A/N: Hello, readers! Welcome to another chapter!

Enjoy!

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: ASTER VS. WENDY

Everyone could only watch in shock as Laxus had took down the entire Raven Tail guild. Alexei had been revealed to be Master Ivan the entire time. Orga just grinned. "At any rate, the victor... is Laxus Dreyar of Fairy Tail B!" Mato announced as Fairy Tail cheered.

Raven Tail was soon arrested by the royal guards. "After some consultation, it's been decided that Raven Tail is disqualified! And they're banned from participating in the tournament for three years." Chapati said.

"Naturally!" Yajima agreed.

"Well, that result was an embarrassment, but let's move on to the fourth match, the last match of the day-kabo!" Mato said as the audience cheered.

"From Fairy Tail A, Wendy Marvell!" Chapati said.

"I changed my outfit!" Wendy claimed.

"Good luck!" Natsu and Gray said in unison.

"Versus Aster Valor of Black Sun A!" Chapati finished, saying who Wendy's opponent was.

"So it's finally my turn, huh?" Aster questioned.

"Give her your all." Sebastian told him.

Aster nodded. "Right, Sebastian-nii."

"Wendy..." Doranbolt thinks to himself.

"Alright, the moment you've been waiting for! Both contestants are taking the field-kabo!" Mato announced.

Aster walks out onto the arena but trips over a rock, causing him to fall and the audience to laugh. "U-Um, are you okay?!" Wendy asked, rushing to him, but tripped on a rock as well.

"N-Nice to meet you." Wendy greeted.

Aster nodded. "Same here!" He greeted back.

"Is that girl gonna be okay?" Carla asked.

"To me, it looks like she's got magic and motivation in spades!" Lily replied.

"Knowing Wendy, I'm sure she'll be fine!" Happy added.

"Wow. I can tell even from here... She's improved enormously compared to seven years ago. But still..." Doranbolt trailed off.

"That Aster boy's magic..." Mavis muttered to herself.

"This is sure to be an incredibly cute showdown! I'm rootin' for 'em both-pyon!" Chapati exclaimed as his butt was moving side to side.

"'Pyon'?" Lahar repeated, not amused.

"Your character's changed..." Yajima commented.

Outside of the stadium, Jellal felt something as did Ultear and Meredy. "Ul... This magic..." Meredy muttered.

"Yeah... Zeref...?" Ultear questioned.

'Jellal! You felt that, didn't you?!' Meredy asked telepathically.

'In the arena? Ultear, Meredy, stand by! Don't move!' Jellal ordered.

'Understood!'

'Be careful!'

"Alright, the final match of day three!" Chapati said as the gong rang out, signaling the start of the match.

"Begin!" Mato shouted.

Aster and Wendy stared at each other. "Good luck, Wendy." Doranbolt wished her luck.

"Truly a cute combination! I'm tickled pink!" Chapati said.

"Was that girl in Fairy Tail?" Yajima asked.

"Yes. I only know a little about her, but she's a very courageous wizard." Lahar responded.

"After all my training, I have to do my best here!" Wendy thought as her face showed determination. "Here I go!"

"Ready!" Aster nodded at her.

Two blue Magic Circles appeared from Wendy's hands. "Arms, Vernier... Enchant!" She shouted. "Sky Dragon's Wing Attack!"

Wind went straight for Aster who easily dodged. "He dodged it?!" Wendy said in shock.

Aster smirked. "A Dragon Slayer like Sebastian-nii, are you? Very well..." Aster raised his right leg, stomping it on the ground and shouting, "Dino King's Stomp!"

The ground made a crack towards Wendy as gold energy was released, resulting in a massive explosion. "Wendy!" Carla shouted in worry as Wendy was flung into the air. She soon landed back on the ground with her hands out, blowing the dust away.

"Wow! You dodged that, huh? In that case..." Aster charged forward, his body covered in golden magic power. "Dino King's Head Smasher!" He shouted, headbutting Wendy and propelling her into the air.

Aster leaped into the air to follow her. "I'm not done!" He claimed.

Wind came from Wendy's feet. "Sky Dragon's Talon!" She shouted.

Both Aster and Wendy landed on the ground. "Sky Dragon's..." Wendy puffed up her cheeks.

"Dino King's..." Aster puffed up his cheeks as well, shocking everyone.

"Hold on... What did he say?" Gajeel questioned.

"But I thought that type of Magic was a myth!" Doranbolt exclaimed.

"Lost Magic!" Mavis exclaimed.

Sebastian only gave a smirk.

"...Roar!"

"...Royal Roar!"

Both Wendy and Aster released their breath attacks as wind and golden energy collided, causing an explosion of dust and wind.

"Is this for real?!" Gray shouted.

"Awesome!" Natsu exclaimed.

The explosion finally settled. "Who are you?" Wendy asked.

"Val is a King Dino Slayer." Sebastian explained.

"Dino Slayer? Dino Slaying Magic?" Doranbolt stated.

"Never heard of it." Natsu commented, crossing his arms.

"I see... A kid with that much power... It's no wonder he's an S-Class wizard despite his age." Lucy said.

