//------------------------------// // Fairy Tail Endurance Race // Story: Spike the Fairy // by PonyJoel //------------------------------// It's a dawn of a new day in Magnolia. Spike is waking up after having a great dream. He dreamt of Wendy having fun together in the park. He looks around to see if Lucy is around. She isn't. Spike takes a look at the clock to see what time it is. "10:30!" Spike groans a little as he overslept. "Well, Lucy is probably at the guildhall and didn't want to disturb my slumber. Oh well," Spike shrugs as he makes his bed. Spike goes to the bathroom to freshen up for the day. He still thinks about who to take to the Akane Resort. It's been five days since the party took place. He cleans the apartment a little since Lucy hasn't been around all day yesterday. "Let's see who I'll be working with today," Spike grabs a banana and an apple as he leaves the apartment. Spike walks down Magnolia to the guildhall. He's waving at people while eating his fruits. He waves at the two people on the boat passing by. "Safe travels for you, Fairy Dragon." "Yea, tell Lucy we say hi!" Spike finishes eating his fruits and sees lacrima cameras flying around. He remembers that today is the Fairy Tail Endurance Race. "Crap! Did I missed it?" Spike enters the guildhall to see everyone eating as much as they can. "Finally! You made it!" Natsu said, walking up to Spike while eating a drumstick. "Here, I thought you were going to miss the race!" "I overslept and nearly forgot when I saw the lacrima cameras flying around," Spike slightly chuckles. "Well, glad you can make it. Also, what happened to you for the past two days?" "What do you mean, Natsu?" Spike is confused. "Wendy went on her first paying job. I'm surprised that you didn't come to the guildhall the day before." "Oh, that. Well, I stood home to catch up on some reading. I've been practicing magic after learning some new spells and fire spells to go along with my arsenal. Trying to hone my magic instead of using lots of it in short bursts." "Oooh, so that's what happened to you. Now that makes sense," Natsu now understands why Spike was missing. "Also, what happened to Lucy? Why was she away for over a day?" Spike asks. "Oh, that. You see," Natsu explains how everyone overreacted a bit on allowing Wendy to work at the theatre alone. So, a good portion of their friends decided to check on her progress. Some ended up exhausted or sick upon arrival, and Wendy winded up having a different job at the theatre. "Seriously?" Spike is baffled. "Yep. So, here we are. Getting ready for the annual Fairy Tail Endurance Race. I have a secret weapon that'll help me win." "Same with me, Natsu. I need to hear the rules of the race to formulate my plan." "Hey, Spike," Lucy walks up to Spike. "Sorry about leaving you like that. I was worried about Wendy and-" Spike cuts Lucy's speech. "No worries. You have a legitimate reason why. I took the time to hone my magic and learn new spells from the books I have from the Magic Library trip. No need to worry. Everything in the apartment is as is, Lucy. In case you were wondering." "Thanks, Spike," Lucy bends down to hug Spike. Spike returns the hug. "Not only you've been an awesome friend, but you're also an amazing roommate." "You're welcome," Spike smiles. "Listen up, everyone!" Master Makarov shouts to grab everyone's attention. They all turn to him. "Time to get moving. The race will start at South Gate Park in one hour. I'll explain the rule furthermore over there." "Well, time to go," Said Natsu. Every Fairy Tail Wizard walks over to the South Gate Park. Jason from Sorcerer Magazine will be documenting the event. Jason is a young man with blond hair. He wears a pink t-shirt, blue jeans, brown shoes, and black sunglasses; he becomes ecstatic to see Spike the Fairy for the first time. Instead of heading over to last year's champ, Jet, he approaches Spike the Fairy. Jet feels upset that Spike is getting the attention instead of him. "This is so cooooool!" Jason is filled with adrenaline and excitement. "This is the first time ever I get to see a real-life dragon! Tell me. What is your name, what magic you use, and how are you planning to win the race!" Lacrima cameras are viewing at Spike. "My name is Spike the Fairy. You can call me Fairy Dragon if you wish. I use energy maker magic. As for winning the race, you'll have to find out," Spike said calmly. He waves at the cameras. "Cooooooooool! I have a new fan favorite that I want to win for sure!" Jason smiles widely. He takes many photos of Spike. "Will you be interested in a Sorcerer Weekly Magazine interview, Fairy Dragon?" "Sure. I don't see why not," Spike replies. "Cooooooool! This'll be so awesome!" Jason could see it all as it'll be his latest