DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN FAIRY TAIL!
I'm not particularly proud of this chapter but whatever.
XXX
Natsu's POV
"Again!" a battered Mirajane screamed as she slowly stood up from the damaged battlefield. I panted heavily as I watched the determined girl keep charging after me. Ever since the day I defeated Laxus, I worked extremely hard to qualify for the S-Class Exam. My practicing didn't go unnoticed by the guild members and soon others were kicking it up a notch as well.
Especially Cana, Mirajane, Erza, and Laxus. Our rivalry grew as days passed by and soon Mirajane wanted to spar with me. Her persistence and complete confidence that she could defeat me was admirable but if she keeps going on this path, she could get hurt. Lisanna seemed to notice this too and with the S-Class Exams just around the corner, it's been increasingly difficult to control the demon.
"Mira, this is going a bit too far. You need to rest!" I spoke sternly but the girl just wouldn't budge.
She glared at me as she transformed into her Satan Soul. "No! I need to beat you. You're the biggest threat in the exam and if I even have a small chance of taking you down then that's enough for me."
"Look, Mira, how about you just rest before another spar, okay?" I tried to reason but with my terrible luck, it didn't work out as I planned.
"Satanic Blast!" she screamed as she sent an extremely large orb of pure dark energy towards me. I widened my eyes as I created an X-formation with my arms to block the destructive attack. I bit my lip as it impacted on my skin, creating a giant pillar of purple before exploding. I jumped out of the debris with a few injuries before rekindling my hands with fire.
"Just calm down!" I tried to convince her but she still kept slamming with her dark magic. She flew towards me with impressive speed and I lit my arms on fire as I blocked every single one of her advancements.
"Not until I beat you!" she screamed. "Darkness Spread!"
Soon a large assortment of projectiles was fired out of a dark orb, each one aimed straight at me. I gracefully dodged each one, careful as to stay away from its explosive power. I sighed as my patience dwindled with the demon.
"You leave me with no choice then!" I screamed as I ran towards her. "If the only way to stop you is by making you unconscious then so be it!" I cried out as I aimed for the fatigued teen. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
With one final push, I slammed at the girl with the best of my ability, creating a large explosion near the guild. A few of the members that noticed this went outside to see the commotion. As the smoke cleared I viewed the limp body of Mirajane.
I carefully picked her body up bridal style as I walked closer to the guild hall. The members outside widened their eyes at the condition we were both in but said nothing about it as I lead her to the infirmary. "Damn it, Mira! Why do you have to be so stubborn." I muttered.
I entered the building and all chatter broke down as they all watched me enter with surprise. I ignored their stares as I trudged towards the closest medical wing. Lisanna followed me inside and helped treat her sister. I took a deep breath as I stared at the two before me.
"Sorry," I grumbled and Lisanna looked at me with confusion.
"Sorry? Sorry about what, Natsu?" she questioned and I took a deep breath as I slumped down the closest chair.
"For what I did to your sister," I responded as I fiddled with my fingers guiltily. "If I haven't accepted her challenges then she wouldn't be at this condition." I lowered my head as I stared at the ground.
Lisanna frowned at this before using her hands to softly lift my head back up. I stared at her eyes that seemed to be filled with determination and maturity. "Natsu, you did what you had to do. If you haven't knocked Mira out at the last minute she would've gotten some serious injuries. In fact, I should be thanking you instead." she smiled weakly before going back to work.
I grinned at this before jumping out of my seat. "At least let me help you treat her wounds. It'll help ease my mind a bit if I helped treat the injuries I inflicted." Lisanna nodded in understanding.
"Anything to help you sleep better at night, Natsu." she kidded and I joined in on the hysterics before using most of my energy to help heal her injuries.
XXX
Mirajane's POV
I started waking up as the bright light shined down upon me. With a groan I opened my eyes to find myself in the infirmary. I cocked my head in confusion as I slowly remembered all of the things that occurred before I fainted. I bit my lip in frustration as I remembered Natsu taking me down with ease. "Damn it!" I cursed before slamming my fist on a pillow.
