Chapter 47

Fairy Tactician

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Magic"

Flashback

Location / Date / Time Skip

"Looks like the final fight has started." Nicholas said, glancing up at the fireworks. "We need to hurry."

"How are we gonna sneak into the castle without being seen?" Wendy asked.

Happy glanced to the side and found three costumes, ripe for the taking. "Huh?"

"Or... we could just go underground with Nicholas' power..." Slate suggested, crushing Happy's dream.

"Erza and the others are doing what they can to win the games." Wendy said, glancing at the arena. "We need to do the same to save Lucy."

Domus Flau

"We'll win this for sure." Erza mumbled, glancing at the others in the stand.

"Alright, guild members. Show us skills, your magic, and the bonds that tie you together!" Chapati shouted, getting the crowd pumped up. "This is the last round of the Grand Magic Games! A full team survival game! Your arena is the city of Crocus itself. The wizards have entered the battlefield.

"The rules are simple. They will split up and fight anyone who they come across, knocking out or incapacitating them in some way. When you do so, you earn one point. Each guild will suggest one 'leader', worth five points and hidden from the other guilds. Theoretically, it is possible for a guild forty-five points. Meaning every guild has a chance to win the games.

"Each guild will have its own strategy to win the title."

"Listen well, we have to win this, just in case to the rescue team fails." Erza said, making the other four nod.

"Let's hope Natsu and the others can get her out." Juvia added.

"But this is for all our friends." Gray added. "For the seven long years they suffered heartache and pain."

"Who will stand at the top!? Let the final day, begin!" Fireworks went off and the battle began.

"And it looks like Sabertooth has decided to split up." Yajima said. "Others have gone into teams of two or three. It's anyone's guess who will win."

"What is this?" Chapati asked. "All five members of Fairy Tail are standing still with their eyes closed."

"Get out there and fight, you numbskulls!" Makarov shouted.

"I have no idea what they're doing, but it seems like others have taken out most of Quattro Puppy." Chapati said. "Seems like only Bacchus is left."

The Drunken Falcon stumbled out in front of Yuka and Toby, only for Sting to drop down and slam him into the ground. He glanced up at the two, only to see Kagura run up from behind and knock those two out. She glanced up only to find the blonde was gone.
"And Sabertooth is no longer tied with Fairy Tail. You would think this would get Fairy Tail moving, but they're still standing in place."

"Are they mad or something!?" Makarov asked.

"Don't worry. They're just remaining calm." Mavis said, catching everyone's attention. "Over the last four days, I've recorded the opponents closely. I studied their powers, their weaknesses, behavior patterns, all of it. I then ran through countless simulations and calculations to come up with our strategy. So far, all of my predictions have come true."

Makarov gasped in shock as the ghost stood up. "I then gave my battle plan to the five, to gaurentie their victory. Operation Fairy Stars begin!" The five finally split up and raced into the city.

Mercurius Front Gate

Two guards stood in front of the metal gate, spears at the ready. "Hey..." The one on the left turned to side. "Do you ever wonder why we're here?"

"We are not getting into this again, Bif." The one on the right replied. "I am so sick of you questioning everything."

"Look, I'm just sayin' we need a reason to be here." Bif replied, walking over. "Is it a cosmic coincidence or are-" He stepped on the ground and suddenly two pillars of stone shot up and knocked both of them out.

"Was that really necessary?" Carla asked as they left the ground behind the gate.

"Hey, he stepped on my balls." The Earth Dragon Slayer replied, cupping Wendy's ears when he said the final word. "It's what he gets."

"We can worry about that later." Slate said. "Right now, we need to find Lucy." The other nodded and raced into the castle.

Domus Flau

"Everyone move to your designated coordinates!" Mavis ordered the screen as the others stared at her in confusion. "There is a ninety-seven precent chance that Rufus will take action."

In the streets, Rufus smirked under his hat. "I see you. You aren't the first to underestimate my detection and you won't be the last. I'll take you all out at once and be done with you. Memory Make: Night of Shooting Stars." Five bolts of magic shot up and flew at the team.

"There is a two second window of opportunity to dodge. Evade them the second they are over head." Mavis said as four of the group members jumped to the side. "Laxus alone can block as they're the same element." The blonde held up his hand and tanked the attack, shocking Rufus.

"In his aggravation and confusion, there is a sixty-eight percent chance that he will engage one of our members. The other thrity-two percent chance is he will stay in his position. The latter has almost no effect on our plans." The other members began whispering in confusion as Mavis stared at the screen.

