Hidden Powers
[NaLu Fanfiction]
By: JeRein_14

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Chapter 42: Chariot

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Lucy's POV

  It's the second day of the games, yet the excitement just kept on rising. I watched with curious eyes as the hundreds of seats in the stadium slowly started to get filled with anticipating audiences that came here in hopes to witness a good and epic battle between the most promising mages in the country. It was nerve wracking, really. And a little bit unfair if you ask me. How I wish I was one of them, sitting comfortably on one of the seats, just eating and enjoying the display of strength and magic that was happening in front of me. Yet, here I am, with my brothers and cousins, fighting our way to bring Fairy Tail back on top. Most likely to get injured and break a few bones in the process. Tch. I get that the palace needs this event to determine the strongest guild in Fiore but does it really have to be this way? Can't be it decided through something less.. barbaric? I don't know. Discuss it over a cup of tea, perhaps? Or through rock, paper, scissors?

  It's a little farfetched, i know. But do you have any good ideas? Something that doesn't involve fighting or duels? I shouldn't get my hopes up. The world nowadays.. It's far too cruel and unfair.

  "Who's going to participate in today's event? If we're going to use what happened yesterday as a pattern, then we're bound to have a special event that requires a team representative." Yuuki asked as we got comfortable on our team's balcony. She had passed a water bottle to me, which I gratefully thanked her for, before continuing on giving the rest their preferred refreshments. It's a good thing she had suggested to come visit the stadium's food stalls before going here. At least we had snacks and drinks to at least keep us hydrated and energized before lunch. Especially when we have a long day ahead of us.

  "It could help if we know what the event is about." Zach-nii muttered, taking a sip from his canned soda.

  "Guess we'll just have to wait and find out." Was my own reply. I've been contemplating all morning about this, actually. Should I join the event as a representative for our team? Being that everyone now knows about my main magic, which is Celestial Dragon Slaying, it won't be necessary to hide my magic as it was already exposed. Meaning, it will be easier to win since I won't hold back. We had already talked about this. They would all keep their magic a secret as long as they can and reserve them for the battle rounds. We want to take everyone by surprise. Thing is, I already participated yesterday for the one-on-one match. Would it be okay to partake again? I don't want to steal the spotlight again.

  "I want to participate today." It took us by surprise when Max suddenly blurted that out. He wasn't even looking at us, but at the unmistakable pumpkin mascot who was currently trudging his way towards the very center of the arena. I guess it was about to begin.

  "You sure? We don't even know what today's event is going to be." Kurt-nii asked, raising an eyebrow at my twin brother who was acting rather strange.

  "Yes. It doesn't matter what event it is. I want to join." We just shrugged and let him be. If there's one thing you should know about Max is that he is downright stubborn. When he set his mind to something, he would do everything in his power to make it happen. Either he's determined or just plain hardheaded.

  "Welcome, people of Fiore! The second day of the Grand Magic Games shall now begin!" The mascot started his greeting speech. Applause exploded around the stadium as he gleefully continued on with his announcements.

  "For today's games, we had invited a special commentator to join our special panel! Give it up for Sorcerer's Weekly reporter, Jason!" Oh, that 'Coooooooool!' guy. Geez, he's weird, I tell you. But I have to hand it to him. For someone strange, he does write good articles.

  "Let us now proceed to today's event! For the second day, we had specifically prepared something special for the brave eight participants of each team. It's nothing complicated, really. They are going to play in a chariot!" Huh? Chariot? That's it?

  "All participants are to run through a line of moving vehicles in order to reach the goal. Just to clarify, this is a race. Naturally, first person to reach the finish line gets the much wanted 10 points! Second placer is rewarded with 8 points, third with 6 points and so on. Magic, is of course, allowed." Hmm, it does sound simple. If sounds almost like a normal obstacle race, minus the magic of course.

  "You sure you want to do this?" I asked my twin who had handed his bottled water to Yuuki. It seems that he's already preparing to go down there.

  "Yup. No objections, I believe." He asked, eyeing every single one of us that was there in the balcony with him. We had answered with multiple shrugs and shakes of head. He took that as a signal and left. Personally, I don't think it's a bad idea. As long as he sticks with our original plan, then i'm not against him playing the event.

  "Have all teams chosen their representative? If so, please come down to the arena immediately. We will start the event shortly."

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  I was shocked. Beyond shocked, really. I had no words to express how speechless I am right now. I mean, really?! For mavis' sake! Of all members, why did they agreed to let Natsu compete?! He's a freakin' dragon slayer for crying out loud! And yet, they allowed him to participate in an event that involves moving vehicle. Are they crazy? Sure they have three dragon slayers on their team, all with motion sickness. But couldn't they have chosen Erza? It's not like they were out of options.

  I sighed at the outrageous situation. I need to calm down. This shouldn't concern me as I am not part of their team. Sure we're from the same guild but i'm not cheering for them to say the least.

