A/N : Hey ! Back with chapter 9. Getting excited for the next chapters.
Enjoy !
"And welcome, everybody, to the second day of our grand magic games!" cheered the announcer.
"After yesterday's events, unfortunately, Lucy Heartfilia from Fairy Tail A will not be able to participate. That means Fairy Tail needs to replace her with someone, and we'll discover right now who it is!" he said, his voice booming across the arena.
"Huh? Gramps already found someone?" Natsu asked, turning to Gray and Erza.
"I guess so, but he didn't tell anything about it to me," Erza replied, her brow furrowed in confusion.
"Please welcome our new participant for Fairy Tail A! Haru Inazumi !" the announcer beamed into the microphone.
The crowd's reaction was… well, kinda mixed. Some people were cheering, others just looked confused hearing my name, as I was completely unknown. All heads turned towards me, including the Fairy Tail teams, who were completely unaware of my participation. I walked down the center of the arena, my head held high and eyes full of concentration. As I strode forward, a few crackles of electricity danced around me, adding to the spectacle.
Natsu's jaw dropped. "No way! Haru's our replacement?"
Gray smirked, clearly impressed. "Looks like Gramps had a plan after all."
Erza nodded, a proud smile forming on her lips. "Show them what you're made of, Haru."
With every step, I felt the weight of my guild's hopes and expectations on my shoulders. But instead of feeling pressure, I felt a surge of determination. This was my moment to prove myself and show everyone the strength of Fairy Tail.
The arena buzzed with anticipation as I reached the center, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
I got closer, and high-fived every one of them. From afar, I saw the Fairy Tail B team, Mira and Laxus watching me.
"Haru..." mumbled Mira, concern in her eyes.
"Don't worry about him. He'll be fine," said Laxus, confident.
The first game of the day was, to put it mildly, ridiculous. Every Dragon Slayer from each team had decided to join a game called... Chariots? Because, yeah, they all have motion sickness. Stupid dragons.
I sighed, watching the humiliating scene in front of me. Natsu, Gajeel, and Sting were literally vomiting at the back of the chariots, unable to move a muscle. The sight was both comical and painful to watch, and the crowd's mix of laughter and groans echoed through the stadium.
In the afternoon, the arena buzzed with excitement as the next match approached.
"For this match, please welcome Kagura from Mermaid Heel!" The announcer's voice boomed, igniting cheers from the crowd. "And she will be fighting... Oh wow, this is early! Haru Inazumi!"
As my name echoed through the arena, adrenaline surged through me. This was it—my first official match in the Grand Magic Games. Stepping forward, I felt a mix of excitement and nerves.
I walked into the arena, heart pounding. The crowd's cheers filled the air. Kagura stood across from me, looking terribly confident.
"Remember what you've trained for," Erza called out, her voice steady.
"You've got this, Haru!" Natsu's encouragement rang out.
With their words echoing in my mind, I took my position. It was just Kagura and me now, ready to battle.
Kagura drew her sword, and we locked eyes. It was time to show what I could do.
The referee's hand rose, marking the commencement of the match. I inhaled deeply, focusing my thoughts. Just then, it felt like the world narrowed down to just Kagura and me. Her blade catching the sunlight with a menacing gleam.
In an instant, the clash began. Kagura moved with incredible speed, her strikes precise and relentless. I sidestepped, feeling the rush of displaced air as her blade narrowly missed me. "She's fast," I acknowledged inwardly. But I was determined to keep up.
With swift reflexes, I teleported behind her and delivered a powerful kick, sending her reeling. As crackling lightning surged from my hand, I chanted, "Roaring thunder, Kirin!" The energy surged towards Kagura, who managed to block the attack, her surprise evident in her widened eyes.
"Hey, that guy is strong," a voice murmured from the crowd, followed by another's impressed acknowledgment of my affiliation with Fairy Tail.
The fight pressed on, and I could hear the cheers of encouragement from my friends in the balcony. Their support fueled my determination. This was my time to shine.
Kagura launched another assault, and I evaded by zapping out of her path. But as I reappeared, I found myself immobilized, pinned to the ground by a massive gravity column.
"I knew you would go for that play, Inazumi," Kagura's voice cut through the air, her tone calm and confident, as she advanced towards me.
Gritting my teeth, I fought against the oppressive force of the gravity column, feeling the ground beneath me tremble as I poured more of my magic into resistance. "I'm not done yet!" I shouted defiantly, summoning every ounce of strength within me. With a primal roar, I unleashed a burst of electricity, disrupting the gravity spell long enough for me to break free.
