Battle Excitement

(Jason's POV)

"You're going to fight this human?" Igora asked me, "Are you sure, Jason?" 

She walked up to me as Natsu stood in front of me, punching the air in excitement. 

I nodded, "Yeah, it'll be fun." I said with a slight smile, "Natsu has been waiting for this for a while. The Old Man told him he'll make it happen if he behaves and completes a certain amount of jobs." 

Natsu smirked, "15 S-Class Missions!" He said pumping his fist, "All for this chance!" 

Igora looked at him with a confused look, "Him?" She said while sniffing, "This fledgling Dragon?" 

Natsu looked at her, "Who you calling fledgling, lady?" He said with a scowl, "I'll beat you up." 

"Natsu's strong!" Happy said as he floated towards Igora, "He's really strong!" 

Igora looked at him, "And what's this? A talking cat with wings?" She said, "And here I thought my Island was full of weird things." 

Mavis chuckled, "Alright alright, Natsu calm down." She said, "Jason, your companion, where did you two meet?" 

Igora was about to say something but I spoke up instead. 

"Bit of a long story." I told her, "Nothing to worry about." 

I felt Igora's eyes on me for a brief second, I could feel that she was holding back some words she wished to tell me. 

"Jason." I heard a voice say

I looked behind us to see Makarov on the entrance. He was giving me a serious look as he had his arms crossed. 

"Oh, how you been Makarov?" I greeted the old man

"Good." He said walking up to me, "Who's this friend of yours?" 

"I am Igora." Igora said, "Jason's loyal companion."

"Hm...." Makarov said before looking at me, "Anyways, preparations are complete. The fight is tomorrow." 

"Alright!!!" I heard Natsu yell in excitement, "You hear that Happy? It's happening!" 

"Aye Sir!!" Happy responded with equal excitement

I looked at Makarov, "Like....all preparations?" I asked, "You set up the stuff I sent over?" 

He nodded, "Yes." He said, "The arena is set up properly where you suggested. 80 miles to the west of Magnolia, in the clearings next to the forest. I don't know why you asked that, but it is that." 

"Yea, we spent a good amount of time setting up." I turned to see Gray crossing his arms, "Erza and her foreman role, it was annoying." 

"Where is she anyway?" I asked, "I don't see her..." 

"She'll be here. She went to get some other 'friends' of yours." Makarov said

I looked back at him, "Oh yea?" I asked, "Hm...okay then. Yea, but by the way, the reason I wanted the arena in an isolated location if because of the potential danger of affecting the town or damaging it." 

He sighed, "I figured." He said walking past me, "Oh and we've promoted the fight so expect an awful lot of spectators. Some Magic Council members and other Wizard Saints will attend." 

I looked at him, "Say what?" 

He stopped and glanced at me, "You said to do the most possible to get it funded and make some profit, didn't you?" He said, "I did just that. Which reminds me, don't forget to pick up your share afterward." 

I smiled, "Alright." 

Magic Council members, eh? I guess they'll see me after the fight and talk about the meeting. 

"Oh also.." Makarov called out as he walked towards the bar, "The Royal Princess will be there too. So be on your best behavior." 

"You know what I mean." 

**************************************************

"A fight?" Igora said, "Really? At a time like this? You told me we would look for Silver alongside your acquaintance." 

I nodded, "I know." I said, "But making a couple of bucks wouldn't hurt. Besides, every time I show up in this place, Natsu doesn't stop bugging me." 

We were in the balconies of the Fairy Tail guild hall, overlooking Magnolia. 

To explain, there is going to be a duel. Me against Natsu. This is the event Fairy Tail had been planning. They built an arena at the location I suggested and promoted the event to try and get some money out of it. From the way Makarov made it sound, it did more than well. Natsu's been annoying about having a rematch with me so I finally accepted. 

It doesn't hurt to have a little scuffle once in a while.

I understand if Igora is questioning this, I did tell her we would embark on a journey to find Silver and deliver justice. That's the whole reason she decided to join me. But this is merely a detour at the start. Afterward, we will do it. 

"That boy..." Igora said, "His name.." 

"Whatever it is you know of the Dragneel name..." I looked at Igora, "Keep it to yourself. Trust me, now's not the time to say stuff like that."

"It's not just that, Jason.." Igora said with a concerned face, "His blood....his....cells.....it reeks of..." 

"I know." I said seriously, "I know what you're trying to say. But like I said, Now's not the time for that." 

She gave me a serious look as well, "Tell me you have something planned about that." She asked, "I know we Ifrit are demons, but that one.....that one is..."

"Stop." I told her, "Don't say anything. Not here." 

"And the boy with the black hair." She said, "He looks exactly like..." 

"Yes, Igora." I cut her off, "I know. I'll explain everything afterward, but just promise me one thing; don't say a word to anyone. Got that?" 

She sighed, "Okay...." She said softly, "I understand." 

I leaned against the rails, "Yea..." I said, "Sorry." 

"You must have your reasons." She said while she looked at me, "I know you do." 

I looked up at the sky, the sun was about to set so it was barely turning dark. 