  True to the mascot's words, a long line of moving and animated vehicles were placed at the center of the arena. Not long after it was assembled, the gong that signalled the start of the event was heard. The participants reacted almost instantly, surging forward to fight their way on top. Like I had expected, Natsu was in last place. His motion sickness immediately prevailed, halting his usually enhanced senses to the point that it was almost not functional. What did surprised me was how Sting kept on staggering, keeping a pace as slow as the fire dragon slayer. Guess he was also in the mercy of motion sickness. Probably a dragon slayer thing. Thank Mavis I don't get it.

  You might be wondering how I escaped its cruel clutches. That's because of the type of element I use. Celestial Dragon Slaying also has healing natures, similar to the sky element. That simple.

  Back to the event, it seems that Kurohebi from Raven Tail had gained the first place in the race. He was closely followed by the other participants; Max, Ichiya, Yuka and Risley. (Same order as their current place in the race) Bacchus, from Quatro Cerberus, was far behind them. He was unsteadily waddling from side to side, as if he was drunk or dizzy. The five leading contestants were all battling their way through the race with their respective magic, minus Max who was just effortlessly dodging the spells and attacks specifically thrown his way. He was keeping his word.

  As they continue on exchanging attacks almost like a choreographed dance, Bacchus seemed to finally had enough. He unleashed his abilities using a spell of his own. The other participants were surprised by the sudden interruption. They were not prepared for him, easily giving him the advantage to overwhelm them. He ran forward, apparently too fast for the rest of them. He even destroyed the vehicles under his feet!

  The 5 mages that were engaged earlier in a heated clash was sent flying backwards due to the strong force Bacchus had exerted. The drunkard mage had crossed the finish line shortly, with no more complications. Meanwhile, the five was shook as they scrambled their way back into the race. I didn't missed the vile smirk on the Raven Tail member's face. Was he planning something?

  My suspicion was confirmed when he suddenly fired an attack towards Max unsuspecting back. Yep. He had stooped that low, attacking my brother when he had his back on him. He had launched a sand attack, hitting Max square on the back. My twin didn't expected it. He was probably still disarrayed by Bacchus' attack, having hit his head on a hard wood in some part of the long chariot after being sent flying. I saw Max hiss in pain, forced to kneel on both his knees because of the damage he had acquired. Kurohebi didn't waste time, nor did the other participants. They had continued on exchanging more attacks, trying to hinder each other.

  My twin scowled, clearly pissed with the fact that he was assaulted from behind. But it wasn't considered as foul play, so Max has to endure it. Grumbling under his breath, he forced himself up and tried to catch up. It was no use, though. The other three had a safe distance from him. He wouldn't be able to catch up.

  In the end, Kurohebi won second place. Followed by Risley, Yuka, Ichiya and then Max. It might seemed that the event had ended there but it was far from over. I meant that the last two participants are far from finishing the race. They were tied, fighting neck to neck in a slow battle of desperately crawling their way to the finish line. It was rather irritating watching them, honestly. Although the rest of the audience didn't share the same sentiment as me. They were laughing at the duo. Aish. This isn't a battle of brute strength anymore. It's just a matter of who would last longer in the long evil chariot of moving vehicles. Who would give up first is more likely.

  "I'll give this match to you.. After this one, we're just going to keep on winning. We're not gonna miss a point or two." The Light Dragon Slayer boldly declared, clearly out of breath.

  "Don't cry about that one point later, Sting Bee!" Natsu yelled, suffering the same pitiful state as Sting. Progress was shown, thank Mavis. Whilst Natsu keep on moving, the Sabertooth mage stopped completely. He watched his rival with clear disgust. I guess what Natsu said got to him.

  "Can you answer just one question?" He suddenly asked, catching the fire breather's attention. He halted, looking at Sting at the corner of his eyes. He nodded, giving clarification that he was listening.

  "Why did you even participated? I wouldn't believe that you're the same Fairy Tail from seven years ago. So, why? For strength? Public image?" The whole stadium grew quiet at that. Guess they were curious. At this moment, Natsu started moving again.

  "The Fairy Tail I know.. They didn't give a damn what other people think about them. They did everything at their own pace.. For.. their friends." He stopped for a moment to breath before continuing his torturous journey to the finish line.

  "For seven years.. All that time.. They were waitin' for us.. No matter how painful it was.. Even if people made fun of them.. They held on.. T-They held on.. They protected the guild.. For their f-friends." With that, the balcony alloted for Fairy Tail's members bursted into cries and sobs. The Fire Dragon Slayer touched their hearts. Wouldn't blame them for crying, really. This guy has his way with words..

  "Now, we're going to show everyone! The proof that Fairy Tail never stopped walking! So, keep goin'!" That exact time was when he reached the ending mark. He did it. He won seventh place. As well as the hearts of almost half of the audience who was watching him, all on their feet while giving him a much deserved applause. He sure is something..

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Heeeeeeyyyyy!!

This is one long chapter. Pheew! Hope you liked it! 'Sides, that speech at the end was from the actual anime.

Stellar Mischief and Stellar Academy will be updated next week.. Hopefully.. Hope you'll look forward to that!

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☆JeRein_14