Fairy Tail: Metal and Threads

Earth Land, Ishgar, Kingdom of Fiore, Crocus. 

July 1, x790. 

{"Thanks, Loli."} Mato said in his characteristic tone as an image of Mato appeared on all the Lacrima-Vision screens set up around the Domus Flau. {"The first game of this year's Grand Magic Games is called, 'There can only be one.' So, I ask that each team select a member to participate. Then, once your member is selected, all the others should vacate the arena. Once the eight chosen wizards are the only ones left in the arena, I will explain the rules of the game."} 

With Mato's announcement, all the wizards on the arena grounds began talking amongst themselves, trying to decide who would participate in the first event of the Grand Magic Games. However, considering the fact that the rules for the game would not be announced until all eight participants were decided, the uninformed decision could put the wizards at an unintended disadvantage. 

"Since we can only participate in one event during the first four days of the GMG, we don't need to worry about getting exhausted, right?" Marin asked in a serious tone. "So, the only question is, who wants to go first." 

"That's not exactly true, Marin." Elicia said while holding up her right index finger. "Remember, there's also the battle round after each event. And although the competitor in the event has never had to fight in the battle round that follows, that doesn't mean it's not possible." 

"Lici's right." Alfonzo added. "But I don't really think we need to worry about that too much. Remember, the battle rounds are chosen to entertain the audience. And watching someone who is spent from the event wouldn't exactly be entertaining." 

"That's true." Elicia replied with a nod. "Then, that leads us back to Marin's question, who should go up first?" 

"I think Sun should go." Alfonzo said while nodding in Sun's direction. 

"Me?" Sun asked in a confused tone. Though, it was clear to see she did not mind going up for the first event. "But why?" 

"I just have a feeling." Alfonzo replied. 

'It's because the name of this event reminds me of Highlander.' Alfonzo thought to himself. 'And as the only swordsman on our team, you fit the bill the best. But the only one who would understand my feelings on the matter is Lici. And judging by the way she just rolled her eyes at me; she knows exactly what I'm thinking.' 

"If you wanna go, then it's fine with me, Sun." Elicia said after rolling her eyes at Alfonzo. "But don't pay attention to what Fonzie said. He's probably thinking something stupid." 

'If Lici/Elicia says that, then it's probably true.' Marin and Brandish thought at the same time. 'I mean, she does a whole lot of the same, too. And only Fonzie/Alfonzo seems to ever understand what she says or thinks.' 

"Okay, then I'll go." Sun said with a strong nod. 

"Then, that's settled." Alfonzo said with a smile. "And remember, no mercy. We're going all out. Fairy Tail will not tolerate being mocked." 

"Of course." Sun said, her expression turning serious in an instant. 

With that, Alfonzo, Elicia, Marin, and Brandish returned nods of their own before vacating the arena. 

{"Oh, it looks like Fairy Tail has already decided on their competitor for this event."} Loli said. {"and it looks to be Sun Seto, the daughter of the Seto Group's CEO."} 

{"That's not a bad choice."} Yajima said. {"From what I know, Sun is quite well rounded and uses a combination of [Sword Magic] and [Water Magic]. She's considerably strong, as well."} 

{"Wow! Then I'm really looking forward to Sun's first appearance in the Grand Magic Games."} Loli said excitedly. {"Now, we just have to wait for... Wait, it looks like the other guilds are making their moves, as well. Let's see... From Mermaid Heel, Rangiku Matsumoto. From Blue Pegasus, Kai Mikawa. From Quatro Cerberus, Yumichika Ayasegawa. From Sabertooth, Rogue Cheney. It looks like Lamia Scale is sending up Toby Horhorta. Final Fantasy is sending up Terra Branford. And finally, Twilight Ogre is sending up... Uh... Hold on, which one is he again? Oh goodness, this is embarrassing..."} 

Hearing Loli stumble over the name of the Twilight Ogre representative, the crowd could not help but start laughing. Meanwhile, the members of Twilight Ogre were livid. Then the participant from the guild shouted his name loudly. Unfortunately, no one could hear it over the crowd's laughter. 