greatest Sorcerer Weekly Magazine in the history of his lifetime. "Hey!" Jet shouts. "What about the Champion?" "I'll get to you later," Jason responds. Jet growls at Spike for stealing his thunder. Now he wants to smoke Spike in the race. Spike doesn't respond to Jet's reaction in all of this. He's talking to his friends while warming up. Jason sits at his table, getting his mic to announce the big event. "Good morning, and welcome to today's highly anticipated event! Fairy Tail's mandatory for all wizards 24-Hour Endurance Road Race has arrived and, we're bringing you every heart-pounded second! I'm everyone's favorite Sorcerer Weekly Reporter, Jason, and I'll be your guide to all today's sweet action! It's filling up fast out here so, you better hurry if you want to witness what should be the coolest race in Fairy Tail history!" The lacrima cameras are now viewing last year's champ, Jet. Now he's focused as Jason has turned to him. "There he is, folks. The reigning and undefeated champion, Lightning Fast Jet! Rumor has it he does this to compensate for being lackluster on quests." "Hey!" Jet glares at Jason. "Cool it speed demon, it's only a rumor," Said Jason. "Now, let me introduce you to who I want and believe will win this year's Fairy Tail 24-Hour Endurance Road Race. Introducing Spike the Fairy!" Jason loudly announces. Spike overhears Jason and waves around to the people that'll be cheering him. "HEY!" Jet becomes agitated. "What? Can you blame me? We have a dragon in a guild that's participating in this year's highly event! I hope he defeats you," Jason said, hyping the crowd around him. "I never lost, and I never will!" "Doesn't matter, Jet is still the fan-favorite. Everyone's definitely putting their money on him to win this year," Said Gray shirtless. "Hah, I hope they're ready to lose it. This year's champion is going to be Salamander," Natsu proclaims. "Big talking morons are sure to end up in a ditch before they get close to the finish line," Said Gajeel. "Those morons don't have a secret weapon like I do," Said Natsu, smirking about his secret weapon. "Fire breathers blowing smoke. Geez, you're such a child," Gray said. "By the time you finish, I'll be taking a nap," Spike said as he smirks. "Say what?!" Natsu replies. "I'll ice ya before you can finish," Gray responds. "Careful Fairy Dragon, you might end up seeing iron," Gajeel chuckles. "You can talk a big game, Spike. However, you'll never be a real man!" Elfman said. "I'm a dragon. A Fairy Dragon that's capable of doing anything once I put my mind to it," Spike responds. "Good on you, Spike," Said Lucy. "This should be fun. Just running the race," Wendy said. Happy is freaking out. Wendy, Carla, Lucy, and Spike don't know why. Juvia is eyeballing Gray's shirtless body. Cana drinks a barrel full of beer she got from the guildhall. "Happy, what's wrong?" Lucy asks. "Everyone is on the edge cause Master Makarov has a rule for the loser of the race! Whoever loses the race has to play his punishment game!" Happy freaks out. "Say what?!" Lucy shrieks. "Last year's game gave me nightmares!" Happy said in tears. "Everyone, listen up!" Makarov grabs the mic. "Fairy Tail Wizards know without the proper balance of intelligence and physical endurance are doom to failure. Over the next 24 hours, you'll use those attributes against each other." "A real man never uses his brain," Elfman states. "What?" Spike is confused with Elfman's statement. "Yea, physical strength is all that matters in this race like this," Said Gray. "The rules are very simple. From the starting line, each of you will make your way to predetermine course ending at Mt.Ivor. On the top, there are white wyvern scales. You are to grab one and bring it back. Once it's across the finish line, you've completed the race and proven yourself a worthy member of Fairy Tail. Never forget, forfeiting is not an option for any of you. Fairy Tail pride themselves on that willingness to go that extra mile. I've decided to place a new restriction in this year's event. After numerous complaints, I've decided that the use of flying magic is now forbidden," Master Makarov declares. Happy and Evergreen are unhappy with that decision. Now it's going to be harder for Happy to run on foot. Knowing he's the slowest runner. "All other forms are still permitted," Makarov said. "Guess I won't be drawing any hot air balloons," Reedus said in defeat. He knows he'll probably be the last to arrive at the finish line. "The old man is not pulling any punches this year," Said Wakaba. "And, whoever is unfortunate enough to come in last, will face the most horrific punishment game I've ever devised," Said Makarov, smirking with the idea of his punishment game. Everyone else is afraid to think