"Who's that girl?" Natsu whispered, spotting a blue‑haired stranger in the Lamia Scale ranks.
"Never seen her," Gray muttered, then glanced at Blue Pegasus. "And they've got a new guy too— big rabbit suit?"
On Pegasus' side, beside Ichiya, Hibiki and Ren, a full‑body bunny mascot waved.
Yuka explained, "Sherria is Sherry's cousin—strong, too."
"Oh‑ho‑ho, indeed!" Toby added.
"My love still hasn't come home," Ichiya sighed.
"I was complimenting you!" Toby wailed.
Leon caught Gray's eye. "Don't forget our wager—if Lamia Scale wins, Juvia joins us."
Gray smirked. "I don't recall agreeing, but we won't lose to you."
Sherry bowed to Su Yan. "Forgive Leon's recklessness, Lord Su Yan."
Su Yan laughed. "It's a festival—let him have his fun. A little pressure is good for Gray."
The announcer's voice boomed:
"Third place in the preliminaries, a first‑time entrant—Midnight's Raiders: RAVEN TAIL!"
Natsu and Gray stiffened.
Erza murmured, "Master's son Ivan's guild."
Su Yan's eyes narrowed; a dangerous glint flashed. As an S‑class mage—and Makarov's chosen successor—he knew more than most: Raven Tail had long trafficked with dark guilds. Makarov had once told him, If you find their base, wipe it out.
In the stands, the tiny master fumed. "A dark guild, allowed into my Games?!"
Lisanna and Macao held him down. First Master Mavis, visible only to Fairy Tail members, nodded gravely. "I sense foul magic."
On the field, Ivan leaned against a wall, smirking. "I've waited seven years for this, Father."
"Two teams left! One's surely Saber Tooth—what's the other?"
"Second place in the prelims—surprise entry—FAIRY TAIL Team B!"
Gasps rippled through the stadium as Laxus, Mirajane, Gajeel, Juvia, and Wendy strode out.
"EH?!"
"Gajeel!"
"Miss Mira too?!"
Even Team A gaped.
Leon's jaw dropped. "Juvia…"
Sherry puffed her cheeks. "So that's Leon's crush?"
Ichiya sparkled. "As expected of Fairy Tail—two teams!"
Natsu spluttered, "What the heck?! We've got a second team?!"
The crowd buzzed. Announcer Chapati laughed. "Under the revised rules, each guild may field up to two teams—and Fairy Tail has seized the chance!"
Master Makarov nearly fell off his hover‑seat cheering. The plan was simple: Team A—Su Yan, Erza, Natsu, Gray, Lucy—would chase the crown. Team B—Laxus' powerhouse squad—would shoot for second place and its ten‑million‑jewel purse. More teams would have meant more prize money, and the money‑mad old master would gladly have entered a third if allowed.
Su Yan caught Makarov's eye and grinned. Two Fairy Tail banners now flapped in the arena breeze—and the real battle for Fiore's throne of magic was about to begin.