So this is where things get a little interesting, please leave a review if you enjoyed this chapter, and if you are new, welcome to the club! I will start answering questions if you have any, either leave a pm or a review and I will get back to you, I will also take suggestions and requests. Thanks!
Chapter 21
The guild was extremely busy today as everyone ran around and took jobs, Mira was trying her hardest to keep up but it was just too much to keep up with. Nightfire was playing weird music from on top of a wooden beam on the ceiling, as she watched everyone run around the guild.
Erza was cleaning her swords as she sat next to the demon, no one knows how she got up there, but she wanted to listen to Nightfire's music. Natsu took three job requests off the board, and ran towards Mira with the papers clutched in his hands tightly.
"Are you going to take a job Nightfire" Erza asked as the demon turned off her music. Nightfire cocked her head the side, she hasn't taken a job yet, but she didn't really want to, she was too lazy.
"All of them are taken anyways, I'll just go chill out near the bar or something until some appear on the board again" Nightfire said as the radio disappeared. Erza shrugged as her swords vanished, she had no idea why Nightfire didn't want to go on a job, they were super fun to go on.
Nightfire flew from the wooden beam and landed on the ground below, Lucy could be seen slumping at a table. She was wearing a purple tank top with white stripes curling around it, her keys were attached to her hip along with her black whip. She also wore short light blue shorts, and her hair was hanging loosely with a side pony.
Nightfire was wearing her usual black hoodie, and tight ripped skinny jeans, only thing different about her was her bare feet. Nightfire slid into a seat at the table, Lucy didn't notice her as the demon poked her cheek making her snap out of her daydream and look at the concerned girl in front of her.
"What's up with the spaced out look" Her friend said. Lucy sighed, she was just so bored, Natsu was off doing solo missions and the rest of the guild wouldn't let her tag along either. Lucy couldn't go on a solo mission again, she almost had her soul stolen by Nightfire, and she definitely didn't want to go through that again.
"I know the S-Class promotion trials are coming up, the behavior of the guild is telling me something is going to happen soon, and I'm just so bored" Lucy groaned. Nightfire blinked, what on earth was she talking about, she just thought the guild was acting crazy today.
"S-Class trials?" Nightfire asked, Lucy nodded her head, she forgot Nightfire was new to the guild. Lucy looked at the demon, her blue eyes were filled with confusion as the blond tried her best to explain.
"Yeah, if you pass you can become an S-Class wizard and you can go on harder missions and get bigger rewards" Lucy said as she sighed. It would be a dream come true for her if she could just be given a chance to take on the trail. She knew she couldn't win, but it would be fun to try again.
"Sounds nice, if I cared" Nightfire snorted. Nightfire didn't really care about having a rank in the guild, she could easily take an S-Class job if she wanted to. Nightfire also knew she probably wouldn't get nominated to try and pass the trail she was too new to the guild, so there went her chance.
"Yeah the trial is brutal, Juvia had to fight Erza last time, and that did not end up well" Lucy giggled. Nightfire immediately perked up, as black flames burned brightly around her horns. Lucy seemed a little shocked by this sudden behavior, as Nightfire gave her an evil grin.
"So you are telling me I can actually fight my guild mates, and I won't get in trouble for it" Nightfire said excitedly. Lucy blinked, she didn't know Nightfire secretly had a desire for beating her guild mates.
"You just want an excuse to steal their souls, don't you" Lucy said as she shook her head. Nightfire slammed her fist down on the table cracking the wood beneath her, as fire spewed from her mouth.
"You obviously know that is not true, I would never steal the souls of my guild mates like that, you know what, screw it I totally want to do that" Nightfire said. The demon rubbed her hands together as her tail thumped beside her happily. Lucy rolled her eyes, Nightfire was strange, but if she was happy with the way she was, Lucy was happy too.
"Hey you want to go get some lunch" Lucy asked Nightfire. The demon nodded her head, as the two left the guild hall and went to go eat somewhere. Nightfire followed Lucy down the streets of Magnolia, as she got strange looks from people as they passed them by, but they were already familiar with the new demon in Fairytail.
