Sorry for the wait, it's been getting a little difficult juggling around my uni work and all the other stuff that needs to get done as well as writing, however writing does give me a little break from all the pressure and stress so I heavily rely on it :) Here's your next chapter, hope you life it!
To my surprise when I arrived at the guildhall the next day I was shocked to see that everyone had congregated into a large gathering. In fact all of Fairy Tail must be here, standing in front of the stage whilst the air seemed to tremble with excitement. "Hey Lucy, what's going on?" I asked as I walked over to her side, looking around me in confusion.
"I wish I knew." She answered, looking very pretty in a dark brown turtleneck sweater. "I haven't got a clue." Just then the curtains began to raise with a boom of music, making us both stop and look towards the stage as the master was revealed along with Mirajane, Erza and Gildarts, another S-Class wizard whom I had only met once before but seemed a very nice guy.
"In accordance with the Fairy Tail guild's time honoured tradition, I will now announce this year's entrants for S-Class wizard promotion trial!" The master called and instantly a cheer bellowed through the hall, making me jump in surprise as Lucy shrieked.
"This is why everyone's been acting so crazy lately?!"
"Please be quiet everyone." Erza spoke sternly and an instant hush washed over everyone as Gildarts spoke next.
"Shut up and let the master finish talking." Not quite as delicately put as Erza but that was just Gildarts. He was a nice guy but a little rough around the edges I guess. Probably due to his travelling so often.
"The trial this year will take place on Tenrou Island, our guild's sacred ground." Another cheer rose up and only died down when the master began to speak again, a natural respect keeping everyone quiet so that we could listen. "The strength that you possess inside, your character and your hearts. These are what I considered when making my selections and I have chosen eight participants!" I blinked then held my breath. Please don't choose me, whatever you do. I don't want to do some test! I'm nowhere near ready! "Natsu Dragneel! Gray Fullbuster! Juvia Lockser! Elfman Stauss! Cana Alberona! Freed Justine! Levy McGarden!" I gasped.
"Yeah go Levy!" I cheered before falling silent again, my heart hammering in my chest as I took a deep breath, remembering to breathe.
"And…Mest Rider!" Huh? Who's Mest? I don't recall a guild member by that name. If he's new then he must be insanely powerful if he's already being considered for the rank of S-Class. "Although eight wizards have been selected, only one will emerge victorious! The trial will begin in one week's time, so you'd better step up your preparations!"
"This sucks! Why didn't the master pick me?!" I heard Gajeel yelling so I glanced over his way before shrinking back a little to hide further from him, flinching slightly as I remembered the sound of my wing snapping.
"For the benefit of our newcomers, let's go over the rules of the challenge shall we?" The master suggested so Mira stepped forwards, clutching something close to her chest.
"The eight participants will each choose a partner, this person will also be allowed to train with them during the week leading up to the event." Mira began and I tilted my head to the side curiously. The participants were allowed to pick a partner? That could be interesting. Depending on who you choose could make the difference between winning and losing.
"Observe these two rules when choosing your partner." Erza spoke in her constantly serious tone, eyes unwaveringly scanning over the participants. "One, they must be a member of Fairy Tail and two, your choice cannot be an S-Class wizard."
"We'll reveal all the particular details of the trial when we've arrived on Tenrou Island, but know that you'll have to get past Erza to claim victory." The master proclaimed as Erza smirked, everyone giving a yell of horror as Mira gave a sweet smile.
"And I'll be doing my very best to weed out the rest of you right beside her!" Another horror struck yell rippled through the crowd and I gave a chuckle, shaking my head as I placed my hands on my hips.
"Quit your bellyaching." Gildarts quipped with a smirk. "The three of us had to go through this trial so it's only fair you do too." Natsu seemed overjoyed at the thought of being able to battle with Gildarts, who seemed to be nothing less than a hero in his eyes. With some final words from the master the gang all sat down together at a table where I brought everyone some lunch which they ate in a rather morbid silence before sitting back, bellies full and appetites sated.
"Man, they've set the bar crazy high this year." Gray mused as everyone continued to sit rather reflectively in silence.
