Chapter-83: Day 3- One on One battles

Natsu was laughing hysterically, his joy infectious as 'Igneel' chuckled along with him, a broad smile on his face.

"That was—ha!—that was something, brat," 'Igneel' said with a mix of amusement and fondness. "This was nice, but I gotta go."

"And how is retirement keeping you so busy? You're not even actually here," Artoria interjected, her grin cheeky and playful.

'Igneel' laughed, shaking his head. "Oh, so you've noticed?"

Artoria's smile widened. "Father, we are Transcended Beings. Of course, we noticed a projection."

"Fair point," 'Igneel' replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "Well, you kids continue to have fun. I'll handle things on our side. Later!" With that, his projection faded away, leaving the group in high spirits.

"That was sooo good, dear!" Sylvie exclaimed, her and Sera's faces lighting up with admiration as they smothered Natsu with affectionate, teasing kisses.

Natsu grinned, soaking in their affection. "Well, I'm happy you enjoyed it."

Scaha giggled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Did you really have to use the Mind Focus Spell? I doubt they would've done anything now that they know you are E.N.D."

Natsu's grin turned cheeky as he looked at her. "You taught me that spell, love. Why wouldn't I use it?"

Scathach shook her head, clearly amused. "Touché. Still, you always find a way to surprise everyone."

Natsu winked. "Gotta keep things interesting, right?"

The evening's events had been nothing short of extraordinary, and everyone knew there was still more to come. The anticipation in the air was palpable as the one-on-one matches were announced:

Match One: Mermaid Heel's Millianna vs. Lost, The Sage.
Match Two: Blue Pegasus's Eve Tearm vs. Primal's Ghost.
Match Three: Lamia Scale's Sherria Blendy vs. Fairy Tail Team B's Wendy Marvell Dragneel.
Match Four: Saber Tooth's Rufus Lore vs. Fairy Tail Team A's Gray Fullbuster.

Natsu leaned back, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Eh, nothing too interesting."

"Yeah, I was hoping to fight someone from Primal or Lost. I haven't had a chance to do anything yet," Nero added, sounding a bit restless.

Natsu's grin widened, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Oh? Looks like you could use some help! From the big boss of—"

"SHUT UP!" Nero quickly covered his ears, glaring at Natsu.

Natsu burst out laughing, his laughter echoing through the arena, filling it with a lighthearted energy.

"All right, love, stop teasing Nero," Natasha chimed in with a playful smile. "He might actually cry."

"HEY!" Nero protested, his face flushing slightly as he shot Natasha an indignant look. "I'm not a kid, you know!"

As the banter continued, the announcer's voice echoed through the arena, signaling the start of the first one-on-one match.

Match One: Mermaid Heel's Millianna vs. Lost's The Sage.

Poor Millianna didn't even have a chance to show off her skills. 'The Sage' wasted no time, firing a devastating beam of raw magic that hit Millianna directly, taking the cat girl out of the fight before she could even make a move. The crowd gasped in shock at the sheer power on display, but the match was over in an instant.

Match Two: Blue Pegasus's Eve Tearm vs. Primal's Ghost.

The second match followed a similar pattern, but this time with a more brutal twist. Ghost didn't just defeat Eve—he utterly humiliated him. Eve's attempts to fight back were swiftly countered, and he was quickly overpowered in a display of raw strength and relentless assault. The crowd watched in a mix of awe and discomfort as Eve was beaten down, leaving no doubt as to who was the stronger mage.

Match Three: Lamia Scale's Sherria Blendy vs. Fairy Tail Team B's Wendy Marvell Dragneel.

Sherria, a young girl with pink hair and bright blue eyes, looked to be two or three years younger than Wendy. Her innocent demeanor and bubbly excitement were clear as she made her way to the arena, waving energetically at the audience. The crowd responded warmly to her enthusiasm, cheering for the young mage.

Wendy, however, opted for a more dramatic entrance. The air crackled with electricity and wind as a swirling portal formed in the center of the arena. In a flash of lightning, Wendy emerged, stepping out in her battle coat that accentuated her mature and feminine figure. A confident smirk played across her lips as the lightning that cloaked her form dissipated, leaving her standing tall and poised, ready for the fight.

The crowd roared with excitement at the sight of Wendy's entrance, impressed by her display of power and confidence.

