The next morning I woke up and walked into the bathroom to look at the mirror. My bruises were healing up nicely as well as my wounds, I was definitely on the mend.

After eating breakfast, I picked up my satchel and put it over my shoulder. I picked Pika up in my arms and left my flat, I locked the door behind me and left the block of flats to walk to Fairy Tail.

I stepped through the doors and heard more noise than usual within the guild. A crowd of the male members of the guild were crowded around the notification board and were the ones creating all the fuss.

I walked over to Mira at the bar to see what all the commotion was about.

"Hey Akari." Mira smiled.

"Hey Mira. What is all the fuss about over there?" I asked.

"Oh, well Fairy Tail is holding a competition tomorrow, everyone is really excited." Mira replied.

"I see... it's the first I've heard of it, when was it announced?" I questioned.

"This morning. A poster was pinned on the notification board." Mira pointed towards the crowd.

"What? That's a bit sudden isn't it?" I asked with confusion.

"Master insisted that everything was arranged at once. He's very eager and excited about it." Mira said sweetly.

"Really? Sounds interesting." I said thoughtfully.

I looked around the rest of the guild hall and noticed that hardly any of the female members were there. Intrigued, I left the bar and walked over to the crowd of men to try and get a peek at the poster.

"Morning Akari." Macao said to me as I fought my way through the crowd.

"Oh, hey Macao." I replied as I turned towards him.

"Are you going to enter the competition tomorrow? I think you would have a really good chance of winning." Macao asked.

"Yeah, you'd be a shoo-in." Wakaba added.

"Seriously?" I asked.

"Yeah." They replied.

I pushed myself to the front of the crowd and looked at the poster. It read:

'Fairy Tail Swimsuit competition.
Female Fairy Tail members dress up in your best and alluring swimsuits and put on a spectacle.
The winner wins 500,000 Jewel and a section in Sorcerer Weekly.
The competition takes place tomorrow at South Gate Park.
Good luck!'

"A swimsuit contest?!" I said with shock.

"You don't seem very happy about it." Pika replied.

"That's because I thought the competition might've been a fight or something." I sighed.

"You are entering, right Akari?" Bickslow asked.

"Well... I don't know. Look, I really don't think it's my thing, and besides I've read Sorcerer Weekly and the fact is that Mira is in there a lot as well as other girls prettier than me." I explained.

"You are beautiful Akari!" Some of the men were shouting out.

All the men around me got even more excited and were eager for me to participate. The pros of this competition is that I could get a whole load of money, as well as putting my name out there in Sorcerer Weekly and hopefully help Howling Dragons gain more positive attention. The cons however, is that I would be objectifying myself and getting lots of unwanted attention. Tough decision.

"I presume all the girls aren't here because, they're getting ready for the competition." I stated.

"Yeah I think so. None of them said anything but, they came in this morning, saw the poster and then dashed out of the door again." Macao explained.

"Right." I said quietly.

I walked away from the crowd of men and went over to Mira to see what she thought of the whole ordeal.

"So, a swimsuit contest huh?" I asked.

"Yep." Mira smiled brightly.

"Am I right in saying that's why Master arranged everything so quickly?" I questioned.

"Yeah. Sorcerer Weekly are sponsoring it as Master asked me to talk to Jason, one of the journalists that works with the magazine company. He's been here a few times over the last few years." Mira explained.

"Are you entering then?" I asked.

"Of course." Mira said excitedly.

"Thought so." I said, unsurprised.

"Aren't you entering?" Mira asked.

"What's the point? If you're entering then they might as well give you the trophy now." I said, discouraged.

"That's not necessarily true. I haven't won every single Fairy Tail beauty contest. Anyway, I actually think that you would be in for a strong chance of winning this contest." Mira suggested.

"What makes you say that?" I asked.

"For starters you are very beautiful, most of the men in this guild have their eyes on you. Plus, the request was put in by the Thunder Legion if that is of any use to you..." Mira hinted.

"The Thunder Legion wanted this? Um, you don't happen to have any specific names do you? Was it just one of the members or what?" I asked slyly.

"Just the Thunder Legion, I can't say anymore than that." Mira grinned.

I couldn't see why I shouldn't do the contest, it would probably be a lot of fun. Although, I didn't want to let on how excited I really was.

I stretched out my arms and tried to act cool around the situation.

"Well, I guess I might as well enter. It'll be a laugh I guess." I said coolly as I stood up from the bar and left the guild hall.

In the meantime...

