Author's note: I combined this chapter with Fairy Tail - Episode 97 - Best Partner. Some of the dialogue was written after it. I do not own Fairy Tail or any of the characters! This wonderful story that has inspired so many (me included) belongs to the wonderful Hiro Mashima! Thank you again for the wonderful reviews and the support you guys show me!

CHAPTER 20: ANNOUNCEMENT

Levy found herself smiling the next morning, waking up with a too-warm hand over her and a slight snore in her ear. She was surprised this closure between Natsu and herself didn't feel awkward, more like a brother placing his hand over her in a protective way. Totally different from what she felt when the other Dragon Slayer wrapped his arms around her.

"Oh, for crying out loud... Even though I kicked them out last night... Sorry, Levy-chan... He must've crept back sometime during the night..." Lucy woke up from a butt shove, as Salamander made himself comfortable.

"It's fine, let him sleep. Look how peaceful he is when he's around you." Lucy blushed slightly, watching Natsu's sleeping form. "He's become quite the handsome man, come to think of it. I've never seen him without his wide grin before." Levy brushed a couple of pink strands away from Natsu's forehead, smiling like a sister who watches her brother sleep.

"It's become a normal sight to me, seeing him like this. It's a rare night when he doesn't come to sleep here." Lucy's voice had a hint of proudness in it. "I'll go make some breakfast. We should go to the guild after we eat, Master said something about a big announcement today, and he wants everyone to be present." Levy looked curious at her best friend, wondering what Makarov had to announce that was so important for everyone to be there. She shoved the thought away and went to the bathroom for her morning ritual and get changed.

30 minutes later and she was ready for the day. Opening the door to the bathroom, she was welcomed by the scent of bacon, eggs and toast. She placed the pajamas on the bed just as she saw Natsu and Happy stir.

"Finally... Breakfast! I'm starved! Oh, mornin', Levy!" Natsu rubbed his eyes and stretched, letting the covers slip and revealing he was not wearing any piece of clothing.

"Natsu! You idiot! Put some clothes on, we have guests!" Lucy threw a spoon in his direction just as Levy turned, trying to contain her blush. "Jeez... How many times do I have to tell you to keep your clothes on when you sneak into my bed? I swear, I'm gonna wipe the floor with you!"

"But, Lucy... You know I can't sleep with clothes on... I get too hot." Natsu complained, pouting like a child. Lucy cringed at a memory triggered by his words, turned around and stomped her way back to the kitchen. Levy followed her in a hurry, leaving the Fire Dragon get ready for breakfast.

"Mmm, smells good!" Levy's mood quickly changed, seeing the neat table and the full plates waiting for them.

"Tea is almost ready, have a seat and chow down." The blonde girl was busy pouring hot water into a kettle.

"Thanks, Luce!" Natsu stormed in and took a sit, starting to eat. Happy followed him quietly, settled on the chair that had a couple of books on it and ate in silence. Lucy started scolding Natsu for his rudeness as Levy watched the two quarrel like a married couple, smiling fondly. She took a seat and started eating, finding herself thinking about a certain tall, dark and handsome Dragon.

They finished breakfast some time later, Levy having the time of her life walking back to the guild with Lucy, Natsu and Happy. She was so absorbed by their conversation she bumped hard on a steel-like abdomen. She was about to fall on her butt, when a hand shot out and grabbed Levy by the waist.

"Watch where you're going, shrimp! You almost tumbled over me. Not that would be such a bad idea..." Gajeel grinned as Levy opened her eyes, Lucy, Natsu and his Exceed looking intently at the two.

"He liiiiiikes her..." Happy covered his mouth with his hand, smiling.

"And that wouldn't be your business, cat." Gajeel threw a spiteful look to Happy, making him hide behind Natsu in fear. Lucy smiled warmly while Levy blushed, walking towards the guild.

"Hey, Luce, what's up with him all of a sudden?" Natsu elbowed the blonde girl.

"Nothing, let him be." The Stellar Spirit Mage linked her arm with Salamander's and pulled him forward, smiling widely.

Gajeel gave Levy a warm smile as they reached the bar, making her blush. All of the members were present, packing the guild's pub. After another 10 minutes of shuffling, Mirajane disappeared behind the stage and returned minutes later with Master Makarov, Erza and Guidlarts.