"A while back, when I first encountered this lot...." I started, "I ended up in a scuffle with Tartaros, the guild filled with Etherious, the race Zeref created." 

"A nasty bunch." Igora said

"Yea..." I said while chuckling, "Well, after the first fight, I ended up with one of their female members as my companion. So...the way they looked at you....a strong-looking woman accompanying me.....they got reminded of that. They don't know you're a demon so don't go and tell them that." 

"An Etherious as a companion? How'd you accomplish that?" She asked

"Long and complicated story." I said, "My relationship with her was much different than ours, so don't worry." 

"I see." she said, "And these Etherious...you defeated them?" 

I nodded, "Yea, in a way. I fought their de facto leader, Mard Geer." I said

"I heard of him." She said as she walked up next to me, "But I heard more about what his master was capable of." 

I looked at her, "That sounds like a story you should tell me one day." 

She nodded as she looked at me, "I will." 

"I didn't kill the other demons, Igora." I said, "Silver did." 

"Makes sense." She said, "He's a Devil Slayer." 

I nodded, "A lot more than that.." I said, "But I'll explain later."

"You best do that." She said

I then sighed, "There's a reason for this fight...." I said, "The one with Natsu..." 

She looked at me, "Aside from you quelling your thirst for battle?" 

I nodded, "Yea." I said, "I must confirm a suspicion." 

"Is it about.." She started

"No." I said

I knew she was referring to his Demon nature, but no. I don't worry about that at all, at least for now. 

It was something else. There was something that has been bugging me for a while now. And this fight with Natsu, I was going to confirm these suspicions I've been having for a while. 

Things are gonna get crazy in the future, I can feel it. 

I heard some footsteps behind us, "Oh here you are~" I heard Mavis call out

I turned around to see her approach us with a bright smile and slightly blushing. 

"Hey." I said with a smile

"You ready for tomorrow?" She asked, "We raised a lot of money. A lot of people are going to attend, there's going to be multiple Guild Masters too." 

"Oh is there?" I asked

"Yes, they heard about you." She said as she looked at me, "A lot." 

"Cool." I said

She then looked at me and then at Igora, "Uhm.." She said, "I have a question." 

"No." I said, "I know what you're gonna ask, the answer is No." 

She blushed, "R-Right..." She said tucking her hair behind her ear, "I should've known...but...." 

I leaned into her ear, "Why would I do that to you?" I whispered to her, "Besides, after the fight, how about you and I spend some time alone?" 

"I..." Mavis took a step back as she blushed fiercely, "Uhm...you...." 

I chuckled, "I'm playing with you." I said turning around, "Or...am I?" 

"Jason, quit taunting the little girl." Igora said

"L-Little girl?" Mavis said, "I'm....I'm the Founding Master of this guild. It's been active for 100 years...."

I looked at Mavis who was a bit flustered. I could tell she didn't like being called that, especially since she now has the adult body she deserves. 

"Oh?" Igora said with a smile, "My mistake, A fine young woman then." 

Mavis looked at her, "Uhm.." 

"Igora is older than you think." I said, "That's all I'll say." 

Igora chuckled, "That I am." She said crossing her arms, "And you.....you look...strong...." 

I watched as Igora walked up to Mavis and began to inspect her body closely. 

"Hm..." Igora said, "Yes...I sense an unusual spell on you. A sort of.....seal?" 

Mavis laughed nervously, "Haha..." She said, "And I....sense something odd about you too.....tell me, that isn't your actual form, is it?" 

Igora took a step back and looked at her with surprise, "Hm..." She said, "Jason, this one is quite the smart one, isn't she?" 

"Yes, she is." I said with a smile, "We'll tell her later." 

Igora smirked, "That we will." She said, 

"I like you, young one." 

********************************************************************************

(Third Person POV)

In the middle of a clearing next to a forest, 80 miles west of Magnolia, a massive arena stood. It looked like it was recently built. 

Inside the arena, all the seats were filled with a cheering crowd. Consisting of nothing but mages from all around the country, those who have heard of Jason's exploits and wished to see the wandering mage fight the famous Natsu Dragneel; Fairy Tail's Salamander. 

On a section, several guilds sat. Fairy Tail, Sabertooth, Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, Mermaid Heel, and more. From their members to their Masters, they all sat amongst themselves. They all spoke to each other as if they were in a casual gathering. Even members that weren't usually present at normal events were there, sitting. Gildarts sat next to his daughter as he was eating some popcorn out of a bucket. 

On another section, Magic Council members sat as they looked down impatiently. Doranbolt and Lahar were among the members as they sat next to a high-ranking member. 

What was more surprising was that God Serena, the Rank 1 Wizard Saint was amongst the Magic Council spectators. Everyone was surprised that the strongest mage in the country was present. 

Gildarts and Laxus often took glances at the powerful mage, wondering what he was about. 

Suddenly as the crowd were restlessly cheering, a single individual appeared in the arena. He was a lone man, wearing a suit as he held a microphone in his hand. 

"WELCOME, EVERYONE!!" he spoke through the mic, "To the long awaited...Duel of The Century!!!" 

