(Edited 21/03/24)
I do not own Fairy Tail Hiro Mashima does
The Grand Magic Games Day One
***POTD***
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the competitors are in the pit and they are OFF! The beasts are being brought in as we speak, so let's see just what these Mages are made of!"
"That's right Chapati, it will be a good test for all of those involved. The Anarchy Pit was designed by the great minds over at the Magic Council's Magical Research and Development Division. I myself have been amazed at some of the things they've brought out recently, and it is largely thanks to them that the Grand Magic Games can be held safely at all!"
"There you have it folks! The Magic Council has done its best to provide all of us with only the highest quality entertainment at the highest level of safety! Now, let's see what out competitors are getting up to within the Anarchy Pit!"
***POTD***
Gajeel appeared inside a long corridor, his senses immediately telling him something was wrong. Sniffing the air, he could smell dozens of creatures up ahead, bringing a small smirk to the Dragon Slayer's face.
Making his way down the long corridor at a modest pace, he eventually reached a turn, finding himself facing a large square room full of vicious creatures. Some he recognized, others he didn't, nor did he really care either.
They would all fall easily enough.
"Gihi! And here I was thinkin I'd missed out on all the fun," the Dragon Slayer smirked, his arm morphing into a blade as he marched into the room.
Charging into the group of beasts, he began massacring them with ease. The beasts stood no chance against Gajeel, as he effortlessly trounced them in every category. In under a minute, the entire room was a bloodbath, as Gajeel stalked through the adjoining corridor, flicking the blood off of his arm.
"Figures. They might look tough, but they're nothin special," Gajeel huffed. "Hopefully I'll run into someone soon, give me a real damn fight?"
***POTD***
"And Fairy tail Team B's Gajeel shows us all that Fairy Tail is back, and in top form! I don't think I even saw him move!? Did you see what happened just now, Mister Yajima!?"
"I did indeed Chapati, but let it be known that the young man down there is definitely one to watch out for. You heard it from me first Ladies and Gentlemen."
Down in the competitor stands, the Fairy Tail Mages seemed rather relaxed, not at all surprised at Gajeel's dominance over the creatures.
"As if those things were gonna be a challenge for the metal-head," Laxus scoffed, munching down on some chips he'd purchased.
"He most likely won't have a challenge until the Fifth Layer, unless one of the other competitors tries to fight him," Natsu replied, the rest of the group nodding in full agreement of his assessment.
"The First Layer isn't that big, is it?"
"I'd say the First Layer will be the biggest, but its pure padding to drag the event out," Natsu shrugged. "I'd say the next two layers will be similar, with Layers Four and Five being the actual point of this place."
"That's a fair point. Drag it out to pad out the first day, then have the lower areas smaller and more open for the competitors to fight in," Elise agreed, as they all looked back at the screen just in time to see a powerful blast of black lightning engulf the projection.
"Look at that Ladies and Gentlemen! Sabertooth's Orga has absolutely decimated the creatures within his starting zone, and is hot on the heels of Fairy Tail Team B's Gajeel as both competitors make their way to the Second Layer!"
"I'm afraid that they might be sorely disappointed to find out that they are falling behind Chapati."
"Falling behind? Whatever do you mean Mister Yajima!?"
"Mister Yajima is totally talking about how, like, that Soru guy from Highfather is already on the Second Layer, and Fairy Tail Team A's Gray is heading down the stairs right now."
"Unbelievable! I didn't even notice it until Mister Yajima and Jenny pointed it out, but they're right! Soru Sakai made it to the Second Layer in a shocking FORTY TWO SECONDS, completely shattering the previous record by twenty five seconds!"
***POTD***
As the crowd roared at the hype being generated by the play by plays, Gray reached the bottom of the stairs, making it to the Second Layer of the Anarchy Pit. The second his foot touched the dirt however, he immediately leaned backward to avoid a purple fist, immediately kicking his attacker away.
"Sitting around the stairwell waiting to pick people off huh? That's a good strategy in theory, but you're an idiot who can't even hide his presence well," Gray scoffed, as he placed his hands in his pockets, watching his attack rise to his feet with a scowl.
"You think you're something special just because you land a lucky hit!? You ain't shit, Fairy!"
"Nulpudding of Raven Tail … I'm not impressed. Clearly, you're a heavy hitter, with your Magic being more strength based rather than technique based. Still, you're not impressive at all."
"You think you're some sort of hot shot do you!? You ain't shit, Fairy scum!"
"Well, I wouldn't say I'm a hot shot, but whatever you say," Gray shrugged in response, angering Nulpudding who clenched his fists. So, are we doing this, or are you gonna try mouthing off all day?"
"I'm gonna kick your ass," Nulpudding snapped back in response. "I know all about you Gray Fullbuster, and you're nothing special!"
Exhaling with a deep sigh, the right side of Gray's body became coated in a thick sheet of ice, the temperature in the area dropping drastically. The Ice Make Mage looked almost bored, raising his right hand out in front of him.
"You know nothing about me, other than the type of Magic I use. My level of power, abilities, and techniques… I know you wouldn't know a lot of those."
"Gah! You're full of shit, I know all about your powers! You use Maker Magic, that's all I need to know!"
"The fact I use Maker Magic should already tell you that you have no chance," Gray sighed, shaking his head. "What a shame I got stuck facing a garbage tier opponent like you straight up…"
"Screw you Fairy, I'm over your crap," Nulpudding shouted in response, as he went to punch Gray, who made no attempt to move.
Nulpudding's fist was a mere foot away, when it suddenly stopped, and the man could only look at Gray in shock.
"Ice Make Magic is an interesting thing," Gray muttered quietly, as his gaze slowly returned to the man, who was now frozen solid in front of him. "The limits of it are only what your mind sets them to be. Ur taught me that Maker Magic doesn't necessarily have to take physical form, and to limit it to one, is to limit the true power of it."
Gray lifted his leg, covering his calf with a razor-sharp sheet of ice, before beginning to spin around on the spot several times.
"Ice Make – Sidewinder Strike!"
Extending the ice coated leg, Gray kicked Nulpudding, shattering the ice that held him in place, slashing the Mage across the chest as he was blasted back.
"Gah-! I-I'll kill you for that," Nulpudding gasped, clutching his bleeding chest as he dropped to one knee.
"Oh? You assumed that my attack was done?"
Nulpudding gasped, as ice began to slowly shoot up through the wound in his chest, the Raven Tail Mage screaming as more blood began to pour from his wound.
"W-What have you done to me!?"
"The area I struck; I left behind some ice to sprout from the wound. I use it in hunting a lot to keep game stationary," Gray replied easily, slowly walking up to the Raven Tail Mage. "I should warn you though, you'll die if you don't get it looked at?"
"W-WHAT!? N-No… You're bluffing!"