of the possibilities Makarov has in store except for Spike. He is confused with Makarov's sadistic schemes. "Can't be worse than the piñata he forced Gray to be stuffed in," Said Spike. "It's way worse, Spike! It's way worse!" Happy is relives his horrific experience. "Is it just me, or does he put on this event for the punishment game?" Macao asks in a rhetorical tone. "Last year's was beyond sadistic," Alzack said, remembering what happened to Happy. "Quit complaining, you sissies. It's embarrassing. If only one person is punished, don't come in dead last," Said Gajeel. "Although what you say is true, your phrasing could use a little work, Gajeel," Erza said. "You're making fun of me?" "I say if you're competing, do it with all your strength," Erza requips into her sports gear. It happens to be revealing. "This is custom-made equipment. It keeps muscle fatigue in bay, thus increasing my endurance." "If I didn't know better, I say you're just showing off," Said Gajeel. "It's on," Natsu sees Happy. "I'm not holding back this time. Today, you and me are rivals." "I won't hold back either, okay!" Happy retorts. "But, this new no flying rule sucks kitty litter," Happy bitterly expresses, having little hope of winning the race. "With the opening speech now concluded, it's time for the main event!" Jason shouts. "Let's get all the contestants at the starting line! I'm rooting for you, Fairy Dragon!" "Now, I'm ready," Spike said. "Watch my start Levy, it's gonna blow your mind," Said Jet confidently. "I can't promise anything," Said Levy, looking at Lucy. "Oh, c'mon, he wants to show off for you," Lucy responds. "I'm not playing hard to get or anything like that. It's next to impossible to watch him when he goes all out," Levy said. "Ready! Bang!" Makarov's saying of go. Jet uses his high-speed magic as every Fairy Tail Wizard is blown away from his outburst; Jet is in the lead as everyone gets up. "Alright! Let's start this off big! High Speed!" Jet continues to run faster. "Once again, Jet starts the race with an overwhelming lead!" Jason documents. "So Coooooooool!" "See, now you know what I was talking about," Levy said. Now Lucy understands what she meant by being blown. Natsu gets up and uses his Fire Dragon Iron Fists as a booster as he runs. Gray couldn't believe that Natsu thought of an ingenious idea. Spike understands what Natsu meant by a secret weapon. However, his is better. "Told you I had a secret weapon this year. This is my Fire Dragon Iron Fist Boosters!" Everyone starts running except for Levy and Lucy. They realize they are dead last and have to play Makarov's punishment game. They hightailed out of there, hoping to catch up with the rest of them. "You better hope I don't catch up to you, cheater!" Elfman angrily yells as he's running. Spike runs but uses his fire magic to place a marking on the ground. The others don't bat an eye into what he's doing. Jet is in the lead, Natsu is behind him, most of the Fairy Tail Guild is behind Natsu, Wendy and Carla are behind the guild, Lucy and Levy are catching up, Happy is dead last in the race so far. "Jet, the reigning champion, maintains an impressive lead. Natsu isn't far behind him, rocketing in second place with his Fire Dragon Boosters! Spike the Fairy is marking the ground with his Sparkling Green Flares! So cool! I want to know and see more of his magic and his strategy! Spike is in fourth place orchestrating his strategy while the others are competing for third place in a heart-pounding free-for-all! Which one out of the package will claim it! Happy is dead last," Jason reports. "C'mon, Fairy Dragon! You can win this!" Jason is in the guildhall with Makarov and Mirajane. Jason is watching the race through a lacrima globe while the cameras are recording the event. Wendy and Carla caught up with Spike during the race. They notice Spike leaving sparkle green markings on the ground. "Hey, Spike. What are you doing?" Wendy asks, eager to know why Spike is marking the ground as he runs. "You'll see. You all will see," Spike smirks. "Okay then, good luck," Wendy said. "Wendy, Spike is the enemy of this race. It's everyone person and creature for themselves," Carla informs. "Speaking of enemy," Spike smirks. "Surprise," Spike teleports Wendy and Carla further back of the race. Spike continues to run as Wendy and Carla are next to Happy in the race. "HEY! NOT COOL!" Carla shouts a little in anger. "Carla!" Happy becomes ecstatic to see his beloved. "So glad you waited for your cat." Carla runs as fast as she could, hoping to stay away from Happy. Wendy catches up as she's a little upset at Spike for pulling that stunt. But, impressed as well. "Wendy may kill me or get back at me for doing that later in this race." Spike thought