"Erza will head northwest, and encounter an enemy when she rounds a corner." On cue, Erza dealt with Jenny in one sword swing. "Gajeel will deal with two opponents in the south." Eve and Ren were taken out as Hibiki ran away.

"I don't get it! Is there a wizard in Fairy Tail that can out calculate my Archive?" The playboy asked only to get frozen by a smirking Gray.

"Once Gray defeats the opponent who escaped, he will head to point B-4." Mavis reported as the scores changed again. "Juvia will provide cover and support from the rear and Laxus will head to point F-8 and Erza will head to S-5."

"So the rumors are true..." Makarov mumbled in fear. "Her deep understanding of psychology and strategy earned her countless victories. That's why she was known as the Fairy Tactician." He pulled his jaw off the ground just in time to see Blue Pegasus get eliminated and bring Lamia Scale up to 49.

"Jura... He's the one to beat." Mavis said. "I've put much thought into it, but the solution still evades me. That's how powerful he is."

Mercusius Depths

Lucy laid in the bed as Yukino sat on the ground. "Hey, Lucy. Wake up." Natsu whispered, making her look up to see the rescue team. "Stay back." The blonde backed away from the bars and Natsu gripped them before superheating and bending them out of the way.

"Here's some clothes for you." Wendy said, offering the garments to the blonde.

"Great, now we can get out of here." Nicholas said, tapping the ground. "Something about this place gives me bad vibes."

"I'm not leaving without my keys!" The blonde declared before the ground split open and the group fell through the hole.

They crashed onto stone and buried Natsu. "Get... off..." He groaned out before the group got off him. "Okay, this place is creepy."

"Welcome to your final holding cell." A voice echoed out, catching their attention as a projection of a girl with green hair, jewelry and white clothing appeared. "I hope you enjoy your stay in the city of death. It's the last taste of freedom for criminals like you. To this day, no inmate has escaped from this place. I doubt you will be the lucky ones, thieves."

"Who the hell are you!?" Natsu asked.

"That's the princess of the Fiore Kingdom, Hisui E. Fiore." Yukino explained as the transmission ended.

"Ah, who cares. We can just tunnel our way out, right, buddy?" Natsu asked Nicholas.

"Sorry, Natsu." Nicholas said as he rose out of the ground. "This whole place is like a metal terrarium, and we're stuck inside it." He responded with disappointment.

Crocus

Gray walked into a massive library and found Rufus sitting in a chair. "It looks like the First was right."

"How interesting." The blonde chuckled as he looked up from his book. "You almost vanished from my memory. Would you care to remind me who you are?"

"You won't forget me after this. Cause I'm the guy who's gonna knock you out." The Ice Mage declared as he placed his hands together.

Back in the stands, Romeo leaned over and turned to the first master. "You knew they were gonna fight each other, right?" He asked, earning a nod. "Does that mean he can win?"

"I don't know." Mavis confessed, shocking the guild. "But he absolutely must win. Rufus is the key to conquering Sabertooth for good. I told him I was uncertain of his success rate, but he demanded to face Rufus. Emotions can surpass what we can calculate. Show us how powerful your feelings can be."

"Let's go, you mask wearing freak!" Gray shouted as his hands glowed. "Ice-Make: Freeze Lancer!" Frozen spears shot our and forced Rufus to dodge. "Not done yet! Ice Impact!" A frozen spike dropped down and crushed the ground, only for Rufus to step out from behind. "Would you quit dancing around?"

"Very well, I shall show you just how powerful a weapon memories can be." The blonde declared, confusing the Ice wizard. "Any spell I see can be transformed into a new spell of my liking. For example, if I take the memory of your ice spell and the memory of Orga's lightning to create..." He placed his hands on his temple and smirk.

"Memory-Make: Sword of Frozen Black Lightning!" Bolts of black lightning shot down and erupted into ice, forcing Gray to jump. "Now Memory-Make: Shrine of the Stormy Wind Fang!" A wall of tornados rose up and spiraled towards Gray.

"That's nothing! Ice-Make: Shield!" Gray declared, crafting a shield.

"Forget." Rufus declared, making the shield disintegrate. The wind picked up Gray and spun him around the room, slamming into the walls repeatedly. Gray crashed to the ground and pushed himself up, panting in anger. "This will be your requiem."

"No chance in hell..." Gray declared as he threw his shirt off, making the women in the crowd swoon and showing off his mark. "Since I've donned this guild's emblem, I've never lost to the same opponent twice. And I'm not about to start now! Ice-Make: "

"It's useless." Rufus declared. "No matter what you create, I will-"

"Unlimited!" He slammed his hands together and a swarm of all manner of objects started flying at Rufus.