Finally regaining my footing, I zapped away to create some distance and prepare for my next move. Slapping my hands together, I focused my magic. "Kirin, Aelion!" I chanted, feeling the weight of thunder and wind swirling around me. Concentrating intensely, I prepared to unleash a counter-attack.
"I won't let you!" Kagura roared, launching herself towards me with ferocity.
"Wait... just a bit more..." I muttered to myself, the tension mounting as Kagura drew closer, the crowd holding their breath in anticipation of the impending clash.
"NOW!" I yelled inwardly, zapping to both sides and making contact with Kagura's arms in a risky maneuver. Despite her diminished strength, she still managed to strike me, albeit with reduced force. I was sent flying, crashing into one of the arena's walls with bone-jarring impact.
Struggling to rise, I felt the lingering effects of my magic dancing around Kagura, disrupting her balance and defenses. She stumbled slightly, surprise flashing in her eyes as she tried to comprehend the situation. The crowd gasped, their attention riveted by the intense battle unfolding before them.
Despite the pain coursing through me, I managed to get back on my feet. Kagura's confusion mirrored my own as she questioned the mysterious magic enveloping her. "What have you done to me?" she gritted her teeth, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
Grinning triumphantly, I declared, "I just took the advantage."
Drawing upon my remaining strength, I focused my magic, summoning the elements to my command. With a determined expression, I chanted, "Thundering Cyclone, Storm Phoenix!"
In an instant, both impact on Kagura's arms started glowing, a huge column of magic erupted from her feet, a potent mix of wind and thunder propelling her through the air. She screamed in pain as she crashed to the ground with a resounding thud. The arena fell silent, tension thick in the air. I did it?
But Kagura proved resilient. Despite her injuries, she managed to rise to one knee, her determination unwavering. "I'll learn not to underestimate my enemy," she declared, her voice strained with effort.
"Tsch," I muttered in frustration, my hopes of a swift victory dashed.
"But this isn't over, Inazumi!" Kagura's defiant yell resonated through the arena, igniting a renewed fervor in the crowd.
As she lunged towards me once more, I prepared to evade. However, to my horror, I found myself unable to move. Panic surged through me as I realized my legs were paralyzed, my magic reserves depleted far sooner than I had anticipated. "Jeez, Haru, move your ass!" I inwardly berated myself, desperate to break free from my immobility. I finally felt it. I was already out. Out of magic. In this crucial moment. In 3 poor spells, my body was already giving up on me.
But it was too late. Kagura swung her sword with blinding speed, the blade slicing through the air as she dashed through me, leaving me standing helpless in her wake.
Once again, the arena fell silent. I remained frozen in place, the realization weighing heavily upon me. Time seemed to stop as I dropped to my knees, the harsh reality of my loss hitting me. Could it be? Had I really lost? Again ? I thought, before collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud
"And the winner is Kagura from Mermaid Heel!" bellowed the announcer.
The crowd exploded in cheers for Kagura, but I remained on the ground, my vision blurring. The pain and exhaustion washed over me like a tidal wave, but even worse was the bitter sting of defeat. The worried voices of my teammates echoed around me as they rushed to my side.
"Haru!" I heard my name called from every direction, each voice carrying a mix of concern and disappointment. I had lost. On my very first day with the team, I had let Fairy Tail down. Was I really that weak? The thought gnawed at me as I lay there, grappling with the harsh reality of my defeat.
Before I could dwell on it further, I felt someone gently roll me onto my back, and the soothing warmth of Wendy's healing magic began to ease my wounds.
"Haru, are you okay?" Wendy asked, tears shimmering in her eyes. I couldn't bear to meet anyone's gaze. I squeezed my eyes shut tight. "Sorry," I mumbled, my voice barely audible. "I'm such an idiot."
"Don't say that!" Natsu's voice cut through the air, his tone filled with fiery determination.
Startled, I opened my eyes to see Natsu standing over me, his expression serious. "You fought an incredible battle. No one could've given more than you did. Remember, you went up against Kagura; she's no pushover."
I gritted my teeth. "But I still lost."
With the help of my teammates, I was guided to the tavern, knowing that the day was over anyway. Collapsing onto my bed, my mind raced with self-doubt and frustration. I was alone in the quiet room, the emptiness amplifying the turmoil within me. What did they think of me now? Had I failed them? Countless questions swirled in my mind, but there were no answers.
And then, in a surge of frustration and anger, I made a decision. "Fuck this" I muttered to myself before leaping out of the window
"Haru, how do you f—" Mira began, entering the room. Her words were cut off as she took in the empty bed.
