I tried strumming the guitar again, but the battle was moving closer to me. Time to get out of the danger zone.
I heard the Fairy Tail mages cheering over the destroyed cannon.
I took only a few steps before the enemy guild stirred. That massive contraption began to move. My eyes widened.
...
The house was shifting… twisting… like a freaking Transformer.
"BEHOLD! The Super Mage Giant Phantom MK II!" boomed a voice from inside the robot-house-thing as it took a thunderous step forward.
The Fairy Tail mages didn't even flinch.
I did… I ran. Put at least 50 meters between me and the battlefield. Though for that monstrosity, 50 meters might as well be five.
Then it started writing in the air — magical symbols, runes maybe. I didn't know. Honestly, I barely remembered this part of the arc. It's been years since I watched the early episodes.
Still… I had to do something. How do you stop a building from casting a spell? Or the mage controlling it?
I paused to think, watching Lucy step forward and shout, trying to stop the fight by offering herself. But wait… that wasn't Lucy.
It was Mirajane, disguised. When they called her out as a fake, she transformed and collapsed, crying in Cana's arms.
"Focus Ren…" Right. Emotional damage. Mental disruption.
I needed a song… something that could break focus. That could distract, unsettle, or lodge itself in the caster's head and refuse to leave.
Baby Shark? No way — I don't have the instruments to pull off the full annoying effect.
Numa Numa? Nope, missing drums and synths.
Banana Phone? Meh, not catchy enough to mess with someone's mind, also don't have a piano (or know how to play one).
No, I need something that hits hard. Something memorable, relentless, and just crazy enough to crash his brain.
Like… Livin' la Vida Loca. Yeah, that's it.
No trumpets or wind instruments, but I can work with this.
I tightened my grip on the guitar. "Okay… here goes nothing."
Livin' la vida loca - Ricky Martin - English version.
I strummed hard, upbeat, percussive. The rhythm was not perfect, but close enough.
🎵 "She's into superstitions… black cats and voodoo dolls…" 🎵
The effect kicked in when I started singing.
One of the hooded mages stumbled mid-cast. Another turned his head with a puzzled look, mouthing the lyrics after me.
🎵 "She's got a new addiction, For every day and night…" 🎵
The building (the giant freakin' Transformer) had Mirajane in its hand.
Suddenly, a monster burst out from inside, snatching her.
The machine slowed, then froze mid-rune. The glowing runes in the air began to flicker like a bad connection.
From the cockpit or control room or whatever, I heard a shout: "WHO IS PLAYING THAT CURSED SONG!?"
I kept going, leaning into the groove with reckless confidence.
🎵 "Upside, inside out, She's living la vida loca,
She'll push and pull you down, Livin' la vida loca
Her lips are devil red, and her skin's the color mocha,
She will wear you out, Livin' la vida loca
Livin' la vida loca, COME ON!
She's livin' la vida loca…" 🎵
The magical runes collapsed. One exploded midair. "Alright," I muttered. "Mental disruption spell confirmed."
Allies and enemies alike screamed "MAKE IT STOP!"
"Nope," I grinned. "We're livin' la vida loca now."
🎵 "Woke up in New York City, in a funky cheap hotel…" 🎵
Then the monster hurled a chunk of rubble at me.
Luckily, its aim was terrible (probably thanks to the song), but it forced me to stop.
The magic broke again.
"Damn, time to run" I bolted, searching for another not-immediately-deadly zone.
As I looked for a safer spot, it started to rain. The Fairy Tail wizards looked exhausted, but I was afraid to play something that might help them and the enemies too.
If only I could find a way to affect just some of them… Well, no better time to experiment.
First try: emotions. Maybe if I channel the feeling of wanting to protect something… the music will only reach those with that kind of heart. I strummed confidently and began playing… "Macarena."
Bad idea. Everyone froze. And danced at the same time with the Macarena steps. Even the freaking transformer. Then they all turned to me with the same horrified expression.
"Really!?"
"Are you serious right now!?"
"Stop being ridiculous!"
Someone threw a rock. I ducked. Okay. Emotional targeting: fail. Note to self (maybe don't try meme songs during wartime).
Second attempt: Maybe if I focus on the people I recognize as allies, the magic will only affect them.
I closed my eyes, pictured Cana, the sand guy, and smoker dude (basically anyone I've seen in the anime). I let that image fill me up. Loyalty, trust, teamwork… all that shonen stuff.
Take Until They Break… I lack drums for the full power
Given up… Nope. That one only works for me.
Eye…
Yes
Istrummed hard, upbeat and fierce, channeling energy into every note.
"Eye of the Tiger– Survivor." (Felt perfect)
🎵"Risin' up, back on the street, did my time, took my chances
Went the distance, now I'm back on my feet, just a man and his will to survive…" 🎵
This time, the glow spread faster, like a storm. The Fairy Tail mages straightened up. Their eyes cleared. Most of them started grinning.
But the enemy mages? Nothing. No reaction.
Still… it only worked on the ones I was actually focusing on. Not the whole guild. Not yet.
🎵 "It's the eye of the tiger, it's the thrill of the fight, risin' up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night, and he's watching us all with the eye of the tiger"🎵
I kept going. The three of them moved with better control, stronger spells; basically, they got a second wind.
Earlier, I saw Cana kneeling. Now? She looked like she could go five more rounds.
A stray spell (dodged by someone else) hit me square in the chest.
The impact threw me off balance. My fingers slipped on the strings. The rhythm shattered.
The song spell broke. I chose another spot.
Third attempt. Maybe if I clearly focus on who the song was meant for, the magic would only reach them.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, picturing the Fairy Tail logo. Most of the Fairy wizards were down, only the core fighters were still standing and battling.
"Still standing, huh?! I know what's next."
With intention sharp as a blade, I let the melody rise through me.
"I'm Still Standing - Elton John"