As the cheers began to subside, Sherria waved energetically to the audience, her bright eyes filled with excitement. She took a few steps forward, her pink hair bouncing with each movement. "Hi, I'm Sherria!" she said with a cheerful grin, introducing herself with genuine enthusiasm.

Wendy tilted her head slightly, her smirk growing a bit wider. "You already know who I am," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of arrogance. The audience chuckled at Wendy's boldness, sensing the friendly rivalry in the air.

Sherria chuckled awkwardly, trying to keep the mood light. "Yeah, Wendy Dragneel, the Storm, right? You're a Sky Dragon Slayer, right?"

Wendy's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Oh, I'm much more than just a Dragon Slayer," she said with a playful giggle. "I've got a few surprises up my sleeve."

Sherria's smile widened, her excitement palpable. "I'm looking forward to seeing them. I want to see how your Sky Magic measures up to mine."

Wendy chuckled softly, her gaze steady. "You say that as if your magic is superior to mine. You might find yourself in for a nasty surprise, little 'God Slayer.'"

Sherria's eyes narrowed slightly. "So you know of me?"

"No," Wendy replied with a smirk, "but I can certainly smell the fake God Magic from a mile away."

Sherria bristled at the comment. "Fake? Now that's a bit rude."

"Rude, perhaps," Wendy said with a shrug, "but it's also a fact."

Sherria's curiosity was piqued. "How, exactly?"

Wendy tilted her head, her gaze unwavering. "First, it lacks actual divinity. Second, the brand you're using with the Black elements is a bastardized version of Dragon Magic. Humans sought to create a magic more powerful than the one the dragons granted them and experimented extensively. The result was... disappointing in the long run. It's poisonous to Dragon Slayers but ineffective against real dragons. To them, it's just another form of human magic. So, your brand of magic is essentially 'Dragon Slayer Slayer Magic.' It's only marginally better than base Dragon Slayer Magic, and any level higher and it gets overwhelmed. Is that enough reason for you to understand why your magic is considered fake?"

Sherria's face flushed with a mix of indignation and curiosity. "You think you know everything about my magic?"

Wendy's smirk grew wider. "Little girl, I've met Transcended Beings who are practically gods. I lived among them, some with authority over magic itself. I know more about magic than humanity has learned in centuries. Did you not learn anything from Jura's beat down? .not humans."

The crowd buzzed with excitement, their anticipation growing. Wendy's words hung in the air, a blend of arrogance and expertise that set the stage for what promised to be a thrilling match. Sherria took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure.

"Well then," Sherria said, her voice steady despite her frustration, "let's see if your understanding of magic matches up to my skills."

Wendy shook her head, her expression a mix of amusement and mild disdain. "Well, so be it."

Mato cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Begin!"

As soon as the match started, Sherria wasted no time. "Sky God's Bellow!" she called out, unleashing a small storm of black wind toward Wendy.

The crowd watched in anticipation as the swirling tempest of dark wind raced towards Wendy. To everyone's surprise, Wendy made no effort to dodge. Instead, she simply exhaled gently, and the wind was effortlessly blown away, dissipating without the need for any spell.

The arena fell silent, and Sherria's eyes widened in disbelief. "W-what?"

Wendy sighed softly, her gaze now more pitying than arrogant. "Listen, you're a nice girl, and I don't enjoy fighting those who are massively weaker than I am. So, just turn around and leave."

Sherria's cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. The audience buzzed with murmurs, their excitement tempered by the unexpected ease with which Wendy had handled the attack.

Mato glanced between the two competitors, unsure of how to respond to the sudden turn of events. "Uh, well, Sherria, if you decide to continue, it's your call."

Sherria, struggling to maintain her composure, clenched her fists. "I'm not backing down. I'll prove that my magic isn't just 'fake'—you'll see!"

Wendy nodded slightly, her expression softening. "Very well. Show me what you've got."

Determined to prove herself, Sherria rushed forward, her fists cloaked in swirling black wind. She aimed for Wendy with a series of rapid punches, each strike imbued with the power of her Sky God's Magic.

Wendy, however, moved with graceful ease. She deftly slapped away each of Sherria's attempts, her movements a blend of agility and casual confidence. The black wind barely grazed her as she deflected the attacks with minimal effort, her calm demeanor never wavering.

Sherria's frustration grew with each failed strike. Her eyes narrowed, and she pressed on with even more intensity, trying to land a hit. Despite her best efforts, Wendy continued to effortlessly parry and dodge, her calm, almost disinterested attitude remaining unchanged.

