Fairy Tail: Shadows of the Dark Elves
The guild hall buzzed with nervous energy as Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Erza, and the others huddled around Wendy, who had just finished recounting her conversation with Odyn. The revelation of the dark elf siblings and their extraordinary magical abilities cast a new shadow over their upcoming competition.
"These dark elves are no ordinary competitors," Erza said, her analytical mind already strategizing. She traced her finger across a makeshift diagram of their known magical abilities. "Each of them possesses magic that could completely disrupt our typical battle strategies."
Gray leaned forward, his ice-cold demeanor matching his magic. "Roy's combination of lightning and flame magic is particularly troubling. That's not a natural magical combination - it suggests a level of magical control we've rarely encountered."
Natsu's eyes flickered with a mix of excitement and concern. "Sounds like a good fight," he grinned, but there was an edge of seriousness in his voice. "Especially that wind magic user, Khanna. Someone who can get 'carried away' during a fight? That's unpredictable."
Lucy pulled out her celestial keys, twirling them thoughtfully. "And Sarai's healing and ice slayer magic means she's not just a defensive fighter. She could turn the tables in an instant."
Wendy, sitting quietly, added the most critical piece of information. "Odyn mentioned they all have two transformative forms - the Dragonoid and the Blazing Arkynorean. That means each of them could potentially multiply their magical potential mid-battle."
Makarov, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "The Grand Magic Games have always been about more than just raw power. It's about adaptability, teamwork, and strategy. These dark elves might have extraordinary magic, but Fairy Tail has something they don't - an unbreakable bond."
The guild members exchanged determined looks. The games were no longer just a competition - they were a challenge that would test the very limits of their magical abilities and team cohesion.
The First Confrontation
As the first day of the Grand Magic Games dawned, the arena in Crocus was electric with anticipation. Fairy Tail's team took their positions, hyper-aware that the dark elf siblings were watching from the competitor's section.
Odyn caught Wendy's eye, his orange eyes a mixture of affection and competitive fire. The sky maiden realized that this tournament would be far more complex than any they had faced before.
The first event was about to begin, and everything hung in the balance.
The Hidden Game: Raven Tail's Aggression
The first day of the Grand Magic Games quickly revealed itself to be more than just a test of magical prowess. Ivan Dreyar's Raven Tail guild had clearly come with an agenda that went far beyond typical competition.
Calculated Harassment
Raven Tail's strategy was anything but subtle. Their guild members, particularly those handpicked by Ivan, began a systematic and deliberate campaign of interference targeting Fairy Tail. It wasn't just competition - it was personal.
Makarov watched with a mixture of anger and resignation. The bad blood between father and son, between guild master and estranged guild master, had transformed the Grand Magic Games into a battlefield of familial resentment.
Observations from Rival Guilds
Sabertooth's guild members, known for their strategic acumen, began to take notice. Sting Eucliffe leaned over to Rogue, his voice low but intrigued. "Something's not right with Raven Tail. They're not even trying to be discreet about targeting Fairy Tail."
Rogue's crimson eyes narrowed. "It's more than competition. This feels like a vendetta."
The Underlying Tension
The other participating guilds exchanged knowing glances. The Grand Magic Games had always been competitive, but Raven Tail was pushing the boundaries of acceptable conduct. Their actions suggested a deeper, more personal motivation - revenge, perhaps, or a desire to utterly humiliate Fairy Tail and its master.
Erza Scarlet, ever vigilant, began to analyze the pattern of Raven Tail's attacks. Each "interference" was carefully calculated to disrupt, to antagonize, but not quite cross the line into outright disqualification.
"They're playing a dangerous game," she muttered to Natsu and Gray. "Ivan wants to break our spirit without getting caught."
The Psychological Warfare
What made Raven Tail's approach particularly insidious was its psychological component. It wasn't just about magical confrontation - it was about creating doubt, sowing discord, and attempting to undermine Fairy Tail's legendary team spirit.
But they had miscalculated one crucial element: Fairy Tail's resilience.
Fairy Tail's Response
Laxus, standing apart from the main group but very much aware of his father's machinations, clenched his fists. The electricity crackling around him was a testament to his barely contained anger.
"Let them try," he growled, a protective fury building within him. "They'll learn why you don't mess with Fairy Tail."
*The hidden game had begun, and the true battle was just starting...*
The game continued and concluded with Rufus claiming victory thanks to his personal magic knocking out all the other participants in the game, the day continued into the battle portion of the day, Makarov could tell Odyn, their resident Dark elf was not pleased with Raven Tail. He'd seen what the young elf [Wendy's boyfriend] was capable of. Question was: would Raven Tail or even Sabertooth be able to handle the wrath of a being as powerful as Odyn was?
The Brewing Storm
Rufus's victory in the initial game had done little to quell the underlying tensions. As the battle portion of the day commenced, Makarov's experienced eyes were drawn to Odyn. The dark elf stood like a coiled serpent, his orange eyes blazing with a controlled fury that spoke volumes.
A Dangerous Undercurrent
Wendy, sensing her boyfriend's rising anger, placed a gentle hand on Odyn's arm. The touch did little to diminish the raw magical energy crackling just beneath his skin. Makarov had seen powerful mages before, but there was something different about this dark elf - a primordial rage that seemed to be held in check by the thinnest of magical threads.
