Book 2: Shadowed Crystal

Chapter 8

Third Person's P. O. V:

The pumpkin mascot calls, "Now, will each team's participant in the Hidden game kindly step forward?"

All the contestants that were chosen step forward, toward the pumpkin mascot.

Chapati says, "There are two questions on everyone's minds. First and foremost, just what kind of game will Hidden be, and, who would you say is the favourite in this mysterious competition?"

Yajima replies, looking back at Chapati, "Mmm. It's safe to say that Rufus of Sabertooth is probably the odds-on favourite. But, Gray From Fairy Tail is a dark horse in the running. And, let's not forget that Akira-chan is extremely popular, both in and outside of the guild. She seems to have grown in popularity over the past seven years, too. Considering Aki-chan is also known as The Goddess of Music."

Akira grins upon hearing that. She's grateful that the former council member Yajima is supporting Fairy Tail.

"Tch. Of course she's popular," Gajeel mutters.

Laxus smirks at him as he asks, "Jealous?"

"Of the kid? No way."

Chapati says, "Let's ask today's special guest, Miss Jenny Realight from Blue Pegasus."

Jenny smiles as she replies, "My fave? I'll be rooting for Eve, of course. He's got this in the bag!"

All the chosen contestants gather around the pumpkin as the crowd cheers. Akira smirks at Gray, standing beside him, as she says, "Just because you and I are on the same team, doesn't mean I'll go easy on you. I'm not going to hold back on any of you."

Gray smirks back as he replies, "I'd expect as much from you, Akira-chan. I'm going to go all-out, as well. So, hit me with your best shot."

"My mind is set on winning this competition as well! And then fair Juvia's heart!" Lyon proclaims.

Akira cringes as she imagines the bluenette doing the same thing at Lyon's proclamation, and declaring that her heart will always belong to her beloved Gray-sama.

Gray mumbles something inaudible under his breath.

Akira says to Gray, smirking, "You know, Gray-kun! My imoto-chan likes you a lot, too!"

Gray blinks his deep blue eyes at that, a faint blush spreading across his cheeks. Gray mutters, "Yeah, well... at least she knows when to be quiet, unlike Juvia. And she doesn't cling to me every time I walk in the room. That's what I like about your sister."

Akira smirks again, remembering that Nanami said something along the same lines about a certain blonde.

The Fullbuster murmurs, "You know, before we start, I've got one question I've been dying to ask." He steps toward the pumpkin, putting a hand on his hip. "What are you?"

The pumpkin starts at that, looking slightly nervous. "Who? Me? My silly boy, I'm a pumpkin! ... as you can plainly see..."

Gray says, "Sorry. Was I not supposed to ask you that, or something...?"

Akira says, peering at the pumpkin curiously, "Well, he certainly looks like a pumpkin to me." Akira activates her Amber Earth Sense spell. The vibration coming from the pumpkin was more human-like.

"Well, duh. On the outside. But, I mean, what's on the inside?" Gray asks.

Eve inputs, "He's always been a big part of the games, so I guess I never really thought about it." Eve remembers the Mizuno's Seven Colours Crystals Arts Magic From when they defeated the Oracion Seis together seven years ago.