A scream echoed through the guild hall, alerting everyone. "What's happening?" Gray demanded, rushing in after Mira. His eyes widened as he took in the vacant bed.
Tears formed in Mira's eyes as she choked out, "Where did he go? He can't move, he needs rest..."
Without another word, they all scattered to search for me. "What a moron," Gray muttered under his breath, frustration evident in his voice. "I knew he'd bolt at the first opportunity," he added, darting through Crocus in search of any sign.
"Where could he have gone?" Erza's concern rang out, her voice tinged with worry. "Anyone have any ideas?"
"He's always had a thing for high places..." Wendy's soft voice trailed off, her sadness palpable.
"We'll find him," Mira reassured, kneeling down to pat Wendy's head, though tears still lingered in her eyes.
After an hour of fruitless searching, hope began to wane. But then, a brilliant flash of lightning shot up from the ground, illuminating a high point not far from Crocus.
"That's got to be him," Erza declared, determination filling her voice. "Let's move!"
As they approached, they all halted, observing me from a distance. I was too lost in my rage to notice their presence, relentlessly pounding a nearby tree with all my might. Each blow was fueled by frustration and disappointment, a torrent of emotion unleashed upon the unsuspecting trunk.
They watched with somber eyes, understanding that disturbing me would be a mistake. But when I finally sank to my knees, exhausted and broken, one of them took a tentative step forward.
Mira moved towards me in utter silence, not uttering a word. What she did, however, surprised me. She simply knelt down beside me and enveloped me in a warm embrace. She held me from behind, her presence offering solace without the need for words. I was too submerged in my sorrow to speak, and she respected that.
"It's going to be alright, Haru," she whispered softly against my shoulder. "I know what you're feeling right now. We all do. But it's going to be alright. You haven't hurt anyone. You haven't let anyone down. No one is angry with you. And nothing will happen to you dear," she added, tightening her hold around me.
Slowly, water slowly began to climb to my eyes. Two other members stepped forward. Gray and Wendy approached me, with Wendy joining the hug alongside Mira. Gray stood silently by my side. He didn't say much, but for me, that was enough. He knows me. He knows I prefer silence when everything is wrong. He knows I find more comfort in someone's presence than in words meant to soothe. In fact, they all knew it. One by one, they lined up next to Gray, looking at me in total silence. I felt their presence. For the first time that night, I lifted my head and saw them. I felt Mira and Wendy's embrace and saw the faces of my guildmates—Fairy Tail. They stood proudly by my side, even after my defeat. Why? I looked at them again, catching a slight smile on Gray's face before he reached out his hand toward me.
"Come on, bud. You're better than that," he said simply.
After his words, every single person around me reached out their hands for me. My eyes widened. "How... Why...?" I sobbed.
"Because winning or losing doesn't define you," Natsu declared, with his usual fiery spirit.
"We have a saying in Fairy Tail," Gray chimed in, a grin spreading across his face. "A Fairy Tail mage never loses twice to the same enemy."
Warmth filled me as my eyes widened. They were really all here. For me. And here I was, an idiot sobbing under a tree. I slowly got up, Wendy and Mira supporting me on either side. I finally reached for Gray's hand, grasping it firmly.
"You're right. Next fight is mine," I said, determination filling my eyes.
"That's more like it," Natsu said, grinning and giving me a good old slap on the back.
"I'm sorry, guys. I was just... so mad. At myself, I mean. And frustrated. I couldn't help it," I apologized, feeling a bit better now that I had let it out.
Makarov came up behind everyone else, his presence strong and reassuring.
"You know, kid, what you did might not have been the smartest move. But if it helped you feel better, then it was the right thing to do. We all need to blow off steam sometimes, especially after a tough loss. But always remember, you're never alone in this. That's what being part of Fairy Tail is all about. Now, let's head back to the guild," he said, turning to walk.
A sense of relief washed over me as I looked at my guildmates. They were all supporting me despite my mistakes, my losses. As we walked back to the guild together, I felt a renewed determination. I wasn't just fighting for myself anymore—I was fighting for them, for Fairy Tail.
And next time, I would come out on top.
A/N : Well well well. At least now Haru knows he can count on everyone, even after a loss. I hope you still enjoyed, chapters are getting better and better imo, and I hope you'll like what's coming. Next chapter was a bit of a test for me. At that time I was really working on the fight scenes. So following up is the final fight for FairyTail is theses GMG.
See ya !
.Nei.
Anyway, enjoy !