"Well, looks like someone's cranky." a female voice sang and I diverted my attention towards the source, my rage ready to be released upon the unfortunate soul. My gaze softened as I saw Lisanna currently washing a soft cloth before placing it on my head.
I looked at her quizzically, "Lisanna, what am I doing here?"
"You lost, remember? Natsu had to carry you back to the guild and it was quite a surprise too!" she giggled and I tilted my head in confusion.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
My sister grabbed a few bandages and placed them away before explaining. "It was amusing, really. The whole guild was in shock when Natsu brought you back bridal style."
"W-What?" I asked, flustered at the idea before realizing something. "You mean that pinkie brought me here?"
"Mhm," she hummed. "He took great care of you. He even decided to lend a helping hand because he felt guilty at what he's done."
I widened my eyes at this, "Uh, I guess I should thank the kid." I muttered before scanning the room. "Where is that flame brain anyway?"
Lisanna whistled joyously as she started giving me a bright smile. "Natsu's in the other room in the infirmary. He decided to stay with you until you recovered. He was pretty bent on staying in the same room with you but as your protective little sister, I couldn't let that happen." she teased and I glared at the girl.
"Well, I'm fine thank you very much." I stated before trying to leave the bed. As soon as my feet reached contact, I felt a jolt of pain go up my leg. I winced slightly before almost falling to the ground. Thank goodness that Lisanna was there or the impact would have been painful.
"Careful, you still haven't fully recovered. Let me bring Natsu to you." Lisanna whispered before placing me back to the bed and running to find Natsu. I sighed deeply as I eavesdrop on the small chatter that Lisanna was making to a probably awake Natsu.
When the fire mage finally appeared in my door, I grit my teeth as I tried to thank the kid. Don't get me wrong, he's impressive and I respect him but my stubborn side is making this difficult. I glanced at Natsu who was smiling his signature smile.
"Hey Mira!" he greeted before walking towards me and scanning my injuries. "I hope I didn't hurt you that much."
I glared at the pink haired thirteen year old. "As if you could even hurt me, fire breath." I grumbled but Natsu ignored it as he kept surveying my body. I felt a little uncomfortable under his stare and Lisanna seemed to notice this before grabbing the dragon slayer's shoulders.
"Natsu, she's fine. She just needs rest." my sister assured him and he sighed before slumping down on the closest chair.
"Sorry," Natsu called out sheepishly. "I'm just worried that's all."
"Well don't be." I grumbled.
Lisanna watched me closely and I gave her a questioning gaze and she rolled her eyes. "Natsu, I think Mirajane has something to say to you." she reminded and I mentally slapped myself. I still have to thank the kid. Damn.
Natsu perked up at this. "Yeah, what is it?"
I narrowed my eyes at the innocent looking Lisanna before letting out a deep breath. "I-I just want to..." I paused as I tried to choke out the word. Natsu, taking this as a sign of injury was about to stand up but Lisanna stopped him as she kept staring at me. "Thank you." I whispered out barely and Natsu cocked his head.
"I'm sorry, what?" he asked and I saw a small smirk on his face.
"Thank you," I grumbled, my hands crossed but he still didn't give up.
"Huh?" he asked.
"Look, thank you for bringing me here and taking care of me!" I yelled, my cheeks heating up in embarrassment.
Natsu grinned wildly at this. "You know, I heard you the first time. My enhanced hearing remember." he kidded and it took all my willpower to not pummel the guy. Lisanna smiled at our interaction before an uncomfortable silence befell the room since everything was said and done.
The silence discomforted me as I tried to break it. "So..." I trailed off and I heard the dragon slayer cough.
"The S-Class Exam is comin' up." he grinned and I smiled at the prospect. "I'm fighting you, Erza, Cana, and Laxus for the title, this year right?" he asked and I nodded slowly.
"Do you already have a partner with you?" I asked and Natsu perked up at this.
"Wait, partner? What partner?" he asked and I face palmed at his ignorance. Even Lisanna giggled at his question before becoming silent at Natsu's curious gaze.
"You get to choose a partner with you on the trials that can aid you during the entire exam." I explained, ticked off at the dragon slayer. Natsu ignored this as his eyes glistened, probably thinking about the possibilities.