"No bluff, I'm being completely serious. I'd surrender if I were you, or else you'll die. Treating a wound like the one I've dealt will take a skilled Healer Mage the rest of the day. So, Nulpudding, I'd make your choice quickly…"
"You're insane!"
"I'm tired of your pointless talking, now give up," Gray said, as he pulled one of his hands from his pockets, pointing it at Nulpudding's chest, as the tip of his finger began to glow a bluish white color.
"Alright alright! I surrender," Nulpudding screamed, as the Anarchy Pit warped him out of there and into the infirmary.
Gray sniffed, placing his hand back in his pocket as he looked down at the blood left behind by the Raven Tail Mage. Shaking his head, he continued on, not even giving his actions a second thought.
***POTD***
"And with that shocking display from Gray Fullbuster, Nulpudding has been eliminated!"
"What an upset Ladies and Gentlemen! I doubt anyone here today expected to see Gray come out and utterly dominate like this! Can he keep it up though against the rest of the competition!?"
Natsu crossed his arms, eyes narrowed closely onto the projection of Gray as he walked deeper into the Second Layer. He hadn't seen the man so serious before, nor so merciless.
It wasn't a matter of him feeling like he was above Gray, he was far from a Saint himself, after all. No, it was concern for the man he felt, as he pondered what drove Gray to become like that when faced with an opponent.
"It has been a long seven years Natsu, and Gray was forced to grow stronger," a familiar voice chimed in as Juvia moved from Team A's spot, over to where Team B was located. "He wasn't always like this, but…"
"Time and circumstances changed him, just as they do to us all," he replied sagely, with Juvia humming in agreement. "I noticed you were both a bit different, but I didn't anticipate Gray being so…"
"Cold? Ruthless?"
"Yeah."
"That's just how he is whenever he's focusing on achieving a goal. He only cares about his comrades and the innocent. Anyone else outside of what he deems to be those two spheres, they'll end up frozen or dead."
"At least he had you there though, right Juvia," Natsu smiled sadly in response, as the Water Mage returned it with one of her own. "You kept him from going off the deep end it looks like, which I'm certainly thankful for."
"I don't know if he truly would have, though I'll freely admit I'm biased toward saying so, since I love him so much. But… Thank you."
"And it looks like Sabertooth's Orga has eliminated Mermaid Heel's Arana! The numbers are quickly dropping, and we aren't even on the Third Layer yet!"
"Well, at least Gajeel and Gray made it to the Second Layer without much trouble," Mira said, as they watched Gajeel make his way down the stairs.
"Yeah, like I said earlier, there won't be much real action from those two until Layer Five. So, might as well get some snacks while you can, like me," Natsu said with a grin, as he began to walk off.
Once he was gone, the group collectively sighed and shook their heads.
"I bet he wishes he was the one down there," Elise smirked, eliciting a snort from Laxus, and an amused giggle from Mira.
"He probably wishes it was a free for all where he could cut loose, I'll bet," Laxus chimed in. "Can't say I'm not thinking too differently though…"
"Sounds about right," Mira replied, shaking her head. "Hopefully he at least brings us back something to eat?"
"I'm sure he will, just look at Erza," Elise chuckled, motioning for Mira to look over at the Requip Mage, who was clearly starving. "He'll be back with the goods."
***POTD***
Meanwhile, as the games commenced in earnest, some less than savoury activities were occurring over at Mercurius Palace, the home of the Royal Family of Fiore.
Two cloaked individuals confidently snuck onto the castle grounds, finding virtually no resistance due to the lack of guards currently present. One of them held a strange device, and the other was throwing an empty Lacrima at walls, catching it every time it would bounce off.
Highly suspicious behavior indeed.
"Are you sure that what we're looking for is here?"
"Positive. The trace is faint, but it's here. I can sense the Dark Magic, though its clearly being heavily suppressed by something?"
"Still nothing on the device?"
"Nothing. Thing is dead," the robed figure holding the device huffed. "This thing would be more useful as scrap metal than it would doing whatever the Hell it was designed for!?"
"Careful. That device right there was made by Lord Wahl, and he's not here to fix it if you break the damn thing!"
"I am NOT going to break it-!"
"Shut up idiot-!"
"You shut up-!"
"Shh!"
The man throwing the Lacrima clamped a hand over both their mouths, as a guard walked past, seemingly doing his rounds. The two cloaked figures looked at one another, before nodding stiffly, as they waited for the guard to move on.
"Fuck's sake…"
"Yeah," the hooded figure agreed, adjusting their grip on the device. "So much for keeping a low profile, eh?"
"We haven't been caught … yet!"
"Should we kill that guy?"
"You idiot, of course not! We still have a few days before we can kick all this off and you're talking about killing people who need to be in the picture NOW of all times!?"
"…Damn, no need to get so mad."
"Shut up and keep walking you idiot!"
"So… Just to clarify, we're doing this quietly, right?"
"Of course we are. Its far easier for us to sneak into places and silently get our objectives done, rather than go in guns blazing and risk capture!"
"Fine man, no need to get mad again," the figure with the device replied waving his hand. "Let's keep trying to find this damn thing."
"Right after you stop being an idiot and a clown!"
"You're really mad today…"
"Only because you never think," the other hooded figure hissed back. "There are some big-time Mages here this week!"
"And? None of them hold a candle to the Spriggan or Leichart Twelve, do they?"
"Perhaps. But remember that Lady Irene mentioned something recently regarding the Scarlione Incident?"
"Oh yeah, she did. Something about how Dimaria isn't doing so great and that Demon, right?"
"Yeah," the figure with the Lacrima nodded, before they suddenly heard a whole contingent of guards approaching. "I think we need to bail and come back later at night?"
"Fair enough, I just want to get this mission over and done with so we can all go back home," the hooded figure with the device sighed. "I hate this damn place; it doesn't gel well with my body…"
"You think you have it bad, what about…"
The two figures departed mid conversation, as a third figure shimmered into existence nearby, a deep frown on her face as she examined her crystal ball.
"Good, its all recorded. It seems that Jellal's hunch was right, and something big is going to go down this year…"
The figure looked around, reapplying her Invisibility Spell, before making her way out of there.
"I'd better warn Jellal about this, before anything sinister happens," the figure muttered darkly to herself, as they took off toward Crocus at high speed.
***POTD***
Natsu was having a good day, and nothing was going to change that. He had access to almost any food he wanted, and there were plenty of strong people around who he could fight without having to worry about getting killed.
Indeed, it was truly a most glorious day.
It was the main reason why Natsu began to openly scowl, a sliver of his Magic escaping that frightened those nearby, as he saw someone who certainly didn't belong there, approaching his position.
"Mystogan," Natsu ground out, almost annoyed. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Natsu, we need to speak," Mystogan replied quietly, only receiving an unimpressed look from Natsu. "Please?"
"Are you serious right now? What actually is this?"
"There isn't much time Natsu, I wouldn't have come if I didn't have a reason," Mystogan hissed in response.
