~*****~

Later that night, we were all back at the bar we frequented. "Look out world! Fairy Tail's back in action!" Natsu shouted.

"Aye!" Happy cheered.

"Just remember this isn't the guild hall," Lucy reminded him. "Anything we wreck, we have to pay for."

I wave my hand at her. "I'm totally loaded, what's the point of holding back? I'll buy this place if it means that much to ya--"

"YOU WILL NOT!" Lucy barked at me. "Seriously, how the hell are you so energetic right now? Fighting against all one hundred monsters isn't some small feat."

I shrug. "I've always healed fast. I got stabbed one time when I was like, fifteen and it healed overnight."

"That isn't something to just brush over-- you got stabbed?" Lisanna stammered.

I raise up my loose shirt and grin. "Check it! Ever wondered where I got that scar? It was a small pocket knife that a thief used to stop me from taking him to the magic council for a bounty." I laugh. "Good times!"

Ballad sighed. "Only Aria would think getting stabbed is a good time."

"Speaking of injuries, how's Elfman? The healing still not affecting him?" I ask.

Lisanna sighs. "No, my brother's a sad case..."

I peer around and smirk impishly. "It would seem Evergreen's in there with him again. Are you guys sure they're not engaged?"

Mira giggled. "I'm pretty sure. But I'm gonna plan the wedding if they do get engaged, though. They're kinda cute together!"

Lisanna sighed again. "And there's my sister, the other hopeless cause."

I snicker and lean back against the bar as Natsu goes shooting by on a makeshift sled comprised of ale barrels and a door. "WE'RE BOOZE BARREL SURFING CHAMPIONS!"

"Hey, that's dangerous!' Jet cries.

"Hit the deck!" Droy barks.

Natsu's sled hits Gajeel's table and I roar with laughter as it sends him flying. "You lookin' for a knuckle sandwich?!" Gajeel roars as he hoists Natsu up by the scarf.

Natsu immediately retched. "Fine. You can ride it." He murmured while holding his mouth shut.

"YOU'RE MISSIN' THE POINT!" Gajeel shouted louder.

"In that case, I'll have a go at it!" Gray exclaimed. He crashes into the wall.

"Enough!" Erza barks. "Watch! This is how you barrel surf!"

I bellow out a louder laugh as she sails the opposite direction but ends up crashing too. "My turn! I'll show you guys how it's done!" I shout as I leap onto the sled. I don't get too far and end up crashing against the bar. We all start cracking up with laughter, pushing more and more people to try to get far.

~*****~

The next morning started off with a new looking game that seemed like it would be a lot of fun. "It's a sunny day for magic and mayhem! We're ready to kick off day four's contest with a bang! Today's game is called, Naval Battle! That's right, folks! Strap yourself in for an exciting skirmish in the sea! The battlefield is a large ball of water!" The commentator roared. "If you get pushed out, you lose the match! The last contestant left swimming will be declared the winner! However, when only two competitors remain inside the battlefield, a special rule will come into play. We call it the five-minute rule. In this instance, if one of the remaining challengers exits the ring within the first five minutes of the final showdown, they will get last place! And it looks like the challengers are chosen! From Lamia Scale, it's Shelia! Jenny from Blue Pegasus hits the waves! From Mermaid Heel, it's Lislie! Also joining the fray is Juvia from Fairy Tail B!" From Sabertooth, that woman-- who I've learned is named Minerva, joins the contest. "Just listen to that crowd! Sounds like we've got a fan favorite here!"

"With this change, Sabertooth's team now consists of its five strongest." Yajima calls.

"It's an all-star ensemble, that's for sure!" Lavian exclaims.

"Lastly, the Celestial Bombshell from Fairy Tail A, Lucy!" The commentator continues. "The sea ring doesn't get much better than this, folks. Each time has sent a swimsuit-clad female challenger to represent them!"

"Such beautiful, enticing ladies!" Lavian cheers. "I can't thank you enough!"

"Did they just forget Quatro Puppy?" I snort.

"It's a deep sea rumble! Try to stay in the water for as long as you can!" The commentator shouted. "I hope you're ready, ladies, cause the Naval Battle is about to begin!"