to himself. "Cooooooool! Ladies and Gentlemen, I have witnessed Spike teleporting people with his fire breath. That is a cool magic spell he has in his arsenal!" Jason gasps. He now knows what Spike is thinking. "Of course! Spike is planning to use that tactic to make sure others are behind him! That's how he'll dethrone Jet! So coooooool!" "Well, I'll give credit when credit is due. Fairy Dragon is thinking strategically as he runs. While everyone else is running using their strengths, Spike is using both to his advantage." "Not only that, Master Makarov, I see that Spike is pacing himself," Mirajane said. "What?!" Makarov and Jason said in unison. They look at the camera feeds to see Spike pacing himself as he runs. He sits in fourth place but doesn't look tired. "Finally! Someone is taking my advice!" Master Makarov becomes pleased with Spike's efforts. "Well, he's been quite the student you have about teaching him to increase his size," Mirajane smiles. Jason becomes excited. "He can increase his size?! That's so cooooooool!" Meanwhile, all of Fairy Tail has reached the gorge. Jet still takes a commanding lead as Natsu is a few feet behind him. Reedus decides to draw. He draws a pit and made Droy and Warren fall into one. "Hah! This'll be easier than I thought. I'll draw more to lure them in and win!" "Out of my way!" Gajeel punches Reedus as he falls into a pit trap. He couldn't help but laugh. "Not every day you see Humpy Dumpy see his fall." Gray decides to create an ice rink on the gorge, causing lots of his guildmates to slide and stumble. Nab and Vijeeter fall as well. "Sorry, every man for himself," Gray slides on his ice rink. "Better hope I don't catch up on you, Gray!" Nab Lasaro swears. "Eyes in front, ice boy!" Elfman claws on the ice and kicks Gray back. Gray is knocked out from the kick as Juvia slides on the ice. Spike slides and continues to use his sparkle green flames to mark on the ground. His fire melts the ice making its mark. Wendy and Carla catch up and slides on the ice. Happy is trailing as he slides on the ice. They pass about twenty other members of Fairy Tail. "I need a drink," Cana said as she's running next to Wakaba. "That's the last thing you need right now," Wakaba said. "Funny, coming from the guy who can't put down his pipe," Cana said, making Wakaba sound like a hypocrite. "I'm not mocking your habits. I just don't think getting drunk is the answer here." "It's not about getting drunk, it's about easing my stress." "Hah! You guys are out of shape!" Macao runs in front of the two. "If you two worked out instead of smoking and drinking, you might have had a chance." "Shut up!" Wakaba and Cana said. Spike catches up with Evergreen, Bisca, and Max. Evergreen steps on a rock which activates an enchantment. "What the heck is this?" Bisca irately asks. "It's Freed's enchantment." "Has he booby-trapped the course?" Evergreen asks. Freed appears in front of them. "That's correct," Freed smiles in satisfaction. "You're not going to leave us here? I know Master said no flying, but this is ridiculous." "I don't plan on keeping you trapped for good," Freed replies; he uses his magic to spawn many Fairy Tail workbooks. "You must complete all the workbooks to be set free." "Good, you'll have plenty of time to do it, alone," Said Spike. "Enlighten me, Spike. How do you plan on escaping and turning the tables?" Freed taunts Spike. Spike takes a deep breath and breathes fire in a circular form. He, Evergreen, Bisca, and Max are free from Freed's enchantment. Freed is stunned, he's now surrounded by his rivals. "Well, Fairy Dragon. Thanks for the assist. Now, let's teach this bum a lesson he'll never forget," Evergreen said, smirking deviously. "Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. I was just joking. Y'all can take a joke, right?" Freed underestimated Spike's potential with his magic capabilities. Bisca requips into her Tommy Gun. Max Alors is powering his sand magic. The sounds of a bell ringing can be heard as Spike, Evergreen, Max, and Bisca beat Freed into a pulp for his stunt. After a few moments, while other Fairy Tail Wizards run ahead of them, Spike teleports Freed into his enchantment without his sword. Freed has a black eye, bloodied nose, a mouth filled with sand, and bruises around. "Next time, don't set up enchantments that'll backfire you," Spike said. "You might end up messing with the wrong wizard." "Aye.., sir..," Freed said. He now has dozens of workbooks to complete since his sword is outside the barrier of his enchantment. "Thanks for the save, Spike. Owe you one," Said Bisca. "No joke. Thought we were screwed," Max said. "It's fine. Now, let's get back into the race." Spike, Bisca, Max, and Evergreen go back into the race as