"Fine! Fine… Lead the way," Natsu sighed, as he followed Mystogan out of the arena and into town.
Many in the city recognized the pair, though thankfully none approached, as Mystogan led him to an abandoned house on the edge of town. Once he entered, he was met by a stern Ultear, and an awkward Meredy.
"Please tell me neither of you agreed to that stupid idea?"
"I didn't agree, did I, Jellal," Ultear replied, her frown deepening as the robes shimmered away to reveal Jellal.
"Ultear?"
"What?"
"Please slap Jellal across the face," Natsu asked, startling the blue-haired Mage as the Time Mage immediately complied, smacking him across the right cheek. "Thank you."
"No thanks needed, that was certainly warranted," Ultear huffed. "You foolish man Jellal!"
"You call that a slap Ultear, I smack your ass way harder than tha-!"
Natsu and Meredy's eyebrows rose to their respective hairlines as Jellal momentarily lost his cool, the Time Mage's jaw dropping as Jellal went beet red.
"I-I-I mean… Uh…"
"I really wish I hadn't heard that," Meredy mumbled, as Natsu finally recovered from his momentary surprise.
"Listen. I won't lie to any of you-."
"Don't-."
"Shut up Jellal-Anyway, I won't lie that I would be smacking her ass too-."
"Natsu…"
"I mean look at it! Look at that ass Jellal!"
"…Damn it… How are you not embarrassed by this Ultear," Jellal blurted out, noticing that the Time Mage seemed wholly unaffected by his words.
"Simple. A, he apparently bantered like this with my Mother. B, you all know I wear these skin tight leggings specifically because I'm using my sex appeal against the enemy. And C, he's complimenting both your taste, and my ass. Therefore, logic dictates I am to be neutral, leaning toward amused."
"See Jellal, its all good," Natsu smiled, wrapping an arm around the other man's shoulders. "I am the wizened, extroverted mentor who knows how to speak nonsense and make it sound interesting. You're the introverted one who looks up to me in every way. Kind of like a student, only I teach you nothing but nonsense."
"What the Hell are you talking about?"
"Exactly. Which means we should move along to why you three brought me here," Natsu replied, letting go of Jellal and sitting down in an old wooden chair. "I'm happy again, so please tell me that you're all going to tell me everything is great, and you'll be cheering for me in the games…?"
"…No, we aren't going to be doing that," Jellal replied, shaking his head as he struggled to process the last five minutes. "I-Uh…"
"I was performing reconnaissance around Mercurius earlier, and recorded a conversation between two hooded figures in the gardens," Ultear cut in, as Jellal went and sat down. "They are undoubtedly from Alvarez, and spoke of Irene Belserion, as well as some sort of orders, though I don't know what they are."
"Lovely. Well, show me the footage Ultear," Natsu sighed, accepting the inevitable, as the Time Mage replayed what she had recorded over the next several minutes. "I see…"
"You were in Scarlione recently, so you most likely know what happened," Ultear continued. "Would you have any idea about what Irene could have told them about?"
"More than an idea," Natsu sighed, shaking his head. "A lot happened, so I'll give you three the abridged version. "So, we ran into three of the Spriggan Twelve in Scarlione during our time there. Brandish My, Dimaria Yesta, and Irene Belserion."
"What happened?"
"I can't really talk about the full details, since I'm not really sure of the implications of it myself… But suffice to say, Elise took down Dimaria since she was able to get around her Time based Magic thanks to her God Slayer Magic. Gildarts and my friend Solomon distracted Brandish, and I was left the honor of dealing with Irene herself."
"You fought Irene," Jellal gasped. "Seriously!?"
"Fought? Gods no! I can't really talk about my part in all of it, since if word got out about it, I'd be hunted to the ends of the earth by almost everyone. So, I'd like to keep it to myself…"
"Well, I'm sure it can't be that bad Natsu," Jellal replied slowly. "I mean, look at all the things I've-?"
"My secret eclipses what you did a thousandfold," came the blunt response, as all three of their jaws dropped simultaneously. "Jellal? Ultear? Tell me… Have either of you heard of the legend of the Four Harbingers?"
"Of Achnologia," Ultear nodded instantly. "All members of the Magic Council are briefed of their existence."
"Why do you ask?"
"I ask because one of the Four Harbingers manifested in Scarlione," Natsu began, as Ultear went white as a sheet, Jellal looking like he was going to be sick. "I fought and defeated it. But, in doing so, I gained a power that the world rightly fears."
"YOU WHAT!?"
Natsu winced as the two former Council Members looked like they were on the verge of a panic attack. He really couldn't blame them, considering what they represent.
"What's so special about these Four Harbingers," Meredy asked curiously, the only one present who didn't know anything about them at all.
"The Four Harbingers are, for lack of a better term, Heralds of the Black Dragon Achnologia," Ultear explained shakily. "They are not Human, at least, not anymore…"
"What do you mean by that?"
"A Harbinger is not born or trained… they manifest, emerge within someone," Jellal continued, as Meredy too began to pale. "This process can happen one of several ways. Either through willing acceptance, or forced indoctrination by Achnologia itself."
"So wait, Achnologia can make these things manifest out of basically anyone then!?"
"Correct. However, the Dragon has always been selective of the hosts for one of the Harbingers, usually seeking out notable or powerful individuals."
"One of my old friends, Felix Stomnen, was forcibly indoctrinated into Harbinger Famine," Natsu added quietly, as Jellal immediately placed a hand on the Dragon Slayer's shoulder.
"You know there's nothing that could have been done to save him," the man said firmly. "Don't go beating yourself up over what was an inevitability!"
"I know Jellal, but it doesn't change the fact that one of my friends became that thing… and I had to stop him."
"These Harbingers… Are they really that powerful?"
"They are," Jellal replied instantly. "Harbinger War was the last one to manifest. Even the combined might of the Ten Wizard Saints, Etherion, every S Class Mage and above from every Guild and every Grand Wizard barely managed to defeat it."
"What…"
"The Harbingers manifest with some of Achnologia's power," Natsu explained, seeing the look of sheer disbelief on Meredy's face. "They can use Dragon Slayer Magic, and their powers embody what they represent. Harbinger War undoubtedly had an extremely powerful vessel. Likely willing."
"Either way, the fact that Natsu was able to defeat one of the four Harbingers on his own is frightening in of itself," Ultear cut in, before quickly following up her statement. "I don't mean that in an offensive way! I-I'm just… I mean think about it-!"
"I know, I have thought about it," Natsu replied, waving her off. "It is for this exact reason why I haven't told you how I beat Famine."
"Well hang on," Meredy cut in firmly. "You used that power to beat a monster, so that doesn't make you any less a person than you were before you got it. Right?"