"This is your chance, Lucy! Go get 'em!" Natsu and I shouted.

"If she uses Aquarius, she could take them all out at once," Gray mentions.

"Yeah, but Aquarius is also known to sweep Lucy away as well," I chuckle.

"Let's cheer for her as hard as we can!" Erza exclaims.

"Right!" Wendy nods.

The gong overhead rings loudly, starting the contest. Lucy starts off strong with Aquarius that sweeps a few of the women and Cerberus Puppy around until Juvia counters it, going head-to-head with Aquarius. Jenny takes the opportunity to take out Quatro Puppy's Rocker from the game, which resulted an all girl bikini battle. Eventually, Aquarius left to hang out with Scorpio, but Lucy has Virgo and Aries come to help. Juvia unleashes a new attack brought on by her second origin and pushes out Shelia, Jenny, and Lislie easily. The remaining three were Lucy, Juvia, and Minerva. But I guess something on Gray's face must've made her trail too far towards the edge and accidentally slipped out, leaving just Minerva and Lucy. The five minute rule went into affect. The battle started between the two girls. And it felt very one sided from the beginning, especially after Minerva stole her keys. But Lucy refused to give up. Anyone could admire her tenacity. Thankfully, the timer went off and now it was just a battle for the top spot, but just as the timer went off, Minerva unleashed a flurry of attacks, with the intent of serious damage. She wouldn't let Lucy get kicked out of the ring.

The railing under my grasp broke violently at my grasp, my gaze slinging over to Sabertooth's seating. "You're going to pay for this." Everyone of us murmured.

"The referee stopped the fight! The Naval Battle is over!" The commentator shouts. "Sabertooth takes first place with an overwhelming show of brutal force! It doesn't look like Lucy is moving. Can we please get the paramedics on the field?"

We all shout before leaping over the ledge. Thankfully, we make it in time to catch her as Minerva drops her callously. "Hey," I say gently as I brush at her hair tenderly. "C'mon, say something, please!"

"What in the hell is your problem?!" Natsu shouted up at Minerva. "You went way too far!"

"Hold on, I need to give her special emergency treatment!" Wendy shouted as she ran up to us.

"I'll help you!" Shelia exclaimed.

"Just hang in there, Lucy!" Juvia pleaded.

My gaze snaps up as Minerva lands on the ground. "What a scornful expression."

I gingerly lay Lucy on the ground and settle her head on my discarded overcoat. "Here we go!" Wendy sighed as she placed her palms on Lucy.

"She's hurt pretty bad, so let's combine our powers!" Shelia hummed.

"You can glare at me all you want if it makes you feel better." Minerva mentioned haughtily. "But remember that I acted in full compliance with the rules of the competition."

"That may be true," Erza stated. "But you went way outside the bounds basic human decency."

Minerva chuckled. "I was simply trying to entertain the crowd, that's all. To be quite honest, you should be thanking me. She got second place, didn't she? She could've never done that without my help."

"What?" Natsu growled.

Suddenly, the rest of Sabertooth's team was at her side, ready to fight at the first sign of trouble. I spit on the ground. "You may be considered the strongest guild in Fiore, you'd be wise to heed this warning," I snap lowly. "Now listen carefully, you scum. Making an enemy of Fairy Tail is a decision that you will regret." I turn on my heel and stride towards Lucy's body to lean down and lift her upwards. "C'mon, let's get her into a bed." I say softly.

"Right!" Wendy stammered and immediately followed after me.

~*****~

I patted at Ballad's head as she sobbed against my neck from the sight of Lucy. "Is she gonna be okay?" Happy asked sullenly.

No one made a sound-- only Ballad's small sobs seemed to echo through the room. The door to her room opened suddenly with Juvia leading the pack. "Is there any word on Lucy's condition?" Juvia asked.

"Is she awake?" Mira chirped.

"You guys came!" Gray exclaimed.

"We may be on different teams, but we're all in the same guild," Cana reminded him.

My brow raises at Laxus as he enters the room. "So, how is she?" Gajeel asked.

