.

Bacon was just as stunned, it seemed, as he gaped in the direction of Erza's now sunken sword. He slowly faced her, bowed his head in guilt, and held out the hilt of his borrowed weapon for the older woman to take back.

Erza looked him over. He appeared fine; no headache or any distress from using his magic. He was only feeling guilty for losing her sword to the ocean. Has he practiced the spell before when sparring with Romeo? That seemed unlikely considering how dangerous it was to perform against others. Or has he finally remembered the times he had used it in his past in battles and whatnot? There was just so much Erza wanted to ask, but she knew she wouldn't get an answer.

She started to laugh, making him peer up at her in slight confusion. Grinning, she gently pushed away the offered blade and said, "Don't feel so bad. I have many more." To prove it, Titania equipped another broadsword, this one a little larger than the last and much more valuable due to the magical ore it was forged from. She held it before her, both hands clasped around the long crimson metal hilt with its pointed tip resting on the black stone ground. She was full of pride and admiration for the young boy. "That was most excellent, Bacon. You are stronger than what many others tend to believe. There is no doubt that you can protect Wendy if she is ever in need of it."

The mage sent her new sword back to her storage dimension and brought out an empty sheath that was carved from wood and bound with stiffened black leather. Running along the sides were metal binds in the shape of crescent moons to match the design of the sword it served to protect. She held it out by the white leather strap. "You have earned my greatest respect, little warrior. Freedom is now yours to keep."

Understanding he was receiving a gift, Bacon's wide, grateful smile was one that could not be described with words. Eyes wide, they were shining as bright as the glowing Lacrima when he took his new sword's scabbard and examined it closely, liking the shimmering moons. He then carefully sheathed Freedom, his excitement never fading. To thank her, the boy reached into one of his pockets and pulled something out and gave it to her.

Erza looked over her little present. It was a broken piece of a coiled shell that glinted like gold in the magic light. She tucked it away and said, "Thank you, Bacon. I will treasure your gift as long as you treasure mine."

Still smiling, he nodded.

The mage looked up at the moon, seeing that the night was still young. The others were probably going to be suffering for a while longer so there was no point in heading back yet. She brought out her own sword again and gave the boy a challenging sneer. "Do you want to fight me again?"

Bacon mimicked her expression. Iron hissed against wood as Freedom was drawn from its sheath.

Titania's sneer turned wicked. "Good. This time, I won't hold back."

The clangor of clashing swords reached his ears when the pair visible on the lighted rock at the ocean shore far below resumed their duel. Having seen enough, Jellal Fernandes turned away from the steep cliff to continue on with his two companions closely following.

"Poor kid really doesn't remember a thing. He knows how to fight – its familiar to him, but he doesn't know why he knows. It's rather sad," said Meredy, speaking of the young boy who was brave enough to spar against Erza of all people. Crime Sorcière had met him earlier in the day right after the tension between the two guilds had dissolved away.

Jellal nodded. He could relate to the child, having suffered with amnesia himself. Suffice it to say, amnesia was not fun to have. Days were often confusing, frustrating, and horrifying when bits and pieces of his memories slowly came back during his imprisonment. Remembering his past horrific deeds was like watching a never-ending nightmare unfold before his eyes. He couldn't believe what he had done… It was a past that will haunt him forever. The only thing he could do to atone for his mistakes was to stay alive and fight to protect the world from evil; a conviction that was reinforced upon him by one painful blow to the face. (Erza had claimed it was only a slap, but to Jellal it felt like a full-powered punch that nearly broke his neck. It has been hours and his cheek still throbbed with pain.)

The boy's amnesia was more severe than Jellal's. It was not only his past and identity he had forgotten, but everything else as well. Simple daily tasks, language, objects, colours, understanding what was right or wrong, discerning left from right; the child had to relearn it all.

"He was no one. Just a lost, innocent boy," Erza had explained to Jellal when he had further inquired about the boy during the time they were alone by the beach, "But now he is one of us. An enigma. Always full of mystery and surprises. He is a Fairy even if he does not bear the mark of our guild."