"It doesn't work like that I'm afraid," Natsu sighed, patting her head with a sad smile. "What I have become is something that is universally hated across not just Fiore, but the entirety of Earthland. Even if you three learn the truth and accept it, it ultimately changes nothing. The rest of the world has grown over the generations to fear this power, and fear they will should it ever become public knowledge."
"Natsu, listen," Jellal sighed tiredly. "We won't pry into whatever it is you've become. But please, if you need any help with whatever it is… call on us. Please?"
"I'll try," Natsu replied quietly, slowly rising to his full height once again as he made his way toward the door. "Keep me informed on this Alvarez situation. I don't care if I'm balls deep in a girl, I need to know if Alvarez is making a move. Got it?"
"We understand Natsu," Jellal replied firmly, as the Dragon Slayer gave the trio a final nod, before departing for Domus Flau.
"You don't think he was being literal with that, do you," Meredy asked, a fierce blush tinging her cheeks.
"I believe he was," Ultear smirked, shaking her head. "He's a man of action, and even if he's with a lover, he'll do what needs to be done for the good of the many. He always has."
"Ultear's right. Though… I do hope it doesn't come to that."
"Don't worry Jellal, I'll handle it if it does," the Time Mage smirked, as the trio soon returned to their planning, devising a surveillance strategy for the coming days.
***POTD***
"Ladies and Gentlemen! We're now down to just FIVE competitors here today! Orga from Sabertooth, Gray from Fairy Tail Team A, Gajeel from Fairy Tail Team B, Lyon from Lamia Scale… And a man who hasn't been seen since the event started, Soru from Highfather!"
"That's right Chapati. It appears that Soru is still somewhere within the first Four Layers, since the path to the Fifth Layer was blocked by Fairy Tail Team A's Gray Fullbuster, as Orga attempted to make his way down to the Fifth Layer."
"Mister Yajima is, like, totally on the money! Not one of the S Class beasts have been disturbed, which means that Soru is DEFINITELY biding his time!"
"Only time will tell what Soru from Highfather is planning Miss Jenny! However, on that note, it seems Gray's plan to seal off access to the Fifth Layer has caused quite a stir! Who is next to get the axe within the Anarchy Pit!?"
***POTD***
Back inside the Anarchy Pit, the Fourth Layer was absolute chaos, as four of the remaining contestants duked it out amidst a sea of hostile monsters. Gajeel found himself growing quite annoyed, as he dodged several bolts of black lightning and stray ice shards.
"Damn Gray, sealing off the damn stairwell… It's all well and good that they can't get down there, but I can't neither!"
"You think that barrier will stop me for long Fairies!? My power far surpasses all of yours combined, because I'm wielding the power of a God!"
S Class Mage Of The Sabertooth Guild
Member Of Team Sabertooth
Lightning God Slayer
Orga Nanagear
Following his declaration, lightning erupted from his form, moving to strike the other three Mages present, as they immediately made evasive manoeuvres.
"The big guy is quite confident, I'll give him that," Lyon huffed, avoiding a barrage of lightning. "Still, his power keeps increasing.
Gray opted to remain silent, evading Orga's attacks like everyone else. However, unlike the others, he noticed somethings strange going on around them. Waiting until Orga released his next barrage, his eyes locked on to a strange distortion near Lyon's position.
'Did I just see the air … shimmer? Wait, that must be the guy from the Highfather Guild-!'
Gray was snapped out of his thoughts, as Orga came bearing down on him with a fist coated in black lightning. Realizing he'd let his guard down, Gray prepared to take the blow, only for Gajeel to suddenly appear in between them, tanking the strike with his right arm.
"The heck are ya doin," the Dragon Slayer grunted, shaking off Orga as the pair faced each other down. "Get ya head back in the game!"
Ordinarily, Gray would retort to the Dragon Slayer. However, this time, he immediately started rushing Lyon's position, somewhat startling the Lamia Scale Mage, who entered an offensive stance.
"So, you truly wish to face me once again Gray," Lyon smirked, a cyan colored Magic Circle forming around his feet. "I wonder who will win between us this time?"
Gray just narrowed his eyes at Lyon. The man had never truly forgiven Ur for what she had done all those years ago. Lyon seemed to sense what Gray was thinking, his smirk faltering somewhat.
"This has nothing to do with Ur, Gray. This is between you, and me, and our differing styles of Ice Make Magic!"
Gray remained silent, eliciting a frown from the Lamia Scale Mage. The two men seemed to share a silent conversation, and it was one that seemed to slightly irritate Lyon.
"You know, trying to act all cool, calm and collected will only get you so far, Gray? I think its time I show you just how far I've come!"
Lyon opened his reserves, the Magic Circle at his feet expanding in size as the temperature in the area began to drop rapidly.
Lyon Vastia (PTS + Slightly Suppressed) – 612,800 MPI
"Let's see how you handle this Gray!? Ice Make – Snow Leopard!"
Lyon summoned a five-foot-tall leopard, made of ice, with the construct immediately charging Gray's position. Lyon's eyes narrowed at his rival, noticing he wasn't bothered in the slightest by it, merely removing his left hand from his pocket and pointing at the charging construct.
A dark blue Magic Circle manifested around his index finger, as Gray cocked his thumb back as if he were pretending to use a gun.
"Ice Make – Icicle Bullets."
From Gray's fingertips, several lightning fast, razor-sharp icicle shards were fired from his index finger. Almost immediately, they tore through the construct, shattering it like glass, as Lyon took a cautious step backward, before gritting his teeth.
"That wasn't enough? Well then, let's see how you fare against my Ice Make – Snow Tiger!"
Holding out his right hand, Lyon manifested the seven-foot-tall ice tiger, with the construct immediately charging his position. Gray again, merely scoffed, as the temperature in the area dropped even further.
"Ice Make – Terrain Impalement."
Before the tiger could even get within ten meters of Gray, as massive ice spikes erupted from the earth, ripping it apart in seconds, much to Lyon's clear annoyance.
"Damn it… Fine. It seems the rumors of your power aren't as exaggerated as I was led to believe," Lyon cursed. "Let's see you face this! Ice Make – Snow Dragon!"
Gray seemed genuinely surprised as Lyon formed the thirty-foot-tall construct. This was definitely far beyond any of the creations he knew the man was capable of making. The ice Dragon loomed over Gray, as Lyon stood before his creation, a smirk returning to his face.
"Come on Gray, let's see if you truly have mastered Ur's teachings!?"
"Lyon," Gray replied, a small smile worming its way onto his face. "I'll admit that you've also grown stronger since we last fought. But here's the thing…"
Lyon's smirk vanished as Gray's Magic Power surged, the very ground across the entirety of the Fourth Layer freezing over with a thick sheet of ice. Looking back to his rival, the man had taken both hands out of his pocket, a large deep blue Magic Circle forming at his feet.
"Ice Make – Frozen Wasteland!"
In an instant, the entire layer was engulfed in a powerful blizzard, forcing everyone on the layer to take cover immediately. Unfortunately for Lyon, his position was directly opposite Gray. Thus, the man, along with his ice Dragon, were instantly frozen over by a thick coating of ice.
