Earth Land, Ishgar, Kingdom of Fiore, Crocus.
July 2, x791.
{"And the winner of the first match of today's Battle Round is Mirajane Strauss of Fairy Tail Team B..."} Loli said, his mind not quite catching up to what he just saw.
Loli was not the only one having trouble keeping up with what just happened, either. The entire crowd was also dumbfounded by how quickly the match ended, as well. Even so, after hearing Loli's announcement, they broke into loud, raucous cheers.
As for Mirajane, she only smiled at the crowd and waved a hand gracefully while dispelling her [Take Over]. Then, she took another look at Jenny before turning around and returning to her team's seating area. Along the way, she glanced at Elfman, causing him to freeze in place, the banner he was swinging around drooping after seeing the promise of pain in the future in his older sister's eyes.
Not long later, several female members of the Grand Magic Games staff entered the arena and picked up Jenny before taking er to the infirmary, which snapped Loli back to his senses.
{"Although a short, one-sided match, that was amazing!"} Loli cheered excitedly. {"This is the first time we've gotten to see the She-Devil, Mirajane Strauss in action at the Grand Magic Games. And I must say, she's as powerful as she is beautiful."}
{"Indeed."} Yajima replied with a nod. {"She had quite the reputation in the past, becoming an S-Class wizard at the age of sixteen. But we haven't heard too much from her ever since then. Still, it's easy to see that she has not slacked in her training."}
{"Yes, it is, Yajima."} Loli replied. {"Though most people only know her for her work as a model in Sorcerer Weekly, as well as being the reigning Miss Fiore, I think they'll start to get to know her as a powerful wizard, as well, from this day forward. Anyway, let's move onto the next match. Anko Mitarashi of Mermaid Heel, Genma Shiranui of Quatro Cerberus, please make your way into the arena."}
Following Loli's instructions, Anko and Genma wasted no time jumping into the arena. And to everyone's surprise, the two were quite evenly matched in terms of strength, speed, and durability. However, what ended up making the difference, leading to Anko's victory, was the versatility in her spells and techniques, as Anko employed a high mastery of [Fire Magic] and [Snake Summoning] spells that gave her the edge in the end.
The third match of the day was between Marin and Sherria. And despite the age difference, the match was much closer than anyone expected. Though, Marin did come out on top. However, Sherria's [Sky God Slayer Magic], with its versatility gave Marin more trouble than she expected. Because like Wendy, who used [Sky Dragon Slayer Magic], Sherria was able to attack, heal, and buff. Even so, Marin, with her several more years of experience, was able to take the victory.
The last match of the day was between Juvia and Rufus. And although Rufus. And contrary to what anyone might have expected, this match was not close at all. Even though Rufus had all the tools necessary to defeat Juvia, lightning-based spells, strong spell output, and powerful strategical abilities. All it took was Gray telling Juvia that he knew she could get the win when her name was called to turn Juvia into a completely different wizard.
During the match, Juvia's spells were so sharp that one would think she was much older than twenty-four, her skill with her magic making it seem that she had been practicing it for decades longer. Her reflexes were on a completely different level than usual, too. On top of that, the completely lovestruck expression on her face for the entirety of the match was kind of off putting for Rufus, as well, leading him to make a couple of mistakes that he would have never made otherwise.
In the end, Juvia, after about thirteen minutes, was able to claim victory. And with that, the second day of the Grand Magic Games came to an end.
{"That was another great day of magic, wasn't it, Yajima?"} Loli asked, sounding a bit tired from all the energy he used during the broadcast.
{"It certainly was."} Yajima replied with a smile. {"It also made quite a few changes to the scoreboard."}
{"Yes, it did."} Loli said. {"And with that, why don't we take one last look at the scoreboard for today. After that, we'll sign off until tomorrow."}
{Grand Magic Games Overall Scoreboard
Rank Team Score
Fairy Tail A 35 Pts. Fairy Tail C 28 Pts. Mermaid Heel 23 Pts. Fairy Tail B 22 Pts. Quatro Cerberus 16 Pts. Sabertooth 14 Pts. Blue Pegasus 10 Pts. Lamia Scale 5 Pts.}
With the scoreboard showing on every Lacrima-Vision screen in the Domus Flau, the audience started to leave the stadium while talking about the day's events. At the same time, the guild mates of the wizards injured during the day made their way to the infirmary while the other guild wizards also left the Domus Flau with the rest of the crowd.
Fairy Tail was no exception, making their way to the Sixth Sense Hotel as a group. Though, it was clear that some of them wanted to explore the city and try all the foods and other festival-like things on display.
Eventually, the wizards of Fairy Tail made it back to the hotel. There, Mavis said a little something, encouraging the members of the guild before sending them on their way. And while most of them left the hotel just as quickly as they arrived, Alfonzo went up to an office reserved for the hotel's owner, bringing Ai along with him to get started on the device that would be used to jump between worldlines.