The audience watched in awe, some members murmuring in disbelief at Wendy's apparent ease in handling Sherria's relentless onslaught. Wendy's skillful defense and the effortless way she neutralized Sherria's attacks highlighted the vast difference in their magical prowess.

As Sherria took a brief moment to catch her breath, Wendy spoke up, her voice carrying a mix of encouragement and finality. "I can see you're giving it your all, but it's clear that your magic isn't at the level required to challenge me. Perhaps it's time to reconsider this match."

Sherria, panting and frustrated, looked up at Wendy, her spirit not entirely broken but clearly battered. "I'm not giving up yet!" she declared, though the determination in her voice was tinged with weariness.

Wendy sighed, her eyes reflecting a mix of sympathy and firmness. "If you insist, then continue. But remember, it's not just about fighting hard; it's about fighting smart."

As Sherria steadied herself, she took a deep breath, trying to push through her frustration. Determined to make an impact, she gathered her remaining strength and decided to change tactics. With a focused expression, she began to channel more of her Sky God's Magic into a new spell.

"Sky God's Wrath!" Sherria cried out, her voice filled with fierce determination. A swirling vortex of dark wind materialized around her, expanding rapidly as it gained momentum. The air was filled with the howling sound of the storm, and the arena was bathed in a swirling mass of black energy.

The crowd's murmur grew louder as they watched the intense display.

As the swirling vortex of dark wind continued to swirl around Sherria, Wendy's expression hardened. The arena was filled with a palpable tension as Wendy's aura began to flare, a brilliant blue light that illuminated the entire arena and made the air crackle with raw energy.

Sherria's eyes widened in shock and awe. "W-what? I've never felt so much power, not even from Jura!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling slightly as she struggled to maintain her spell.

Wendy's gaze remained steady, her tone calm yet authoritative. "Well, I did warn you," she said. "Again, I ask, did you not learn anything from Jura's beatdown? We are not humans. Don't expect human levels of power."

As Wendy's aura intensified, the arena seemed to vibrate with the force of her magic. The crowd watched in awe, their cheers hushed by the overwhelming display of strength. Wendy's power was immense, yet she restrained herself, the full extent of her capabilities only hinted at by the sheer force she was currently exerting.

Sherria strained to keep her vortex stable, but the pressure was immense. She gritted her teeth, her arms shaking as she fought against the overwhelming energy Wendy was unleashing. "I-I can't believe this..." Sherria struggled to say, her voice barely audible over the roaring wind.

Wendy's eyes softened as she observed Sherria's struggle. "You're not a bad fighter, Sherria. You've got potential," she said. "But you need to understand that there are levels of power beyond what humans can reach."

Sherria, breathing heavily and visibly exhausted, looked up at Wendy with a mix of respect and determination. "I see," she replied, her voice filled with both admiration and resolve. "I have a lot to learn."

Wendy offered a reassuring smile. "We all do."

With that, Wendy extended a hand to help Sherria up, who accepted it gratefully. As Sherria regained her footing, the crowd erupted into applause, acknowledging the impressive display from both combatants.

Mato, stepping forward to address the audience, spoke with enthusiasm. "What an incredible match! A big round of applause for both fighters! Congratulations to Wendy Marvell Dragneel for winning the round!"

The cheers and applause filled the arena, and Wendy gave a respectful nod to Sherria before heading off the stage. The excitement for the remaining matches was palpable, and the atmosphere in the arena crackled with anticipation for what was to come next.

Match Four: Sabertooth's Rufus Lore vs. Fairy Tail Team A's Gray Fullbuster

Rufus stood in the arena with a hardened expression, his previous humiliation at Gray's hands on the first day still fresh in his mind.

"Rufus," a feminine voice called from behind.

He turned to see a slim young woman of average height with a curvaceous figure. Her long, straight, and glossy purple hair reached down to her lower back, mostly left loose, with a part in the middle of her forehead. Two bangs framed her face, extending below her shoulders, while her hair was also styled into a pair of bun-shaped dango loops on either side of her head. A braid was visible a few inches below each of these loops. Her lips were covered in glossy dark lipstick, and her slanted dark eyes, with long eyelashes, were topped by elongated, diagonal dark spots, seemingly serving as or covering her eyebrows.