"Did you guys sense his magic back there? It's… really different," Meredy continued.

"There's a holy essence to it," stated Jellal as he made his way through the dense wildlife, guided by the silver rays of the full moon that filtered through. The boy possessed a strange power that Jellal was able to detect when he had briefly shook hands with the curious one. It was faint, but it was unlike anything Jellal had ever felt before much like the boy's magic aura. Foreign; ethereal; otherworldly – the man wasn't sure how to describe it.

The boy given a ridiculous name was truly a mystery. Especially when considering how he was discovered in a ruinous, ancient temple that can no longer be found.

"Who do you think would try to kill him?" Meredy questioned.

Jellal shook his head, having no answer. "We'll find out if we can locate the temple."

Meredy made an interested sound as she trotted in step beside him. "So we're really going to Verloren Woods?"

"I promised Erza that I would look into this matter," he replied.

She soundly smirked and playfully nudged his side with an elbow. "Oh? Doing this for Erza now? If you're so fond of her, why did you tell her you have a fiancé?"

He nearly missed a step. Annoyed by Meredy's tendency to be nosy using her Sensory Link magic in the most inappropriate times, he pulled back his hood and shot her a sideways glare. "Can you not spy on me when I'm having a private moment with an old friend?" he demanded.

It was too dark to see his companion's face, but he was certain she was wearing a snide smile under the shadows. "Just an old friend? She's more like–"

"Meredy," he warned in a stern tone.

Meredy snickered, purely enjoying teasing him. "Hey, Ultear. Why are you so quiet? Don't you find any of this amusing?" she asked the older woman following behind the pair.

Ultear looked up at them, having been staring at the ground before her feet. "I was just thinking," she began, raising a hand to her chin, "What reason was there for anyone to cause harm to a young boy? Was it because of the power he has? Did they wish to obtain it? Or were they aiming to eliminate it? I have an underlying suspicion that something dark may have been involved."

"Fairy Tail has their suspicions as well," Jellal informed as he started to recall what Erza had told him. "They believe it was not coincidental for Natsu's team to find the temple and the boy inside it. Someone wanted Fairy Tail and no one else to find him."

Ultear hummed in thought, glancing back at the ground. "That someone must have been protecting Bacon from whoever had harmed him in the first place," she theorized. "But why would they go to such lengths for him? Just who is he?"

"It's an answer that only he could tell us, but it doesn't seem like it will be anytime soon," said Meredy in a sympathetic tone. "I guess we could help the kid out since Jellal's so keen on pleasing his girl–"

"Meredy," the man snapped, giving Meredy a sharp glare.

Again, she laughed. Once she calmed down, she wondered out loud, "So how long until we reach the forest?"

Jellal suddenly stopped, forcing the women to halt in their tracks with Ultear nearly running into him. He crossed his arms and looked off to the side, realizing that he had forgotten one important thing.

"You don't know where it is, do you?" Meredy questioned, either reading his mind or his feelings. Most likely the latter.

He grumbled under his breath, stepped aside and gestured for Ultear to take the lead, knowing she would be able to find their destination without a problem. "If you don't mind," he said, ignoring Meredy's amused smile.

Smirking, the older woman sighed as she strolled past the pair. "What are you two ever going to do without me?" she teased.

Cana Alberona gulped the last of her beer before slamming the empty glass down on the table with a satisfied sigh. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand before returning to the task at hand. "Now, where was I?" she asked her young companion seated in the chair right next to her.

Asuka pouted and pointed at the deck of cards that were once neatly piled but were now askew from Cana slamming the table. "You were supposed to read my fortune!" said the little girl, kicking her dangling legs.

"Oh, right! Let me get a refill first." Cana snapped her fingers to get Kinana's attention and shouted for another ten beers and a chocolate shake for her little friend.