"It can't be... My memory can't keep up!" The blonde mumbled before the swords flew at him, knocking him back. "Damn you, but this is also your biggest weakness. Unlike you, I am not limited to Ice! Memory-Make: Karma of the Scorching Earth!" A wave of flames erupted at him, only for Gray to jump through it.

"That's nothing pal! I've felt flames way hotter!" He declared before ice swords formed in his hands. "Ice Bringer!" He swung his arms in an 'x' fashion, erupting into a storm of ice that sent Rufus crashing into a bookshelf. The wood toppled over and buried the blonde under the books as Gray caught his hat and donned it.

"It's over! The winner of this epic maker battle is Gray!" Chapati shouted, making the crowd cheer in excitement. "With this, Fairy Tail is now the only team with all five members!"

Behind Mavis, the entire guild she founded cheered in celebration. "He fought wonderfully." She declared with a smile.

Back in the city, the Sabertooth wizards stared at the screens around them. "So Rufus went and lost, huh?" Orga said. "Fine with me. With him gone, there's more prey for me."

"Fairy Tail is strong, but I don't care." Rouge declared. "Gajeel, I refuse to lose until I beat you."

Minerva smirked in the city as she stared up at building. "Will Sabertooth crumble under the pressure, or will we survive? It's up to you, Sting. Your strength will carry us through the day. Whatever you choose, it'll be interesting."

Last Night

Crocus Gardens

Jiemma toppled over as the entire guild stared in shock. "Your reign of terror ends today, father. And not a moment too soon." Minerva declared as she walked forward. "Your seat will be filled by someone worthy. Since he's bested you, I'd say Sting has the honor."

"Minerva... how dare you..." Jiemma groaned out.

"What's your mantra again?" His daughter asked. "'Sabertooth has no room for losers. Or is there suddenly an exception for the guild master now?" He growled in anger as her daughter turned back to the blonde. "This is your power, Sting. The very reason you lost to Natsu in the first place.

"My father's flawed ideology must have influenced you in your fight. All that meant is that you weren't fighting at your full potential. But now that you know this, you'll be able to surpass Natsu now." The blonde hung his head and tears started falling again. "No more tears. Lector is alive."

He looked up in shock as Minerva explained. "I used my magic to save his life."

"Th-thank you, m'lady!" Sting cried out as he dropped to his knees. "You can bring him back now."

"Enough with the tears." She demanded. "You'll see Lector if and when we win the Grand Magic Games. I am not like my father. The Sabertooth guild is still destined for greatness. I refuse to let our status fall below the number one guild in all of Fiore." The glass windows suddenly broke open and gas started filling the room.

Hell Palace

"If I told you once, I told you a thousand times." Nicholas said. "We're basically stuck in a metal box with a stone coating. There's no way I can tunnel us out of here."

"Well, so much for that plan." Happy sighed as he and Carla floated next to him.

"Looks like we need a rescue party ourselves." Wendy sighed out.

"It sickens me that the kingdom is forcing our guilds to fight in this tournament." Yukino said.

"That reminds me, weren't you supposed to be in the Games today, Natsu?" Lucy asked.

"Someone had to give up their spot to come save you." Natsu confessed. "Besides, Lisanna wouldn't let me fight unless I save you first."

"He's totally whipped." Happy chuckled.

"Watch it." Natsu warned.

"Who is Lisanna?" Yukino asked.

"Natsu's girlfriend." Carla explained. "Even the guards were even confused by how much you two look alike."

"Guys! I found an opening!" Slate called out as he flew back. "This way!" The followed the cat to a small crack and pushed themselves through it.

Wendy looked around and found Arcadious on the ground. The group raced over to the downed commander, who groaned in pain as. "...Run..."

A heavy footstep forced them all to jump as a wave of liquid tore through the ground. "Was that acid?" Lucy asked. A wave of energy suddenly tore through the ground as water pushed them up.

"Who are these guys?" Natsu asked as a massive flower rose up and a swarm of paper flew around.

Two girls stepped forward as another man stepped forward, two massive scythe blades on his back. "You need to get out of here." Arcadious groaned out. "These five are the reason... no one has escaped this place... They serve the kingdom from the shadows... ruthless, blood thirsty executioners."

"We are the Garou Knights, and this will be your end." The masked man declared. "By the authority given to us, begin operation 1500."

