The buzz about there being an S-Class Wizard Trail died down as the day progressed. Nobody was actively against the idea, but some had protestations, and they approached Mira with all of them. She was exhausted by the time supper time came around, and couldn't have been more thankful to Lisanna, Laki, and Gildarts for helping to whip up some food.
A lot of people wanted to go looking for Erza. Gray, Juvia, and Wendy in particular were keen on the idea. Since they were already S-Class and didn't need to actually attend the trial for anything, they could go out, just the three of them, and find Erza. Gray had some ideas of where to look.
Thankfully, though, Meldy was still in the Fairy Tail fortress. She'd been busy for most of the day meditating, expanding her magical senses out into the world, tracking Erza's magic across most of Fiore and out toward the rest of Ishgar. Everyone left her alone, as per Mirajane's request.
Mira, though, had to spend most of the day planning the event. Natsu had no idea how to properly go about actually throwing together an S-Class trial and Mirajane only had the ones she'd participated in as a reference. Most of the time they weren't actually held on Tenrou, but she loved the idea of holding it on the island for sentimental purposes.
She called over Sonya, who wouldn't be participating, to draw up a plan. Sonya didn't have much experience, but Mira figured that, since she got to participate in battling against some of the Fairy Tail mages and having seen some of the ones who would be participating in combat before, she could know some of their strengths and weaknesses.
It was the duty of the participants to choose who their partners would be, and Mirjane was floating around who would be eligible to participate. Sonya nominated Alli and Mirajane agreed. She, much to her demise, could actively remember the fight that Alli and Sonya pitched against Mirajane. Alli was the one that ultimately winded Mirajane to the point of exhaustion, before her power collapsed and she was knocked from that heinous form.
Not to mention that Alli had proven herself a loyal Fairy Tail wizard. She participated in the hunt for Master Makarov's killer alongside Tyla, Romeo, and Gildarts. She'd saved Sonya and fought against Harmonia twice, and then just now, was proven with her God-Slayer abilities. Sonya joked a bit that Alli, at this point, was more suited as a Demon Slayer, and Mirajane was hard-pressed to disagree.
Next up was Lisanna, whom Mirajane nominated. Lisanna had participated in the S-Class trials during the Tenrou Incident over a decade ago, though she was serving as a partner. Her powers had only amplified since then, growing and showing themselves off against the likes of Tartaros's powerful demoness, Seilah. Plus, Mirajane couldn't let her sister no participate. She already had an inkling that Elfman would be chosen as her partner. Normally, S-Class wizards would not be allowed to participate, but given the competition, it'd be okay.
Mirjane then floated Romeo up. He'd been with the guild all his life and has been dedicating his entire life to Fairy Tail and to become one of its chief members. Sonya, not knowing much about him, had to agree, but the more Mirajane thought about it, the more she liked it.
Romeo was a man now. He was nineteen years old and had proven himself quite the powerful fire wizard. He'd learned all he could from Natsu in his younger years and avidly participated in training with Laxus since Natsu and his team left for their Hundred-Year Quest three years ago. Now was his moment, and if not now, then hopefully next year. Still, it would only be right for Romeo to get a chance to participate.
They hadn't held the trials these last few years while Fairy Tail recovered from the devastating effects of Acnologia's attacks, and there were so many new jobs springing up everywhere for reconstruction across Fiore for Fairy Tail to participate in. And once that was ended, it wasn't quite time for the trials, and then the mess with Vothorm began.
Yes, Romeo for certain.
Mirajane surveyed her list of possible trial-goers. Kinana was a possibility; she'd apparently developed her own magic, but, her dual-membership with this and Royal Sorciere would make things difficult. Asuka was still far too young, at the fresh age of twelve, she wouldn't be ready to face someone like Lisanna or Alli in the field and hope to stand a chance. Macao and Wakaba were too old, Max had left to return home to Veronica with his family a few days ago, and Laki had already informed Mirajane that she didn't want to participate. Mirajane didn't thinks he'd be ready either.
Sonya said the same for Tyla. Much as she appreciated all Tyla had done for her sister, she was still too meager with her magic to prove herself on Tenrou. To consider in the same class, technically, as Mirajane and Laxus wouldn't seem all that proper.
"So, what about Carla?" Sonya had asked.
Mirajane raised her eyebrow. "The Exceed?"
"The Exceed who can take human form," Sonya agreed. "She fought alongside Wendy when they came to Stella years ago and she managed to fend off one of the Three Stars."
"And Carla was there during the battles against Tartaros and Alvarrez," Mirajane muttered.
She'd seen Carla's magic on display. It was dazzling, graceful, and beautiful as Carla herself. She smiled, and wrote Carla's name down.
"Yes, that should do," Mirajane said. "But, unfortunately, I don't think we have anyone else eligible this year."
"Fairy Tail is already quite stacked with incredible wizards, it seems," Sonya said. "And I don't think there needs to be a lot of flare behind this. It's best to leave some people behind here, to regroup and recuperate after what's happened, don't you think?"
"Yes, of course," Mirajane said. "You're quite intelligent, Your Highness. Stella is lucky to have you as their ruler."