{"This is really unlike you, Loli."} Yajima said while shaking his head. {"But then again, it really is hard to tell them all apart. The only one who really stands out is their leader, Thibault."} 

{"*Sigh* I know, I'm really not at my best with this one."} Loli said in a dejected tone. {"Well, if he manages to stand out in this event, I'm sure the whole kingdom will remember his name, right?"} 

However, before the conversation between Yajima and Loli could continue in the broadcast booth, Mato's face once again appeared on all the screens in the arena. 

"Whoo~~~~~~! Go, Sun, daddy is rooting for you~~~~~~!" The shout of a doting father rang out over the arena just as Mato opened his mouth to explain the rules of the event. 

Being interrupted just as he was about to speak, for the first time since the Grand Magic Games first happened, Mato's expression turned into something other than a smile, something that was quite curious considering that Mato's face was only a mask. Yet, no one questioned it... Aloud, anyway. 

{"Please, settle down."} Mato said in an annoyed tone. 

Yet, the cheering from the overly doting father did not stop, constantly cheering for Sun. 

"He said calm down!" An angry woman's voice shouted a moment later. 

*Bang!* 

And with the sound of that loud impact, the arena fell silent while the people sitting closest to the impact tried their best to edge away from its cause. 

{"Thank you."} Mato said with a nod. {"Now, where was I? Oh, yes! *Cough* Now that the eight competitors have been chosen, allow me to introduce the rules of the event, 'There can be only one'."} 

When Mato reached that point, the center of the arena, where the eight wizards stood, rose into the air. Now, the eight competitors stood on an octagonal, floating ring. 

{"During this event, all eight wizards will fight to be the last one standing."} Mato continued. {"Meaning, they must be the last one standing on the floating platform they are on right now. So, if anyone is knocked off the platform, knocked unconscious, or surrenders, they are disqualified. And remember, there's no killing allowed, okay?"} 

"Well, that's about what I expected." Alfonzo said from his spot in the stands that was reserved for the competitors. "I mean, it's basically a king of the hill event." 

"Yeah, and you had us train for something like this back in Magnolia." Marin said. 

"And our training was much harder than this." Elicia added. "I mean, we had to fight with all the S-Class wizards in the guild, other than Irene, that is." 

 "Even so, this won't be easy." Brandish said. "One of the Dragon Slayers from Sabertooth is participating in this event." 

"That's true." Alfonzo said with a nod. "he's the Shadow Dragon Slayer. And he as the ability to turn his body into shadow. Still, I have faith in Sun. She's a lot more resourceful than her happy go lucky personality would suggest." 

No one could argue that point. So, they all turned their attention back to the arena to await the beginning of the event. 

{"Now, if you please, would all the competitors take a starting position at one of the platforms corners?"} Mato asked, his voice projecting throughout the Domus Flau. 

Immediately, the eight wizard followed Mato's request. Then, they all looked around at the other competitors warily while deciding what course of action to take once the event started. 

{"Good."} Mato said after seeing everyone in their starting positions. {"Then..."} 

With that, all the competitors' expressions turned serious. 

{"Get ready~~~~~!"} Mato said, drawing out the suspense. 

Meanwhile, Sun inhaled a deep breath. 

{"Go~~~~~~~!"} Mato shouted, signaling the beginning of the event. 

"[Voice Magic: Howling Voice]!" Sun shouted as soon as Mato gave the signal. 

In the next instant, everyone in the arena was forced to cover their ears due to the loud voice. At the same time, a shockwave was fired from Sun's mouth, traveling straight across the octagonal platform, headed right for the wizard standing opposite her. And as it just so happened, that happened to be the unnamed wizard from Twilight Ogre. 

{"I don't know if anyone can hear me, but Sun from Fairy Tail has started the event with a big move."} Loli shouted, trying to be heard over Sun's voice. 

*Bang!* 

"Ahh~~~~~~~~!" The Twilight Ogre wizard shouted in pain as he was hit by the soundwave. 

At the same time, the wizard from Twilight Ogre was sent flying off the platform. Luckily, the platform was not floating too high off the arena floor. Otherwise, as disoriented as he was, he could have been seriously injured by the fall. 

Meanwhile, while everyone was still reeling from Sun's [Howling voice], Sun dashed to her left to attack her next target. 