"He's not just angry," Makarov muttered to himself. "He's calculating."
The guild master knew the stories of dark elves - ancient beings with magical capabilities far beyond typical human comprehension. Odyn represented something more than just a competitor or a boyfriend to Wendy. He was a force of nature barely contained.
The Unspoken Threat
Raven Tail and Sabertooth seemed blissfully unaware of the potential catastrophe brewing. Their petty manipulations and competitive posturing meant nothing to someone like Odyn, who carried centuries of magical lineage in his veins.
Makarov recalled the conversation Wendy had shared about Odyn's siblings - Roy with his lightning-flame magic, Khanna with her wind god powers, Sarai with her ice slayer abilities. And Odyn himself? A dark elf whose full magical potential remained an enigma.
A Subtle Warning
When Odyn's gaze swept across Raven Tail's competitors, even the most confident guild members felt a chill. It was a look that suggested not immediate violence, but a promise of consequences. The kind of promise that could reshape entire magical landscapes.
"Choose wisely," his eyes seemed to say. "Some wars are not meant to be fought with magic, but with something far more profound."
*The Grand Magic Games had become more than a competition. It was now a delicate dance of power, restraint, and impending judgment.*
Balance on the Edge
The magical pressure around Odyn continued to build like a gathering storm. His orange eyes, normally warm when looking at Wendy, had taken on an ancient, dangerous gleam that spoke of centuries of dark elf warfare and power.
The Internal Battle
Beneath his composed exterior, Odyn's thoughts churned like a tempest:
*These foolish guilds,* he mused, his fingers unconsciously tracing the ancient runes etched into his bracers - magical limiters that helped contain his full power. *They play at politics and vendettas as if they were children squabbling in a sandbox, unaware of the true depths of power that exist in this world.*
Every subtle attack from Raven Tail, every smug look from Sabertooth, chipped away at his restraint. The dark elf's magic responded instinctively, wanting to show these upstart human guilds what true magical might looked like.
Signs of Strain
Those who knew what to look for could see the warning signs:
- The air around him shimmered with barely contained magical energy
- Small cracks appeared in the ground where he stood
- The magical limiters on his wrists glowed with increasing frequency
- Plants in his vicinity seemed to bend away, as if sensing impending danger
Wendy's Influence
It was Wendy's presence that served as his strongest anchor. Her gentle nature and pure heart reminded him why restraint was necessary. Yet even she could sense the change in him - the way his magic pulsed with increasingly dangerous intent.
"Odyn," she whispered during a quiet moment, her voice carrying both concern and affection. "You don't have to fight this battle alone."
His response was tight, controlled: "My sky maiden, there are kinds of battles that even Fairy Tail hasn't witnessed. The magic of the dark elves... it demands retribution when dishonor is shown."
The Breaking Point Approaches
Each new incident pushed him closer to the edge:
*They target Wendy's guild family... my family now too. They show no honor, no understanding of the ancient codes of magical combat. Perhaps they need a reminder of why dark elves were both revered and feared throughout history.*
His magical restraint was like a dam holding back an ocean. The cracks were starting to show:
- Random bursts of ancient magic escaped his control
- The temperature around him fluctuated wildly
- Shadows seemed to dance at his feet, responding to his emotions
- Even the most powerful mages began to give him a wide berth, instinctively sensing the danger
A Dark Promise
In a moment of particular tension, as Raven Tail continued their machinations, Odyn's magic briefly slipped his control. The resulting pulse of power was enough to make even Sabertooth's Twin Dragons pause in their tracks.
Makarov, watching from nearby, recognized the look in Odyn's eyes - it was the same look he'd seen in ancient texts describing the great magical wars, when dark elves walked the battlefield uncontested.
*"I will hold back,"* Odyn thought, his mental voice resonating with centuries of power, *"but not forever. They test limits they do not understand, and when the dam breaks..."*
The thought remained unfinished, but the implications were clear. The Grand Magic Games had unwittingly awakened something ancient and dangerous - a power that preceded the formation of guilds themselves.
Time was running out. The question wasn't if Odyn would respond, but when. And when that moment came, would anyone be prepared for what a dark elf's wrath truly meant?
*The air itself seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the inevitable moment when restraint would give way to retribution...*
The games continued into the battle portion throughout the day, Odyn's control over his wrath barely hanging on by the slimmest of margins. Raven Tail were playing with fire, they were unknowingly about to awaken a beast within Odyn that they'd never had the unfortunate pleasure of facing.
A being powerful enough to severely wound Acnologia, the king of the dragons. As if the other guilds could sense this, they silently wished for Raven Tail and Sabertooth to stop while they were ahead because if they actually awakened Odyn's wrath... there's no telling if their two guilds would be able to recover from it [speaking of Raven Tail and an arrogant Sabertooth].
Dancing with Destruction
The arena crackled with an electricity that had nothing to do with magic games. As the battle portion continued, those with magical sensitivity could feel it - a building pressure that made even the most powerful mages uncomfortable.