"Woah, sweet!" he exclaimed as he pumped his fists in the air. He gave me a pearly white smile before staring at me curiously. "Did you already choose a partner, Mira?"
I nodded. "Yes," I replied back.
He widened his eyes at this. "Cool, who is it?" he questioned curiously and I pointed at my sister who waved at him cheerfully.
"Obviously my sister, Lisanna. You can't keep the Strauss siblings separated for long." I boasted proudly.
He grinned at the answer before pumping his fists in the air. "Alright, so I might be facing both of you!" he proclaimed before standing up in anticipation.
"Yes, but you're forgetting something Natsu. In order for you to participate you need to have a partner." I elaborated and Natsu slumped down in the chair before pondering a bit.
"Then, I'll get one!" he grinned, excitement clearly coursed through his body. He started standing up and was about to depart. Lisanna looked at him curiously.
"Where are you going, Natsu?" she questioned and flame brain only smiled before answering.
"Isn't it obvious? I'm going to find my partner!" he exclaimed before leaving the two of us alone. I smiled at the scene before letting out a deep breath, shaking my head at his antics.
XXX
Natsu's POV
I ran back to the guild hall as my mind lingered on all the potential candidates to have for my partner. I could have Elfman but the guy isn't as strong as his sisters at the moment and it would be annoying to always hear about his manliness. Then there's Gray but I don't really trust the pervert to have my back during the exam. He'd probably go search for his clothes as soon as he noticed that they're missing.
My mind swam with so many possibilities until I started looking for the friends that I trusted the most. The ones that I can always rely on and that's when I knew who to pick to accompany me. I trekked through the library as I sped pass the door. I heard a surprised yelp when I saw a shocked Levy who was currently reading one of her novels.
I smiled at the girl before maneuvering through the stacks of books to reach her. "Hey Levy!" I greeted and she smiled before waving her hands towards me.
"Hi," she responded before closing her story. "What brings you here, Natsu?"
"Oh, reasons." I kidded before looking at the girl before me. "Do you know about the S-Class Exams, Levy?"
"Yeah, why?" she asked curiously and suspiciously. I whistled in innocence.
"Do you know that I have to choose a partner, right?" I grinned.
Levy looked at me cautiously, slowly getting the idea of what I'm talking about. "Yeah," she trailed off and I smiled before pointing at her.
"Well Levy McGarden, I choose you!" I proclaimed as I saw the young girl twirl her hair nervously before glancing at my excited face.
"W-Wait, what?" she stuttered.
I chuckled at her reaction. "You heard me, Levy! I want you as my partner."
"Um, are you sure about this, Natsu? There's a lot of other people that are way better than me." she murmured but I ignored it, still convinced that she's the perfect choice.
"I am one hundred percent sure, Levy!" I yelled as I grabbed her hands firmly. Levy widened her eyes in surprise, a shade of pink forming on her cheeks. "I trust you the most and I am positive that together, we'll win for sure!"
"But Natsu, I don't think I can compete against the others." she tried to reason but failing horribly.
"Ah, that's nonsense!" I chuckled before dragging her with me. She only sighed before allowing the dragon slayer to pull her towards whatever destination that was set on the wizard's eyes. All the members watched me pull her and some laughed at the scene. I stared at them with confusion before going outside. I placed Levy right next to me and gave her a thumbs up. "If you aren't confident then we will just train our hardest!"
'Bu-" she paused as she felt a powerful presence.
"Well, well, well, if isn't the little matchstick and his girlfriend." a familiar voice interrupted, his statement easily causing Levy to go red. I narrowed my eyes as I turned to the source of the noise.
Laxus.
"Hey thunder thighs!" I greeted and I silently enjoyed his ticked off expression before shrugging it off. He stared at the both of us for a second and then smiled with malice.
"Is this your partner, flame brain?" he asked and I nodded.
"Yeah, you got a problem with it, Laxus?" I threatened and he laughed before I started noticing the person before him. I cocked my head as I scanned the green haired person with a sword strapped on his hip.