Natsu grinned a bit before he suddenly burst put laughing. "Sorry, sorry... but could you look at these guys? They don't look a thing like knights! Least of all that guy!" He pointed at the fisherman looking man, who blinked in response.

"Don't let their appearances fool you!" Arcadios shouted out. "Be cautious of their magic! Make one wrong move and you'll die!"

"Now that's what I call a challenge." Natsu chuckled as he cracked his knuckles. "One big brawl and we have our ticket out of here."

"So who do we wanna leave awake to answer our questions?" Nicholas asked as he cracked his neck.

"The two of you stay back since you don't have your keys." Wendy told Lucy and Yukino. "We'll take care of these guys."

The two girls grabbed Arcadios and carried him away as Slate and Pantherlily stepped forward. "You two go with them." The scared cat said as he entered his battle form. "This is not going to be pretty."

"Miscreants who do not fear us are nothing new to us." The masked man declared. "But they are all dead now. And you will join them soon enough."

"We shall start things off." The two girls declared as they stepped forward. "Ready to do this, Cosmos?" The twin tailed girl asked as she pulled out a piece of red paper.

"Let us dazzle them with our beauty, Kamika." The plant girl added as the other girl blew the paper forward.

The piece exploded and turned into a swarm of paper and spiraled forward. "Paper Blizzard: Red Dance!" The scraps suddenly ignited and flew at Natsu who smirked.

"Don't you know that paper doesn't work against fire?" He teased before slamming his burning hands into the swarm. The swarm still hit him and forced him back.

"My red paper is infused with fire spirits." The executioner explained. "Touch it and die!" The swarm crashed into Natsu and sent him sliding back.

Wendy raced forward and pulled her head back before opening her mouth. "Sky Dragon Roar!" A tornado shot out and flew forward, blowing the paper away.

A sudden plant sprouted up and swallowed the little girl. "Beautiful..." Cosmos mumbled as she stepped forward. "Now, die and bloom into a new blood flower."

Instantly, the plant was ripped open and apart by Nicholas. "I'm always one for plant power, but this is ridiculous." He declared, flicking the saliva off his hand. The Acid user jumped forward and swung his fist, forcing Nicholas to jump back. More vines rose up and Pantherlily sliced through them.

"Enough of this game." Kamika declared as she flicked purple paper forward. "Paper Blizzard: Purple Dance!" The paper exploded into a swarm and started sticking to them.

"Now die with some beauty..." Cosmos declared as a massive plant opened up on the ceiling. It opened it's 'mouth' and a vacuum started sucking them up.

"Hang on! Strengthen the body to rid it of evil! Raise!" Wendy chanted before a glow transferred to the fighters.

The paper peeled off and burned away before they could move again. "Alright! Let's get rid of that thing!" Natsu declared as the three Slayers and Pantherlily charged the plant, each casting a spell. An explosion rocked the caverns and littered the ground before Natsu popped up.

"Hello, where is everyone?" He asked as he walked around.

"It appears your attack separated everyone." The pinkette turned around to see the masked man behind him. "No matter, my soldiers are skilled. None of you will leave this place."

"Natsu! Yukino!" Wendy called out before a large plant rose up.

"Beautiful..." Cosmos declared as she stepped out of the plant. "Now, let us dance a deadly death."

"Where is everyone?" Nicholas asked as he held his palm on the ground.

"Don't you know you should never take your eyes off your opponent?" Kamika asked as she appeared behind him.

Slate and Pantherlily stared up at the Acid user with annoyance. "I think this is the first time I ever fought a pair of cats." The executioner declared.

"Then get ready for your first lost as well." Slate declared as he pointed his throwing knife at him.

"Where'd everyone go?" Lucy asked as she looked around.

"It seems like we were all separated from that blast." Yukino surmised as she carried Arcadios away.

"We need to find the others, fast." Happy said before he suddenly started floating up.

"I got me a big one!" The fisherman said before slamming Happy into a pillar.

"Who is this guy?" The blonde asked.

"The name is Uosuke." He answered.

"He doesn't look so tough." Lucy said with a smirk. "I bet we can beat this guy without our keys."

"I believe you're right." Yukino nodded as she entered a fighting stance.

"Please, you have to run!" Arcadios shouted. "Anyone who faces him ends up as nothing more than bones!" His words crushed what hope the two girls had.

Well this was a roller coaster of a chapter, wasn't it? Changed up a lot of thing about this chapter and I'm really happy they showed off a more strategic side to the Games. Add in a deadly group of assassins and an underground cavern of dead bodies and this is my kinda games. Hope you guys had fun reading it.

Beta read by General Feng Xiang