Whispers of Warning
Among the competing guilds, worried whispers began to circulate:
"Did you hear?" a Blue Pegasus mage whispered to his companion. "That dark elf... they say he once fought Acnologia."
"Fought him?" came the response, heavy with disbelief. "The rumors say he did more than fight - he wounded the Dragon King. Left scars that even Acnologia's dragon-slaying magic couldn't fully heal."
The Growing Storm
Makarov watched as Odyn's control continued to slip, fraction by fraction. Each provocation from Raven Tail, each arrogant display from Sabertooth, was another crack in a dam holding back power beyond their comprehension.
Signs of the Inevitable
The more perceptive guild members noticed the warning signs:
- The arena's magical barriers fluctuated whenever Odyn's anger spiked
- Even the most seasoned battle mages felt their instincts screaming to maintain distance
- The very air seemed to grow heavier, laden with magical potential
- Small fissures of dark energy occasionally leaked from Odyn's form, causing nearby lacrima crystals to crack
Silent Prayers
Lamia Scale's master turned to Jura, their strongest mage. "They don't understand what they're provoking, do they?"
Jura shook his head solemnly. "To wound Acnologia... such power isn't meant to be trifled with. Raven Tail plays their petty games, and Sabertooth basks in their perceived superiority, but they're like children poking a sleeping dragon."
The Breaking Point Approaches
Minerva's smirk from the Sabertooth balcony, Raven Tail's continued underhanded tactics - each moment pushed closer to catastrophe. The other guilds could only watch, a shared thought hanging unspoken in the air:
*Stop now. Please stop. You don't know what you're awakening.*
A Power Beyond Understanding
Wendy, standing closest to Odyn, felt the tremors of power running through him. His orange eyes had begun to take on an ethereal glow, ancient runes occasionally flickering across his skin - signs of power so old it predated the founding of Fiore itself.
"A dark elf's wrath isn't just anger," Makarov muttered, recalling ancient texts. "It's the culmination of centuries of magical evolution, the kind of power that once shaped continents. And they're about to unleash it... all for their petty vendettas."
The Point of No Return
As the day's battles continued, the tension built to near-breaking point. Those who knew of Odyn's battle with Acnologia understood the gravity of what was coming. To wound the Dragon King wasn't just a feat of strength - it was proof of power on a scale that modern guilds could barely comprehend.
*If he could scar Acnologia...*
The thought hung unfinished in many minds. Raven Tail's guild hall, Sabertooth's pride - would either survive if Odyn's control finally snapped?
The sand in the hourglass was running out. Each new slight, each fresh provocation, brought them closer to discovering exactly what it meant to face the unleashed wrath of a dark elf who had once made the King of Dragons bleed.
*The Grand Magic Games were about to become a lesson in ancient power... and terrible consequences.*
Fairy Tail all knew it.. one more push would send Odyn over the edge as he was by the thinnest of margins containing his wrath, however it was during Fairy Tail's battle under water when Minerva of Sabertooth, unfortunately, did something to push him over the edge.
She had won the match, but the way she treated Lucy was unforgivable. When minerva thought she was giving a victory spech about how superior Sabertooth was, she'd awoken the beast within Odyn. His anger on display as the colliseum shook when he approached her, making the air feel heavy. He wouldn't embarrass her, not yet. He'd wait until it was the right moment to make his message very CRYSTAL clear to Sabertooth for all to see and bear witness to.
Wrath Unleashed
The underwater battle had concluded, but victory's sweetness turned to ash in Minerva's mouth the moment she felt it - a presence so heavy it made breathing difficult. Her victory speech died in her throat as the coliseum itself began to tremble.
The Breaking Point
Lucy's battered form had barely been retrieved from the water when it happened. The sound that emanated from Odyn wasn't a roar or a scream - it was something older, something that made dragons' bones remember fear.
The air grew dense, magical pressure cascading off him in waves that cracked the stone beneath his feet. His orange eyes had transformed into swirling vortexes of ancient power, the runes across his skin now burning with an intensity that made even veteran mages step back.
The Approach
Each step Odyn took toward Minerva sent new tremors through the arena. The magical limiters on his wrists weren't just glowing now - they were struggling to contain power that could reshape landscapes.
Minerva's smug expression faltered as she felt it - true fear. Not the kind that came from facing a stronger opponent, but the primal terror of standing before something ancient and terrible.
A Promise of Retribution
When Odyn spoke, his voice carried layers of power that made the very air vibrate:
"You believe yourself superior?" The words came out in a tone that made even Jiemma, Sabertooth's master, take an unconscious step backward. "You think this display of cruelty proves your strength?"
The magical pressure increased, forcing many to their knees. Only the strongest mages remained standing, and even they struggled.
The Warning
Odyn's next words carried the weight of centuries:
"I have faced the Dragon King himself. I have left scars on a being you couldn't hope to scratch. And you..." his gaze fixed on Minerva with such intensity that she physically recoiled, "...you believe your petty displays impress anyone?"
The Promise
Rather than strike then, Odyn's magic pulled back - not in retreat, but in preparation. Like a tide drawing back before a tsunami.
"When the moment comes," he promised, his voice carrying to every corner of the arena, "you will understand the difference between playing at power and wielding it. Your guild's arrogance has earned a lesson written in divine flame."