Mira's POV

Bickslow walked over to me to order a drink and have a conversation...

"Hey Mira. You've got a big grin on your face, what's happened?" Bickslow asked, intrigued.

"Nothing much. Akari just brings a smile to my face whenever she's around." I giggled.

"What did she do?" Bickslow grinned.

"Not a lot. Well, she's acting like she doesn't care about the contest tomorrow and that she's only entering it for a laugh but, I think there's more to it than that." I explained.

"Like what?" Bickslow asked.

"As soon as I mentioned Thunder Legion, it's almost as if her ears pricked up. It caught her interest that you guys organised it. I knew exactly what she was thinking but, I think she's hiding the truth from herself and hasn't realised something yet." I suggested.

"Do tell." Bickslow chuckled.

"How good are you at keeping secrets?" I asked.

"Aw c'mon. I won't tell anyone I promise." Bickslow sighed.

"Fine. Just don't say anything." I insisted.

"Promise." Bickslow replied.

"I think that she was thinking of Laxus, thinking that he might've had a say in this contest. On top of that, I believe that Akari might like Laxus a lot but, she doesn't realise it yet." I explained.

"It's funny you should say that..." Bickslow took a sip from his cup.

"How come?" I questioned.

"Laxus insists that he and Akari are just friends, but earlier he called her 'Sparky'- a nickname he's given her but, I don't think he's realised that he's become really fond of her. Furthermore, he seemed intrigued about the contest after the discussion we had about Akari, mainly because I'd date her any day, she is good looking. Laxus seemed to agree without thinking." Bickslow continued to drink.

"Interesting... the only reason they are apart is because of each other. They don't seem to realise their feelings, either that or they don't want to admit it. I wonder how this will develop?" I asked curiously.

"Beats me. I reckon they'll be together in a couple of months. I bet a steamy job request would be the ticket." Bickslow replied.

"What do you mean by steamy exactly?" I asked.

"Like, one where they might be secluded, just the two of them together. Or maybe, they'll get dirty or something out in the woods and have to undress... I don't know they're just examples." Bickslow explained.

"That's quite a low chance though. I think Akari will confess first." I smiled.

"I reckon it'll be Laxus actually." Bickslow grinned.

"You want to bet on that?" I asked, grinning.

"How much?" Bickslow asked.

"Let's say 25,000 Jewel, sound cool to you?" I asked.

"You're on." Bickslow chuckled.

Akari's POV

As I walked away from the guild hall with Pika, I had a lot to think about. What would I wear for the competition? What performance could I do? I wonder if Laxus is interested in this competition? Wait, what am I thinking?! I can't be so stupid, me and Laxus are job partners and good friends, why would I think that he would be interested in the contest?

"You look frazzled Akari. What's wrong?" Pika asked.

"Oh. Nothing. I'm just thinking." I replied softly.

"Thinking of what?"

"Just the contest. If I enter then I need to do my best. If I can win that money then I'll be good for rent for a long time with the rest of the Jewel I have already earned." I replied happily.

"I thought you weren't bothered about it though." Pika said, confused.

"Well, yeah. I wasn't at first... I guess the prize was incentive for me..." I said thoughtfully.

I continued walking down the streets of Magnolia until I reached the clothes shops. I need a really good swimsuit if I'm going to impress everyone. I entered one of the shops which, was heavily stocked with swim gear ranging from swim suits to trunks to anything beach and swimming related. I looked through the racks and was caught off guard.

"Akari!" Lucy said excitedly as she made me jump out of my skin.

"Jeez Lucy! Don't do that." I said with relief.

"Sorry. Anyway what are you doing here?" Lucy asked with a smile.

"Well, what are you doing here?" I replied.

"You got me there. I'm shopping for a swimsuit for the contest. You doing the same?" Lucy asked.

"Yeah, I'm not serious about it though." I rolled my eyes away from Lucy and crossed my arms.

"It's a competition, it's meant to be fun. Everyone is getting involved so don't be embarrassed if you are serious about winning." Lucy explained.

I uncrossed my arms and loosened up a bit more. Lucy had a point.

"I'm an idiot." I giggled.

"You're not. Anyway I'll see you later, I have some work to do before the competition tomorrow." Lucy giggled.

"Bye." I waved to Lucy as she walked away.

"What swimsuit are you going to get?" Pika asked.

"I'm not sure. Some of these are nice but they don't really portray me." I said.

"What about the special one?" Pika questioned.

"The special one?" I said, confused.