The whole arena shook as they all cheered in excitement. 

"Yes, Yess!!!" the announcer, "Today, we are here in the brand-new, Apex Arena!! Where we will witness the spectacle that will be today's duel!! Before we begin...." 

He pulled something out of his pocket, it looked like a small controller device. He clicked on it and the spectators noticed a massive blue and green see-through barrier flicker constantly. 

"The battle arena is surrounded by this high-level barrier that prevents any damage from the fight to hit you guys!!" The announcer explained, "We have thought of your safety. Also, it prevents any outside interference, in case you're wondering!! ANYWAYS.....The WHEELS!!!" 

He clicked on the device again. Suddenly, two massive screens appeared in the air, displaying two wheels that had multi-colored sections. 

The crowd began to murmur amongst themselves as these two appeared. 

On the stands, Gray, who was sitting next to Igora and Juvia raised his eyebrow. 

"This again?" He said aloud, "Jason's doing the whole 'I'll limit myself' thing?" 

Igora crossed her arms, "It seems so." She said, "Jason's power has grown considerably. It's only fair he limits himself in order to give your friend a fair fight." 

Gray looked at her, "You know how strong he's gotten?" He asked, "We haven't seen him in a while." 

"Of course. I witnessed his growth first-hand." Igora said, "He's attained new power." 

Gray looked back at the arena, "Not surprising." 

Back to the battle arena, the announcer was looking at the screen. 

"To Explain, one of our two contestants has decided to limit himself to a random amount of magic that shall be decided by the wheels." He said, "First. We decide how much magic he uses. He has excluded two specific magic, so we'll decide which of the rest he uses."

He clicked on the button and the wheel on the screen began to spin. As it slowed down, it landed on the tiniest section which read: 

3. 

"Ohhhh!!!!" the announcer said as the crowd gasped in surprise, "3!!! I had the odds of that option to be nearly impossible!! I honestly thought it'd be 2!!!" 

He then pointed the device at the second screen, clicking on it and spinning it. 

"We'll see the first of the three magic!!!" He said

As the wheel slowed down, it landed on the first option:

Gravity 

"Ohh!! Gravity!!" the announcer said, "First magic is Gravity!!" 

On the stands, Kagura sat next to her Mermaid Heel members. 

She looked at the screen with surprise, "Gravity?" She said, "Jason has Gravity magic? How come he hadn't told me?" 

The announcer then clicked the device again, spinning the wheel for the second time. 

It stopped and landed on the 2nd option:

Moon

"Ooooh?" the announcer said, "Moon? Quite the mysterious option!" 

Igora frowned, "He's going to use that magic?" She said, "I hope he holds back a bit. That one is quite powerful." 

Gray looked at her, "How strong?" 

Igora smirked slightly, "Very." 

The announcer clicked on the device again, spinning the wheel for the last time. 

It stopped and landed on the last option:

Flame

The crowd then murmured again amongst themselves. 

On the stands with the Magic Council, God Serena who was leaning on his arm smirked. 

"Gravity, Moon, and Flame, huh?" He said, "He's not using his Martial Arts and War Magic, huh? Makes sense, those will give him such an unfair advantage. But.....Black God Slayer Magic will also be an automatic win, I wonder if that one was one of the options...." 

The announcer clicked on the device, shutting the screens off. 

"It is decided!!! Gravity, Moon, and Flame!!!" He said, "Now...to introduce the fighters!!! First we have Fiore's Number One Troublemaker, the legend himself, the greatest fire mage this country has produced!!! Fairy Tail's Salamander: NATSU DRAGNEEL!!!!!" 

From one side of the arena, Natsu walked out while cracking his knuckles as the arena shook as the crowd cheered. 

"AW YEA!!!" Natsu said as he raised his arms in the air feeding off the energy, "LESSGOOOOO!!!" 

He began to prance around the arena, punching the air as he smirked maniacally. He's been waiting too long for this moment. 

The announcer then smiled, "As for his opponent...." He started, "The Mysterious Hero that saved the country twice, the first time against Tartaros, the second against the strange darkness. He's Fiore's Enigmatic Powerhouse, a man with overwhelming power, the one they call a God of Darkness!!! The Emperor, JASON!!!!!" 

From the opposite side, Jason walked into the fighting arena, he was wearing the usual clothes of a black shirt and pants, but this time, he had a large trench coat over it. He had a calm look on his face as he looked at the announcer. 

"Who gave me that God of Darkness moniker?" He muttered, "Must've been God Serena, that lunatic..." 

The crowd was cheering loudly as Jason appeared. This sort of cheering reminded Jason of his youth back on his world. 

From a closed-off section in the stands, Hisui sat on her seat next to Cosmos and Kamika who were her bodyguards. 

She smiled, "Jason..." She said 

Natsu looked at Jason as he cracked his knuckles, "hehehehe!!!" He laughed, "It's time, Jason!!!" 

Jason looked at Natsu with a smile, "It is." He said, "Let's dance, Natsu." 

The announcer raised his arm into the air. 

"JASON VS NATSU...LET THE FIGHT BEGIN!!!!"