She wore a strapless dress with a large slit along her left leg, exposing her thigh. The dress was secured to her body by a number of dark laces on her back and her right side, partially exposing her right breast and back. A line of metal fasteners, shaped like two horizontally-placed triangles with their bases linked together, adorned her front left side. Her outfit was completed by a pair of shoulder-length ornamental gloves, dark on the arm and the lower part of the hand, and light on the upper part. She also wore dark boots that reached up to her mid-calves.

This was Minerva Orland, the master of Sabertooth.

"Yes, my lady?" Rufus asked.

"Do your best," she said simply. The events of the last few days had shown just how unprepared they were.

Sting had been defeated by Wendy, Orga had been humiliated, though he kept trying to convince everyone that he had scared his opponent. Yukino had been matched against someone simply stronger. Minerva had taken control of the guild from her father, who was a power-hungry fool. Even she knew that. He had been so arrogant that he thought he could even defeat someone like Silver-Eye, an obsession of his ever since his humiliating defeat at Natsu's hands about 10 years ago.

His sheer stupidity still affected Sting to this day.

Minerva, however, was not like her father. She wanted Sabertooth to be strong, yes, but her father had been an idiot who simply expected power to come to him. Whenever someone in the guild underperformed, he would kick them out.

She cherished Sting and Rogue—they were her closest friends—but she agreed with Natsu: they needed a good beating to remove that unfounded arrogance from them.

Gray casually walked towards the center of the arena, his hands in his pockets and a whistle on his lips. His demeanor was relaxed, almost bored, as if the upcoming match was just another routine for him.

Rufus, standing across from him, gritted his teeth in frustration, glaring at Gray with intense fury.

Gray noticed Rufus's heated gaze and tilted his head with a mocking smile. "You want something, dude?" he asked sarcastically.

"You will pay for what you did on the first day," Rufus spat, his voice tight with anger.

Gray raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. "And what exactly did I do, Rolus?"

Rufus's glare intensified, his patience wearing thin. "It's Rufus!"

"Is it?" Gray shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't care."

The crowd chuckled at Gray's flippant attitude, enjoying the banter between the two mages as the tension in the arena continued to build.

"Are you both ready?" asked Mato, his voice echoing through the arena, trying to maintain some semblance of order.

"Yes," Rufus responded immediately, his tone sharp and his expression serious. He was clearly determined to redeem himself after his defeat at Gray's hands earlier in the Games.

Gray, on the other hand, shrugged nonchalantly. "I mean, if he's so set on getting his ass beat, so be it." His casual tone and confident grin only added to the crowd's amusement, eliciting another round of laughter.

Mato raised his hand, a smile tugging at his lips despite his efforts to remain impartial. "Then let the match begin!" He swung his hand down, signaling the start of the duel.

The atmosphere in the arena was electric with anticipation as Rufus stood ready, waiting for Gray to make the first move. However, Gray simply stood there, hands in his pockets, yawning as if he was completely uninterested in the fight.

Rufus's frustration grew. "You're underestimating me, Fullbuster. Big mistake!" he shouted, his voice filled with determination. He raised his arm, magic energy swirling around him. "Memory-Make: Explosive Lightning!" he declared, sending a bolt of crackling energy toward Gray.

Gray didn't even flinch. With a swift, almost casual sidestep, he dodged the attack effortlessly. "Is that it? I thought you were gonna put up a fight," Gray teased, his tone mocking.

Rufus scowled, his face reddening with anger. "Don't get cocky!" He conjured another spell, "Memory-Make: Scorching Fire!" Flames erupted from his hands, surging toward Gray like a roaring inferno.

Once again, Gray moved with such speed and precision that the flames seemed to pass through thin air, not even touching him. "You know," Gray said, smirking, "if you're gonna keep throwing this weak stuff at me, you're just gonna tire yourself out."

Rufus gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing. "Enough games! Memory-Make: Blades of the Past!" A series of ethereal swords materialized around Rufus and shot toward Gray at high speed.

Gray dodged each one with almost nonchalant ease, moving so quickly that he was practically a blur. He even managed to swipe his hand through the air a few times, causing some of Rufus's magical constructs to vanish altogether. "Seriously, Rufus? Blades? Come on, I thought you were a creative guy," Gray taunted. "But if this is the best you've got, maybe you should stick to stage tricks."

The crowd roared with laughter, clearly enjoying Gray's witty banter and effortless evasion of Rufus's attacks. Rufus, however, was growing more frustrated by the second. "How… how are you doing this?" he demanded, his breath coming in short gasps.