Meanwhile, Levy, Lucy, Brandish, and Future Lucy were walking around Crocus, enjoying the atmosphere, as they chatted about what was going on.
"You know, I kinda feel bad for Alfonzo." Future Lucy said with a bit of regret in her tone. "I mean, because of me, instead of enjoying the Grand Magic Games festival atmosphere, he's stuck inside working. He can't even spend time with his family."
"Don't worry about it." Lucy said while waving dismissively with a smile on her face. "Trust me, he doesn't mind."
"Yeah, for as long as I've known him, not once have I ever seen Alfonzo do something that he didn't want to do. Not even if Master Makarov or Master Ur asked him to."
"But if Master Mavis asks him, he almost always drops anything to complete it for her." Brandish chimed in.
"Really?" Future Lucy asked, genuine curiosity coloring her tone. "He must really respect her. Then again, she is the first guild master. So, that's kind of expected."
"Well, he does really respect her." Lucy said with a giggle. "But I don't think it's because she was the first guild master."
"Then why?" Future Lucy asked, her curiosity burning even brighter than before.
Remembering how moved Alfonzo was when Ur named Mavis the fifth guild master, Levy and Brandish could not help joining Lucy in giggling to themselves.
"With the three of you just laughing like that, I'm even more confused." Future Lucy said, pulling the three out of their recollections.
"Sorry... Sorry..." Lucy replied while waving her hands once again. "It's just kinda funny."
It took a few more minutes before Levy, Lucy, and Brandish were good enough to tell the story.
"So, after last year's Grand Magic Games, Ur called everyone in the guild for an announcement." Levy said, taking the role of explaining to Future Lucy.
And like that, Levy told Future Lucy about how Alfonzo was terrified when Ur declared that she would be stepping down as guild master, thinking that she would name him the next guild master. She then went on to explain how overjoyed he was when Mavis was named the guild master, and how he jumped on stage, picked her up, spun her around, and kissed her on the cheek in happiness when it was clear that he would not have to take up the mantle.
"Wow!" Future Lucy exclaimed in surprise. "He really didn't want to be the guild master that badly? That's hard to believe."
Almost as soon as she finished speaking, Future Lucy shook her head. The fact that he did not want to be the guild master was not actually that hard to believe. In her timeline, by the end of x792, Fairy Tail was already on its eighth guild master, with Makarov becoming the guild master twice more by that time.
Future Lucy then remembered all the time the Makarov of her timeline spent writing reflection letters to the Magic Council because of all the things Fairy Tail wizards destroyed while out on quests. And when she did, she could completely understand why Alfonzo would not want to become the guild master.
"Yeah, now that I think about it, I guess it makes sense why he wouldn't want to be the guild master." Future Lucy muttered as her thoughts came to an end. "Still, I feel bad for making him work so hard when he's still gotta worry about the Grand Magic Games."
"Well, I can think of a way you can thank him." Levy said with a mischievous grin on her face. "I mean, there are two Lucys now. Double the fun, right?"
Immediately, Brandish and Future Lucy flushed a bright red. Meanwhile, Lucy, who was not as pure and innocent when it came to things of a sexual nature, only rolled her eyes.
"Levy, you weren't like this before." Lucy said while playfully swatting her best friend's arm. "But ever since you started doing it with Gajeel, you've really changed."
"I have no idea what you could possibly be talking about." Levy said in a mischievous tone. "Perhaps you mean since we started going out?"
"Play dumb if you want." Lucy said with a giggle while bumping Levy with her hip.
Meanwhile, Future Lucy could only stand there, her eyes and mouth wide open in shock. To think, this version of her could talk about such things so openly. She could never imagine being so open about things like this seven years ago. Even hearing about it now was too much for her. Especially since she had no experience in such things.
'Then again, this version of me is the same age as I am.' Lucy thought to herself while continuing to watch Levy and Lucy joke around. 'Plus, she's been married for a few years now. So, there's no way she's a virgin like me.'
While Future Lucy was thinking back on her, admittedly, pitiful love life, Brandish was walking along with the rest of the group with her head lowered.
'I didn't think of that.' Brandish muttered to herself. 'Alfonzo is definitely gonna be tired and stressed after everything he has to do this week. Maybe I could help him relax… Alone… Or in a group when it gets to be too much for him.'
As that thought ran through her head, Brandish's cheeks reddened even further as she remembered all the times she either watched or listened when Alfonzo was having fun with his harem. Though, she did not seem to notice as she was too caught up in her fantasies. Yet, both Levy and Lucy did notice. And when they did, they both gave a knowing smile before discreetly fist bumping each other.