"Listen up, brats!" The whole guild stopped talking and turned its eyes to him. "As we have done since long past, I will now announce the participants in this year's S Class Wizard Advancement Exam!" The whole guild thundered with cheers. Lucy merely stared dumbstruck.

"Say what? S Class Wizard Advancement Exam?" Natsu was engulfed in flames.

"Hell yeah! I'm all fired up!"

"Everyone, quiet down!" Erza's booming voice covered the whole guild, silence once more resting over the guild.

"The Master isn't finished speaking yet." Guildarts spoke with a calm voice. Everyone looked intently at the four wizards on the stage, waiting.

"This year's exam will take place on Tenroujima! The holy ground for our guild." Everyone was impressed by this. "Each of your powers, hearts and souls... I have judged them all this past year... There will be eight participants!" The guild members held their breaths as Master announced the first participant.

"Natsu Dragneel!"

"All right!" Natsu high fived Lucy.

"Go, Natsu!" Happy cheered for his nakama.

"Gray Fullbuster!" Makarov's voice boomed again.

"Finally, the time has come..." The Ice boy smiled in anticipation.

"Juvia Lockser!"

"Huh? Juvia is participating?" The Rain woman looked shocked as Master called out her name.

"Elfman!"

"Those who are otoko should become S Class!" The big man smiled widely.

"Cana Alberona!" The brunette looked glum.

"Fried Justine!"

"To follow on Laxus' footsteps... What an honor..."

"Levy McGarden!" Levy's face lighted up like a Christmas tree, making Gajeel hold his breath.

"Levy's time has come!" Jet and Droy exploded somewhere behind her, running fast towards her and hugging her tightly. Gajeel glared menacingly, but they were oblivious to his red, murderous eyes.

"Mest Gryder!"

"Hoo!"

"He came close last year!"

"Oh, man, a bust this year..." Alzack crumbled into a depressed ball, Bisca comforting him.

"This time, only one of you will pass. The exam will take place in a week, so each of you, prepare yourselves!" The crowd cheered for their family members, but Gajeel sulked.

"Why the hell wasn't I included? Juvia got chosen..." He squeezed his fist angrily.

"Your reputation in this is guild is..." Lily didn't know how to put it more gently. "Let's just say you're not trusted."

"Yeah... Figures..."

"You're not ready yet." Erza got closer to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Fuck you!" Gajeel spat at her, but he didn't motion to get her hand off him.

"As this is the first time for some of you, let me explain the rules." Makarov quieted the guild once more, letting Mirajane take the lead.

"Each of the eight participants will choose a partner within the week of preparation." Gajeel's eyes glinted, hearing the voices of the other guild members.

"A contest between two-person teams. It tests your bonds with your friends." Hooo... Gajeel smiled widely, revealing his teeth.

"There are two rules for the partners you can choose." Erza continued. More rules... Gajeel snickered his indignation. "One: they must be a member of Fairy Tail. And two: you cannot partner with S Class wizards." Perfect. The Dragon Slayer looked at Levy, already forming a plan.

"The contents of the exam itself will be announced once you arrive at Tenroujima. But, this time, Erza, Mira and Guildarts will be blocking your progress." The whole guild bulged their eyes.

"Oh, no..."

"S Class wizards against them."

"No one will go past Erza..."

"Mirajane is a devil..."

"Guildarts is the strongest wizard in our guild, they'll stand no chance..."

"The eight selected participants and their chosen partners will assemble at Hargeon Port in one week. That is all! Dismissed!" The Master and the rest of the S Class wizards took their leave, letting the members discuss between themselves. The green haired wizard looked at his Raijinshuu partner and smiled.

"You'll join me, right?" The wooden dolls quivered and laughed hysterically.

"Oh course! I wouldn't miss it for the world! Besides, when you win, Raijinshuu's rank will go up. Hell yeah!" Fried pat Bickslow on the shoulder, thanking him.

Most of the chosen participants joined to discuss the exam. Natsu was flaring with excitement.

"In the two years I've been missing, you already became strong enough to be in the S Class exam. Impressive!" Lisanna praised the Fire Dragon, making him blush.