Gray gave a lazy shrug, his smirk widening. "What, you mean dodging your slow attacks? I mean, I'm just that good. You should try aiming faster, or maybe, just maybe, learn some new tricks."

Furious, Rufus clenched his fists and poured more magic into his next spell. "Memory-Make: Thousand Arrows!" A barrage of shimmering arrows formed in the air around him, all aimed directly at Gray.

But once again, Gray was unfazed. As the arrows shot toward him, he moved with such speed that it seemed as though he was merely walking through the rain, each projectile missing him by a hair's breadth. "Is this really your plan, Rufus? Just keep throwing stuff at me and hope something sticks?" he asked, chuckling.

Rufus's frustration was boiling over. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Gray wasn't just fast; he was on a completely different level. And the fact that Gray hadn't even bothered to use his magic made Rufus's efforts seem almost futile.

"Face it, Rufus," Gray said, his voice growing serious, "you're outmatched. You can't keep up with me. So, unless you've got something else up your sleeve, I'd suggest giving up before you embarrass yourself any further."

Rufus's frustration was palpable. He was breathing heavily, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he tried to catch his breath. The crowd's laughter and applause only fueled his determination. He clenched his fists, refusing to back down. "I won't give up!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the arena. "Memory-Make: Midnight Requiem!"

A dark, swirling mass of energy began to form above Rufus, crackling with ominous power. The sky above the arena seemed to darken, and the temperature dropped as the spell took shape. The crowd gasped in awe and anticipation. This was one of Rufus's most powerful spells, capable of devastating attacks that could overwhelm most opponents.

Gray, however, simply watched with a bored expression. "Are you done yet?" he asked, tapping his foot impatiently. "I've got places to be, Rufus."

With a shout, Rufus released the spell, sending a massive wave of dark energy hurtling toward Gray. The ground beneath it cracked and splintered as the force of the attack tore through the air.

Gray sighed and, for the first time, moved his hand to his side. In a flash, he drew his revolver, BlueMoon, the polished metal glinting in the dim light of the arena. The crowd fell silent, eyes wide as they watched Gray's next move.

With a casual ease, Gray aimed BlueMoon directly at the oncoming wave of energy. "Bang," he muttered, pulling the trigger.

A single shot rang out, echoing through the arena. The bullet, glowing with a faint blue light, cut through the air and collided with the center of Rufus's attack. There was a moment of silence, a brief second where everything seemed to freeze, and then—

BOOM!

The shot exploded on impact, sending a shockwave through the arena and dispersing Rufus's dark energy attack like it was nothing more than smoke in the wind. The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps, amazed by the display of power.

Rufus staggered back, eyes wide in disbelief. "What… how…?"

Gray twirled BlueMoon around his finger before casually holstering it again. "Is that all you've got, Rufus?" he asked, smirking. "I thought you were gonna give me a challenge."

Rufus gritted his teeth, his frustration boiling over. "This… this isn't over!" he yelled, trying to summon more magic. "Memory-Make: Inferno Blade!" A massive sword of flames appeared in his hand, burning with intense heat. He charged at Gray, swinging the blade with all his might.

Gray sidestepped effortlessly, dodging the attack. "Too slow," he taunted. He drew BlueMoon once more, firing another shot. This time, the bullet struck the ground just inches from Rufus's feet, creating another small crater and causing him to stumble.

Rufus nearly fell, barely catching himself. His face was a mix of frustration and disbelief. He couldn't understand how Gray was so strong, so fast, and his accuracy with the revolver was terrifying.

Gray shook his head, laughing softly. "Rufus, Rufus, Rufus… Did you really think you could beat me? I haven't even used my magic yet. This is just me having a bit of fun."

The crowd roared with laughter, clearly enjoying the show. Gray's perfect precision and the raw power of his revolver, BlueMoon, had them on the edge of their seats. Every shot created another crater, every move was effortless, and every taunt only seemed to demoralize Rufus further.

Rufus, panting and exhausted, knew he was outmatched. Gray was toying with him, and it was clear to everyone that there was no way Rufus could win this fight. But still, he couldn't bring himself to give up. He had to keep trying, no matter what.

Gray, sensing Rufus's determination, finally grew serious. "Alright, I've had my fun," he said, spinning BlueMoon one last time. "But it's time to end this."

He aimed the revolver directly at Rufus, his expression deadly serious. "This next one won't miss," Gray warned, his voice low and cold.