"No, it's just that I'm a bit disappointed that my rival chose the weaker of the two." he chuckled and I glared at him when I noticed Levy whimper away thanks to her shy attitude.
"What do you mean by two?" I interrogated.
"Oh you don't know?" he asked before waving his hand at the green haired person. He smirked cruelly, "This is Freed and he's one of the newest members to join Fairy Tail and my partner for the S-Class Exam."
"Yeah, so how does that relate with the number two?" I questioned and he chuckled at my ignorance.
"Levy and Freed both use Letter Magic and coincidentally, we both have the two of them as partners for the upcoming trials. Too bad that mine is better than yours." Laxus stated and I walked towards the guy.
"What're you saying, lightning thighs? Obviously Levy is better than this twerp." I grumbled.
"Oh please, this guy has more experience and can actually put up a fight." he retaliated and I waved it off.
"Oh yeah, well Levy has cooler hair than him!" I responded.
Laxus looked at me in bewilderment before replying back, "How does hair even relate to this subject."
"Doesn't matter! My letter mage is better than yours!"
"You wanna' test that punk!?" Laxus threatened.
"Yeah!" I exclaimed and I glanced at Levy and Freed who were both looking at us in confusion and bewilderment.
"Do they argue about this all the time?" Freed asked and Levy sighed before glancing at the green haired teen.
"Those two always try to one-up the other. They have a weird rivalry going on and it seems that they're fighting about which partner is better." she explained and Freed pondered this for a while.
"They're arguing over nonsense." he calmly stated and Levy couldn't help but agree. They both stared at us as we started concluding our daily argument.
"Freed is better!" Laxus roared with pride.
I scowled at his answer. "We all know that Levy could take him on any day." I bellowed, causing the poor blue haired girl to sweat drop in embarrassment.
"G-Guys, can't we just wait till the the promotional trials before we start brawling?" Levy stuttered and I narrowed my eyes at the lightning dragon slayer before glancing back at Levy.
"Let's go Levy, we got some training to do. We don't need to bother ourselves with this electric trash." I grumbled and Laxus growled at my statement.
The thunder magic user glanced at his partner before beckoning him forward. "C'mon Freed, let's get outta' this dump."
"Yes, master! Your wish is my command!" Freed spoke passionately, completely changing his calm persona. We both sweat dropped at the sudden change in demanor before watching their retreating figures.
"Oh yeah, well fine! Levy and I will just have to prove to you that we're the better pair!" I exclaimed with excitement, making the fellow wizard take a deep breath. I took her hand as we charged through the forest, my new goals set. "C'mon Levy, we're gonna' show them that we are the better dragon slayer and letter mage duo!"
"Is that what this is all about? All thanks to the odd coincidence that two teams have similar types of magic, you decide to try and prove that your better than them?" she asked and I nodded with no hesitation, stunning her in the process. "Okay then."
"C'mon Levy! We can't get outdone by Laxus." I reasoned as I finally went back to the familiar clearing in the woods.
Levy sighed deeply as she rubbed her templates in exasperation. She smiled tiredly at me, "Oh Natsu, what am I going to do with you?"
XXX
"Hey gramps, you called?" I asked as I slumped down the empty guild hall. I scanned the room as I noticed more people entering. I watched calmly as Mirajane, Cana, Laxus, and Erza started walking through the doors. I raised an eyebrow at this before looking at the old guild master. "So you called us five here?"
He nodded slowly. "As you know, the S-Class Exam is getting closer and closer." he reminded us and we all nodded slowly. He then rubbed his template before taking a deep breath. "You also know that the challenges change every year, right?"
"Yeah, of course." Laxus replied with a bored expression and most of us nodded in agreement.
"I know I haven't revealed the challenges to you but I think right now is the best time to shed some light to your mind." he kidded and soon all of us listened intently to the rules of this year's exam. The guild master smirked before clapping his hands. "Okay, you could come out now!" he beckoned and we all tilted our head in confusion.
Soon our heads turned to see a muscular figure with orange shoulder-length hair come out of the shadows. He had a smile on his face as he observed the candidates. "So these are the potential S-Class mages?" he smirked and we all looked at him in awe. I glanced at Cana who acted differently than the rest of us. I frowned at this before shrugging it off for later.