"Yeah. Remember when you went to the beach that one time with Swift and you attracted attention from everyone. You were so embarrassed that you pretended you were dating Swift so the guys would leave you alone." Pika laughed.

"Oh yeah. That was a while ago, I was fifteen back then. I don't think that costume will still fit me though." I replied.

"You've grown a little bit since then in certain places but, I'm sure it's nothing that a little sewing and adjusting won't fix." Pika suggested.

"Good point. That costume is my favourite, I haven't worn it in a while though, I bought a new one for general use." I said.

"Well, we better get some equipment then." Pika smiled.

"Definitely. There's a fabric and textile shop nearby, we'll pop in and get some things then we'll go home and get everything ready." I decided.

"Good plan." Pika cheered.

I finished my shopping trip I went on and dashed back to my flat with my shopping bags so I had plenty of time to organise my outfit as well as my performance. I reached the block of flats and ran up the stairs to my flat. I got my keys out of my pocket and unlocked my flat door. I opened the door and saw Happy and Natsu sat at my table eating food! I dropped my bags in shock and just stared at them blankly.

"Hey Akari. I like what you've done to the place." Natsu grinned.

"Why are you in my flat?!" I shouted.

"Chill out. Me and Happy thought we'd pop round to see you." Natsu explained.

"That's all well and good but, don't you think you could've waited outside?" I asked with disbelief.

"We could've, but the landlady is one creepy woman and we didn't want to interact with her." Natsu said with his mouth full.

I sighed and picked my bags up off the floor. I walked into my flat and closed the door behind me.

"Fine. I don't mind you visiting, but please don't break into my flat again." I said softly.

"Okay." Natsu and Happy replied.

I looked closer at the food Natsu was eating and what Happy was eating. I have a very bad feeling about this...

"Natsu... where did you get that food from?" I asked patiently.

"We were hungry, so we made ourselves lunch." Natsu replied.

"Is that my favourite ham and my special bread that you have used to make yourself lunch?" I clenched my fists.

Natsu stopped eating and looked down at the half eaten sandwich.

"Maybe..." Natsu said hesitantly.

"Damn you!" I shouted as I kicked Natsu off the chair.

"She's worse than Lucy..." Happy commented.

"You think?" I asked sarcastically.

"I'm sorry Akari I won't do it again." Natsu begged.

"You better not. It's one thing breaking into someone's home, it's another thing entirely when you take their food!" I exclaimed.

"We're sorry." Happy and Natsu cried together.

"Just don't do it again. No wonder Lucy gets annoyed with you guys. As a matter of fact, how come you are in my place and not Lucy's?" I asked with confusion.

"Because we wanted to see you." Natsu replied.

"Why?" I asked.

"To see if you were entering the swimsuit contest." Happy replied.

"Oh. Yes I am. Were you trying to get a sneak peek?" I asked.

"Nah. We just wanted to weigh up the competition." Natsu replied.

"That's basically the same thing!" I exclaimed.

"Not really. You were implying that we are here because we're perverts." Natsu crossed his arms.

"Alright. I never meant it like that. Can you guys just leave, I have a lot of work to do and very little time." I explained.

"Let's go Happy." Natsu sighed.

"Aye sir." Happy replied.

Natsu and Happy got up and walked slowly towards the door with their heads hung low.

"Stop acting so depressed, you can see me anytime." I said with frustration.

"I wanted to talk to you, it was important." Natsu said.

"Then why didn't you say so in the first place?" I asked.

"Because you were having a go at us." Natsu replied.

"If you didn't take my food and break in then I wouldn't have had a go at you." I said.

"I've already said that I'm sorry. Besides, I was wondering if you wanted to join our team for job requests." Natsu asked.

"Oh right. It sounds like a great offer and I really appreciate you asking but, I'm already in a team, kind of." I replied.

"Who are you with?" Natsu inquired.

"Laxus. He's mentoring me in a way and trying to help me train so, I'm kind of with him for job requests." I explained.

"That's cool. I'm surprised he wanted to team up with you actually." Natsu said.

"Why?" I asked.

"I don't know, he doesn't really team up with anyone else except the Thunder Legion. You'll have to teach me some of his tricks so that I can beat him up one day." Natsu grinned.

"You love to fight don't you." I sighed.

"I just love to prove my strength, I want to make S-Class one day, so I have to have the occasional fight to put my training into practise." Natsu explained.

"It's not exactly occasional is it?" I giggled.

"Once a day is occasional I'd say. Well, I'd better get going and leave you to do your stuff." Natsu said as he walked towards the door with Happy.