Freed watches from his imprisoned enchantment. He grabs a book and begins answering questions. "It's an all-out battle within the race. Each Fairy Tail Wizard is pushing each other hard! Spike the Fairy escaped one of Freed's enchantments and put him in one! So cooooool! This Fairy Dragon is full of surprises! I'm still cheering you on, baby!" Jason documents what he sees while hyping the audience around him in the guildhall. Jason gasps. "There's movement on the summit of Mt.Ivor. It's Jet!" Jet arrives at Mt.Ivor. He grabs the white wyvern scale. Now, he's on the run again. Jason picks up the action with the rest of Fairy Tail heading into the forest region. Lucy is taking a little break after sprinting for too long. Levy is next to her, trying to convince her to keep pushing herself. Spike continues to create markings using his Sparkling Green Flares. After a few moments, Lucy calls forth Virgo to carry her to Mt.Ivor. "Phew, I need a drink," Spike said as he's sweating. He sees Juvia getting water by the stream. "Hope the water is clean." Spike gets closer as Juvia gets sucked into the stream. "Juvia!" "Ah! What's happening to me?!" Juvia panics. While she was getting water, she felt remorse about abandoning Gray, so she decided to wait until he arrives. "Whoa, you're in the water. Can you get out?" Spike asks as he sees Juvia. "No, I can't. Can you help me?" "Yea, I'm hoping this'll work," Spike uses his fire breath to teleport Juvia out of the stream. It works, much to his surprise. "Thank you, Spike," Juvia graciously thanks. "You're welcome. I'm surprised that actually worked," Spike drinks some water to refresh himself. Juvia gets back in the race. She catches up with Gray, Wendy, and Carla. "Hey, Juvia. You've seen Spike?" Gray asks. "He's over there getting a drink," Juvia points to Spike. "Well, glad he's doing okay," Wendy said. "I want to claw his eyes out for teleporting us to that Tomcat!" Carla said. "Oh, leave him. I bet he was just playing around. Besides, it was only ten feet away," Wendy said. "Doesn't matter. I didn't want to be around with that Tomcat." Spike is now hydrated. He places another marking on the ground and gets back in the race. It's getting darker as everyone is making their way to Mt.Ivory. Natsu's Fire Dragon Iron Fist Boosters give out as he's all out of magic. "Damn, I'm all out. I guess I overdid it," Natsu sighs a little. "Half a day, not bad," Gajeel is incoming. Natsu sees him. "Gajeel?" "Out of the way!" Gajeel punches Natsu away from him. "Gotcha," Gajeel takes a white wyvern scale. Natsu lands near a campsite; he then takes a nibble of the fire to replenish himself. "The twelve-hour mark has come and gone in the cool-night atmosphere has fallen over the track. Many of the runners have already reached the summit and snatching up wyvern scales as fast as they can before heading back," Jason reports. "What happens next is anyone's guess. Wait!" Jason becomes overjoyed. "Spike the Fairy grabs his wyvern scale! Let's see what he does now." "You know, he's going to run just like everyone else, right?" Mirajane said, spoiling Jason's mood. Natsu gives Happy a wyvern scale since he couldn't reach up and grab it and takes a good look at Spike. "Hey! You awake?" Natsu sees a wide smirk on Spike's face. "Spike?" "Hey, you okay?" Happy said. Spike is standing still as he's concentrating his magic. Natsu and Happy decide to run, not wanting to face the punishment game. "Only twelve hours left in this crazy race of endurance! If you're just joining us, you're in on this super cool show! The wizards and their wyvern scales are speeding towards Magnolia's South Gate Park where the crowd is waiting in sweet anticipation. It's so cool I can't take it! Jet still maintaining his lead! Not far behind him is the lovely Erza who's just as calm as the start of the race! And battling for third are Gajeel, Lucy, and Gray. They fight hard for their spot on the track but, can they pull ahead?! The rest of the guild is bringing up the rear in an intense doggie dog showdown that won't let up! Everyone's giving all they can to avoid the horrific punishment that the Master has in store. Don't even think about looking away! In dead last, we have Fairy Dragon, Spike the Fairy. I am worried folks, he has been standing there since collecting his wyvern scale." "What is he up to?" Mirajane ponders as the lacrima cameras are on him. Spike is taking a deep breath as his body starts glowing Sparkling Green. This entices Jason. "Whatever he's planning must be good!" Jason said. Spike raises his claw, "Sparkling Markings! Arise!" All the areas that Spike placed his sparkle marking lights up in green flames. The cameras are capturing every marking being light up. "Ladies and Gentlemen! I