The Aftermath
As Odyn turned away, the magical pressure subsiding enough for people to breathe again, even Sting and Rogue exchanged worried glances. They had sensed something in that power - something that made their dragon slayer magic seem like child's play in comparison.
Makarov watched it all, his expression grave. "Minerva didn't just wake the beast," he murmured to Erza, "she woke something that once walked alongside dragons as equals."
The Waiting Game
The tension in the air remained, electric and dangerous. Everyone present understood - this wasn't over. Odyn's restraint now wasn't mercy - it was calculation. He would choose his moment, and when he did...
Wendy approached her boyfriend, her healing magic already reaching out to soothe him. But even she could see it in his eyes - the decision had been made. Sabertooth's lesson would come, and it would be one that the magical world would never forget.
*The beast was awake, and retribution would follow - not with the hot rage of immediate vengeance, but with the cold, calculated fury of a being who had centuries to perfect the art of warfare.*
A Sister's Intervention
The tension in the air remained palpable when Sarai's voice cut through the charged atmosphere, her lavender and black-highlighted hair flowing as she approached her brother. Her orange eyes, identical to Odyn's, held centuries of understanding.
A Healer's Touch
"Little brother," Sarai spoke, her voice carrying both authority and concern. The ice mage and healer's presence seemed to slightly ease the suffocating magical pressure around them. "Your wrath, while justified, needs guidance."
She turned to Wendy, her expression softening as she addressed the young sky maiden. "Come here, child. There's something you need to know about calming a dark elf's rage."
The Ancient Ways
Sarai's voice dropped to a gentle murmur as she instructed Wendy:
"Place your hand over his heart," she demonstrated the motion in the air. "Our people respond to the magic of those we trust. Your sky magic, Wendy - it resonates with the ancient elements that flow through our veins. Let it flow naturally, like a breeze through summer leaves."
Understanding Dark Elf Nature
"What you're seeing," Sarai explained to both Wendy and the nearby Fairy Tail members, "isn't just anger. It's the awakening of something our people have carried since the first magic touched this world. When we bond with someone - as Odyn has with you, Wendy, and with Fairy Tail - attacks against them trigger something... primal."
The Calming Ritual
As Wendy followed Sarai's instructions, small wisps of sky magic intertwining with the dark energy surrounding Odyn, the healer continued:
"That's it. Feel how his magic responds to yours? Even in our greatest rages, we remember those we cherish. Your presence reminds him of why he exercises control."
A Sister's Warning
Yet even as she helped guide Wendy through calming her brother, Sarai's expression remained grave. Her eyes flickered toward Sabertooth's section, then to where Raven Tail's members lurked.
"Make no mistake," she murmured, her voice carrying just far enough for Fairy Tail to hear. "This isn't over. My brother's rage has been kindled, and while it can be temporarily soothed..." She paused, ancient magic flickering in her own eyes. "They would do well to remember that our family's power isn't measured in typical magical terms."
A Shared Understanding
Makarov, listening nearby, noticed how even during this calming moment, Sarai's own magic hummed with barely contained power. The ice mage might be focused on healing and helping now, but her protective instincts toward both her brother and their new extended family - Fairy Tail - were evident.
"Keep him close," Sarai advised Wendy as Odyn's magical pressure began to stabilize. "But be prepared. What Sabertooth and Raven Tail have awoken... it won't simply fade away. They've earned the attention of beings far older than their guilds, and that attention comes with consequences."
*The air in the coliseum remained heavy with possibility, but now carried the weight of ancient family bonds and the promise of protection - as well as retribution - that came with them.*
As Sabertooth looks on, their nightmare becomes a frigtening realization as a sense of growing dread is felt throughout the guild though they don't show it as they witnessed Raven Tail get obliterated in the ring by Odyn merely using a fraction of his strength. Just what kind of a beast did they unknowingly just awaken? Even Minerva inwardly begins to dread the beast they unwittingly helped to awaken.
Awakening to Terror
The arena fell deathly silent as Raven Tail's strongest member crashed to the ground, defeated with such casual ease it seemed almost insulting. Odyn stood in the center of the ring, barely looking as if he'd exerted himself at all.
The Demonstration
What terrified the onlookers wasn't just the victory - it was the manner of it. Odyn had moved with a fluid grace that spoke of power so vast, he didn't need to fully access it. Like watching a dragon swat aside an insect, using just the tip of its claw.
Sabertooth's Growing Horror
In their designated area, Sabertooth's elite tried to maintain their composed facades, but:
- Minerva's fingers dug into her palms, drawing blood
- Sting's dragon-enhanced senses picked up something that made his draconic instincts scream *danger*
- Rogue's shadows themselves seemed to tremble
- Rufus found his perfect memory replaying the casual devastation, unable to memorize a counter to such overwhelming force
- Orga's black lightning crackling around him involuntarily in response to the pressure
The True Weight of Power
"A fraction," Minerva whispered, her usual confidence cracking. "That was just a fraction of his power?"
The implications hit her like physical blows:
- The magical pressure they'd felt before had been him *restrained*
- The trembling earth had been him *holding back*
- The suffocating aura had been him *being gentle*
Master Jiemma's Realization
Even Sabertooth's master, known for his unyielding strength and pride, felt something he hadn't experienced in decades: doubt. His magical senses told him what his pride didn't want to accept - they had antagonized something far beyond their understanding.