"She's not out of the woods yet, but she'll pull through thanks to Wendy." Porlyusica hummed.

"No, it wasn't just me, we're lucky Shelia was there to help out, too." Wendy exclaimed.

"Thank goodness," Mira sighed.

"I'm glad to hear she hasn't sustained any lasting injuries." Erza mentioned.

"They're gonna pay," Natsu growls.

"You can sure as hell bet on that one," Laxus hums.

"She's awake!" Happy suddenly chirped.

We all snapped our gazes onto her and peered down at Lucy's eyes until they popped open. "You guys..." She murmurs. "I'm sorry."

"Say what? Why're you apologizing, Lucy?" I ask.

She quickly ducked under the covers. "Because I screwed up again..."

"Are you kidding?" Gray asks. "Second place is nothing to be sorry about."

"We got eight points in that round!" Wendy chirps.

"Yes! Good job!" Erza beams.

"But, I lost my keys..." Lucy whimpers.

Ballad sniffled loudly and held up the key holder. "I went and got them for you," She sniffled and began crying again. "I didn't want you to be sad, so I made sure to get them!"

"Oh, that's a relief," Lucy sighed as Ballad plopped onto the bed and held them out. Lucy held the holder close to her and smiled. "Thank you, Ballad..." She murmurs before dozing off again.

I snort and brush her hair out of her face. "I think she's gonna be okay," Mira smiled.

"But we still can't let those guys get away with this kinda crap!" Cana snapped.

"I feel the exact same way," Gray nods.

"Lousy bunch of scumbags," Gajeel snapped.

The door opened, causing us all to look over. "Master!" Cana exclaimed.

"Unfortunate circumstances, but I'm glad both teams are here," Makarov hummed as he stepped in. "I have something to tell you. I was just contacted by the games' organizers, though I'm not sure if we'll be a help or hinderance to us, we've been asked to consolidate our two teams into one."

"Say what?" Natsu barked.

"So we gotta be like everybody else now, huh?" Laxus sighs.

"Why are they doing that?" Mira asked.

"Since Raven Tail has been disqualified, there are now seven teams remaining. Having an odd number makes it difficult to match up competitors for the battles. Therefore, we've been ordered to do away the A and B team and form a single five-person team for the rest of the tournament." Makarov continued.

"Why five? I thought six could enter?" I ask irritably.

Makarov rubbed at his head. "Any team could have six, but most entered five, so we have to go down, too." Makarov sighed.

"So, that means we're losing six members." Erza mentions.

"But how will this affect our scores?" Carla asks.

"We're only allowed to keep the lower one," Makarov grunts. "And that would be the thirty-five points from Team A."

"But that's totally unfair!" Happy whined.

"Fair or not, the decisions been made," Erza stated. "So we'd better accept it."

"Look on the bright side, this just means we're gonna be able to put together an even more kick-ass team." Cana smirks.

"Well, I wish this woulda happened a little bit earlier," Gray mentioned. "Because the only thing we have left now are the two man battles, right?"

"You're wrong," Porlyusica hummed. "Traditionally, there is a mandatory day off. Followed by a battle involving all members. It's important to choose carefully."

"No matter what happens, I'm gonna get revenge for Lucy!" Natsu snaps. "If they think they can treat her like that, I'll show 'em myself that they're dead wrong!"

I smirk. "Glad you feel that way, cause I'm gonna be right there with ya, pounding those jerks under my boot."

"Hell yeah!" Natsu growled.

~*****~

For the battle round, Makarov consolidated our teams finally into a team that was a force to be reckoned with. And with the battle announcements, it was pure luck he chose who he did. Match one will be Blue Pegasus versus Quatro Puppy. Match two will be Mermaid Heel against Lamia Scale. Match three will be Sabertooth against Fairy Tail. And our team consisted of the strongest wizards Fairy Tail has to offer. Natsu, Gray, Laxus, Erza, and myself. Gajeel roared about this sucking major ass that I was picked over him, but apparently that one hundred monster win was something that put me higher.