"Well, yeah, but I couldn't have done it without my partner. High five!" Natsu held his palm for Happy. "You know you'll join me on Tenroujima, right?" Happy's eyes sparkled.

"Aye, sir! You're hopeless without me." The blue Exceed puffed his chest proudly, making the rest laugh.

"Is there a way for Juvia to quit the exam?" The Rain woman blushed, fidgeting in her seat.

"What?" Lucy was the first to speak.

"Why?" Lisanna seemed shocked one would want to turn down such an opportunity.

"Well… It's complicated… Because Juvia… would've like to be partners with Gray-sama, not rivals…" Juvia looked terribly depressed, but Gray made her light up.

"Come on, Juvia! It's a chance to fight passionately against me one more time!" Juvia almost fainted when Ice boy placed a hand on hers, smiling widely.

"Besides." A voice came behind all of them. "Gray already has a partner. Right?" Loke, the Lion, clasped hands with a smiling Gray.

"I thought you forgot our promise." Gray patted his friend on the back and sat down again.

"Lucy, I'll lift the contract for the time being." Lucy was ready to scold his main Spirit, but Loke grabbed her hand and kissed it, making her blush. "And don't worry about your magic depleting, I'm using my own powers." He winked at his Spirit Mage, leaving her wordless.

"Well, if Gray partnered with Loke, I'm gonna help you pass the exam." Lisanna went to Juvia and gave her a hug. "Me and Edolas' Juvia were quite close, I'm sure you're not that different from her."

"Thank you…" The Rain woman blushed, smiling.

"Whaaat? Nee-san… Who am I gonna pair up with if you go with Juvia?" Elfman looked pleadingly to his sister, earning a couple of giggles.

"Well, you've been getting some intense stares from over there, maybe she wants to be your partner for this, since Fried chose Bickslow." Elfman looked in the direction Cana showed him and froze, his skin prickling uncomfortably.

"Crap… Evergreen… She's gonna kill me, not help me!" The big man tried to hide behind Lisanna, waiting for the Raijinshuu to take her glasses off and use her power to turn him into stone.

At a near table, Team Shadowgear was cheering loudly for the petite bluenette.

"Levy got chosen!" Droy was still yelling, making her blush.

"You're amazing! You might become an S Class wizard!" Jet hugged her tightly.

"So, you'll be partnering with me, right?" Droy's eyes sparkled expectantly.

"Don't be stupid, she's partnering with me!" Jet jumped to quarrel with Droy.

"No way, my magic is better for battling!"

"Hah! I'm faster!" Jet glued his forehead to Droy, snarling. Gajeel approached them calmly, shadowing the petite mage.

"If you really wanna be an S Class wizard, then I'll lend you a hand." He grinned widely, showing his teeth.

"Gajeel!"

"I just have to blow away any guys who get in your way, right? I can do that. And much more." He looked intently at Levy, making her blush. Jet and Droy stared glumly at the Iron Dragon Slayer, knowing they already lost.

"But I'm not really good at anything... And I have a small body... I might lose right away..."

"Don't sound so weak even before it started, man! I'll train you, OK? I'll make you big." Gajeel grabbed her by the armpits and raised her over his head. "I don't think I can do something about your height, though… I make magic, not miracles." He smiled wickedly, seeing her kick her legs, trying to hit him.

"Hey! Put me down! Come on, Gajeel! Really!" He started laughing as he placed Levy on his shoulder and smacked her ass, making all the girls except Cana blush a hot shade of red. Team Shadowgear chose a corner where they sulked heavily. "Lemme go! Eeei! Solid Script! Water bucket!" A bucket filled with water materialized above Gajeel's head and, before he could react, the content splashed over him, letting the metal bucket fall onto his head with a loud dong, making everyone laugh with tears. This gave Levy the chance to escape and get her feet back on the ground, but now she had a very wet and upset Iron Dragon Slayer glowering over her.

"So you already wanna start the training, huh? Fine with me!" Gajeel grinned as he crouched low, getting ready to spring Levy's way. Once he caught her by the arms, he held her in place as he shook his dripping long hair, drenching her as well. Everyone had a blast watching them tease each other with minor spells and jokes.

And so, another day passed over the Fairies.

TBC

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