"I'm kind of surprised none of you have ever been chosen for this kind of thing before." Lucy mused and I nodded my head in agreement, resting my head against her shoulder as I closed my eyes, a little worn out from all the cooking and the previous excitement at the master's announcement.
"I'm ready for the big leagues, S-Class here we come!" Natsu let out a loud yell and breathed fire up at the ceiling so I lifted my foot out from under the table and kicked him in the face to shut him up, giving an indistinct moan as Lucy laughed.
"I know I'm the manliest man in the guild, but right now I'm scared like a little girl!" Elfman panicked so I kicked him too from under the table. What's a girl to do to get a little peace around here? Everyone's acting like it's the end of the world or something.
"It sure sounds tough to me, good luck everybody!" Wendy cheered and I gave a small smile in my dozing state. She's so cute.
"Looks like Freed's partner is gonna be Bickslow." Lucy noted as I felt her turn her head to where Bickslow and Freed were discussing plans with one another, strategizing their training routine so I blocked them out of my head. "I think they'll be probably a pretty tough team to beat."
"Jeez Lucy, way to be encouraging." Happy mused sarcastically as Lucy shot him a glare.
"Speaking of partners, do you guys know who you're gonna choose yet?" She questioned and I opened my eyes to look at Natsu as he turned to his most trusted pal and companion Happy.
"I'm going with my little buddy of course!"
"Aye!"
"Hey not so fast there pinky." Elfman interrupted, laying a heavy fist on the table, glowering over at Natsu darkly. "If this things ends up being some kind of race, having a partner who can fly is an unfair advantage." He reasoned but his little sister spoke up with a sugared smile.
"Well it seems fair to me."
"I'm cool with it too." Gray agreed, for once sitting fully dressed. "If it ends up being a battle then it'll be a disadvantage." He added, making Happy droop slightly as he scowled at Gray.
"I'm sitting right here you know! You're just jealous because you know I'm going to make Natsu an S-Class wizard!"
"You better get over it because there ain't no way you're breaking up our team." Natsu declared before rushing out of the guildhall as fast as he could with Happy, yelling about having training to do. He had a point, if these guys want to be in shape then they can't afford to waste a single second. Out of the corner of my eye I glanced over to Lisanna as she sighed a little wistfully, gazing after Natsu with a slight rosiness to her face.
"I know I've been gone for two years but still, I can't believe Natsu's gotten strong enough to be in the running for an S-Class rank. He's always believed that if he can become a powerful wizard, he'll be able to see Igneel again." Igneel, his dragon foster parent. You know for a guild, we were full of insane nutcases with rather extraordinary pasts. "He probably has twice the motivation for moving ahead than anyone else."
"Maybe so." Lucy agreed before looking after Natsu too and I glanced between the two girls. This could spell trouble for Natsu in later years if he's not careful. I'll have to keep my eye on the three of them.
"I think…I'd prefer to withdraw from the trial this year." Juvia announced a little nervously, wriggling in her seat beside Wendy who gasped in surprise.
"Huh? But why?!"
"It's just…I'd much rather be somebody's partner than rival." She admitted with a deep blush on her cheeks as Gray leaned closer.
"Say what?" She gasped sharply before looking down at the table again, refusing to make eye contact with anyone as I sat up straighter, leaning forwards a little so that I could see her properly.
"Well I mean, if it were my choice…" She hesitated so Lucy leaned across me to whisper at Gray who leaned towards her to listen as she smirked.
"It's obvious she'd rather be your partner."
"You think?" He answered however they both jumped apart as Juvia's loud shriek sent their spines shooting straight upwards in fear as she glowered and pointed straight at Lucy.
"Don't you dare try to steal him away from me!"
"I would never do that!"
"Be honest with me Gray!" Juvia hyperventilated with her voice wavering slightly, making me sigh and shake my head however as I caught a scent enter the room my head shot up and I froze in place, eyes widening as my nails dug into the wood of the table in front of me. "Would you rather have this blonde bimbo on your team?"
"Settle down okay? I've already got somebody lined up." As Gray tried to pacify Juvia, Lisanna noticed my suddenly on edge expression.