The crowd roared loudly, causing my ears to pop from the intense sound. The first match started; Ichiya and the rabbit guy versus Bacchus and Rocker. Although, the rabbit surprised me.... as Nichiya. I could hear Ballad screaming about the horror of it all.

"I don't feel so good," I murmur. "They've met... oh my god, it's gonna be awful...."

"Quit panicking, it can't be that bad," Laxus snorted at me.

I wave him off. "You tell me that when that creeper starts sniffin' at your coat." I snap back.

The match... was strange, that was for sure. Nichiya was easily taken out, giving Bacchus and Rocker opportunity to completely overwhelm Ichiya, but there was one thing I knew about Ichiya for certain. He's a strange man, but he's a very powerful, strange man.

I rubbed at my head. "He actually took down Bacchus?" Erza wondered.

"I said it once, and I'll say it again... Ichiya is a strange man, but an exceptional wizard." I mention.

"I guess he's not just an idiot," Gray commented.

"He's totally awesome!" Natsu cheered. We dove straight into round two with Lyon and Yuka versus Kagura and Millianna. "Lyon and Kagura are fighting? This is gonna be a good one!" Natsu hummed.

I didn't respond. I merely kept my gaze up at Sting and Rogue, teeth grinding in absolute fury. I feel a warm body press against my back and leans against me, palm pressing against the railing besides us as he peers down at the battle. I hum affectionately and allow myself to stop feeling so worked up about what Sabertooth had done, for just a moment, anyway. I turn my nose up and bury my nose into the underside of Natsu's chin.

"You feelin' all right?" Natsu asks.

I hum. "Just sad that Lucy, Elfman and the others can't watch the matches right now." I mention.

Natsu beams. "Don't worry about it! We'll tell 'em all about the battles over some tasty food tonight!"

I laugh. "Sounds like a plan, just remember how it goes, detail for detail."

The battle began between Mermaid Heel and Lamia Scale. Kagura stepped aside and made Millianna fight by herself. I felt conflicted, but Millianna was a force to be reckoned with on her own. This match turned out pretty funny as Lyon played little tricks on Millianna by making a mouse and making it cold for her to act like a cute little kitten. When she was knocked out by smacking into a wall, Kagura finally joined in the battle and took out Yuka with ease. All that was left was Kagura and Lyon to battle it out. But the Cold Emperor was no match against Kagura. Before she could take out Lyon, the bell rang, signaling a draw between Lyon and Kagura.

I clutched at the railing anxiously for the next match's announcement. And when it turned out to be Natsu and I against Sting and Rogue, we all but leapt off of the balcony to get the match started as soon as possible.

~*****~

Natsu and I stood in the hall, waiting for the commentator to call the teams out. "Hey, Natsu? Aria?" We turn our gazes on the small cats staring up at us.

"Hey guys, what's up?" Natsu beamed.

"We're not gonna say anything, you know!" Ballad squeaked. "But we'll be cheering for you the loudest!"

"Yeah, and then we'll all go out for some yummy fish afterwards!" Happy cheered.

I giggled and rubbed at their heads. "C'mon, Natsu, let's go rock this shit."

"Oh hell yeah! I'm all fired up now!" Natsu chanted. We entered the arena, the smirks on our faces suddenly gone as the mood shifted into a more serious nature. This was going to be a hard battle, but we were ready for anything those Sabertooth jerks put out.

"One guild was considered the strongest in Fiore seven years ago, and the other currently holds the title. This is gonna be a great match. It's Fairy Tail's Natsu and Aria versus Sabertooth's Sting and Rogue! You're about to witness a showdown of epic proportions! These aren't just any wizards, they're Dragon Slayers!"

I vaguely hear the words of the commentator from here on, my ears buzzing with only the energy fluttering in the arena. Just as the match was started, Natsu and I wasted no time speaking to one another, our moves perfectly in sync as we launched an attack at Sting and Rogue, cracking our fists against their faces immediately.

"White Dragon Roar!" I vaguely hear Sting bellow. My gaze snaps to the right as the roar is maneuvered towards me. My body sinks to the ground, evading it easily as my slim body presses against the dirt. The hairs on my neck stand upright.