An explosion went off nearby, as Gray concluded his attack, Orga and Gajeel continuing their scuffle nearby. Looking toward Lyon's frozen form, he gave it a curt nod, before heading toward the stairwell.
As he approached the icy wall he'd formed to keep others out of the Fifth Layer, Gray was suddenly struck from out of nowhere. Skidding backward, the Ice Make Mage immediately assumed a defensive stance.
"I know you're out there, Soru!"
To Gray's surprise, the man in question walked right out of thin air, only to disappear almost immediately after. He did so several times, before appearing atop the icy wall blocking the Fifth Layer.
"Gray Fullbuster, it seems there might indeed be something special about you…"
A Member Of The Highfather Guild
A Member Of Team Highfather
The Elusive Shinobi
Soru Sakai
"You must be wondering what I just did, right? Well, I'll tell you freely," Soru said as he disappeared into thin air, reappearing behind Gray. "I'm able to move freely between here and a pocket dimension created through the use of my Magic. You are certainly strong, Gray Fullbuster… However, strength will not be enough…"
Gray looked at Soru closely. He had short, spiky purple hair with a scar running along his right cheek. He was wearing black combat pants with the boots to match, but his shirt was a simple purple shirt with some flowers on it that he left open, exposing his chest.
"Spatial Magic huh? Well, you don't see that very often," Gray replied with a shrug. "Still, don't think that such a rare Magic is going to make you unbeatable-."
"Oh, I know better than to think that way. In fact, that's why I'm not the Captain of the team, or Guild Master, for that matter. I know my place…"
'This guy is way stronger than he's letting on… To be able to create a different space that he can enter and exit is something by itself. But he hit me with serious force just now, which means he might just have other abilities to go along with it?'
"Now Gray, the time for talking is over," Soru smirked, as he entered his Spatial Pocket Dimension. "I'll be defeating you now and heading down to the Fifth Layer. This one has gotten rather cold…"
"That's what you think," Gray replied, as he found himself removing his coat and shirt, tossing both to the side. "If you think I'm just some sort of pushover, think again."
"Oh, believe me, I'm not underestimating you," Soru replied, as ice began to cover the left half of Gray's body, temperatures in the Fourth Layer dropping below zero.
'I can feel it, this guy,' Gray thought to himself as he watched Soru seem to warp around the area. 'He's strong…'
***POTD***
"Gray's getting really serious now, he must be worried about that Soru person," Juvia noted, as everyone looked at her confused.
"What do you mean," Mira asked, clearly not quite sure how this fight was particular notable. "He decimated Lyon, and this Soru person is just shifting around the place?"
"You all haven't noticed it, but Gray no longer strips randomly," Juvia pointed out, as everyone seemed to realize the truth in the Water Mage's words.
"She's right," Elise agreed. "He actually hasn't stripped a single time since we saw him."
"Gray only ever does that when he plans on fighting someone seriously," Juvia continued, as both Fairy Tail teams looked back up to the monitor. "Whoever this Soru person is, Gray considers him to be a significant threat."
Whoever this Soru is Gray considers him to be a real threat."
Before anyone had the chance to respond, the announcers did it for them, as Chapati's voice cut through the chatter of the crowd like a knife.
"It seems that Highfather's Soru Sakai has FINALLY made his move Ladies and Gentlemen! After Gray Fullbuster's astonishing victory over Lamia Scale's Lyon Vastia, Soru has finally made his presence known! You can just feel the sparks flying from here, right Mister Yajima!?"
"Well, you certainly aren't wrong about the sparks Chapati, but I thought those were from Sabertooth's Orga, who has been on the back-foot from Team Fairy Tail B's Gajeel? But I agree, we've got two great fights going down in the Anarchy Pit today folks!"
***POTD***
Back down on the Fourth Layer, Orga was clearly growing more and more frustrated with Gajeel. It was clear that this was a rather poor match up, as the Dragon Slayer used his ability to morph his body into various metals to his advantage, drawing fire off of Gray's position.
"You damn lightning rod bastard," Orga hissed. "The minute you stop that shit, I'll fry your ass!"
"Good luck with that," Gajeel smirked, before taking a deep breath. "Steel Dragon's Roar!"
Orga's eyes widened as the sizeable breath attack was fired in his direction, narrowly managing to dodge it as he brought his hands together. Black sparks surged between his fingers, a sadistic smirk worming its way onto his face.
"You think you're so tough? Well, let's see how you handle THIS attack," Orga smirked, a solid sphere of black lightning manifesting between his hands. "Lightning God's Eighty Millimeter Black Lightning Shell!"
Orga fired a massive blast of raw black lightning that instantly engulfed Gajeel's position, the attack blasting right through Gray's barrier behind him.
"Heh! That'll teach ya," Orga laughed as he took off toward the stairs.
The smoke cleared right as Orga descended to the Fifth Layer, revealing Gajeel to be completely unharmed. He had morphed his arm into a copper laced tower shield, redirecting the lightning out the top and into the roof.
"That damn piece of shit," Gajeel snarled, immediately taking off after Orga. "I'm gonna cave that bastard's face in for that!"
***POTD***
Back up in the stands, the two Fairy Tail teams were surprised at how easily Gajeel had tanked Orga's attack. It was clearly powerful, and Gajeel had handled it expertly.
"Gotta say, Gajeel is a lot stronger than I gave him credit for," Laxus chimed in, as everyone looked in his direction, surprised at the blonde's praise for the fellow Dragon Slayer. "That attack he just took was pretty high voltage, and a normal Mage would've been fried for a good week if they took it head on."
"Gajeel and Gray still have a chance to win this. None of the S Class Beasts on the Fifth Layer have been defeated yet, and that Orga guy should get held up by them, buying Gajeel enough time to get back into this," Natsu's voice interrupted, as the Dragon Slayer returned to the group.
"Where did you run off to," Erza asked curiously, as Natsu started pulling snacks for everyone from his Requip Space. "Just the snack stand?"
"Ah, had a run in with some of our friends," Natsu replied, everyone immediately understanding who he meant. "I'll talk about it later."
"Fair enough," Elise replied, before nudging his attention toward the monitor that had Gray on it. "What do you think of this Soru guy?"
"He's got an interesting ability, but Gray doesn't appear to be going all out either," Natsu replied with a shrug. "So, whilst I think they're about even, I could be wrong about it, since Spatial Manipulation is pretty powerful, even in the hands of an idiot."
"So, you think Gray has a chance of beating him," Juvia asked hopefully, eliciting a slight shrug as he looked back up at the screen.
"Maybe? Like I said, Spatial Magic can be pretty powerful. Also, keep in mind the aim of this isn't to fight other competitors as well. The only things worth doing are fighting the S Class Beasts, and getting what's at the end of the Pit."