In the guild, it was a not so well-guarded secret that Brandish had feelings for Alfonzo. Though, she almost never showed it. However, anyone with a discerning gaze could see the lingering gazes that followed him whenever he was in a room if they looked hard enough.
Like that, the four ladies continued to explore the city together. And before they knew it, the sun had set, and the time was approaching midnight. So, they returned to the hotel and prepared for tomorrow's events.
July 3, x791.
{"Ladies and gentlemen, we're back for the third day of this year's Grand Magic Games!"} Loli cheered over the broadcast system as the last few people filed into the arena. {"I hope you're ready for another great day of magical excitement!"}
*Cheer~~~~~~~~~~~~!*
{"And today, we have a special guest."} Yajima said with a smile. {"I'm sure you all know him. He's one of Sorcerer Weekly's best. So, why don't you help us welcome, Jason."}
{"Cool~~~~~!"} Jason shouted excitedly while looking over the arena with stars in his eyes. {"I'm so happy to be here, Loli and Yajima. This is like a dream come true. It's so cool~~~~~!"}
At the same time, every member of every guild present let out an exasperated sigh. As previously mentioned, Jason was one of Sorcerer Weekly's best. And that applied to writing articles and taking pictures equally. However, his enthusiasm made him an absolutely abysmal interviewer, as that enthusiasm had a habit of making the interviews take three or four times longer than they should have.
{"I wonder what today's event will be!"} Jason shouted enthusiastically. {"This is so cool~~~~~!"}
{"I'm sure you're not the only one."} Loli replied, even his smile getting a little stiff at Jason's high energy. {"So, why don't we throw it over to Mato. He's the man with all the information about the events, after all."}
{"Thanks, Loli."} Mato said almost immediately as his face showed up all over the Domus Flau on the Lacrima-Vision screens. {"Today's game is called Pandemonium. Now, if you want to hear the rules to this game, hurry up and pick your competitors. It's not like I want to tell you the rules, though. Hmph!"}
With Mato's snort, he turned his head to the side with one arm crossed over his chest while the other was raised, pretending to twirl a strand of imaginary hair around his index finger. Then, all the screens cut out, replaced with the word, "Pandemonium," as the teams were given time to choose their participants for this game.
"Well, I guess I'll take this one." Elicia said as she stood up, stretching her arms over her head. She then leaned down to peck Alfonzo on his cheek while he continued to work on the magic device with his [Archive Magic. "Wish me luck."
"Not like you'll need it." Alfonzo replied absent-mindedly. "But break a leg out there. Just don't do anything embarrassing like that one time you powered up in front of all those people, okay?"
Elicia smiled in response to the first part of Alfonzo's statement. Then, she waved at Ur, Marin, and Sun. However, just before jumping down into the arena, she heard the rest of what he had to say, causing her to stumble and nearly fall out of the stands.
"Seriously, Fonzie?" Elicia groaned in embarrassment. "Are you ever gonna let that go?"
"Nope." Alfonzo replied with a wide, bright smile. "I watch that video any time I need a quick pick me up."
By now, both Marin and Sun were giggling at Elicia's expense. Ur, on the other hand, was curious to know what they were talking about exactly. But since it seemed to be an inside joke, she just shrugged it off. {A/N: Read Songs in the Void – Chapter 196 for details.}
"Just get going." Ur said, nudging Elicia towards the arena.
"This isn't over, Fonzie." Elicia said in a mock threatening tone. Then, she jumped down into the arena with a pout on her face.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the arena, as soon as she saw Elicia jump into the arena, Karen of Blue Pegasus also jumped down, making her team mates shake their heads in exasperation, as she did the same thing last year, as well.
"Oh, Lici is playing this one, huh?" Cana muttered as she lowered an empty bottle onto the floor of the seating area. "Well, since I'm outta booze, I guess I'll go play with her."
"Are you sure, Cana?" Mirajane asked with a hint of concern in her tone. "You've been drinking since before the sun came up."
"Don't worry, I'll be fine." Cana said, waving off Mirajane's concern. "Someone had to keep Fonzie company while he was working, after all."
And with that, Cana jumped down into the arena, stumbling slightly upon landing before making her way towards the center to join Elicia and Karen.
Meanwhile, Mirajane pouted slightly. Not because Cana dismissed her concerns. Instead, it was because she did not think about keeping Alfonzo company while he was up alone.
"We could have worked on some more family planning if he got too wary of the work." Mirajane muttered to herself.
At the same time, the other teams sent out their contestants, as well. Fairy Tail Team C sent out Ultear, Mermaid heel chose Sui-Feng, Sabertooth's competitor was Orga, for Lamia Scale, it was Takashi, and Yumichika came up to represent Quatro Cerberus.
And once all eight competitors were gathered, Mato's image reappeared on the screens to explain the event.