Rufus froze, knowing he was at Gray's mercy. The arena fell silent, all eyes on the two mages.

Gray pulled the trigger. Bang.

The bullet sped toward Rufus, but at the last second, Gray shifted his aim ever so slightly. The bullet whizzed past Rufus's ear, close enough that he could feel the rush of air. It struck the ground behind him, creating yet another crater.

Rufus fell to his knees, defeated. He knew Gray had spared him, had shown mercy where he didn't have to. The crowd erupted in applause, cheering Gray's name. Gray simply shrugged, holstering BlueMoon once more. "Maybe next time, Rufus. If you're lucky," he said with a smirk before turning to leave the arena, the crowd's cheers following him.

With Saber tooth

In the Saber Tooth section of the stands, the atmosphere was heavy with shock and frustration. The crushing defeat of Rufus had left a palpable tension among the guild members.

"He... didn't even stand a chance," Rogue whispered, his eyes wide with disbelief as he watched Gray walk away from the arena. The realization that their comrades were being outclassed so thoroughly was unsettling.

Minerva, standing with a composed expression, silently assessed the situation. She clenched her fists slightly, but her face remained calm. "Just as I thought," she mused internally.

She turned to Orga, the muscular Lightning God Slayer of Saber Tooth, who was staring at the arena, his face twisted in a scowl. "Orga," she said calmly, her voice carrying an edge of authority, "go get Rufus. He'll need help back here."

Orga nodded and made his way toward the entrance of the arena, his jaw set with determination. He wasn't one to show much emotion, but even he couldn't hide the frustration simmering beneath his stoic exterior.

Sting, meanwhile, was a bundle of nerves. His fists were clenched tightly, his knuckles white with the force of his grip. He bit down on his lip, trying to contain the turmoil within him. "How?! How do they continue to beat us like this?!" he shouted inwardly, his mind racing with confusion and anger. "First Wendy, then Gray... Are we really this weak compared to them?"

The weight of their repeated failures was starting to take its toll. For a long time, Saber Tooth had prided itself on being the strongest guild, but now, that reputation was crumbling before their very eyes. Sting's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—fear, frustration, and a deep-seated desire to prove himself. The pressure was mounting, and the realization that they were not invincible was beginning to sink in.

With Fairy Tail

Over in the Fairy Tail section, the mood was jubilant. Laughter and cheers filled the air as Gray's victory over Rufus was celebrated. Makarov, the guild master, couldn't contain his glee.

Makarov grinned widely, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "That 30 million is mine!" he shouted, his voice carrying over the cheers of the crowd. He laughed heartily, his laughter echoing across the stands, and Mavis, the first guild master, joined in, her ethereal form giggling beside him.

Natsu, ever the troublemaker, chimed in with a sly grin. "Don't we get a cut?" he asked, his tone deliberately teasing, just to rile up Makarov.

Makarov's smile instantly morphed into an exaggerated scowl, his brows furrowing as he turned to glare at Natsu. "A cut?! You're already rich, you little shit!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with mock indignation. The guild members around them burst into laughter, amused by their playful exchange.

Natsu threw his head back and laughed, his infectious laughter drawing smiles from everyone around. "Yes, yes, don't explode, Gramps," he chuckled, wiping a tear of laughter from his eye. "I'm just messing with you."

Makarov couldn't help but crack a smile, his initial irritation melting away in the face of Natsu's humor. "You brat," he muttered, though his tone was affectionate. "Always causing trouble."

Laxus, standing nearby with his arms crossed, smirked. "Don't act like you don't enjoy it, old man," he teased, nudging Makarov with his elbow.

Makarov huffed, pretending to be grumpy, but everyone could see he was in high spirits. "Yeah, yeah. Just make sure we win the rest of the matches. I've got plans for that money!" he said, already dreaming of all the ways he could spend his newfound winnings.

Erza, seated a little further down, smiled at the scene. "It's good to see everyone in such high spirits," she said softly to Lucy, who nodded in agreement.

Lucy giggled while stoking Faye's hair as she napped in her mothers lap, "Yes, yes it is."

Later after the day's games

As the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the city, Natsu walked through the bustling streets with his family by his side. The excitement from the day's games still lingered in the air, but now the city was alive with a different kind of energy—one of leisure and relaxation as everyone enjoyed the festivities in their own way.