am so confused and excited for Spike the Fairy! I'm having goosebumps just thinking about what possibilities he may be doing in the next second." Spike breathes fire on his claws and creates a fire lasso. He ties it around the wyvern scale around his back for safekeeping. "Spike! The suspense is killing me!" Jason shouts at the lacrima globe that's viewing Spike. "What the heck?" Jet sees green flare sparks illuminating. He ignores it and keeps running. "What is Spike planning?" Erza said. She notices the green flare sparkles as she's running. "Fire Glider!" Spike shouts. The sparkling green markings turn into a fire trail railing. Spike runs and glides on the fire trail. He extends his arms backward and shoots fire from his claws, creating a booster of his own. "COOOOOOOOOOOL!" Jason shouts in excitement. Mirajane and Makarov's jaws drop when they see Spike's plan in fruition. "That boy is clever. I outlawed flying but, he used his witts to create a trail to glide his way back to Magnolia. Those marks he left behind are the connections to create the bridges of his trail. Pure genius." "He's a prime example of using both intelligence and physical strength, Master," Mirajane said. "The others should learn how to combine the two and not rely on one aspect. They can learn a thing or two from Fairy Dragon," Makarov is proud of Spike. "Hey!" Natsu notices a green flare trail on the side of the race. "What's this for?" Spike passes Natsu on the fire trail. "No way! This is what Spike was planning all along?!" Natsu sees Spike gliding on the fire trail. "He took my booster idea!" Natsu runs faster to catch up with Spike. Spike glides faster passing a good portion of Fairy Tail Wizards. They are astonished to see Spike gliding faster than they can run. "Whoa! That was Spike!" Wendy said. "So that's why he planted so many markings. It was to create a trail to glide on. Very impressive," Carla said as she runs with Wendy. "Damn you, Spike, for using your head!" Elfman said. He's mad that Spike was able to one-off him from his earlier statement about a man not needing to use his head. "Eat my dust, dust eaters!" Spike gets cocky a bit. He shakes his head. "I can't be overconfident. I have to focus." "This is unbelievable, ladies and gentlemen! Spike is catching up to Gajeel, Lucy, and Gray. At this rate, he'll surpass them and catch up to Erza. This is soooo cooooooool! I could have a heart attack if Spike catches up to Jet and take the lead!" Jason's heart is pounding. Gajeel sniffs. "Fairy Dragon? How?" Gajeel notices the green flare trail next to the race track. "Where did that got there?" "What got there?" Gray asks. He sees the green flare trail Gajeel is seeing. "What is that?" "I don't know," Lucy said. She's perplexed by it. "Third place!" Spike shouts as he glides past the trio as they continue to run. "No way!" Gajeel, Gray, and Lucy say in unison. They are in shock. "Did Spike just used that as a rail?" Gray asks. "Yea. When and how did that happen?" Lucy asks. Erza continues her run and notices a green flare trail on her right. She knows it's Spike's magic. "What are you planning, Spike?" "Second place!" Spike shouts, gliding ahead of Erza as she runs. Erza blinks twice as her jaw drops. "Well played, Spike. Well played," Erza continues to run faster. "There you have it, ladies and gentlemen! Spike now has a commanding lead in second place. He passed every single Fairy Tail member competing except for Jet! This is coooooool!" Jet is in the forest region near the gorge after taking a commanding lead. He grabs a pear from a tree and eats it. "Looks like another clean victory. However, those green flames are peculiar. Ah, nothing to worry about," Jet lays back and relaxes a little. "First place!" Spike shouts. He sees Jet sitting by a tree having a little snack. Jet spits his pear out. He didn't think anyone would catch up to him so quickly. "And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen! Spike takes the lead! Spike takes the lead!" Jason jumps around in excitement. "The race is on its final stage as Spike takes the lead! We could have a new champion! Here comes Jet! He's looks super pissed as he's hightailing it." "You cheater! Run, don't glide!" Jet yells at Spike as Spike is several feet ahead of him. Spike starts slowing down. Jason sees this and becomes worried that Spike may not win the race. Erza and Natsu are catching up to Jet. Jet is nearing closer to Spike. "Gotcha," Spike smirks. "Wait!" Jet realizes what Spike is about to do. "See you next fall!" Spike breathes his fire at Jet, teleporting Jet as he ends up colliding into Erza and Natsu. "Oooooooh! You saw that, people! Spike used his fire breath to teleport Jet. Causing him to crash into Erza and Natsu! So