"Sun, although I admire you, don't think I'll let you defeat me." Kai said after noticing that Sun was rushing towards him. 

Although Kai was affected by Sun's spell, as an Orca Merman, he was a bit more immune to its effects than the others. So, while wearing his space suit to protect himself from the great outdoors, he took a fighting stance, ready to fight back against Sun's assault. 

"Sorry, Kai." Sun said while [Requipping] Kanade onto her left hip. "But Alfonzo said to not hold back. So, I can only apologize. [Water/Sword Compound Magic: First form: Water Surface slash]." 

At that moment, Sun was clearly not in range for her iaido draw technique. However, as she swung her sword, the water she had compressed around her blade flew along its trajectory, aimed straight at Kai's chest. 

However, Kai, showing his prowess, raised his arms in front of his chest to defend against the compressed water blade. 

"I don't think so!" kai roared. "[Enhancement Magic: Full Body Enhancement]." 

As Kai chanted his spell, he took a few steps forward to avoid being pushed off the side of the platform by the force he could sense behind Sun's attack. 

*Bang!* 

*Grind!* 

Unfortunately, kai underestimated the power behind Sun's attack. As a result, he was forced backwards, his feet leaving two trenches in the ground that he was dragged past. Yet, Sun did not take the time to see the outcome of her attack, as she was forced to turn around and parry an sword strike. 

*Clang!* 

"Terra Branford." Sun said while making eye contact with a pair of green eyes. 

"That's me." Terra replied in a small voice. 

Terra then rotated her sword, pushing Sun's blade to the outside of her body. Then, she placed her free hand on Sun's abdomen. 

Realizing that Terra was more than likely about to cast a spell, Sun's eyes widened. Then, she quickly raised her left knee, slamming it into Terra's forearm with enough force to send Terra's hand straight upwards. 

"[Fire Magic: Fira]." Terra chanted; her tone somewhat flustered as her arm was knocked upwards. 

In the next instant, from Terra's hand, a spiral of flames was fired into the sky lighting up the entire arena. 

"Ah! Damn!" kai's shout could be heard as the flames heated up the platform. 

The reason for Kai's shout was simple, just as he regained his footing and managed to push away Sun's attack, a shadow approached him from the ground. Then, just as he relaxed his muscles, Rogue rose from the shadow in front of him. 

"[Shadow Dragon's Slash]." Rogue chanted once he materialized into his physical form. 

*Bang!* 

With his chant, Rogue's right arm, up to his elbow, was coated in shadow. Then, he threw a punch at Kai's chest. 

Unfortunate for Kai, Rogue chose the perfect moment to attack, as he had just released the tension in his muscles. So, although he was able to get his hands up in front of rogue's attack, he was unable to brace himself properly. As a result, kai was thrown from the platform, becoming the second one to be eliminated from the event. 

{"Wow! Kai Mikawa is the second contestant to be eliminated."} Loli shouted vigorously. 

{"Indeed, Rogue chose the perfect opportunity to strike."} Yajima said, sounding impressed. {"And the speed he moves at when in his [Shadow form] is quite impressive."} 

{"Yes, it is!"} Loli shouted energetically. {"And it looks like he's on the move again."} 

Meanwhile, Sun, after causing Terra to misfire her spell, threw a front kick, that Terra blocked with the flat of her sword. However, the force behind Sun's kick sent the Final Fantasy wizard flying. 

"[Water/Sword Compound Magic: Seventh Form: Drop Ripple Thrust]." Sun chanted as she drew her blade back into a thrusting position. 

Seeing Sun's action, Terra's eyes widened slightly. Then, she gathered another [Fire Magic] spell on her free hand, preparing to fire it at Sun to stop her advance. 

"[Poison Claw]." 

Hearing that chant from behind, Terra was startled. She then quickly looked behind her and saw Toby standing in her flight path with his fingernails extended and ready to strike her in the back. 

"Damn." Terra muttered as she lowered her hand holding the [Fire Magic] and pointed it at the ground. "[Fire Magic: Flare]." 

*Boom~~~~~~!* 

In the next instant, a large explosion occurred directly under Terra. As a result, her trajectory was changed, and she was thrown over Toby. 