"No matter who her opponent is, right now, Wendy has to face him on her own. This is Wendy's moment of truth." Erza said.

Wendy stood up, holding her arm. "Whoa... You really are as powerful as I thought you'd be. Though, maybe I went a bit overboard? Sorry. Did it hurt?" Aster asked.

"I'm fine. This is a battle." Wendy answered.

"Since we're here, let's have more fun, okay?" Aster suggested.

"I... don't really know what it means to have fun fighting, but I'll do my best for the guild!" Wendy declared.

Aster winked. "I think that's fine. I'll do my best for Black Sun, too!" He declared.

"Gadzooks! To the eye, they're as cute as can be, but both of them are impressive wizards!" Chapati exclaimed.

"Your wig..." Yajima trailed off.

Both Aster and Wendy attacked one another. "Everyone... Everyone has... made it this far. Elfman-san said the rest is up to me!" Wendy told herself as memories flashed in her mind. "I don't like to fight, but when I have to fight for the sake of the guild... even I will do it seriously!"

Wendy soon began eating air. "So you eat air, huh? How interesting." Aster hummed.

"She's giving herself an energy boost... Will he be okay?" Kida questioned.

"Val will be fine. He doesn't need to consume an element to have magic power, after all." Sebastian reassured.

"Dragon Slayer's Secret Art!" Wendy called out as a blue Magic Circle appeared from underneath her feet.

"Has she already mastered them both?!" Porlyusica wondered.

"There it is!" Natsu exclaimed.

"Go!" Lucy cheered.

"Wendy knows the Secret Art?!" Lily questioned.

"Incredible!" Happy said.

"She's as good as won." Carla commented.

"What is this? A magic wind barrier? You've sealed us inside!" Aster stated.

"Shattering Light: Sky Drill!" Wendy finished as the barrier blasted towards Aster. Once the light disappeared, Aster dropped to the ground.

"Val!" Sebastian shouted out.

"Yeah!"

"She did it!"

"I haven't mastered Milky Way yet... so this was my full force. I used all my magic..." Wendy noted.

"You were wonderful, Wendy." Porlyusica thought as Doranbolt widened his eyes.

"Maybe I went overboard... But this way..." Wendy trailed off as Mato went to check on Aster.

"Aster's down! The winner, from Fairy Tail A..." Mato started to say.

"Sorry! Wait a second!" Aster's voice interrupted Mato, shocking Wendy. "I'm just getting started!"

Aster stood up as he groaned. "Very impressive, Wendy." He complimented.

"P-P-Pardon me! Let the match continue-kabo!" Mato said.

"What is he?" Natsu asked.

"Val may not have an element to consume, but due to his element being 'King', it's his nature to continue fighting until he claims victory." Sebastian explained, giving a grin. "Sorry, but she has no chance of winning this."

"What kind of boy is he?" Erza questioned.

"Even though I told him to give it his all..." Sebastian started to say.

"...he hasn't really gone all out yet, has he?" Orion finished.

Wendy stumbled back. "Are you okay? Want to give up?" Aster asked.

"Wendy..." Doranbolt muttered in concern before someone bumped into him.

"Excuse me."

"No problem." Doranbolt said before he noticed Jellal, disguised as Mystogan, walked by him. "Mystogan?"

'Jellal, can you hear me?' Meredy asked telepathically.

'Well? Have you found anything?' Ultear questioned.

'No, nothing yet.' Jellal answered as he looked out into the arena.

"Aster... Don't tell me that boy is mixed up with Zeref... Oh, no! At this rate, Wendy will be in grave danger!" Jellal thinks to himself.

Wendy was breathing heavily, trying to catch her breath. "I guess you're not going to give up?" Aster said.

"Wendy!" Natsu exclaimed in worry.

"She can barely stand!" Lucy pointed out.

"Wendy..." Erza muttered.

"This is an incredible fight..." Gray mumbled.

Jellal was walking down the steps to get closer. "If that Aster boy has some connection to Zeref... Wendy is in danger!" Jellal thought as he stood in front of some spectators, blocking their view.

"Hey, you!"

"Huh? This guy..."

"From Fairy Tail...?"

"Should I stop this? Or wait and see?" Jellal asked himself.

By now, Doranbolt had stood up. "Wendy..." He thought before looking down at Jellal. "But right now... Seven years ago, I infiltrated Fairy Tail. To some extent, I'm acquainted with inside information on Fairy Tail. Mystogan... You're not supposed to exist in this world."

Jellal noticed that Doranbolt had his eyes locked on him while Wendy winced in pain.

"I don't mind fighting, but I find no joy in one-sided violence where the outcome is clear." Aster said.

"The Council... At a time like this..." Jellal thought.

"You know, you can always surrender." Aster said.

"I can't!" Wendy shouted, making Aster get taken aback. "The fact that I'm standing here means that I'm prepared to fight for my guild! I don't need your pity. Until I fall and can't move anymore, come at me with everything you've got! Please!"

Aster was lost for words. "Wendy..." Carla muttered.