"Why don't you take a picture it will last longer" Nightfire yelled at people staring at her. Lucy rolled her eyes as she took Nightfire's hand and led her away from the pedestrians before Nightfire could attack them. Nightfire stuck her tongue at them, before she turned away.
Lucy took Nightfire to a little sandwich shop located east of Magnolia, the food there was pretty good, and it wasn't too expensive. She was glad that Nightfire decided to come with her, she just hoped Nightfire didn't eat a hole in her wallet like Natsu.
Nightfire sat at the table in the shop across from Lucy, as they both held up menus to see what they wanted to eat. Nightfire looked for something that her demon stomach might like, but unfortunately it was all human food. Nightfire decided to settle with BLT sandwich, it wasn't too expensive and Nightfire did like bacon.
Lucy decided to get a bowl of soup, none of the sandwiches looked good to her right now. Once they both ordered, the food came out almost immediately, and they both enjoyed their meal with a little conversation.
"So can you tell me more about where you are from" Lucy asked blowing on her spoon before swallowing the soup. Nightfire chewed silently before thinking of what to tell her, there was so much she could say, but she was told to keep it a secret.
"Well the planet is filled with really powerful creatures that are considered gods where I am from, and the gods have the ability to control space and time, but they are ruled by one that looks over all universes" Nightfire said. Lucy was extremely intrigued, was it even possible to control space and time? The gods Nightfire was talking about sounded really powerful.
"Can you tell me their names" Lucy asked. Nightfire giggled to herself as she put her sandwich down and pondered for a second.
"Well they each have names that they were given by humans, but I gave them each a name because they are my friends" Nightfire giggled. The demon had a sparkle in her eye, Lucy was surprised that Nightfire was friends with gods, but she did say she got her power from them.
"So, the god of time I named Chronos because of a myth, and I named the most powerful God Ronan because I liked that name" Nightfire said. Lucy nodded her head, she thought those names were kind of cool they sounded like powerful names.
"I would like to meet them one day" Lucy said with a dreamy sigh. Nightfire shook her head, even though they sound nice, they are quite ruthless at times.
"No you don't, they have the power to destroy worlds with once touch, including Lucifer, he is the god of death, and a mean one at that" Nightfire said with a shiver. Lucifer never wanted to be Nightfire's friend, he always quarreled with Ronan, Chronos, and the god of space.
"Well who's the nicest god you've met" Lucy asked. Nightfire thought for a second, she would have to pick between two, but technically the first one wasn't a god, more like a powerful guardian.
"I would have to say Victory the god of the skies and Silverwing guardian of the seas, I gave them those names too" Nightfire said. Lucy wondered why specifically they were named that, there must have been a story behind it all.
Nightfire and Lucy talked about gods for a while, and soon a few hours passed. Nightfire and Lucy left the shop when it started to get late, Lucy felt closer to the demon after they spent the day together. Nightfire was still mysterious, but perhaps one day she would take Lucy to meet these beloved gods of hers.
The two girls headed back the guild and were surprised when they saw a giant stage set up in the guild. Mira, Erza, and Laxus stood behind Makarov as the crowd fidgeted nervously. Nightfire seemed curious as she slid into the crowd to listen, she heard several whispers and she could smell the sweat pouring out of everyone's skin, they were extremely nervous.
Natsu stood in the crowd with a wide grin on his face, he knew he was on the list, he just had a gut feeling about it. Plus, he wanted to fight one of the S-Class mages this year, he was a lot stronger then he was a long time ago.
"Listen up everyone I am here to announce the poor souls taking the S-Class trial this year, but this time the rules are a little different" Makarov said. The guild squirmed nervously, as the guild master pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and looked over the crowd.
"Juvia is nervous" Juvia whispered. The rest of the guild seemed to be feeling the same way as Juvia, as Nightfire tried to look over Gajeel's shoulder, trying to get a good look at Makarov.
"Alright first things first, the people taking the trail this year are Natsu, Lisanna, Cana, Gray, Evergreen, Gajeel, Romeo and Lucy, congratulations to everyone on the list you earned this chance" Makarov said. Lucy's mouth dropped open, she was on the list? She didn't understand, she thought she was too weak to participate this year. The ones who were called cheered loudly as Erza stepped up to the mic and yelled for everyone to calm down.