"What manner of being..." he muttered, watching Odyn's casual exit from the arena, "could possess such power and keep it so contained?"
The Ripple Effect
Throughout the Sabertooth ranks:
- Younger members trembled involuntarily
- Veteran mages reassessed their combat strategies, finding none that seemed adequate
- The Twin Dragons exchanged glances that spoke volumes about their shaken confidence
- Support staff whispered about ancient legends of dark elves that suddenly seemed far more relevant
Minerva's Inner Turmoil
*"I treated this like a game,"* Minerva thought, her usual smirk nowhere to be seen. *"I played with fire thinking it was a candle, only to discover it was a sun."*
The memory of her treatment of Lucy now returned with new context. She had proudly displayed her cruelty, thinking it showed Sabertooth's superiority. Now that same action felt like a child boasting to an ancient dragon.
The Looming Shadow
As Odyn rejoined Fairy Tail's section, his orange eyes briefly met Minerva's. In that moment, she saw something that would haunt her dreams - not anger or hatred, but the patient, calculated promise of someone who had centuries to perfect the art of retribution.
The Whispered Warning
A veteran Sabertooth mage, old enough to remember the ancient stories, whispered to his companions:
"The histories speak of dark elves who walked with dragons as equals. Who fought in wars that reshaped continents. Who carried magic old enough to remember the world's birth..." His voice trembled. "And we just gave one a reason to remember those powers."
The Waiting Game
The Games would continue, but everything had changed. Sabertooth maintained their proud exterior, but inside, every member now carried the same chilling knowledge:
They weren't the predators they'd thought themselves to be.
They were prey.
And they had no idea when their hunter would choose to strike.
*In the arena's shadows, ancient magic stirred, waiting for its moment to teach modern arrogance a lesson in humility...*
Raven Tail had been diqualified and banned from participating in the games after Odyn had soundly defeated them, Laxus while initially upset, let it slide allowing an inner smirk to grace his face. He was glad a Fairy Tail member put Ivan and his guild in their place, showing them Fairy Tail was not to be trifled with. As the games continued, Wendy looked on with interest as Sarai, her boyfriend Odyn's sister faced off against aginst Sabertooth's Yukino, a celestial wizard like Lucy.
A Sister's Demonstration
The arena hummed with anticipation as Sarai took her position opposite Yukino. The aftermath of Odyn's display against Raven Tail still lingered in everyone's minds, and now all eyes were on his sister - the ice mage healer with power that remained largely unknown.
The Setup
Wendy leaned forward, her hands clasped together as she watched. This was her chance to see her boyfriend's sister in action, to understand another facet of the family she was becoming connected to.
"Watch carefully," Odyn murmured to Wendy, his orange eyes fixed on his sister. "Sarai may be a healer, but she carries the same ancient power as the rest of us. She just chooses to express it... differently."
Initial Movements
Yukino stepped forward, her confidence somewhat dimmed after witnessing what happened to Raven Tail, but her pride as a Sabertooth mage still intact. Her gold keys gleamed at her hip - Pisces and Libra ready to be called.
Sarai's stance was relaxed, almost gentle. Her lavender and black-highlighted hair swayed in a breeze that seemed to carry ice crystals, the temperature around her dropping steadily.
The Battle Begins
"Open, Gate of the Paired Fish! Pisces!"
Yukino's first move was swift, decisive. The twin fish spirits emerged in a brilliant flash of celestial light.
Sarai's response was subtle - a slight smile that reminded many of a teacher watching a student's first attempts.
Power in Control
"Ice-Make: Frozen Garden," Sarai spoke softly, her magic manifesting not with explosive force, but with elegant precision.
The arena floor transformed, beautiful ice sculptures blooming like crystal flowers, each containing enough magical power to make even Pisces hesitate in their attack.
A Healer's Battle Style
What followed wasn't just a display of combat - it was a demonstration of control:
- Each ice formation served multiple purposes
- Defensive structures that doubled as reflective surfaces, confusing Yukino's spirits
- Healing magic incorporated into the ice, maintaining Sarai's stamina
- Techniques that showed centuries of refined practice
Wendy's Observations
"She fights like she's performing medicine," Wendy whispered, her medical knowledge allowing her to see the precision in Sarai's movements. "Every action has purpose, nothing is wasted."
Lucy, standing nearby, noted how Sarai seemed to predict and counter each celestial spirit's movement with practiced ease. "It's like she's fought celestial magic before... maybe centuries ago?"
The Turning Point
When Yukino called forth Libra, adding gravity manipulation to the battle, Sarai's expression shifted slightly - not to concern, but to something like recognition.
"Ah," her voice carried clearly across the arena. "Gravity magic. It's been a while since I've encountered this. Allow me to show you something... traditional."