"Shadow Dragon Slash!" I hear Rogue shout.

Ice slings up, forming the swords I'd trained so hard to harden into the unbreakable ice diamonds Everest would make. Rogue's attack is easily stopped, his eyes widening in shock. Perhaps it was arrogance that he thought I'd go down without a fight. "Keep your wits about you," I warn as I twist his body up, and Natsu crashes his fist into his face, sending him barreling straight into Sting.

"Fire Dragon Wing Attack!" Natsu roars as he sends the two flying.

Natsu lands besides me and I give him a firm pat to the shoulder. "You guys are tough, that's for sure. Makes it more fun," Sting teases.

"Tell me something. Did you really defeat your dragons with that measly power of yours?" Natsu asks.

"We didn't just defeat them," Sting hums. "We killed our dragons with our bare hands!"

"Yes, keep admitting to the world you killed your parents," I mention. "Did you ever even see them as your parents?"

"That's none of your business, but if you losers wanna see our dragon-slaying power, I'll be happy to show it to ya!" Sting growled.

The two suddenly begin exuding more magic energy. The hairs on my neck stand on end and I feel a rush of excitement despite the anger I harbored towards their guild. This was finally getting serious, and I was extremely relieved about it. Sting springs into action, and now that he's serious, he's moving a lot faster as he lands a barrage against Natsu.

My skin ripples lightly as I evade Rogue and his attacks. This kind of magic smelt familiar to me. I kept my eyes on him, even if my body couldn't keep up just yet. "Try as you might, you can't catch a shadow." Rogue hums lightly.

I feel a powerful slug against my side that sends me tumbling into Natsu's back. "Man, they're good," I comment as I peer upwards at the duo.

"No kidding," Natsu agreed.

"Your fight is with us, losers! Show some respect!" Sting barks.

We leap out of the way just in time as they come barreling down on us. "Didn't anyone tell you it's bad manners to hold back when you're fighting?" Natsu asks.

"You're one to talk!" Sting retorts loudly as he assaults Natsu once again. "What's the deal with that pitiful defense, huh?"

We're hit with another barrage of attacks once again, sending us tumbling backwards. I don't have time to breathe as I fight against Rogue. "The hell--?" I hear Natsu complain. "What'd you do to me?!"

"My white dragon talon is infused with holy magic. Anyone branded with it's stigmata becomes paralyzed." Sting jeers. "Now the real fun begins. You're my new punching bag!"

"In the end, the shadow dragon always gets its prey--" I hear in my ear as I dodge yet another attack from Rogue. "And you won't even see it coming--" I hear in my other. My ear twitches at the itching sensation from his breath and immediately grasp his arm as it sails towards me.

"Watch it, kid." I say in a low tone. I sling my head backwards and crack it against Rogue's face before whipping my head up. "What's the matter, kid? You were so cocky just a minute ago! Don't you dare underestimate Fairy Tail!" I bark at him. I grasp onto his cloak, whirl him around and send him crashing into the wall with Sting after a devastating attack from Natsu.

"You guys are pretty awesome, all right, no shock there," Sting comments as he and Rogue get up. "Looks like we'll have to give you everything we've got. When we decide to go all out, there's no way fire and ice can stand up to us." My brows quirk at the magic power pouring out of them. "Here it comes, Natsu! Dragon Slayer Secret Art, Holy Nova!" Sting exclaims.

I stretch my arms overhead, ignoring the flush trying to erupt as Natsu easily stops Sting's attack with one hand. My body bows forward suddenly, lashing my leg out and crushing Rogue against the ground in an instinctual reaction. Natsu gives me a grin and we begin kicking the crap out of them.

It takes a moment, but Sting and Rogue stand back up. "We're not finished yet," Rogue growls.

"He's right. It's not like we expected this to be easy, you know? Give us some credit." Sting added.

"Then get serious." I say irritably.

"I'm not gonna lose," Sting growls, his skin erupting white scales. "I made a promise to Lector, and I intend to keep it."

"Well, well," I hum. "They finally stopped playing." I mention to Natsu.

Natsu hums. "It's about damn time."