"Listen up this year will be brutal because of a new rule that has surfaced, the ones who were picked are allowed to have a teammate, and if you pass the trial your partner will be an S-Class mage as well" Erza said. The guild whispered excitedly, this has never happened before, but the trail must be a lot harder.
"Yes, but don't expect me to go easy on you all, since your partner can become an S-Class wizard too we will not hold back in battle" Laxus said. Lightning crackled around him, as he grinned at the audience who seemed to lose some of their spirit.
"There will be three parts to this trial, all will be explained on the ride to Tenrou Island, now pick your partners and choose wisely only one team will become S-Class mages" Makarov said as he exited the stage. Mira smiled as she took the mic from Makarov and explained the rest of the rules to the guild.
"You know the rules guys, S-Class mages can't be picked, and you have to have a partner to participate and it cannot be another guild mate that was picked, the journey will begin tomorrow in the morning" Mira said sweetly. The guild roared with cheers, as they scrambled around trying to pick their partners for the brutal trial that was to take place.
Lucy was rooted to the floor, this was her big chance to become an S-Class mage, but she needed a good partner. Natsu was picked so she couldn't choose him, Lucy ran to Juvia who seemed to be talking to Gray for the time being.
"Hey Juvia if you are able to, would you like to be my partner" Lucy asked with the brightest smile she had. Juvia looked at her sadly before wrapping her hand around Gray's arm.
"Juvia is sorry, but Juvia has already decided to be with her beloved Gray-sama" Juvia said. Lucy's heart sank, it was a long shot but she thought it would work. Lucy snapped her fingers together, Levy wasn't chosen perhaps she could team up with her favorite bookworm.
Lucy ran over to Levy, the girl was reading up on strategy techniques as she sat alone at a table. Lucy sat next to Levy, as the girl looked up to her and smiled warmly at her blond friend.
"Hey Lucy, congratulations on getting picked this year" Levy said with a smile. Lucy returned the smile before asking her the important question.
"Hey do you mind being my partner for the trail, please Levy I need a good friend to back me up" Lucy pleaded. Levy's eyes sparkled, but before she could open her mouth Gajeel picked her up and slung her over his shoulder.
"Sorry but the bookworm is with me and we have training to do, so scram" Gajeel said. Levy protested angrily as Gajeel carried her away, Lucy pouted sadly, who was going to be her partner? Lucy yelled angrily as she slapped her forehead, she was running out of options, she was sure Evergreen asked Elfman to be her partner so there was no way she could get Elfman's help.
The only other girl left was Wendy, since Cana was picked. Lucy trotted over to Wendy and slammed her hands down on the table she was at, scaring the living daylights out of Carla and Romeo sitting at the table with her.
"Wendy please be my partner I am running out of options here, I am desperate" Lucy said frantically. Wendy blinked at Lucy before giving her a frown, Lucy's heart dropped as she got ready for a rejection.
"Wow Lucy I am honored that you want me on your team, but Romeo has already asked me to be his partner" Wendy said. Lucy felt like she was going to cry, she was picked for the S-Class trial and she couldn't find a partner to help her out.
"What am I going to do" Lucy whined as she sat at a table holding her face with her hands. That's when she saw a curious demon poking her head out from the crowd, Lucy watched through her fingers, and suddenly her heart started beating fast, Nightfire was her last hope.
"Nightfire" Lucy cried as she ran towards the demon. Nightfire turned and smiled at Lucy as she approached her, Lucy was desperate, Nightfire was the last person she could ask, since the rest of the guild couldn't really fight as well as everyone else.
"Nightfire please be my partner for the S-Class trial, you are my last hope" Lucy begged. Nightfire shrugged her shoulders, before looking at Lucy who was practically on her knees.
"Sure why not, I don't mind helping you out" Nightfire said. Lucy had tears of happiness and she threw her arms around the demon, and hugged her so tight Nightfire couldn't breathe.
"Thank you so much, I know you will have my back" Lucy said sighing. Once she broke from the hug, Nightfire seemed proud to be her partner as she grinned at the blond. Nightfire wouldn't say it out loud, but Lucy just happened to pick the most devious person in the guild, sure she wasn't good at strategy, but her power made up for it.
