Book 2: Shadowed Crystal

Chapter 9

Pic above is Jura Neekis—->

Akira's P. O. V:

I remain frozen for another minute, shocked at what I'd just heard.

I'm going up against Jura?! Of all the contestants, it just had to be Jura!

"I don't know if I can do this—not after Hidden," I murmur, feeling nervous all of a sudden. I may also be a Wizard Saint, but Jura is a rank above me! Meaning, he's more powerful than I am.

Rogue grips my shoulders gently, making me look at him. "You'll be fine, Akira. I know you will be. You are The Crystal Princess, after all."

Just the sound of Rogue's voice is enough to calm my nerves. I nod my head, suddenly feeling assured. "You're right. I've faced more powerful opponents before. This is a piece of cake." I smirk.

I have to do this—not just for me, but for my guild. They saved me, after all, and if I can win this thing, I'll be repaying Fairy Tail. Even if it's just a little.

Rogue smirks back at me, stepping back as he drops his arms to his sides. "I'll be watching your fight."

I smile at the ravenette as I utter, "Thanks, Rogue-kun."

I turn and head out to the arena.

Third Person's P. O. V:

Natsu blinks his eyes when he sees Akira walk out on to the arena, confidence in her steps. Just a couple of hours ago, she was moping like Gray. But now Akira looks just like her normal self again.

"GO GET THE OLD MAN, NEE-CHAN!" Nanami yells, hands cupping her mouth to amplify the sound.

"Boy! This is gonna be one heck of a fight!" Natsu cheers.

"Indeed. Especially since they're both Wizard Saints," Erza says in agreement.

Nanami tells them both, "If I were you, I wouldn't take my eyes off this match."

Standing in the centre of the arena, Jura smiles at the blonde approaching him, her face full of seriousness. 'I never imagined that I would be fighting her,' he thinks as Akira stops before him. 'I'll have to end this quick, considering she was also trained by a dark guild's master. Not to mention, Akira-chan is said to be on par with Erza Scarlet.'

Jura remembers back to seven years ago, when the pink eyed crystal mage was the youngest in the Allied Force that took down the Oracion Seis, even younger than Wendy. But, now, she's a young woman, filled out quite a lot, too.

Up with the Fairy Tail guild, Samui has a shocked expression on his face as he trembles, watching his granddaughter face off against Jura.

"There's nothing for you to worry about, Samui. Your granddaughter is a Wizard Saint, too, after all. She'll be fine," Makarov tried to assure Samui.

"I know, but... I just can't help but worry for my granddaughter!" He cries, anime tears pouring down his face.

Even Loki cracks an eye open to peer at the crystal wizard.

"After what happened in Hidden, do you think Akira-chan will be okay down there? I mean, I know she's a Wizard Saint, too, but, still..." Romeo wonders aloud.

"Ah, loosen up, Romeo! Have faith in her! Akira's basically Erza 2. 0!" Wakaba tells him.

Jellal stares at the blonde girl with wide eyes, as Laxus says, "Guess luck isn't on her side, today."

Mira utters, "Who'd have thought she'd be forced to fight Jura?"

Gajeel mutters, "He's just a big bald priest. Is he really that tough?"