"Hang back, Rogue," Sting orders as he saunters forward. "I got this. I can handle these chumps by myself."

"Goodness, he's sure confident." I mention.

"Yeah." Natsu agrees. "Don't underestimate him."

"Isn't that my line?" I comment dryly before Sting rushes us. He keeps up easily at our attacks now, easily throwing us every which way before unleashing a powerful roar at us. The floor gives way under us, but we don't stop fighting back.

"Fire Dragon Sword Horn!" Natsu bellows as he collides with Sting and sends him flying my way.

"Ice Dragon Lariat Strike!" I shout, slamming my leg into his back and sending him to the ground.

The dust settles after a moment and Sting stands up, unharmed. "The radiance of a white dragon purifies all! Holy Ray!" Each hit feels like a thousand pounds of lead against my body, but it's strangely refreshing to fight against someone so strong. It's like a back-and-forth volley between the three of us.

We hit the ground and I give a soft breath before I hear Sting say that he won. "Change is inevitable. And there's the proof. The old generation battered and beaten at the hands of true Dragon Slayers. Their era was grand, but now it's come to an end." I hear Rogue hum.

"Got that right," Sting chuffs. "Good fight. It was the toughest I've ever had. Thanks. And I mean it."

I vaguely hear Ballad's wail in arena and I decide to stop playing around. "Sting--" I hear Rogue complain.

"Yeah, I know. Aria wasn't mine to take out. Sorry." Sting apologizes. "But I finally did it. I kept my word."

"You must like hearin' yourself talk, huh," I mention as I sit up. I stretch my arms upwards and accept the hand Natsu holds out to me. "Is it our turn?"

Natsu groaned. "How're you not feelin' that headache?"

I scrub at my hair. "Seriously? Dragon Force ain't hard to accomplish. Luckily for you, I know how to use it at will. My head's protected." I mention to Natsu as I drop my hand.

Natsu chuckles. "Yeah, sorry for makin' you hold back like that," Natsu teases. "But now we've seen all your little quirks."

"What?" Sting gasps.

"No!" Rogue barks.

"I know the timing of your attacks, the way you stand when you defend, even the rhythm of your breathing!" Natsu explains.

"What the hell?! That's impossible!" Sting shouted. "I used my Dragon Force! You shouldn't be standing!"

"Unfortunately for you, Natsu's got some training on handling Dragon Force." I mention as my skin ripples with my own scales that cover me from head to toe.

"No kidding, Aria's a tough battle, she really helped me prepare for someone like you." Natsu grinned. "You're definitely strong! I feel like a train ran over me!"

"Keep your composure. He's just bluffing," Rogue commented.

I chuckle. "Natsu? Bluffing?" I giggle. "You'd have a better time getting onto a train and not puking."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Natsu complained. "You sayin' I'm dumb or somethin'?"

"Dumb, yes. But you're an excellent wizard." I retort.

"You got that right! For example, when you attack, you pivot your foot to around eleven o'clock!" Natsu chirped.

"Wrong." I hum. "It's ten o'clock."

"It's totally eleven!" Natsu complained.

"You're askin' for a butt whoopin'! It was ten!" I shout.

"It was twenty-three o'clock!" Natsu counters.

I sigh loudly. "That's the same thing, you dimwit! Honestly, I'd be more upset if you weren't so cute!"

"You tryin' to pick a fight?" Natsu snaps. "I told you I ain't cute! I'm a man!"

"Then prove it, flame brain!" I shout back, resulting in a rumble between the two of us. "Hey, put me down!" I shout at Natsu as I'm suddenly lifted into the air and plopped in a cart. "Don't you pull that--" My stomach clenches as it begins to move. "Grab a bucket-- I'm gonna hurl--" I whine as I'm tumbling down a mine shaft. I rub at my butt as I stare up at the opening with a grunt. "You're gonna get your ass handed to you, and it's not gonna be by those jerks." My nose twitches lightly. "But on the other hand, I smell something strange..." I hum lightly. I peer back up at the hole before trotting towards the smell instead of rejoining the fight. I'd get Natsu back, but my aggression over them was sated for the moment.