"Make sure you gather all your stuff, I sense a war coming, this trail won't be easy" Nightfire said. The blond wiped her desperate tears from her eyes, as the two left the guild to prepare for their long trip to Tenrou Island. Lucy invited Nightfire to stay at her house, the demon accepted and they spent all night talking strategies and thinking their way out of every possible situation. Nightfire was actually pretty fun to talk to, and she helped Lucy pack all of her things as well.
Soon enough it was time to get some rest, and Lucy tried to fall asleep but her heart was thumping so much in her chest she couldn't. Nightfire never slept, the demon was meditating on her couch as Lucy tossed and turned praying that she didn't run into Laxus or worse Mira.
Soon enough she drifted off to sleep, and the next morning Nightfire woke her up with the feathers on her tail. Lucy groaned as her eyes opened, the demon was smiling as all of her suitcases were stacked lightly on the floor.
"Come on everyone is waiting for us, get dressed and lets go" Nightfire said bouncing up and down. Lucy was surprised to see Nightfire in her battle armor, in her opinion it looked more like seduction armor, she didn't understand how Nightfire's armor protected her when it covered so little of her body.
Lucy put on black boots, and a blue skirt with a blue tank top on revealing her stomach. Lucy grabbed her keys, and her whip as Nightfire created a dimensional hole to get to the guild faster. Nightfire grabbed Lucy's suitcases and the two girls left her apartment, and went to the guild though the portal.
The whole guild was cheering the teams on as they started exiting the hall, the girls got there just in time. Nightfire stepped out of the portal first, as Lucy came in behind her. Nightfire set the luggage down, as she scanned the guild, looking at all her opponents.
"You ready for the S-Class trial Happy, we are going to win this year" Natsu said excitedly. Happy replied instantly, as he lifted his paw in the air proudly.
"Aye sir" Happy said as Natsu gave him a high five. Lucy seemed nervous as she looked at all the powerful mages she would compete with to become an S-Class wizard. Nightfire carried Lucy's luggage towards the group of wizards gathered in the center of the guild, as they made preparations to leave.
"Alright if everyone is here let's get going" Erza said. The guild nodded their heads, as they marched out of the guild hall whispering excitedly. Nightfire didn't know who was with who, or what teams she would be facing, but they would probably be announced at some point.
Nightfire flicked her tail as she followed the group, Lucy was shaking as Nightfire carried her luggage. What if she failed? This was her first time being picked, so she was sure it wasn't a big deal if she failed, but it was still embarrassing. Natsu came to her side and wrapped an arm around her, while Happy sat on his shoulder.
"Congratulations on getting picked Lucy, but I'm going to warn you now, I won't go easy on you just because we were on a team" Natsu said grinning. Lucy rolled her eyes, she didn't expect him to, but she still felt her heart sink when he said those words.
"We won't go easy on you either Natsu, you better be ready for a beat down" Nightfire said walking backwards and eyeing Natsu. The Dragon Slayer growled at the demon, so apparently Lucy's partner was Nightfire, Natsu could take her he wasn't scared.
"Yeah well I'd like to see you try" Natsu said as he lit his fist on fire. Nightfire lit her fist on fire as well as she showed her sharp fangs.
"Save it for the trial" Erza said glaring at Natsu. The Dragon Slayer squeaked as his flames went away and he sulked to the front of the line, with Happy following close behind him.
Soon enough the guild was in front of a giant boat, Nightfire froze as she looked at the water lapping against the bottom of it. Lucy could see Nightfire tensing up, as she placed her hand on the demon's shoulder. Nightfire flinched when she felt her touch, but soon shook away the feeling.
"Are you okay Nightfire" Lucy asked as Erza took her luggage away. Nightfire's face looked green as the demon wobbled, Lucy took her arm and wrapped it around her head as Nightfire's wings drooped.
"Please don't tell me we are riding a boat, in the middle of the ocean" Nightfire wheezed. Lucy blinked, was Nightfire truly having an anxiety attack over a little boat? Lucy was confused as the demon's face went from green to white, as sweat dripped from her forehead.