"Sure. That's only common courtesy." Aster said.

"Right!" Wendy agreed.

"Well, now it's my turn to break out a big move!" Aster claimed as his body was surrounded by a dense golden magic energy. "I'll make it easy on you and end this with one strike."

"Dino Slayer's Secret Art!" Aster called out.

"No, Val!" Sebastian warned.

"Are you trying to put her in the infirmary, you idiot?!" Orion scolded.

"I'm answering the full strength of your feelings with my full strength!" Aster said, swinging his head back.

"W-What is that magic?!" Erza questioned.

"That's..." Jellal trailed off.

"Rage of the Dinos!" Aster finished his spell, swinging his head forward and releases an immensely power shattering roar that went in every direction. Wendy crossed her arms above her head as the roar didn't hit her.

"She dodged it!" Romeo pointed out.

"No... It missed her!" Makarov corrected.

Aster stared at Wendy, awestruck. "Huh... That's never been done before. What an amazing strategy." He complimented.

"Sky Dragon's..." Wendy jumped up. "Crushing Fang!"

Golden scales covered Aster's arm as he raised it up, blocking Wendy's attack before it struck him. "I'm gonna have to do this the old-fashioned way..." Aster thinks to himself.

Wendy aimed a kick at Aster, who countered it with one of his own as their magic power collided. The two of them landed on the ground.

"This is an incredible turn of events! Neither side is giving any ground!" Chapati said as Aster and Wendy were throwing punches. "It's a clash of little fists! Is this tenacity for the sake of their guilds?!"

"I can't stop this..." Jellal thinks to himself as Aster and Wendy continued their battle. "Though their fists are small, their passion is vast..."

Everyone was watching the two battle. "Go! Neither of you lose!" Natsu cheered.

"Wendy..." Carla teared up a bit.

The battle resumed as the audience cheered and the gong rang out, signaling time was up.

"And so... time has run out!" Chapati announced as both Wendy and Aster were trying to catch their breath. "The match is over and it's a draw! Both teams receive five points!"

"Awesome!" Natsu said.

"You did great, Wendy!" Lucy praised.

"Both of them were magnificent." Erza stated.

"Yep." Gray agreed.

"Aster and Wendy did very well." Orion commented.

"Indeed. We were lucky to see that." Kida agreed.

"This is the best match I've seen yet!" Chapati said.

"Judging them on magic alone, Val's level is far greater..." Sebastian said, recalling back when Aster first joined Black Sun.

"I wanna be an S-Class wizard!" A ten-year-old Aster said to Sebastian.

"And I keep telling you that you're way too young. Come talk to me in a few years." Sebastian huffed out.

"Why, you...!" Aster sends a fist coated in golden energy at Sebastian. "Don't underestimate me, you ash breather! Fight me!"

Sebastian smiled to himself. "That annoying brat from back then... has grown this much." He noted.

"Wendy..." Happy sobbed.

"W-What are you crying for?" Carla scolded.

Aster collapsed his knees in exhaustion, making Wendy rush over to him in worry. "A-Are you okay?" She asked.

"I'm fine... Just exhausted. I went far beyond my limit." Aster replied.

"I'll help you." Wendy offered, a pale green light came from her hands.

Aster sighs in relief. "That was fun, Wendy." He admitted.

"I enjoyed it too, a little." Wendy confessed.

"Hey, let's be friends, okay?" Aster suggested as Wendy finished healing him.

"Sure. I mean, if you want me as a friend..." Wendy said.

"No, no, no! Answer like friends are supposed to." Aster told her before extending his hand and smiling. "Let's be friends, Wendy!"

Wendy smiled back. "Sure, Aster!" She accepted. Both of them stood up and shook hands.

"What a moving ending! For this old man, the tournament is over!" Chapati announced.

"Hold on there. Just the third day is over." Yajima reminded.

"Thank you, everyone!"

And so, the third day ended. At this point, Sabertooth is the top team with 34 points. Mermaid Heel is in second place, Lamia Scale is in third, making those the best three. Below them, the order goes Black Sun B, A, Fairy Tail B, A, and then Blue Pegasus.

A hooded figure was trying to lose sight of Jellal as they quickly disappeared.

"I'm starvin'!" Sebastian complained as his team walked out of the stadium.

"No surprise there." Orion sighed.

"Ah, well... At least we got to see a good match today." Cyana claimed.

"Aster really is amazing, isn't he?" Kida smiled.

Someone suddenly bumped into Sebastian. "Sorry, I'm in a rush." The figure apologized.

"It's no problem." Sebastian reassured. But his eyes widened upon seeing a glimpse of black hair.

"That's impossible!" Sebastian thought.

"Are you still in there, Seb?!"

"Huh, what?"

Sebastian snapped out of his trance as he saw that it was only Orion who was trying to get his attention. "What's up with you? It's not like you to space out randomly." He informed.

"It's nothing." Sebastian reassured, looking in the direction the figure had gone.

"I suppose it was just my mind playing tricks on me..."

A/N: Another chapter is done!

Thanks for reading!

~ Kaleb.