The violet-haired waitress smiled and nodded and went behind the bar to retrieve the drinks.

Cana glanced at the counter, seeing Master Makarov frantically pace back and forth on top while Macao and Wakaba tried to calm him down. The master was worried – and he had good reason to. Tomorrow was the start of the Grand Magic Games, but none of the members who had left to train three months ago had yet to return with the exception of Elfman.

The Beast Soul expert was an impressive sight, having dramatically bulked up in physical strength and magical power in his three-month absence. When he had stepped through the double doors of Fairy Tail, no one had recognized him, not even his sisters. With muscular arms as thick as tree trunks and a wild mane of silver hair and prominent sideburns, Elfman was entirely a new man. Although his personality was still the same. As of now, the big brute was having a loud conversation with Mirajane by the end of the bar, sharing another one of his stories where he trained "like a man!" up in the rocky mountains.

If all of the missing guild members did not return tonight, Fairy Tail may have to rely mainly on the sibling pair to carry their guild to victory at the Games.

However, Cana wasn't worried about that. She had predicted the future with her cards and her predictions were never wrong; Natsu and the others will be coming home today. She tried to assure Master not to fret, but as each hour passed by, the old man grew more anxious.

Cana picked up her deck and shuffled them. "So what kind of fortune would you like me to do, princess? Do you want to know if you'll fall in love?" she asked Asuka with a little grin. She pulled out a blank card and tapped the empty space with a finger to put a touch of magic into it. When she flipped it between her fingers, a picture of a cute, smiling Asuka wearing her adorable yellow hat was now occupying the space.

The young girl brightened when she saw her own image magically appear and giggled. "I wanna know if I will grow up to be as strong as momma and everyone else!"

"Oh, you don't need a fortune to know that. You'll definitely grow into a strong, beautiful lady like your mother. Well, I'm hoping anyway. Don't want to end up looking like your dad."

"Hey… thanks," Alzack mumbled sarcastically in the seat behind Cana's, having overheard the card-user.

Cana burst out laughing and glanced over her shoulder at Alzack who was sharing a mid-afternoon snack of nachos with his wife. She winked. "I'm kidding! You're actually not too hard on the eyes, Al."

Alzack grinned. "I'm flattered, but I'm a married man now, Cana," he replied jokingly, raising a hand and twiddling his fingers to show off his silver wedding band that was engraved with vows.

By then, Kinana came by and exchanged all of Cana's empty beer glasses with ten frosted, foamy mugs of delicious alcohol and Asuka's chocolate milkshake. Cana tipped generously and quickly drank one whole glass before starting her reading.

Just as she placed Asuka's card on the table, the great doors to the guild creaked open and all heads turned in anticipation. Stumbling into the building was Natsu's group, most of them looking as if they hadn't slept a wink in the past week. Feet dragging and hunched over, Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Juvia, Levy, Wendy, and Romeo were all limping forward, their pale faces drawn with exhaustion. Erza, on the other hand, appeared fine, which made Cana quick to suspect the warrioress was the likely cause for their condition. She had probably forced them to undergo some sort of hellish training that Cana feared to imagine. Trotting alongside the worn out group were Happy, Carla, Jet, Droy, and Bacon, the five of them in better shape and visibly eager to be back home.

Everyone in the guild welcomed them all back with loud, grateful cheers except for Macao who immediately went right up to Romeo and scolded him for suddenly deciding to leave with Bacon. The father's anger was gone just as fast as it came, replaced with relief for the boys' safe return as he patted their heads. Asuka forgot all about her milkshake and fortune reading and dashed over to say hello. The master was most relieved as he leapt off the counter and made his way over.

Cana stayed in her seat and downed another drink. See? Told you they'll be back, she thought, her smile smug.

Even though Natsu and the others have been gone for a couple months, there was no drastic change that Cana could see or sense. In fact, they looked the same as the day they had left, making Cana wonder if they effectively trained at all or were just beaten senseless by Erza day after day. The only ones who slightly changed in appearance were Jet and Droy, both sporting darker tans from being in the sun for so long.