cool and smart for taking out his competition!" Jason reports. "I give Spike credit. He's playing chess while the rest are playing checkers," Makarov said. "Come on, let's go meet up with him at the South Gate Park." "Coming Master," Mirajane said. "Right behind you! I have to see Spike come in as our new champion!" Jason hightails out of the guildhall and makes his way to the South Gate Park. As they head over to the South Gate Park, Spike is gliding faster than before. He steadies his breathing as he feels his magic is depleting. Jet gets back on his feet and uses his remaining high-speed magic to run faster. He won't let Spike win the race no matter the cost. Natsu and Erza pick up the pace, pushing themselves more to try and win the race. "I see Magnolia," Spike said as he glides. He starts going slower. "Okay, I still need to work on honing my magic for longer periods of time," Spike looks back to see Jet, Natsu, Gray, Erza, and Gajeel a mile away. "Gotta keep going. Stop looking back," Spike continues to glide as he enters Magnolia first. He's a few blocks away from the South Gate Park. "Oh my goodness! Spike is here! Spike is here!" Jason announces as the crowd goes wild. Jason jumps around in pure excitement and joy. Spike stops gliding as he's depleted of magic energy and runs into the finish line with his wyvern scale. The crowd cheers loudly as confetti explodes. Spike falls to his knees breathing heavily. "I.., I could use a nap about now," Spike is tired. After a long day of running, pacing himself, helping some of his guildmates while sabotaging them a little, using more of his magic, Spike falls asleep on the ground. "We have a new champion! We have a new champion!" Jason cheers loudly. "For second place, it's neck and neck with Jet, Gajeel, Erza, Gray, and Natsu!" Natsu trips on the street, causing him to crash into Jet, Gajeel, Erza, and Gray. This allowed Happy to run into second place. "Happy takes second place in this race! What are the odds of that outcome! So cool!" Jason is overjoyed with this revelation. "I did it! I didn't come in last!" Happy cheers. "Second place, little buddy," Jason said. "Congrats on beating the odds. I told you all that this'll be a historical event! Not only a dragon came in first, but we also have a cat coming in second! What are the odds of that? Don't forget that Sorcerer Weekly was here bringing you all this super cool action!" Jet, Gajeel, Natsu, Gray, and Erza are stunned and dumbfounded. They lost to a dragon and a cat. "I don't think I ever felt so alive!" Happy claims cheerfully. "Hey, where's Spike?" "Over there!" Jason points to Spike sleeping under a tree. "Poor guy, he must have used a lot of magic energy to tuckered himself," Said Happy. "No way! What Spike said actually came true?!" Natsu is in disbelief. He remembered what Spike said yesterday. "By the time you finish, I'll be taking a nap." "Wow, what are the odds?" Gray asks. "I'm surprised you're not taking this hard, Jet," Said Erza. "I shouldn't have stopped when I did. I should have known that Spike was up to something when I saw some weird markings on my way back. He's clever and shrewd," Said Jet admittingly. Wendy and Carla run past them. Wendy claims third place, and Carla claims fourth place. "What are we doing?! The race is still on!" Erza shouts. "Newcomers Wendy and Carla come in third and fourth! So cool!" Jason announces. "I would take a picture of you four but, that'll be for later," Jason points to Spike sleeping under a tree. "I can wait till later today," Wendy said. "Same with me. I need a break," Happy concurs. "Well, I'll admit. Spike outplayed us all in this race," Said Carla. Then, all of a sudden, the rest of Fairy Tail caught up and tramples Gajeel, Gray, Jet, and Natsu as they finish the race. Erza crosses the finish line sighing in relief. She turns, looking for Spike. "Where is Spike?" "Over here, Erza," Mirajane picks up Spike from the ground. "He's tuckered out from using a lot of magic getting here." "I see," Erza looks at Spike as he's sleeping. "Well done, Spike. You claimed victory today." "Hurry, my love, get up!" Juvia shouts for Gray to cross the finish line. "C'mon Natsu," Happy shouts. Jet hightails to the finish line. However, Gajeel, Natsu, and Gray grab hold of Jet. Finishing the race in the first-ever tie for last place. "We have a shocking conclusion. We have a first-ever four-way tie for last place!" Jason announces. "Say what?!" Jet, Natsu, Gajeel, and Gray say in unison. "No one in a million years would have ever predicted such a dramatic outcome like the one we hear today. Tied in last place are Natsu, Gajeel, Gray, and the previous champion, Jet! But, it's not over for them. Now it's time for the punishment game!" Natsu, Gray, Gajeel, and