Crystal Shadows (A Fairy Tail Fanfic, Rogue Cheney Love Story)

Chapter 17

Kumiko's P. O. V:

An explosion bursts in the sky, and I see a white, smokey Sabertooth crest, almost like a signal. By now, the sky has darkened, and a full moon is out, with stars spangled all around it. Rogue looks up and follows my gaze.

"I'm ready, Fairy Tail! Let's go! Come and get me!" Sting's voice shouts.

I sigh as I look at Rogue. His crimson orbs are soft as he gazes back at me, worry glimmering in his eyes. "Guess it's time," I whisper. "Gajeel and I have to go meet with Sting." I haven't seen any sign of him at all during the battle, until just now.

"You'll win. I know it, Kumi-chan," Rogue says softly.

I hear Gajeel stand up as Rogue leans in and kisses me, more sweeter this time. We pull away and Rogue says as he smiles at me, "I'll see you after the games, Kumi-chan."

I blush from the kiss. I give Rogue a quick hug and give Frosch a quick hug too before Gajeel comes over and helps me to my feet.

"Good luck, Kumi-chan," Rogue tells me.

Frosch grins widely at me as he says, "You can do it, Kumi-chan!"

I smile back at the two as I reply, "Thanks."

Gajeel and I leave to head for the rendezvous point.

We soon reach the plaza area where Sting is waiting for us, a blank look on his face. Oh, Sting-kun... I really wanted to tell him about Lector but we had to deal with this first.

Erza has a wooden walking stick and she looks like she's had a hell of a time with Kagura, and Gray is looking no better. It seems as though he was able to defeat Shelia and Lyon all on his own. Gray, Erza, Laxus, Gajeel and I stand next to each other in a line as Sting stands before us.

"Now, there's a sight," Sting says, smirking. "It's weird, being surrounded by heroes from my childhood really isn't all that grand."

"Enough chit chat. We didn't come out here to make pals," Gajeel responds bluntly.

Gray offers, "We'll fight you one on one. Pick somebody."

"Why not all at once? With those injuries one on one will be boring," Sting asks confidently.

I state firmly with a sharp glare as I take a step forward, "Do not underestimate us! Ask your comrades."

Sting puts his hands on his hips as he replies cockily, "Wouldn't dream of it! I'm trying to treat you with the respect you deserve!" Sting clenches his fists as he adds, "That's why I'll destroy you altogether! I've been waiting for this moment; I'll show you how strong I've become! I'll do it for Lector!"

"Oh yeah?" Gray mutters.

"You wanna fight us by yourself?" Laxus demands to know. "Are you serious?"

"'Course I am! I'm more than a match for you!" Sting clenches his fist again as he adds fiercely, "Losing Lector brought me pain but it also granted me new power! For Lector—for my best friend—I'm gonna beat you and win it all!"

"Very well, then," Erza says as she takes a step forward. "If you're so determined to see this to the end, we'll give you the fight you want."

"Now you're talking!"

I stand back between Gajeel and Laxus as we all glare at the White Dragon Slayer. White light begins to swirl around him, as the same light envelopes his body.

Sting declares, "Prepare to witness the awakened power of a Dragon Slayer!" When Sting smirks back at us, his cerulean blue eyes dilate as he takes in our appearances. The white light fades as my teammates and I stand there silently, fierce determination set in our features as we stand up straight, ready to take Sting on.