When asked how their 'mission' went, Erza was first to explain what really happened. Everyone had settled around the nearest tables as she spoke of the invitation to the fascinating Celestial Spirit World, the horrifying realization that the passage of time was vastly different in the magical realm, Loke's inevitable punishment, and most surprising of all, Crime Sorcière and their request for Fairy Tail's aid and the 'gift' Ultear had given them in the form of a magic power boost that had rendered everyone but Erza immobile for two days straight.

"Hmm, a dark presence in the Games…" Master Makarov mused, as he paced back and forth on top of the table across from Cana's. Hands linked behind him, he eyed the polished wooden surface with a heavy frown as he mulled over the sudden change of events. "This certainly doesn't bode well. But we have no choice but to investigate now that Jellal has asked this of us." He stopped and looked between Erza and the rest of Natsu's group, his eyes gleaming with pride as they fell on each individual. "So I've decided then. The five who will represent all of Fairy Tail…"

Everyone fell silent as they held their breath and leaned forward, anxious to know.

Makarov faced Erza and spoke her name, bringing a proud smile to adorn her face. Next were Natsu and Gray. The two young men jumped from their chairs and pumped their fists in the air in glee, forgetting the fatigue in their bodies.

The last two chosen members were not as enthused. "What?! Me?!" Lucy shrieked in surprise when the master called her name. She had risen so quickly out of her chair that she had knocked it over. Tentatively, she pressed her fingers together and looked off the side. "B-But… What about Gajeel? Or Laxus? They're way stronger than me!"

Wendy was just as shocked from hearing her name as she gaped at the old man in disbelief from where she stood. Standing beside her was Bacon, who gently tugged on the short sleeve of her frilly yellow dress, wondering what was wrong.

Master Makarov sadly shook his head. "I'm afraid those two haven't come back yet. And time is at its end, my dear. We can't wait for them any longer. But you shouldn't worry." He gave Lucy and Wendy an assuring smile, one that creased the corners of his eyes. "I'm confident in the both of your abilities. I do not doubt that you will carry our name forward in the Grand Magic Games and win our prize!"

Others joined in and lent their voices of encouragement, speaking highly of Lucy's and Wendy's talents. It wasn't long before the whole guild convinced them that they were a vital part of Fairy Tail's team. Granted, it was a big responsibility and everyone greatly depended on them, but the two managed to shake away the dread and doubts they had for participating in the competitive event.

Lucy was brimming with confidence and Wendy was beaming with pride by the end of it all from the support of the guild and their friends.

Master clapped his hands to gain everyone's attention. "We leave tomorrow bright and early! So let's have one last party! And don't be late for our departure in the morning!" he exclaimed, waving a warning finger.

Fairy Tail erupted with loud, joyful cheers and laughter and Cana happily drank to that, downing three beers in a row.

It was late in the evening when the guild was full of the usual riots and drunken antics, (something Cana had sorely missed over the past three months), that Asuka came to visit Cana who had migrated to the bar to chat with Mirajane. The little girl wasn't alone, pulling a friend with her.

Bacon was being led by the younger one by the hand, curious as to where Asuka was taking him. Not far behind were Wendy, carrying Carla in her arms, and Romeo. The two young mages were starting to look a bit better compared to the moment they had stepped through the guild doors.

"Cana! Can you read Bacon's future?" Asuka asked, needing to shout over the battle roars between Natsu and Elfman. The Fire Dragon Slayer had challenged the newly improved Take-Over mage to a fight and, since Natsu had yet to fully recover from the effects of Ultear's Arc of Time, he was badly losing to the man who had turned into a hulking, quick-footed feline beast.

Cana set her current glass of wine down and grinned at the children. Bacon smiled at her in greeting. Now that Cana had a closer look, she noticed the new sword strapped to his back and the minor bandaged wounds covering his bare arms and knees. There was only one obvious cause for his injuries and it came in the form of Erza. There was no escaping that woman. The warrioress must have forced the poor kid to battle her again, but it didn't seem like she had harmed him as much as before.