Jet freak out. They turn to Makarov as he smiles happily and sinisterly. "This turned out better than I hoped," Makarov delightfully chuckles, which send shivers down in Natsu, Gray, Gajeel, and Jet's spines. "We all get punished?" Natsu asks. "Oh, c'mon! Why can't we run another race to break the tiebreaker!" Gray argues. "Quit complaining!" Master Makarovs becomes a little agitated with their complaints. "I expected better from you. Just like real work, wizards don't get any do-overs when they muck up. You gotta deal with the consequences. Painful consequences for you and fun for me. Yea, four times the fun." Everyone is worried to hear Master Makarov's punishment game. They can only imagine the embarrassment of their lifetime. "Fine! Bring it on! I'm not afraid of your punishment game! I can take whatever you dish out!" Natsu confidently expresses. "That's it! Keep that resolve, lad! Believe me when I say you'll need it for what I have in store. Behold, your punishment," Master Makarov holds a magazine of Sorcerer Weekly. Gray, Natsu, Gajeel, and Jet are baffled by this punishment. "I can't be the only one who's confused right now," Said Gray. "Are we supposed to read the thing?" Gajeel asks. "No, it's something much worse. Sorcerer Weekly will print an issue of nothing but glamor shots, and the models of these pinups will be you, boneheads, a deluxe twenty-page spread complete with up close and personal interviews." "Whaaaaaaaaat?!" Natsu, Gajeel, Gray, and Jet horribly responds in shock and horror. "If I came in last, I would be on Sorcerer Weekly?" Lucy is stunned. It could have been her in the magazine. "Oh, my darling. I can't wait to read your interviews and hang your pinups over my bed," Juvia blushes a bit, imagining the pinups of Gray. "I'll destroy every copy!" Gray retorts. "Oh, this is the coolest outcome ever! First, my fan favorite wins this year's Fairy Tail Endurance Race and now getting ready to interview the losers with glamorous shoots and pinups. Now, if you gentlemen will follow me, we'll get your outfits picked out!" Jet, Gajeel, Natsu, and Gray hightail out of here, not wanting to go through the punishment game. "Wait! I still need to measure you!" Jason chases after them. "Not happening!" Natsu responds. "You're gonna look so cool!" Jason shouts as he continues to chases after them. "I'm surprised they can still run after the race," Lucy said. "It appears they weren't giving their all either. Calling me impressed," Said Erza. "Wait, what do you mean either?" Lucy is confused with Erza's statement. "Does this mean no Gray centerfold?" "Hey, Lucy," Mirajane walks up to Lucy. "Yes, Mirajane?" Lucy looks at Spike and knows what to do next. She grabs Spike from Mirajane's arms. "I'll take him home now. I can use a nap myself." Lucy walks back to the apartment while carrying Spike in her arms. Master Makarov walks up to his children (Fairy Tail Wizards). "Listen up. There is something you all should know." "What is it, Master?" Erza turns to Makarov standing by. "Do you know how Spike won the race?" "He used his magic. He glides his way back to Magnolia," Erza answers. "Ah, do you know how?" "I know, Master," Elfman said, walking up to the Master. "He used his head and planned ahead of time." "Correct. Spike is the prime candidate of how to execute intellect with physical strength. While all of you were pushing yourselves and battling with each other, Spike was devising a plan while using the info given to him from the beginning. I outlawed flying but not gliding. That's how you win. If you go charging in without thought, you fall. You collapse, and things backfire on you. I'm sure Spike had moments of overconfidence. However, he made up for it by concentrating on the task at hand. Jet was overconfident and reckless. He didn't plan things through and wind up losing the race. Today's lesson is to have balance physically and mentally when facing any challenges. No matter how big or small things be. Never out rule a one-sided technicality. It'll be costly if you do." "Thank you for your teachings, Master. We as Fairy Tail Wizards won't forget this life lesson," Erza speaks for everyone. They nod in agreement. "Good, time go home," Master Makarov leaves the South Gate Park and heads back to the guildhall. Lucy arrives at the apartment with Spike in her arms. She smiles at Spike as Spike is dreaming. Lucy tucks Spike in his bed. "Wow, I can't believe he won the race. I thought Jet would win for sure. He had a plan to win. He planned out any possibilities that got in his way. He's getting better, stronger, I may add. Have a good sleep, Spike. I'll see you when you wake up," Lucy takes off her clothes and puts on her pajamas. She gets in bed and falls asleep.