"I know why you acted strange around water now, you are afraid of it aren't you" Lucy asked the demon. Nightfire immediately ripped her arm away from Lucy and scowled at her angrily.
"I am not, watch me ride this boat like I ride your man if you had one" Nightfire said as she marched up the walkway leading up the boat's deck. Nightfire stopped and slowly looked down, she was frozen in place as the demon watched the water move below her.
"I think I am going to be sick" Nightfire said as she covered her mouth with her hand. Lucy giggled to herself as she followed Nightfire up to the boat, the demon sat down on a chair as she crossed her arms and tried not to think about being on top of an ocean right now.
Lucy saw her opponents gathered together on the boat, she could easily sort out the teams now. Cana was with Freed, Natsu was with Happy, Gray and Juvia were together obviously, Evergreen and Elfman, Gajeel picked Levy, and Lisanna and Bickslow were a team, and last but not least Romeo and Wendy were together.
The boat started moving and Nightfire fell out of her chair, she cried out in pain as she held her stomach. Lucy gently rubbed her back as the demon's tail curled up in pain, Lucy was guessing she was getting sea sick.
Natsu was sharing her pain as the Dragon Slayer held his stomach, his face was blue as sweat formed on his forehead. Nightfire felt like her insides were burning, stupid boat, and her stupid fear of water, if someone sank this boat she was letting everyone drown, Nightfire wasn't sticking around to save anyone.
"I hate this world, end my suffering" Nightfire groaned as she rolled over on her stomach. Lucy giggled as the boat headed for Tenrou Island, Nightfire suddenly sat up and ran to the side of the boat. Lucy turned away as the demon threw up, Nightfire wobbled back over to where Lucy was and sat on the ground.
"I had no idea you would get sea sickness, you should have told me" Lucy said as she patted the demon's back. Nightfire growled as she made a movie lacrima appear in her hand, she thought distracting herself might end her suffering at least a little bit.
Lucy and Nightfire watched a movie together as their opponents looked towards them jealously. Soon time seemed to pass, and the weather started to get hotter and hotter, Lucy changed into her bathing suit, along with most of the guild.
"Are you not bothered by this heat Nightfire" Lucy asked the groaning demon. Nightfire looked up from her movie, and shook her head.
"I've felt the fires of hell, this is nothing" Nightfire said. Lucy shook her head, the real reason she wasn't bothered was because her armor was so revealing.
After a few hours an island could be seen in the distance, the boat inched closer to it and before it could hit the sand it stopped. The group seemed glad that the trip was over, but the real challenge was just about to begin.
"Listen up everyone, the first trial begins after I am done speaking, all of you will go to the island and enter a cave, and each tunnel leads to a room, four will lead straight to the next challenge, but the other four will either have an S-Class mage waiting for you, or you will have to duel another team" Makarov explained. The mages gathered together looked at each other nervously, as they prayed that they would get the easy route.
"After you complete your path you will wait at point A until all the rest of the groups are finished, once they are done we will begin phase two" Makarov said. Lucy sighed, last time she had to fight Bickslow and Freed, she had a feeling fate would give her a rest this time.
"Alright this is manly"
"Juvia is prepared"
"I'm all fired up"
"I am winning this trial, no one will get in my way"
Makarov held up his hand as everyone fell silent, Natsu was the only one left talking as everyone looked at the guild master.
"Good luck to all of you, if you trust in your partner nothing can stand in your way, now go into the trial with your head held high and win" Makarov said as the group roared and got to work. Gajeel and Levy tried to jump off the boat, but were caught in an enchantment.
"Not this crap again" Natsu yelled as Cana and Freed jumped off the boat and started swimming towards the island. Lucy screamed in frustration, she hated when Freed set up enchantments, now they would have a head start.
"Um excuse me, you must have forgotten you have a dimensional traveler on your team" Nightfire said with a grin. Lucy smiled at her, Nightfire could get them to the island in no time at all. Nightfire opened a portal as the guild groaned angrily, they had to wait until the enchantment faded.
"Later losers" Nightfire said as she jumped into the portal. Lucy mouthed "Sorry" at Natsu who was pouting in her direction. Lucy took one last look at her opponents before jumping in the portal, knowing that this trail would probably be the hardest challenge she had ever faced.