Cana admired the young boy and his fearlessness. Heck, no one in the guild could match his bravery. Talented in music, swordplay, and archery, the kid was a marvel and a favourite among the members of Fairy Tail.

"I suppose I could. Do you want to know if he'll fall in love with you, princess?" Cana questioned teasingly.

Mirajane giggled at that. "They would make a cute couple," she agreed, clasping her hands joyfully.

Wendy made a face while Asuka vigorously shook her head and pouted. "No! Not that!" Asuka shrieked, appalled at the comment.

"We want to know if he'll ever get his memories back," said Romeo, nodding at Bacon whose attention was now drawn to the loud smashing of a table that Natsu was thrown into. The wooden object splintered in half, tossing glasses and plates all over where they soundly broke into many pieces.

Cana propped an elbow on the counter and rested the side of her head against her knuckles. "That sort of thing is impossible for me to predict, kids," she replied with an apologetic look. "I can, however, tell you if he'll find true love."

Wendy, Carla, Romeo, and Asuka were unimpressed while Bacon was busy watching Natsu, now engulfed in flames, charge straight at Elfman who had taken on another beast's form. Armoured in thick emerald scales and sharp black spines, the man was giant reptilian monster.

Ignoring the children's looks, Cana took out her special deck of cards and began to demonstrate just for fun. "Hey, Bacon bits," she called to gain his attention. She patted the empty stool beside her and offered a friendly smile. "Come have a seat beside your favourite aunt Cana."

The boy climbed onto the stool and stared at her quizzically as she shuffled the cards in her hands. Mirajane, Carla, and the children quietly watched her, some showing more interest than others. Cana first drew a blank card, and just like she had done for Asuka, the mage placed an image of the boy in the empty space.

Bacon always enjoyed the sight of magic no matter how miniscule it was. He grinned at his own picture and wanted to take the card the moment Cana placed it on the bar.

Cana blocked his hand and shook her head disapprovingly. "Nuh-uh, Bacon bits, don't touch."

Disappointed, he quietly obeyed, keeping his hands folded on the counter and his blue eyes on the card with his face on it.

Cana passed her hand over the top of her deck for dramatic effect before flipping the first card onto the counter, placing it above Bacon's card. She felt the blood drain from her face the instant she saw what was on the card.

What? No way… this can't be right. I must've made a mistake.

But she never made mistakes. Even when she was downright drunk she had never messed up in her readings.

Frowning, Mirajane sensed her trouble and asked what was wrong.

"Oops. I screwed up. That's all," said Cana, forcing out an embarrassed laugh to hide her worry. She picked up the card and shuffled it into the deck, making sure to cut the cards twice and shuffle them once more. "Let's try this again, shall we?"

Again, she dramatized her card-reading ability before placing her fingers on the edge of her first card. She held her breath, hoping that she was only wrong that one time, and slowly slid the top card off the deck before flipping it onto the countertop, right above Bacon's.

She froze, her blood turning as cold as ice. Again the card was black with an image of a blindfolded reaper carrying a broken glass orb in its bony hand. Against all odds, she had drawn the card twice in a row, telling her a message she was afraid to believe.

It was not love that was waiting in the young boy's future… It was death.

And Cana's predictions were never wrong.

A/N:The Games are just about to begin! I've yet to decide how I'm going to approach this arc so it'll take some time for me to figure it all out. I will not write out every round that takes place in the Games; doing so would likely take me years before I can complete this story. However, if there is one (or a few) particular event(s) that you guys feel must be included and written in excruciating detail, let me know and I'll tally up the most popular choices.

I would like to thank all who have voted! I will close the poll by the end of February.

On a side note, a little inspiration has stricken me so I'll be updating The Lost Wolf sometime soon. Fans of that story should look forward to it.

Thanks for reading!