On either side of Natsu were Roxy and Natasha, each holding one of his arms. Their presence was a comforting anchor amidst the lively crowd, and their smiles radiated a calm happiness. Holding tightly to their mothers' hands were Amara and Elysia, their small faces filled with wonder as they took in the sights around them.

"Mama, can we go there?" Amara asked Natasha, her big eyes sparkling with excitement as she pointed towards a boutique filled with colorful dresses and frilly outfits.

Natasha followed her daughter's gaze and chuckled softly. "You want to look at some dresses, sweetie?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"Yes, Mama, can we go?" Elysia chimed in, her face lighting up with the same excitement. She tugged gently on Roxy's hand, glancing up at her with an expectant look.

Roxy smiled warmly, her heart melting at the sight of her daughter's enthusiasm. "Well, let's see what they have then, shall we?" she replied, her tone playful and indulgent.

The little girls cheered in delight, their voices blending into the sounds of the busy street. Natsu chuckled at their excitement, feeling a warmth spread in his chest. Moments like this, amidst the chaos and adventure, were precious to him.

As they approached the store, the girls broke free from their parents' hands and rushed to the window, their eyes wide with wonder as they pressed their faces against the glass. Inside, the store was a kaleidoscope of colors, with dresses in every shade imaginable, adorned with ribbons, lace, and glitter. It was a paradise for the two little girls.

Natasha and Roxy exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying their daughters' enthusiasm. "Looks like we're going to be here for a while," Natasha said with a soft laugh, squeezing Natsu's arm affectionately.

Natsu shrugged, a fond smile on his face. "I don't mind. Seeing them happy makes it all worth it," he said, watching Amara and Elysia chatter excitedly about which dresses they liked best.

Roxy nodded in agreement, her eyes following her daughters. "It's the simple moments like this that make everything feel so perfect," she said softly, leaning her head against Natsu's shoulder.

He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her and Natasha closer. "Yeah," he agreed, his voice filled with contentment.

As they stepped into the store, the bell above the door chimed softly, and the shopkeeper greeted them with a friendly smile. Amara and Elysia immediately began exploring, their tiny fingers brushing over the soft fabrics and their giggles filling the space.

Next Morning

The morning light streamed softly through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. Natsu stirred awake, feeling the comforting weight of his wings gently wrapped around Roxy and Natasha, who were snuggled close to him. They were all unclothed, their bodies still warm from the intimacy of the previous night.

A soft smile crossed Natsu's face as he gazed down at his wives, their faces peaceful in sleep. He leaned down and pressed a tender kiss on the tops of their heads before carefully slipping out of bed. He moved with the grace of someone who was used to such quiet moments, his wings folding neatly against his back as he reached for a pair of pants and slid them on.

Roxy yawned softly, the sound sweet and delicate, her eyes fluttering open. A moment later, Natasha followed suit, stretching a little before turning her face into Roxy's chest, hiding from the morning light.

"Morning, love," Roxy murmured, her voice soft and filled with affection.

"Good morning," Natsu replied with a warm smile.

Natasha groaned playfully, still hiding her face. "Ugh, it's too early!" she whined, her voice muffled against Roxy's skin. Roxy giggled softly, her hand gently stroking Natasha's hair in soothing motions.

Natsu chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that seemed to fill the room. "You can nap for a few more hours," he suggested, his tone light and teasing. "Neither of you slept much last night." His eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as he winked at them.

Natasha peeked out from her hiding spot, her eyes glinting with the same playful energy. "Is napping our only option?" she asked, a coy smile playing on her lips. "I think… you could wake me up with some… deserved attention?" She matched his mischievous tone perfectly, her expression turning sultry.

Roxy chuckled softly, her fingers still running through Natasha's hair. "Looks like someone's feeling a little greedy this morning," she teased, her voice a melodic blend of amusement and affection.

Natsu's grin widened. "Who am I to deny such a request?" he replied, his voice low and filled with a promise that sent a shiver of anticipation through both women. He moved closer, his hand gently brushing along Natasha's side, his touch light and teasing.

Roxy laughed softly, her eyes filled with warmth and affection. "I suppose I wouldn't mind some more attention either," she admitted, her own smile turning playful.

"Well then," Natsu said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, "I guess we're not getting out of bed just yet."

He leaned in, his lips capturing Natasha's in a slow, lingering kiss, while his hand gently cupped Roxy's cheek, pulling her closer to join them. The room filled with soft laughter and the sounds of their shared affection, the morning slipping away as they lost themselves in each other once again.