Hidden Powers
[NaLu Fanfiction]
By: JeRein_14

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Chapter 41.1: Lucy vs. Flare

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Lucy's POV

  Throughout the day, Fairy Tail had tried to make advances towards me in what I can tell is their way to seek for forgiveness. No attempt went unnoticed by my brothers and cousins as they successfully stop them. It was actually quite amusing to watch, a member randomly 'passing' by our part of the arena and retreating with their tail in between their legs when they saw my brothers glare. I really have to commend them, though. They're quite persistent. Even my brothers are growing annoyed by the constant disturbances. What more if Natsu, Gray and Erza weren't part of the games and isn't constantly required to be on their balcony? I'm sure at least one of them would have charged in here by now, seeking for answers. Even if they have to fight their way to them.

  "Why are you smiling by yourself, sis? That's creepy?" I was immediately brought back to harsh reality when my irksome twin poked my cheeks. Aish. This guy.. I was leaning on the cemented balcony's low wall as i batted a indolent eye on the empty arena below us. The games is currently having an hour break after the event that transcribed earlier to further prepare the line up for the individual matches that will take part later on. It was surely a good way to build up tension and pressure inside the stadium.

  "That's none of your business, Max. Leave me alone." Slapping his hand, I gave my pesky brother a cold glare. Instead of obeying to my orders, he fixed his posture and leaned at the low wall of the balcony beside me.

  "Psh. You're guild is really annoying." He suddenly commented, removing his attention from me to give the guild a heartfelt glare. It seems that most of them were looking over our balcony in peer curiosity and the guy beside me had come to notice it. At Max's heated stare, they all looked away and pretended to do something else.

  "Don't be too harsh on them. They had it rough already." Scolding him, I gave him a nudge in a silent attempt to make him drop his glare. It worked as he was forced to look back at me, clearly aggravated that i sided with the guild.

  "How come you forgive them so easily yet they broke you so remorselessly?" Sighing, I rested my head on my right hand as I looked up at the bright blue sky. I'm actually wondering the same thing myself.

  "I'm not sure, actually. Maybe it's because I acquired something really special that healed my broken heart, making it easier to forgive. Maybe it's one of those Glass Slipper Moment. Like how Cinderella lost one of her glass slippers, I also lost something important. And after grieving and mourning over it, something actually better came out of it. I might not had found my Prince Charming like she did but I found my lost family." With that, Max ruffled my blonde hair as he chuckled humorously. Sheesh. I spatted his hand away as I desperately tried to save my hairstyle. I applied extra effort into this braid! How dare he ruin it?!

  "That was deep, sis." Rolling my eyes, i punched his shoulders in form of revenge for my poor hair. I did felt a sense of satisfaction when he grunted in actual pain.

  "What i'm trying to say is that I wouldn't change the past even if i could. Them ignoring me was the reason that brought me to Hoshi Town. It was what pushed me to leave, train and search for you. It might be true that they had caused me heartache and betrayal but it was that that molded me to be a better person than I was before. So, i'm grateful to them. They had unconsciously helped me be the Lucy I am now." His features softened, giving me a soft smile.

  "If you say it that way, maybe they're not that bad after all." Max scratched his slightly reddening cheeks, evidence that he was currently flustered and embarrassed having to admit what he said. It was my turn to reach out and ruffle his hair. He wore the same expression as I had earlier when he did that to me. Tch. Good.

  "Ok, minna. Now that everything is settled, let's start the first match for today!" I was pulled out of our 'twin' heart-to-heart conversation when a loud voice suddenly filled the arena below. Looking down, I saw the small pumpkin mascot MCing for the Magic Games. He was positioned at the very center of the arena, only a mic and small card, which i assume contains today's line up, in his pint-sized hands. I wonder.. Who's inside it?

  "For today's first match, may I call down Flare Corona of Raven Tail and Lucy Heartfilia of Fairy Tail's Team Star!" Aish. Those unlucky fellows, being the first pair up to fight in front of these thousands of people. They should be careful not to embarrass themselves or else—wait.. Lucy Heartfilia of Fairy Tail's Team Star? Lucy?! As in me-Lucy?!

  "Good luck, Lucy!" My oldest brother gave me an encouraging pat on the shoulders as he and the rest walked me to the entrance of the arena. As we made our way, i took the time to digest everything that was happening. Seems that i'm the first to experience the wrath of the games. Unfortunately, i'm against someone I have no clue and idea about their identity and magic. Would have made me feel better if I was up against someone I knew in the past. At least that way, i'd have an idea of what he or she could do.

  Taking in a deep breath, I walked towards the very middle of the spacious arena where the pumpkin mascot and an unfamiliar long haired girl stood, clearly waiting for me.