"Gildarts." Laxus grinned as he stared at the ace of Fairy Tail. I looked at the man in a calculative manner. If this is the strongest mage of Fairy Tail then if I beat him then my goal would be complete. I smiled at the thought before waving it off as I diverted my attention to Makarov.
"Why's he here, old man?" I interrogated.
"Ah, well he's here for the promotional exam." Markarov explained and I spat out the first thought in my mind.
"You mean we're going to battle him!?" I asked with anticipation laced in my voice. Cana, Mirajane, and Erza widened their eyes at this while Laxus only looked interested in the idea.
Makarov laughed, "Of course not! None of you are ready for facing such a strong opponent."
I pouted while Laxus looked disappointed. Everyone else looked relieved which for me, is unbelievable. Who wouldn't want to test their strength against the best? "I'd love to face him though." I grumbled and the old man looked at me curiously.
"Tell you what Nasu, if you win the exam then Gildarts will be the first person you fight as an S-Class mage." he offered and I jumped up in anticipation. I pumped my fist in the air as I pointed at an amusement Gildarts.
"You're just giving me more reasons as to why I should win, old man! Bring it on!" I proclaimed. Laxus face palmed at my childishness before pulling me down on my chair. I glared at the lightning magic user who smirked smugly at me.
Erza shook her head at our antics before looking at the guild master seriously, "Let's get back to the subject in hand, what is the objective of the exams?" she asked.
"It will take place in Boundary Forest which is known for housing many gigantic monsters." Makarov elaborated.
"As if a bunch of puny beasts will scare us." Laxus cackled and I couldn't help but agree at his statement.
Makarov glared at us for interrupting before explaining further, "Of course I expect you to handle them, this is the S-Class exams after all. The true objective is to find a small lacrima with a Fairy Tail insignia on it and returning it back to me."
"Well that doesn't sound too hard." I murmured and Makarov chuckled.
"It's like finding a needle in a haystack boy. Finding one item in a giant forest filled with monsters is harder than it looks." the guild master responded. "Besides, Gildarts is going to try and stop you."
Most of them paled at the information but I grinned. "So it does mean I can fight him!" I exclaimed.
"That isn't the goal Natsu," the guild master sighed. "He's only there to stop you and it's your choice if you can either run or retaliate. I would choose the former if I were you." he muttered but I shrugged it off.
I raised my fists in the air as I smiled my signature smile. "I'm all fired up for this!" I proclaimed and everyone sweat dropped at my determination.
"Oh Natsu..." Mirajane sighed.
XXX
"So we have to find one item in a gigantic forest filled with monsters and a rampaging Gildarts?" Levy asked and I nodded vigorously. She sighed sadly, "Do you really think we could win? Our chances are pretty low."
I shook my head, "Don't be a downer Levy! With my amazing senses I could find anything." I boasted proudly.
"Whatever you say Natsu, whatever you say." she grinned tiredly.
"Now, let's go back to training!"
DONE!
Okay, after I make Natsu S-Class and pretty much everyone that supposed to be S-Class then we'll go to the canon arcs and all that.
Next Chapter will be Natsu in his promotional trials with Levy. To all of you that are predicting that Laxus will be in Natsu's team, you guys are right but they'll start teaming up when the canon arcs show up. Laxus is pretty much replacing Gray as Natsu's rival since Natsu is in whole other league now.
I also hinted on Natsu making his own team. Tell me who'd you want in it and I'll see what I can do.
The Teams -
Natsu and Levy
Laxus and Freed
Mirajane and Lisanna
Erza and Gray
Cana and Bisca
You guys have a lot of options for major pairings. Wow. I got so much to choose from. Hehehe.
I decided to create a poll and the one that has the most votes will be the pairing I will focus on. However, if one vote surpasses the other than I'll switch to that one to be my main priority.
For example, if Erza was in the lead but all of a sudden Ultear has more votes than I'll switch my attention to Ultear and the same could happen again to Erza. Got it?
Oh and yes, Natsu could pretty much eat death magic when combining both types of magic but that'd blow his cover.
Good.