"That's actually a good point," Wendy agreed. "That Orga guy made a break for the Fifth Layer as soon as he could."
"That's because Sabertooth plays the objective. They clearly aren't interested in doing pointless things if they don't have to. Orga fired that attack of his strategically, in the hopes that it would shatter the barrier Gray placed down earlier, no doubt hoping to progress. What he isn't counting on is Gajeel, and how pissed the metal-head probably is after taking a hit like that."
"Yeah. He was pretty mad when he came out of the smoke just now," Mira giggled in response.
"Exactly. The important thing to remember about Guilds like Sabertooth and Highfather, is that they don't seem to want to engage in unnecessary fights if they don't have to. These new Guilds are all about the objective above all else, and it seems and both Sabertooth and Highfather seem to be doing that. Just look at how that guy from Highfather is baiting Gray to the stairwell, he already knows both Gajeel and Orga are down there, and he's fallen behind because of a fight he can't walk away from."
"Even so, they'd still have to fight other Guild Members whilst fighting the S Class Beasts wouldn't they," Freed asked, as Natsu shook his head.
"You all think the S Class Beasts come first, when they're actually the secondary objective. The primary objective would be to get the object at the end of the Anarchy Pit, which is worth the most points, rather than to go back to get extra," Natsu explained. "The game was designed to end once the object is claimed by a Mage, with the S Class Beasts situated within to provide bonus points to either the Mage getting the object at the end, or to help keep other teams in the running.
"In other words, get the book quickly, and win the round," Laxus responded plainly. "You keep the other teams from getting many points off the beasts, whilst securing a whole heap for your own."
"That's correct," Natsu replied with a curt nod. "Just watch, I guarantee you that Soru and Orga will both try to shake Gray and Gajeel."
The two teams focused their attention back onto the screens, as they watched Gray and Gajeel's perspectives.
***POTD***
As Gray fumbled around the Fifth Layer trying to fight Soru, Gajeel was having a rough time of his own.
Upon arriving down on the Fifth Layer, he had already walked right into a trap laid by Orga, who had riled up two of the S Class Beasts, drawing them near the stairwell right as he arrived on the scene.
What followed was Gajeel being forced to combat both Orga, and two pissed off S Class Beasts. What made it worse was that Orga was deliberately baiting him into positions where the Beasts would have a clear shot on him, and then attacking from afar, forcing Gajeel on the defensive.
"You know, you're really starting to piss me off," Gajeel growled, as Orga roared with laughter.
"What's the matter Fairy, can't handle this much pressure!? Guess your Guild is nothing but talk after all!?"
"Underestimating Fairy Tail will be your biggest mistake," Gajeel growled in response. "And trust me, there's a long list of Guilds that don't exist anymore thanks to those words..."
"Like I said, all talk and no action! You can't even take out one of these S Class Beasts, let alone me!"
Gajeel stopped moving, and allowing the Beasts to come at him without resistance. The first Beast threw a punch directly at him, and Gajeel easily blocked it with just one arm.
"Listen here, and listen good! I'm not the kinda guy who likes dealin with mouthy little punks like you. You want me to get serious, then fine! But you'd better find your damn replacement for the rest of the games..."
Orga was shocked as Gajeel's skin began to morph, his Magical Power skyrocketing drastically. His skin began to harden, before becoming a strange flexible metal. His form was now bright silver, his eyes now lacking pupils, with even his hair being overcome by the metal, now razor sharp to the touch.
"That can't be…!"
"I'm done playin around," Gajeel snarled, his teeth also now made of solid metal, as he slowly staggered forward into a crouched position.
"There's no way you can use the Dragon Force!? Sting and Rogue had to kill their Dragon parents to obtain it!"
"Yeah, I heard that bullshit, and that's exactly what it is, just like Salamander said! To kill a Dragon would require power far greater than ours!"
Gajeel's transformation into the Dragon Force attracted the attention of a third S Class Beast, as all three now surrounded Gajeel's position. Orga looked between them, and his own position, as he realized this was his chance to escape.
Gajeel watched as Orga ran, shaking his head as the three S Class Beasts blocked his path to the Sabertooth God Slayer.
"Cowardly bastard… Well, at least I've these three to take my frustrations out on. So, I guess it ain't all that bad? Three S Class Beasts equals thirty points for us!"
Gajeel Redfox (PTS + Dragon Force + Suppressed) – 2 Million MPI
The beasts now loomed over him, snarling and gnashing their teeth as he slowly morphed his arm, an amused smirk on his face.
"You want a piece of me? Well, come and get it! Metallic Dragon King's Serrated Wall!"
Turning around and dropping to his hands and knees, Gajeel's metallic hair expanded, covering his entire form, the pointed edges becoming even more refined and larger. This made him impossible to hit, and made him look more like a metal porcupine, rather than a Human.
The first S Class Beast decided to try its luck at striking him directly, only for its hand to be sliced cleanly apart upon impact. The beast reared back, screeching as its now carved flesh flopped about uselessly, eliciting an amused chuckle from Gajeel.
"Gihi! There ain't much that can get past these without getting all torn up, so attacking me like that was a mistake! Trial and error ain't somethin you can afford when you're facin me!"
The S Class Beast that had its hand turned to mince continued to screech, as the other two struggled to find a vulnerable opening to strike at Gajeel themselves. This amused him however, as he was merely waiting for them to draw closer.
"Now its time for the real fun to start," Gajeel smirked, as the spiky metallic hair began to vibrate before suddenly shooting out toward the S Class Beasts. "Metallic Dragon King's Serrated Barrage!"
The S Class Beast closest to Gajeel was skewered instantly, its entire body being impaled on him, as it screeched before quickly being killed. The Second one leapt back, its left side still being tagged, crippling its ability to flee like the one that had been harmed earlier, that was now rapidly retreating.
With practiced ease, Gajeel's right arm morphed into a blade, stabbing the crippled S Class Beast through the temple, killing it instantly. Looking upward, he saw the fleeing S Class Beast and smirked.
"Gihi! And you call these S Class level monsters? Don't make me laugh! A real S Class monster would've have put up way more of a fight!"
Smirking, Gajeel held out his sword arm and lined it up with the fleeing beast, feeling a vibration run down his arm as he prepared to end the fight.
"Metallic Dragon King's Extension Claw!"
The bladed arm extended at frightening speed, piercing through the fleeing beast in mere moments. The beast screeched, before succumbing to its wounds, as Gajeel retracted his bladed arm, shaking it once, before reverting back to his base form.
"What a damn joke those things were…"
***POTD***
Back outside the Anarchy Pit, the crowd roared, chanting Gajeel's name, as the announcers struggled to commentate over the action.
"COMPLETE DOMINATION BY TEAM FAIRY TAIL B'S GAJEEEEEL REDFOOOOX!"
"That's right Chapati, Gajeel's just gone and scored himself a whopping thirty points!"