  "You have 30 minutes to defeat or knock out your opponent. Magic is, of course, permitted. All injuries sustained within this match, the Grand Magic Games Administration shall not be held responsible for any of it. Are the instructions clear?"

  "Yes." Flare and I muttered, not taking our eyes off each other. Well, she was busy glaring at me while I was analyzing her, trying to figure out what type of magic she uses. Judging by her small frame and figure, I can tell that she's not the physical type of mage. She might hold the same body type as Erza and Mira, both skilled close combat mages, but Flare's posture isn't that quite appropriate for a fighter. She bends and arches her head and upper body to the side, a mannerism I assume. She's hard to read, especially with the arctic glare she's giving me and the emptied and emotionless eyes that seems to be staring right through my soul. She's weird. And creepy.

  "You may now BEGIN!" I didn't waste anymore time. Effortlessly unhooking one of my gold keys from my belt, I twirled it around my body at a practiced and rehearsed routine.

  "Open! Gate of the Golden Bull! Taurus!" A golden magic circle emerged from below me, an even smaller one appeared on my right, in contrast to my extended arm that holds the key. Taurus materialized from the glowing bright halo. As i sent him a nod, he didn't even hesitate to initiate the first attack. He assaulted Flare with his axe. Well, attempted to anyways. The fiery haired girl managed to dodge the bull's attack the last second.

  "Nice try, Blondie. But you have to do better than that if you want to defeat me." She smiled with atrocity that made me shiver in repulse. This girl is bad news. I can tell..

  "Don't worry. There's more where that came from! Open! Gate of the Scorpion, Scorpio!" Unhooking another golden key, i whisked it quickly through the air as a suspended gold magic circle appeared once again. Emerging from it was another Celestial Spirit with scorpion-like features and characteristics. Multiple gasps was heard from across the arena as I successfully performed the summoning.

  "Two Zodiac Spirits at once?! Wow! This girl is surely something!" One of the announcers exclaimed in surprise.

  "Truly amazing, indeed. Multiple summoning isn't something you can brush off easily. It takes a lot of magic. Especially with Zodiac spirits as they consume double, sometimes triple, magic than an average or normal silver key. Not many Celestial Mages is capable of doing that." A glorious smile played on my lips as I heard Yajima compliment me. It's not everyday that a former member of the Magic Council recognizes or acknowledges my skill. Makes me wonder how they'll react if I use my main magic?

  "Scorpio? If you please?" I gestured to my opponent. My spirit wordlessly complied as he charged at Flare with one of his signature spells. This ought to expose her magic.

  "Sand Buster!" He willed the sand around us, gaining control over it as he maneuvered it to his advantage. Like I anticipated, Flare was forced to use her magic to protect herself. Her bright long hair suddenly sprang to life as it gracefully formed a shield to protect it's wielder. Scorpio's attack wasn't strong enough to break down her defense as he didn't expect her to create a shield. So, Hair Magic?

  "Let's do it now! Scorpio! Taurus!" I didn't need to go further in detail as they immediately understood what i meant. Scorpio started controlling the sand once again, but this time Taurus was absorbing it using his double edge axe. I heard cheers as the audience anticipated what was to happen next. It only got louder when the bulked bull charged at Flare with his new weapon.

  "Sandstorm Axe Aldeberan!" The Hair Magic user was sent flying as she failed to dodge the attack. Hearing her groan in pain, I can't help but smirk in satisfaction. Closing both of my spirits gates, I once more faced the now angered Raven Tail member who was still suspended in the air. She finally initiated an offensive attack.

  "Hair Shower: Wolf Fang!" She cried in rage. Her hair took form of a gigantic wolf as it rushed towards me in a last minute attack. Calmly, I waited for the right opportunity. When it was near enough, i fished out another gold key as I hurriedly chanted the summoning spell.

  "Open! Gate of the Giant Crab, Cancer!" Right on time cue, my spirit came out of his gate as he meet the wolf-like hair head on with nothing but his pair of scissors. With two quick snap, Cancer successfully cut Flare's hair, further dismissing her spell.

  "My h-hair.. My long, beautiful h-hair!" She hissed, looking at her hair in complete horror. I might have hit a nerve because when she looked at me, she had on the most sinister and coldest glare. It actually made me shiver in slight fright. Guess things will get serious from here on out. She's mad and i'm not planning on backing down.

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Heeeeeyyy!

This is part 1 of Chapter 41. I'm not yet sure when i'll be able to update again. Next week, hopefully.. Unfortunately, no update for Stellar Mischief. Sorrrryyyyyy!!

I tried my best, minna!

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☆JeRein_14