Ancient Techniques
What followed made even the most seasoned mages catch their breath. Sarai began weaving ice magic with what appeared to be ancient dark elf techniques:
- Ice that defied gravity
- Formations that seemed to bend space
- Crystals that sang with otherworldly resonance
- Healing magic that strengthened her ice constructs
The Resolution
The battle's conclusion wasn't swift or brutal like Odyn's display against Raven Tail. Instead, it was methodical, precise - a surgeon's approach to combat. Yukino found herself and her spirits gradually but inevitably contained within a crystalline formation that neither Pisces nor Libra could breach.
A Teaching Moment
As the match concluded with Sarai's victory, she approached Yukino with the same gentle demeanor she'd shown throughout:
"Your celestial magic is beautiful," she offered, helping the younger mage to her feet. "But remember - some of us remember when the stars were young."
*The message to Sabertooth was clear: Odyn wasn't an exception. The entire dark elf family carried power beyond modern understanding.*
That evening....
The Evening's Reflection
The sun set over Crocus, but sleep would prove elusive for many of the competing guilds. The day's events had shaken the very foundation of what they thought they knew about magical power.
Sabertooth's Private Chamber
In their luxurious lodgings, Sabertooth's elite gathered, their usual confidence replaced by strategic concern.
"Two displays," Sting muttered, pacing. "First Odyn obliterates Raven Tail using what looked like a fraction of his power, and now his sister dismantles Yukino's celestial spirits like she's conducting a teaching demonstration."
Minerva stood by the window, her usual smirk absent. "We've been playing in a pond thinking we were the ocean's masters," she admitted, the words tasting bitter. "These dark elves... they're something else entirely."
The Strategic Discussion
Rufus flipped through his memory archives, frustrated. "Their magic... it doesn't follow our conventional understanding. I can memorize the forms, but there's something ancient, something primal that I can't quite grasp."
"It's like trying to memorize how to be a force of nature," Orga added, unusually thoughtful.
Fairy Tail's Evening
Meanwhile, in Fairy Tail's gathering:
"Did you see how Sarai moved?" Lucy asked Wendy, still fascinated by the display. "It was like she knew celestial magic inside and out."
Wendy nodded, curled up next to Odyn. "She told me later that she's seen the birth of some of the celestial spirits we know today. Can you imagine? Being that... ancient?"
Family Dynamics
Sarai, tending to some minor injuries from other matches, shared quiet words with her brother:
"They needed to see," she murmured in their ancient tongue. "Not just your rage, brother, but our control. Our... perspective."
Odyn's orange eyes gleamed in the evening light. "They've ruled their little pond for so long, sister. Perhaps it's time they learned about the ocean."
The Shifting Landscape
Throughout Crocus, the magical community buzzed with discussion:
- Veteran mages recalled ancient texts about dark elves
- Younger guild members revised their understanding of magical hierarchies
- Strategic plans were being frantically rewritten
- Power dynamics were being reevaluated
Preparation for Day 2
As night fell, each guild approached the next day differently:
Sabertooth:
- Pride wounded but not broken
- Desperately seeking countermeasures
- Realizing their usual tactics might be obsolete
- Wrestling with their shaken confidence
Fairy Tail:
- A new spring in their step
- Growing understanding of their dark elf allies
- Preparation tinged with anticipation
- Unity strengthened by shared purpose
Other Guilds:
- Careful observation of both powerhouses
- Strategic repositioning
- Grateful to not be primary targets
- Learning from others' mistakes
The Night's Whispers
In the quiet hours, rumors spread through Crocus:
- Tales of dark elf magic from ages past
- Stories of battles with dragons
- Whispers of powers not seen in centuries
- Questions about what other surprises the Games might hold
A New Dawn Approaches
As the competitors finally sought rest, one truth was clear: The Grand Magic Games had transformed from a simple competition into something more profound - a clash between modern pride and ancient power, between perceived strength and true might.
*Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new battles, and perhaps... new revelations about just how deep the dark elves' power truly ran.*
In Fairy Tail lodgings with the women...
Before leaving for the night to return to her own guild she was competing against Fairy Tail with, Sarai and the other Fairy Tail women chatted for a bit, curious about how Wendy and Odyn became boyfriend and girlfriend. particularly Sarai, who was curious about EVERY detail not wanting anything to be left out.
An Evening of Secrets
The moon had risen over Crocus when Sarai lingered in Fairy Tail's lodgings, her healer's demeanor softening into that of a curious sister. The day's battles seemed far away as she settled among the Fairy Tail women, her orange eyes twinkling with interest.
The Gathering
Lucy, Erza, Mirajane, Lisanna, and Cana formed a comfortable circle with Wendy and Sarai, the atmosphere shifting from competition to companionship.
"So," Sarai began, leaning forward with an enthusiasm that made her seem less like an ancient being and more like any excited older sister, "I want to know *everything*. How did my little brother manage to capture the heart of a sky maiden?"
Wendy's Tale
Wendy blushed, her blue hair hiding her face slightly as she began:
"It started during a mission," she explained, her voice soft but happy. "I was helping with healing in a village that had been attacked by dark mages. Odyn was there, studying some ancient ruins nearby..."
The First Meeting
"He seemed so different from other people I'd met," Wendy continued, her eyes bright with the memory. "There was this injured child, and while I was healing them, Odyn sat nearby, telling stories of ancient magic that made the child forget their pain."
Sarai nodded knowingly. "That sounds like him. Behind all that power, he's always had a gentle heart."