"Hey Fae, are you okay?" I nodded my head, still trying to wrap my head around this new fact. I can't believe it, he's actually here. Slowly turning my head I looked up to see that Loke had stopped at our table, smirking down at Gray who returned the expression.
"Long time no see you guys."
"YOU'RE USING ONE OF MY SPIRITS?!" Lucy yelled as I slammed my mouth shut and looked away quickly to hide my blush, lowering my head slightly as I pushed the spoon around my empty bowl. Damn, why'd he have to go and turn up now? I'd finally thought I had a hold on myself but now he's sent me into overdrive! I know for a fact my chest shouldn't feel this tight.
"We worked this whole thing out a year ago." Gray explained as Loke stepped around, fingers tugging at his red tie as he leaned down closer to both Lucy and I, so close now that I was completely enveloped in his scent. I'd missed that smell…so warm and satisfying…snap out of it Fae!
"Please don't take this too hard Lucy but I'm going to have to put a hold on our contract while I team up with Gray." Loke rested his hand on my shoulder and if I could tense any further, I did. My nerves were tingling all over and I had stopped breathing, afraid that everyone would hear my deep need for breath. "Just in case you're wondering, I used my own power in order to pass through the gate, so don't worry about running out of magic because of me." He told her and she gulped.
"Kay." Then her expression darkened as she slumped, placing her head on her hand with a pout. "But I kinda wish you'd run this by me first!" Loke gave a grin then looked at me as I gripped my hands into even tighter fists, refusing to lift my head.
"Hey beautiful, why're you all tensed up like that? Something the matter?" He asked me but I furiously shook my head, pressing my eyes shut.
"Nope! I'm fine. Just fine…" I breathed uneasily as Elfman frowned.
"Wait a minute Loke, are you still a full-fledged member of the guild?" He demanded so Loke took off his jacket, tie and undid his shirt, making me squeak and lunge across the table to press my hand over Wendy's young eyes as Loke stripped down half naked in front of her, making Carla sigh in relief.
"Uh huh, see? I'm still a proud Fairy Tail wizard and so it's my duty to help Gray reach his full potential and make it to S-Class." He said as I blushed a deep scarlet, refraining from turning around to see exactly what Loke looks like without his shirt on and quickly crushed any wild imaginings in my head as he showed his Fairy Tail insignia on his back.
"Appreciate the help buddy."
"I've got your back." Loke assured Gray as Lucy folded her arms, giving a deep pout as I continued to cover Wendy's eyes.
"I don't remember these guys BFF's before today." She grumbled as Loke finally put his shirt back on and I uncovered Wendy's eyes as I gave a slow sigh and she giggled at me, Carla shaking her head as I slumped back against my seat and tipped back my head, closing my eyes as I tried to relax.
"So feel free to come at me with everything you've got, we'll get hot and heavy like the first time we met." Gray invited Juvia, making her gasp as I slapped a hand to my face.
"Gray, you seriously need to think things through before you speak." He paused a moment, going over what he'd said in his head before giving a yell, recoiling in disgust at the insinuation of what he'd said, making me shake my head as I slowly opened my eyes to find Loke leaning directly above me, hands either side of my head as I blinked up at him dumbly.
"So how have you been princess? I think you've grown even prettier since I last saw you, which I thought was impossible." He said to me and I froze in place for a moment, choking on my tongue as I forgot how to talk. What am I supposed to say to that?
"Hey Fae, looks like your boyfriend is back!" Romeo yelled unhelpfully, making me squeak and leap up onto my seat as I shook a fist at him.
"Loke is not my boyfriend you little pipsqueak! Now get over here so I can teach you some manners!" I wailed, blushing beetroot red as I sprung forwards, planting a foot on Elfman's shoulder to then lunge for Romeo who laughed and raced around the guildhall with me chasing him. I could have caught him in a second but I stretched out the chase for his own enjoyment and my own distraction, not wanting to come face to face with Loke just yet.
Finally I flung myself forwards and slid over the ground, people lifting their feet as I glided under several tables then rose to my feet to catch Romeo as he tried to escape around the back but when I appeared he gave a yell as I caught him then tossed him up into the air, smirking as I jumped after him and tucked him safely up in my arms as the air rushed around us, making me smile further as he snuggled into my grasp and I landed safely on a table where his dad chuckled, allowing me to hand him back over before I jumped off.