"I think we can all agree that Fairy Tail is back, and in force! What are your thoughts on Gajeel's domination over the S Class Beasts!?"
"Well, I've got to hand it to the young man, he's certainly surprised everyone here today, myself included. I knew he was strong, don't get me wrong Chapati, but to crush three S Class Beasts, each bearing an MPI of at least nine hundred thousand in but a few blows is nothing short of a legendary performance!"
"There you have it folks! Team Fairy Tail B has taken the lead at the beginning of the Grand Magic Games thanks to Gajeel Redfox!"
Down in the stands, the assembled Fairy Tail Mages were in varied states of surprise. Some more so than others.
"That was seriously impressive work by Gajeel," Erza noted, as they all briefly turned away from the screens to discuss the battle. "His Dragon Force is certainly unique, isn't it?"
"From what I can tell, each one operates differently," Natsu chimed in. "Gajeel was trained by Metalicana, the Metal Dragon King, so his is bulkier and defense oriented than mine."
"That metal spike thing he did with his hair was certainly unique, wasn't it," Mira agreed. "To slice apart S Class foes with ease using just his metallic hair…"
"He's certainly grown stronger, hasn't he," Laxus finished for her, as the entire group agreed unanimously that Gajeel had really taken his skills to the next level.
"I'm honestly curious who would have won between Laxus and that Orga guy," Natsu mused, eliciting an amused chuckle from Laxus.
"There's still time for the metal-head to catch up to the coward."
"Yeah, I guess. But Orga clearly went for whatever is at the end of the Fifth Layer, so he could be at it right now for all we know? Best to hold out hope for a real fight tomorrow, since that's supposed to be when the round-based fights start."
"I'm keen for the round-based fights. Never been one for gimmick battles," Elise sniffed as she munched down on some chocolate cookies.
"I'm the same," Laxus agreed. "Everything just works out better when you can just punch your opponent, rather than having some arbitrary gimmick thrown in."
Natsu meanwhile had refocused his attention back on the screens, which were now all displaying the fight between Gray and Soru. It was obvious he was having quite a bit of trouble juggling both the Highfather Mage, and an S Class Beast.
"He's not doing too well against this guy, is he," Erza hummed, with Natsu shaking his head.
"You can't blame him, we know next to nothing about his power, or how it works? Spatial Magic is interesting, but it can be overcome. Besides, the guy has to have trained primarily movement techniques in order to move around like that, which means he's lacking in the damage department."
"Yeah, but remember Natsu, that guy hit Gray pretty hard before," Elise pointed out. "Enough of those blows could add up if this thing drags on too long?"
Natsu sighed and nodded in agreement. He wanted to believe in Gray, but what Elise had said made sense. Then again, Gray had abilities that could be utilized to beat the man, if only he was able to apply them.
***POTD***
"Ice Make – Shotgun Shards!"
Soru disappeared the moment the attack came, reappearing a second after, no worse for wear. Immediately going on the offensive, Soru disappeared, striking Gray in the chest and sending him flying back.
Quickly flipping midair, Gray was about to recover, only to notice the S Class Beast had chased after him, and was already mid strike.
"Piss off already, you're in the way," Gray snapped, immediately firing an attack at it. "Ice Make – Frozen Wasteland!"
Making a sweeping motion with his hand, the S Class Beast was frozen in place mid strike. Without missing a beat, he was already chasing after Soru, preparing another series of attacks for the Spatial Mage.
"Spatial Magic – Spatial Bombardment!"
As Soru held out his hand, the entire area before him being rocked by powerful explosions that shook the Fifth Layer to its core. Gray cursed as the S Class Beast was caught up in the attack, being shattered as Highfather were rewarded the ten points for Soru being the one to kill it.
Gray watched as Soru blitzed around the area, almost like he were teleporting, as the explosions grew more and more chaotic. Right as he was preparing something to pin the Mage down, Soru appeared within an inch of Gray.
"What the-!?"
"The time for games is over," Soru muttered darkly, a blade mere inches from his neck.
Before Soru could stab him, they were suddenly teleported, as sirens blared out across both the Anarchy Pit, and Domus Flau.
***POTD***
"Ladies and Gentlemen, that's game! Sabertooth's Orga Nanagear has claimed the item at the end of the Anarchy Pit, netting Sabertooth fifty points!"
"That's right Chapati. Sitting in the respectful second place is Team Fairy Tail B thanks to the efforts of Gajeel Redfox."
"And Highfather totally scored third thanks to some quick last-minute thinking by Soru!"
"Which brings a nice conclusion to day one of the Grand Magic Games! Thanks everyone for coming, and thanks as well to the lovely Miss Jenny Realight!"
"And congratulations to the top three teams as well!"
"We'll see you all back here tomorrow for Day Two!"
The crowd roared in approval, as Orga soaked up all the attention. Noticing Gajeel heading back toward his team, he smirked in his direction whilst pointing at the board that held the current scores on it.
Gajeel simply scoffed, shaking his head as he returned to the others. He wasn't overly bothered by how he did. Second place was still a reasonable victory on day one.
"Hey, good job out there," Laxus praised, as he slapped Gajeel on the back. "You might not have got fifty points, but thirty is still solid."
"He's right," Natsu agreed. "Every single point matters man."
"I know. Just wasn't expectin that Sabertooth guy to run, y'know?"
"I'm shocked that Soru guy didn't win," Gray chimed in, looking a little bit out of it.
"You alright man," Natsu asked, immediately noticing Gray's uncomfortable state. "You did good out there man."
"Nah, I know that Natsu, I'm just thinking about that Soru guy. I knew he wasn't going all out against me, but its obvious that he wasn't even trying. He could've snuck up and taken me out at any point, yet he didn't?"
"Yeah. I'll admit, I was shocked at how quickly he changed up his strategy in the last few seconds. I doubt many would have seen that coming," Natsu agreed. "For now, all we can all do is stay on our toes when going up against any of these Highfather Mages."
"And we've still got to watch out for Raven Tail too. I doubt they're going to back down just because Gray put the purple bastard down," Laxus added, as the group agreed.
As they began to depart Domus Flau, Natsu looked back toward the stadium, his eyes meeting those of Highfather's Team Captain, Phyrra Ashar. The admittedly beautiful woman smirked in his direction, shooting him a wink before turning on her heel and walking away.
There was definitely something off about them, he just needed to figure out what.
***POTD***
After an exhausting day Fairy Tail arrived back at the inn they were staying at and prepared for a good night's rest, Natsu, Laxus and Makarov were outside drinking minding their own business when a voice scared them half to death.
"Why are you all out here looking so down Fairy Tail did great today!"
As soon as Makarov identified the person he almost died on the spot whilst Natsu simply shook his head.
"F-F-First Master!?"
"Hello everyone!"
"Mavis, you can't just manifest in front of gramps like that," Natsu sighed, shaking his head. "You'll give the poor bastard a heart attack."