"Huh?" Toby confusedly intoned before reaching up to scratch his head. "Did she just blow herself up? Argh~~~~~~!" 

"*Sigh* He did it again." Yuka grumbled from Lamia Scale's spectator seats. "How in the world did he forget that his claws were coated in his [Paralyzing Poison Powder] again?" 

"I think that's just something we should be used to by now." Lyon muttered. 

While that conversation was happening, Sun, who was still rushing forward to attack Terra with her [Drop Ripple Thrust], shot through the explosion. And although she did not see Terra on the other side, when she saw Toby just standing there with a pained expression on his face, she decided that he would be her next target. 

"Well, I guess we're getting sixth place for this one." Yuka muttered as he watched Sun send Toby flying off the ring with her thrust. 

{"And that brings the number down to five!"} Loli Shouted excitedly. {"So far, this is contestant Sun's second elimination. I wonder how many more she will get before everything is all said and done."] 

Then, as if to answer Loli's question, Sun turned her gaze upwards and noticed that Terra was still flying through the air. Plus, she had turned around to use another spell to stop herself from flying off the ring. However, sun had no intension of letting her do so. So, she took another deep breath, this one audible to everyone in the Domus Flau. 

"Oh, shit." Alfonzo muttered. "she's not playing around this time." 

At the same time, Alfonzo created ear muffs for everyone in Fairy Tail with his [Metal Magic] that could absorb sound. And all of the Fairy Tail wizards wasted no time putting them on. 

"[Voice Magic: Howling Voice – Overload]." Sun shouted as she aimed her spell at the airborne Terra. 

Once again, everyone in the Domus Flau's audience seats was forced to cover their ears. However, those in the ring were not so lucky. But after the first time, they had diverted some of their magic power to protect their ears, knowing that the first time would not be the last time Sun used a spell like that. Still, Yumichika, Rangiku, and Rogue all flinched when they heard the loud noise, Especially Rogue, who as a Dragon Slayer, had exceptional senses when compared to other wizards. 

But Terra was the unluckiest of everyone present, as not only did she have to defend against the sound of Sun's voice. But the shockwave that accompanied it was also dangerous. And although she tried to block it with another [Fire Magic] spell, without the proper footing, she was still pushed even further away from the ring. As a result, Final Fantasy ended up taking fifth place in the first event of the Grand Magic Games. 

Meanwhile, after recovering from the loud sound, the Quatro Cerberus representative, Yumichika, and the Mermaid Heel representative, Rangiku, were engaged in a sword fight. Unfortunately, because both of their ears were ringing thanks to Sun's spell, they did not hear the approaching Dragon Slayer as he rose from a shadow nearby. 

"[Shadow Dragon's Roar]." Rogue chanted, completely unheard by everyone other than Sun. 

In the next instance, a conical blast of [shadow Dragon Slayer Magic] was exhaled from Rogue's mouth, engulfing both Yumichika and Rangiku. 

"Ah!" Yumichika exclaimed as he noticed a moment too late. 

"Damn." Rangiku cursed while she was in the same boat as Yumichika. 

*Boom!* 

In the next moment, both Yumichika and Rangiku were blasted out of the ring, with Rangiku using Yumichika as a cushion. As a result, Quatro Cerberus took fourth place while Mermaid Heel received third. 

{"And with that, we're down to two contestants!"} Loli shouted with passion. {"Sun Seto from Fairy Tail and Rogue Cheney from Sabertooth. Yajima, who do you think will come out on top?"} 

"[Water/Sword Compound Magic: Second Form: Water Wheel]." Sun chanted before Yajima could answer Loli's question. 

Suns' sword, swung while summersaulting, cleaved through Rogue's shoulder while he was recovering from his spell. However, instead of harming the Shadow Dragon Slayer, it simply passed through him as the affected area turned into shadows. 

"Ha! It's no use." Rogue said coldly as Sun landed on the platform and quickly turned around to face him. "No matter what you do or how impressive your swordsmanship is, you can't cut a shadow." 

"You think so?" Sun asked while tilting her head cutely. "Well, I won't know until I try, ya see?" 

{"I'm not sure, Loli."} Yajima said, finally answering Loli's question. {"But we're definitely about to find out real soon."}