Cultural Bridges
"What I found fascinating," Mirajane interjected, "was how naturally they seemed to understand each other despite their different backgrounds."
Sarai smiled. "In dark elf culture, we believe some souls recognize each other across any divide. But please, continue! What happened next?"
The Courtship
Lucy leaned forward. "Yes, Wendy! You never told us all the details either!"
Wendy's blush deepened. "Well... after the village was healed, we kept finding reasons to work together on missions. He taught me about ancient healing magic, and I showed him how Fairy Tail approaches things..."
"And?" Sarai prompted, completely invested in the story.
Sweet Moments
"He would bring me books about sky magic that were thought lost to time," Wendy shared. "And sometimes, when we were training together, he'd create these beautiful magical lights that danced like stars..."
Erza smiled softly. "I remember the day he formally asked permission to court Wendy. He approached the entire guild with such respect."
A Sister's Joy
Sarai's eyes misted slightly. "Our people don't give our hearts easily," she explained to the group. "When we do, it's eternal. I've waited centuries to see my brother find someone who could understand both his power and his gentleness."
Cultural Exchange
"What amazed me most," Wendy admitted, "was how he bridged our worlds. He never made me feel too young or too different. He said age was nothing to beings who could live for centuries, and that my heart's wisdom mattered more than years."
The Deeper Connection
"There's something special," Mirajane observed, "about how they balance each other. Wendy's pure-hearted approach to magic seems to complement the ancient power Odyn carries."
Sarai nodded sagely. "In our oldest texts, we speak of magical resonance - when two mages' powers harmonize perfectly. It's rare, especially between different magical races."
Protective Bonds
Cana grinned. "You should have seen him during their first official date. The whole guild was watching from behind pillars and bushes..."
"Cana!" Wendy protested, but she was laughing.
A Family's Blessing
As the night grew deeper, Sarai's expression turned serious but warm. "Thank you, all of you, for sharing this. It means everything to see my brother so well-loved, not just by Wendy, but by this whole family he's found."
She turned to Wendy specifically. "And you, little sister - for all our power and history, you've given my brother something priceless: a future worth looking forward to."
*The evening continued with more stories, laughter, and the kind of bonds that transcended both magic and time, proving that even in the midst of the Grand Magic Games, love and family could flourish.*
The night air in Crocus carried a gentle sweetness, softening the competitive tension that had built throughout the first day of the Grand Magic Games. In Fairy Tail's lodgings, Sarai lingered by the doorway, her orange eyes catching the lamplight as she turned to Wendy. The younger girl sat at a small table, finishing a cup of tea.
"Before I head back..." Sarai brushed a strand of lavender hair behind her pointed ear, her expression curious but gentle. "There's something I've been wondering about. About you and my brother."
Wendy looked up, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "About Odyn?"
"Mm." Sarai settled into the chair across from her. "I've heard so many stories about what happened on Tenrou Island. About how he transformed into the Blazing Arkynorean to face Acnologia, how he fought alongside your guild against Grimoire Heart..." She leaned forward slightly. "But I've always wondered - what was the moment that drew you to him?"
Wendy's hands wrapped around her teacup, a soft smile playing at her lips as she gathered her thoughts. "It wasn't during any of the big moments, actually. Those were amazing, of course - seeing him stand against Acnologia, watching him protect everyone..." She paused, her voice growing softer. "But it was during a quieter moment, right after we'd escaped from some of Grimoire Heart's soldiers."
Sarai remained silent, encouraging Wendy to continue.
"We were hiding in one of the island's caves. Everyone was exhausted, and I was trying to heal as many people as I could. Odyn..." Wendy's smile widened at the memory. "He saw how drained I was getting, but instead of telling me to stop like everyone else, he sat down next to me. He said, 'Your kindness is your strength, Wendy, but remember that you deserve some of that kindness too.'"
"That sounds like Odyn," Sarai said softly, a knowing look in her orange eyes.
"Then he helped me tend to everyone else, even though he barely knew any healing magic. He just... supported me, letting me make my own choice about how much to help, but making sure I didn't have to do it alone." Wendy looked up at Sarai. "That's when I knew. Not during the big battles or dramatic moments, but in that quiet cave, when he showed me he understood who I really was."
Sarai's expression softened. "You know, growing up, Odyn was always trying to prove himself through grand gestures and powerful magic. It's nice to know someone sees the gentler side of him too."
"He's still like that sometimes," Wendy giggled. "Always wanting to protect everyone."
"Some things never change." Sarai stood, adjusting her guild mark emblem. "I should get back before my team sends a search party. But Wendy..." She paused at the doorway. "Thank you for sharing that. It's good to know my brother found someone who sees all of him, not just the Blazing Arkynorean."
As Sarai's footsteps faded down the hall, Wendy turned to look out the window at the stars over Crocus, thinking about tomorrow's competitions and the dark elf who'd shown her that strength could be found in the quietest moments.
As Sarai's footsteps faded into the night, Lucy and Erza exchanged knowing looks before sliding into the seats across from Wendy. Their sudden appearance made the Sky Dragon Slayer straighten up nervously - she recognized that particular gleam in their eyes.