I lowered my head and gripped my arm, an annoying fluttering in my stomach as I took a deep breath, trying to keep calm. "I'm going to head home guys, I'll see you around. I'm still a little tired from that last quest."
"Okay sure, take care!" Lucy waved and the others called out individual goodbyes as I left. I didn't go home, instead I started to jog around the city, the red scarf fluttering in the breeze I left in my wake as I head to the beach then let out all of my speed, rushing straight into the surf and allowed my feet to begin treading the water, moving so fast that I didn't even sink, simply ran over the water as it lay almost perfectly flat, glistening like a blanket of silk. The vastness of the ocean allowed me the freedom to let go of my mind and run as far or wide as I pleased, weaving in and out of ships at the harbour before streaking alongside a pod of wild dolphins.
I kept on running until I eventually found my way to the cliff tops, panting for breath but glad to have worked off my unease. The last thing I had expected was for Loke to turn up out of the blue. I hadn't seen him in so long and I'd trained myself to try and distance myself from my feelings but then he walks back and shatters all the walls I had built with just his presence.
The entire afternoon had passed me by in a blur so now the sun was setting and the city was bathed in its soft golden light. It was such a beautiful place, I loved this city so much. Comforted by its surreal beauty I left the cliffs and descended back into town, walking calmly and slowly to admire the sights and inhale all the unique smells, enjoying the peaceful aroma that wafted through the streets with a placid expression on my face.
I waved to the friendly people who called out a greeting, my face being rather recognisable these days. I'd become somewhat of a city hero and they seemed to idolise me, reporters occasionally stopping by the guild to try and get an interview and sign me up for a photo shoot but every time I smelled or heard them coming I quickly disappeared so I wouldn't have to face them.
"Fae." I almost tripped over my own feet as I came abruptly to a halt, eyes widening as his voice echoed in my head. Loke walked towards me from the alley he had been waiting in, hands in his pockets in his usual and familiar at ease posture as my fists clenched tightly at my side, unable to look at him. "Fae?" His question hung in the air and it took everything in me to keep from breaking.
Summoning all the strength I possessed I took my first step forwards, halted then continued to walk, forcing myself to keep my eyes focused forwards. I managed a few paces and the further I walked away from Loke, the easier it became to keep going until suddenly he called out behind me. "Wait!"
Suddenly his arms encircled me in an embrace, pulling me back into his chest with one arm wrapping around my waist as the other curled around my shoulders, refusing to let me go as his head tucked close against mine. "Please don't go." The simplicity of his words had my heart crumbling before him, tears rising to my eyes so I pressed them tightly shut, taking a sharp breath as his grip tightened about me.
As my hands shook they rose up of their own accord and I couldn't help but smile as I leaned back against him, finally relaxing as I found comfort in his rather endearing presence, resting my hands upon his arm as I tilted my head closer to his. "Please don't leave me." Snatching my breath back to me I opened my eyes slowly as a breeze lifted, causing a trail of dust to lift off the ground and I stared at it a moment until slowly Loke began to turn me around, one hand lifting up to cup my face with his thumb gently brushing against my cheek as I finally found the courage to look up into his eyes. "Why are you running from me?"
"I…I don't know…" I whispered before clearing my throat awkwardly, turning my head away again without smiling. "I just…didn't expect to see you again." He chuckled at that before pulling me back into his chest, his hand slipping further into my hair and began to comb through it as his other hand remained at the small of my back, a soft sigh escaping him.
"I'm not dead you know Fae, I'm just a spirit. That doesn't mean you and I won't ever be able to be like we used to. We're still friends." I lowered my head slightly to hide the disappointment in my eyes as my hands lay limply at my side. Loke pulled back slightly, frowning down at me as I kept my head turned slightly to the side. "What's the matter? Is something wrong?" He questioned but I just shook my head in silence.