"If you have a spare moment, I'd like to train with you. I've heard a lot of stories about how powerful your magic is, especially when you're fighting for your friends, I think it's incredible what you've accomplished." I said enthusiastically.

"Yeah? Alright, I'd be happy to train with you. I'd actually like to see some more of your techniques too." Natsu smiled.

"Deal." I smiled back.

Natsu and Happy left the flat and closed the door behind them.

"No!" Pika cried out.

"What's wrong?" I asked, worried.

I ran over to Pika who was on her hands and knees on the ground.

"It's gone. That fish I was saving for dinner. It's gone." Pika cried.

"For goodness sake." I said, annoyed as I facepalmed with my hand.

After going back to town to stock up on Pika's fish, I managed to dig out my old swimsuit. It's black with golden lightning bolts all over and looks more fabulous than I remember, but it also looks skimpier than I remember too.

"I used to wear this? Sure it's gorgeous but, it's quite revealing." I said with concern.

"Isn't that the whole point?" Pika asked.

"Yeah, but, it's sexier than I remember it being that's all." I replied.

"It's perfect then." Pika clapped.

"It definitely needs adjustments, just a bit more fabric added in places... maybe I could just create a bit of edging around it." I suggested.

"Good plan." Pika jumped up.

I was off to work on my bikini costume for the contest and it didn't take me as long as I thought it would. The fit was perfect and I was sure to win with it. I created a routine which would guarantee me a victory and practised it multiple times for the next day. Victory is in my favour I was certain of it.

In the evening, I returned to the guild hall to see Mira. Instead, I bumped into Laxus.

"Akari. There you are." Laxus called out as I stepped into the guild hall.

"Oh, hey Laxus." I smiled.

Laxus left the balcony and walked over to me.

"Your hair's different isn't it?" He mentioned as he ran his fingers through my hair and picked a section up in his hand.

"Is it? I haven't done anything to it if that's what you are saying." I replied.

Laxus dropped my hair out of his hand and crossed his arms.

"The yellow looks brighter I guess, either that or the black is darker." Laxus pondered.

"Probably the sunlight bringing out the yellow more." I thought.

"Maybe. It's funny, I could actually picture you being a brunette." Laxus chuckled.

"What makes you say that?" I asked.

"I don't know, I guess that's what I imagined your hair colour to be." Laxus shrugged his shoulders.

"I used to be when I was younger but, I changed my hair a few years ago because, I thought it looked cool and actually matched well with the magic I use. You prefer brunettes?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't really have a preference, personality counts more for me... and if the girl has the right package..." Laxus stated smoothly with a grin, looking me up and down.

"Hey!" I replied, blushing at his comments. I nudged my arm into him playfully.

"Anyway, where were you earlier? I wanted to do a job request with you but, you weren't around." Laxus asked.

"Aren't you aware of the competition tomorrow?" I asked.

"Yeah of course I am, me and Bickslow asked about it. Are you actually entering?" Laxus said with surprise.

"Yeah. Is that a bad thing?" I asked with confusion.

"No, it's just that I didn't think that you would be the sort of person who is in to this sort of thing." Laxus answered.

"I didn't want to do it originally but, then I changed my mind." I responded.

"Okay then. Since the competition is tomorrow I won't be out on any jobs. I was thinking we could do another one the day after?" Laxus asked.

"Yeah... or I have a better idea..." I grinned.

"Do tell..." Laxus said, intrigued.

"If I win the contest tomorrow, I'll have a lot of Jewel in my back pocket. We could do something fun if I win the next day." I suggested.

"Sounds good. What if you don't win then?" Laxus asked.

"You don't think I can?" I grinned.

"I never said that, it's still a game of chance you know, anything could happen, especially if you throw Mira and Erza into the mix, they usually have a trick up their sleeve." Laxus explained.

"Fine. If we don't win then we'll go on a job request." I replied.

"Alright. I'm sure you'll do great, they've never seen a lightning female wizard from Fairy Tail in these contests before, give them a real shock." Laxus chuckled.

"Don't you worry about that. It'll be ecstatic." I winked at Laxus before leaving the guild hall again to go back home.

"Enough with the puns." Laxus chuckled.

I can't believe I just winked at him! What am I thinking?! It's okay, it was a friendly wink, he knows that I'm sure. I'm such an idiot!

Laxus POV

Back at Fairy Tail...

Funny, Akari just winked at me. Weirder still, I can feel my heart beating faster... well, I did do a fair bit of exercise beforehand, that must be it.