"Hold up, why aren't you surprised," Laxus asked, only for Natsu to shake his head.
"I already knew she was here. We spoke about some stuff earlier."
"Y-You knew Mavis was here, and you didn't tell me," Makarov huffed. "Damn it boy!"
"I honestly didn't think it was a big deal gramps, she just wanted to talk about some stuff and watch the games," he lied calmly, as Mavis vanished, reappearing sitting on his right shoulder.
"Its true! I'm here to support Fairy Tail all the way!"
"Well, I suppose its not like I have any say on where you go," Makarov sighed, shaking his head. "Still, I really would have appreciated some warning!"
"Sorry gramps," Natsu laughed, as the three men drank from their mugs, only to pause as a heavy pair of footsteps approached the alley.
"Well now, this seems to be a rather popular hangout!? I'd expect to see the likes of Natsu or Laxus here, but not you Saint Makarov!"
Stepping into view was Kiara Lynnes, the new Guild Master of Mermaid Heel, her signature grin plastered on her face as she drank from a mug of her own.
"Kiara," Natsu grinned, the pair clasping each other's forearms exactly like the first time they'd met. "It has been a hot minute since we last spoke, hasn't it?"
"That it has, Oberon," the Guild Master smirked.
"Fuck…"
"Cough it up big boy!"
"Cough what up," Makarov asked, wholly confused as Mavis watched the interaction with an amused twinkle in her eyes, knowing that Kiara couldn't see her.
"We made a bet seven years ago back when I did the shoot with Mira," Natsu replied, as both Makarov and Laxus looked away, both having purchased copies of the special edition of Sorcerer Weekly. "After Agares was dealt with, she made a bet that she could get the public to call me whatever she wanted. I said it was bullshit, but…"
"Your boy here is a fucking star, Master Makarov," Kiara grinned. "Took me all of two weeks to have Natsu being called Oberon, King of the Fairies!"
"Please, just call me Makarov, Kiara. After all, we are both Guild Masters, are we not?"
"Heh. It'll take some getting used to, but I can try," Kiara replied in a much calmer tone. "Honestly, the whole Guild Master thing took me by surprise…"
"My condolences for the loss of Madame Tomaria," Makarov nodded sadly. "She was a dear friend of mine."
"I know. Well, you could tell she was, even though she'd be talking shit about you."
"As do all old people Kiara," Makarov chuckled softly. "Tell me, was she buried on the Mermaid Heel Guild Hall grounds?"
"She was."
"Could I have permission to come by after the conclusion of the games? I'd like to pay my respects, if its not too much trouble-?"
"Done. I'd be a real piece of scum to deny anyone that right, least of all someone who knew her for forty-three years."
"Thank you," Makarov nodded gently, as Kiara turned her attention back toward Natsu.
"Alright Natsu, pay up!"
"Fine," Natsu sighed, casually handing over fifty thousand Jewel, much to the shock of both Makarov and Laxus. "What?"
"You seriously bet that much," Laxus asked in disbelief.
"Would you have called me King of the Fairies or Fairy Tail's Oberon before she started using Sorcerer Weekly to push it?"
"Well…"
"Here's your fifty grand Kiara."
"Thank you kindly, good Sir, I'm sure you'll have double by next week anyway," the Guild Master smirked.
"And why would that be," Makarov asked curiously, as Kiara seemed somewhat hesitant to share the details.
"Just a project in the works, you know how it is? Speaking of, I need to borrow Natsu for just a sec?"
"I suppose I can allow that," Makarov smiled, looking toward Laxus. "Come on, let's head in and get some refills.
Laxus merely grunted in response, following his Grandfather inside, leaving Natsu and Kiara almost alone, if Mavis' presence wasn't included.
"So, what's up Kiara?"
"Just got done speaking with Mira, and man… I don't know what kinda charisma you got, but getting three of the strongest girls in Fairy Tail to take part in a shoot… Am I gonna expect you to have Ur taking part in the next one?"
"Don't tempt her, she probably would," Natsu snorted in response, knowing full well the Ice Make Mage's sense of humor. "What day do you have in mind?"
"I want it before the last day of the games," Kiara replied casually. "If we time it right, everyone involved is, and I shit you not, looking at seven figures…"
"Sev-!?"
"Yep! I've already got the exact theme for the shoot in mind."
"Oh yeah?"
"We're gonna be putting that King of the Fairies moniker to damn good use this week. All I need you to do is fucking demolish anyone you have to deal with in the Grand Magic Games. And yes, I'm even saying my own Guild if necessary…"
"Is this legal, what we're talking about, I mean?"
"Do you care?"
"…No."
"Then its highly illegal, but we'll get fucking stacked with cash. I don't know about you, but Mermaid Heel needs a good cash injection right about now?"
"Fairy Tail definitely could use the same," Natsu agreed. "Fine. We'll keep what you just said on the down low, alright?"
"Awesome," Kiara grinned, before suddenly narrowing her eyes. "There was something else I had to mention to you as well…? OH! So, one of the girls in my Guild really wants to meet you!"
"One of your girls? Why?"
"I'm not gonna spoil it, but I know the full details. Trust me, its not bad at all, its actually pretty wholesome," Kiara replied, which made Natsu feel slightly more at ease. "She's a little bit shy about discussing all of it in the open, so expect her to want to talk in private, alright?"
"Fair enough," Natsu nodded in reply. "I'm going to assume she doesn't know you're letting me know any of this?"
"Not at all!"
"Noted."
"Cool. Alright, well, I've got to get back to my girls, but don't be a stranger man! We should totally meet up at some point, yeah?"
"I'll see how my schedule turns out, Master Lynnes," Natsu smirked, as the tomboyish Guild Master rapped her knuckles on his chest.
"Shut up dumbass, it'll always just be Kiara to you."
"Night Kiara," Natsu chuckled, as the Guild Master went on her way, leaving Natsu alone to his thoughts.
"You really are into some interesting things, aren't you," Mavis asked, slightly startling him, as he forgot she was there for a brief moment.
"Am I going to be receiving a lecture? Gramps told me your lectures were legendary," Natsu asked, only for Mavis to snort in response.
"I'd be a bit of a hypocrite if I did. Do you know how many times I broke the law to get money for the Guild? I'd have fifty consecutive life sentences!?"
"The more I learn about you, the less you seem like a Fairy in Human form."
"Oh? And what am I then," Mavis smirked, resting her chin atop his head.
"A little gremlin."
"I thought you might say something like that," the First Master smirked, leaning forward so she could meet his gaze directly. "Just remember, I can manifest at ANY time or place?"
"So?"
"So… There are plenty of opportunities for me to show you what a little gremlin really looks like!"
"Its strange, but I actually kind of want to see that," Natsu smiled, as he walked back into the Honey Bone Inn, Mavis de-materializing before he got through the doors, as he rejoined the others.