"So..." Lucy leaned forward, propping her chin on her hands. "You and Odyn have been getting pretty close..."
"Indeed." Erza nodded sagely, though a smile tugged at her lips. "Have you two gone on a proper date yet?"
"Erza!" Wendy's face flushed bright red, her hands fidgeting with her now-empty teacup. At seventeen, she'd grown more confident in herself, but discussions about her love life still made her blush like her younger self. "Well... we... um..."
"You haven't, have you?" Lucy's eyes widened.
Wendy shook her head, sighing. "We've wanted to, but things have been so hectic. First there was that whole mess with Raven Tail..."
"Ah yes," Erza's expression darkened slightly. "Though I must admit, watching Odyn single-handedly dismantle their schemes was rather satisfying. I don't think we'll be seeing them in any future tournaments."
"Or anywhere else," Lucy added. "Last I heard, they disbanded right after that embarrassment. But surely that wasn't the only thing keeping you two apart?"
Wendy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, no. Then there's been all this drama with Sabertooth. Ever since Odyn..." she paused, choosing her words carefully, "...showed what happens when someone threatens Fairy Tail, they've been walking on eggshells around us. Sting keeps looking over his shoulder like he expects Odyn to appear any second."
Lucy couldn't help but giggle. "Who would've thought the mighty Sabertooth would end up so jumpy? Though I guess waking up a beast like that..." She trailed off, noticing Wendy's dejected expression. "But that's not the point! The point is, you two deserve some time together that doesn't involve guild politics or tournaments."
"Lucy's right," Erza declared, standing up with determination. "After the games tomorrow, we'll make sure you two get some proper alone time. I'll personally stand guard to ensure no one interrupts-"
"That won't be necessary!" Wendy waved her hands frantically, her face burning brighter. "Really! We'll figure something out once things calm down."
"Things never really calm down in Fairy Tail," Lucy pointed out with a gentle smile. "Sometimes you have to make time for the important stuff, even in the middle of the chaos."
Wendy's protests died on her lips as she considered Lucy's words. "Maybe you're right..." she admitted softly, a small smile forming. "Though preferably without Erza standing guard."
"Are you sure? I have several swords perfect for the occasion-"
"Erza!" Lucy and Wendy exclaimed in unison, before all three burst into laughter, their voices echoing through the quiet lodgings.
As their laughter subsided, Wendy gazed out at the city lights of Crocus, thinking that maybe it was time to create some chaos of their own - the good kind, the kind that came with first dates and new beginnings, tournament drama or not.
Wendy absently traced the rim of her teacup, lost in thought. "It's funny," she said softly, "everyone seems to know about us, but we've never actually made it official to the guild."
"Oh please," Lucy grinned, waving her hand. "The way you two look at each other? The way he always positions himself near you during guild meetings? It's the worst-kept secret in Fairy Tail."
"Even Natsu figured it out," Erza added with a smirk. "And you know how dense he can be about these things."
Wendy covered her face with her hands, but she was smiling behind them. "Is it really that obvious?"
"Absolutely," Lucy and Erza said in unison.
Lucy glanced at the ornate clock on the wall, then leaned forward with a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes. "You know... it's still early evening. The shops in Crocus stay open late during the Games, and the gardens in the central square are all lit up with lacrima lights..."
Wendy's hands lowered slowly, her orange eyes widening as she caught Lucy's meaning.
"Think about it," Lucy continued, her voice gentle but encouraging. "It doesn't have to be your official first date. Just... a casual evening walk. Two guild mates enjoying the festival atmosphere before tomorrow's competition."
"But wouldn't that be... I mean, is it okay to-" Wendy started.
"There's nothing in the tournament rules about contestants from the same guild spending time together," Erza pointed out pragmatically. "And it might help calm your nerves for tomorrow's events."
"Besides," Lucy added with a wink, "sometimes the unplanned moments turn out to be the most special ones. Then after tomorrow's games, you can have your proper, official first date - when you're both ready to announce things to the guild."
Wendy sat up straighter, a familiar determination replacing her uncertainty. "You really think I should?"
"I think," Erza said with unusual softness, "that he's probably in his room right now, just as unable to sleep as you are, thinking about tomorrow's matches... and about you."
A light blush dusted Wendy's cheeks as she stood up, smoothing down her dress with slightly trembling hands. "I... I think I'll go see if he wants to take a walk. Just a casual one! Nothing official yet."
"Of course," Lucy agreed, trying to hide her delighted smile. "Just a casual evening stroll between two guild mates."
"Though perhaps you should brush your hair first," Erza suggested, already producing a hairbrush from her requip space.
"Erza!" Lucy exclaimed, but Wendy was already laughing, accepting the brush with a grateful nod.
As Wendy headed toward the door, her steps lighter than before, Lucy called out, "Remember - this is just practice for the real first date tomorrow!"
"And if anyone gives you trouble," Erza added, a dangerous glint in her eye, "just mention my name."
Wendy shook her head fondly at her friends' antics as she left, her heart beating a little faster with each step toward Odyn's room. Maybe Lucy was right - sometimes the unplanned moments were the best ones.
To be continued in Chapter 8: Hearts aflutter; Wendy's 1st date?!