"I'm tired. I'm going to go home and sleep." I murmured nonchalantly as I stepped away from Loke and hugged my waist. "Goodnight Loke." Turning around I continued to walk away, leaving a rather stunned Loke behind me, one hand still reaching out for me but I picked up my pace and ran away, unable to stomach it any longer.
I ran home and instantly hid in the bathroom, running myself a bath which I curled up in in silence, concealing the stray tears that slipped down my cheek however in the bath, they were unnoticeable. Choosing to skip dinner I curled up into bed and tried to sleep however it eluded me like an annoying fly, constantly buzzing right before my eyes but unable to be caught.
Eventually I heard Levy come home and she came upstairs, getting changed but instead of climbing into her own bed she crawled into mine and snuggled close as I naturally opened my arms and hugged her to me. "Gajeel has appointed himself my partner." She whispered to me, making me arch an eyebrow in the darkness.
"Oh really? He must be desperate to be promoted to S-Class. He does realise that even if you two did succeed, he wouldn't be the one getting promoted, right?" She gave a long sigh, making me chuckle. "Guess not."
"I don't get why the master picked me, I was sure you'd be the one to get chosen. You're so strong, way stronger than me." She murmured, making me shrug.
"I'm glad he didn't, I don't care about my rank so long as I do my jobs well." I answered her, the both of us whispering as if trying to keep it a secret from the world that we were still awake when we should be sleeping.
"I did want to ask you about being my partner before Gajeel decided that he was going to be my partner. I'd feel more comfortable knowing that you were at my back instead of him but still…I will admit I'm just a little bit glad that he's going to be with me." This tickled my interest and I shifted, looking down at her with a small smirk.
"Oh?" I prompted curiously and even in the dark I could see her blushing bright red.
"You remember that promise we made to one another?" She asked and I thought back before nodding my head. The one where we promised to keep each other updated on our crushes. "Well, I have to update my report."
"You've never even reported before." I pointed out bluntly, making her giggle. "So technically this is the first file. Anyway go ahead, what is it?"
"I think I…may have gone and done the most stupidest thing ever." She began slowly and I waited as she slowly brought her courage together. "I think…maybe…I kind of…have a…I have a crush on Gajeel!" Shock washed over me after Levy blurted out her innermost thoughts before I shook it off, relaxing slightly.
"You're not scared of him?"
"Not anymore. I used to be but he did save me from Laxus and that lightning and he's been so helpful to the guild. He's very loyal and I think he's a better person since joining us. I can tell he is sorry for what he did and he feels terrible that you're still afraid of him." Levy began to babble so I listened to her patiently and attentively. "I overheard him once talking with Elfman and Gray, he was asking about how to make you trust him but they just told him to give it time, that you'd come around on your own."
"They're right. It took me a while to get used to the boys in the first few months so Gajeel may just take a little longer." I agreed softly as Levy shifted, finding a new comfortable position and squirmed in my arms until she had found it.
"You should have seen Loke when he saw Gajeel had joined. He hit the roof and straight up punched Gajeel in the face." That surprised me and I almost sat bolt upright because of it. Loke had actually punched Gajeel? And he was still standing in one piece?! "He was angry about what he did to you and told him so straight. Gajeel said he didn't blame him and even asked if he wanted to hit him again, he'd let it slide this once but to not make a habit of it."
"Wow, that's…I didn't know." I murmured, shrinking further into my pillows and covers as Levy gave a yawn. "So anyway, you have a crush on Gajeel huh? Well this is wholly unexpected, to think we didn't all meet in the best of circumstances. What do you even see in him? I guess he's good looking in his own way but still."
"Beats me, I'm still arguing over it myself." Levy answered as her eyes began to flicker slightly in weariness.
"If you want I'll be your partner, you can hide behind me when you tell Gajeel he can take a hike." I offered in a whisper, making Levy give a weak chuckle.
"No…that's okay…I kinda want to go with him. If you're my partner…you'll protect me and end up doing all the work. With Gajeel…I feel like he'll…make me fight harder…and I'll…be…stronger…" Her voice trailed off as finally she slipped off into sleep and I gave a warm smile, leaning my head against hers as I closed my eyes and listened to her deep breathing as a relaxation method, letting it gradually lead my own breathing to deepen until finally I was fast asleep.