Sonya blushed and Mirajane reached out and patted Sonya on the back. She was, indeed, quite a treasure, even if she didn't see it. Sonya had willingly stood against Mirajane's full power and while she did wilt, she showed what a true wizard of Fairy Tail would be, and she wasn't even a member of the guild. Mirajane saw the image burned in her memory and smiled. Perhaps one day she could be as bold as Sonya again.
They spent the majority of the afternoon planning out what the trials would look like for the members of Fairy Tail, and what their ultimate goal would be. Sonya asked questions about how it worked and Mirajane explained. Having Sonya turned out to be quite the way of unwinding. It was, at first, discomforting, since the two had fought just four days ago, but Sonya was completely over it. She wanted to help, she wanted to get involved.
Mirajane explained how the trial would work and Sonya began pitching in ideas, as well as who else would be "participating." Mirajane loved most of the ideas Sonya threw toward her, and Sonya was understanding when Mirajane had to turn a few down.
Near the end of their meeting, someone knocked at their door. Mirajane summoned them in and there stood Meldy, sweating, exhausted, with her cloak unraveled around her. She wiped some sweat from her brow and tried to speak, but it only came out in an exasperated language.
"Come again?" Sonya asked.
"I found her," Meldy said. She grinned. "I found Erza."
Natsu spun a top along the thick wooden table. Happy stood over it, his paw out. Lily, Carla, and Gajeel all watched him intently.
"You got this, Happy," Natsu said. "Just gotta be fast."
"Yeah, just use your cat-like reflexes," Gajeel said.
Happy nodded, and a small droplet of sweat dripped off his face. The top levelled out and spun straight up. Happy roared with confidence and slammed his hand down.
The top spun free and Happy fumbled to catch it. It toppled onto the table. Lily chuckled and Carla patted his back reassuringly. Natsu rubbed Happy's head, and picked the top back up.
"This time you'll get it, pal," Natsu said. "Ready?"
Happy wiped the dread from his face and nodded. Natsu replaced the top along the table and flicked his wrist. The top dropped, wobbled, and levelled out. Happy held his paw over it again.
"Don't need no thumbs for this," Happy said. "I've got this."
The back door slammed open and the top wobbled just as Happy leaned in to catch it. Happy's foot caught on a small hole in the table and he fell face first. Natsu burst out into laughter, but got a top in the mouth for it.
Happy snapped up, surprised at his accuracy. Natsu growled and spat the top out. It hissed as the saliva melted some of the flames from his mouth.
"Call it even, cat," Natsu snarled.
"Yeah, whatever," Happy said. Natsu flicked Happy on the head and looked back toward the door.
Queen Sonya, Mirajane, and Meldy all strode out. Mirajane held a scroll in her hands. Sonya strode, with regal confidence, across the room. Natsu watched her. She'd grown so much since their journey to Stella. He could smell a ton of magic within her body, and it smelled like the Stellanium that was supposedly dooming their country. Talk about a reversal, he thought.
Alli and Sonya also shared a similar scent, but the two didn't look that similar. It was odd. Alli straightened up with a bit of confidence when Sonya approached, and the two sat with backs straight as Mira cleared her throat and drew the attention of the crowd. Meldy stood next to her, arms behind her back, and a golden lapel upon her chest, signifying herself as Royal Sorciere's Guild Master.
She and Natsu met gazes. Before Natsu could do anything, her face hardened, though she still smiled, and nodded. Natsu felt a bit of shock tremor throughout his body. He'd never seen her with such resolve. The two rarely interacted, but when he had seen her, she was acting as a goofy little girl alongside Jellal or that black-haired woman that Gray used to know.
Now? She was a woman full-grown. He saw a lot of Jellal within her, but, it was morphed to fit her style. Whereas Jellal couldn't be caught dead with a grin on his face, Meldy had a natural calm and joy about her. It wasn't trained or anything, it was natural. Still, she took his stoic nature and turned it to herself. She had a true presence about her, now. Natsu nodded back, just out of sheer respect.
"Attention, everyone," Mira said, using a bit of a motherly voice.
Jori cried out and Mira turned toward her. Laxus strode across the room and handed Jori over to her. Mira held Jori with one arm, bobbing her up and down while she unfurled the scroll with Laxus's help. Jori snuggled against her shoulder and rested.
"We have decided upon the time and participants for this year's S-Class Wizard Trials," Mira said.
Natsu strummed his fingers along the table. He was pulling for Romeo to participate, if only to see how the boy would fare out on Tenrou compared to Natsu.
"First, we have Romeo Conbolt," Mirajane said, and the entire guild hall erupted into cheers.
Romeo beamed and stood up. His face couldn't be redder, and Macao couldn't have been crying harder.
"Next," Mirajane said, when the cheering died down. "Lisanna Strauss."
Mira also started to smile and looked at her sister, who stood immediately. Elfman, who was seated between Lisanna and Evergreen, got up, flipping the table over in the process, and yanked his sister higher into the air. He roared with excitement. Mirajane clapped. Jori also looked up, and happily giggled for her aunt.
"Third," Mirajane said, and peered toward Natsu's table. Natsu raised an eyebrow before Mirajane said, "Carla."
Once more, the eruption of cheers. This one came, though, with Wendy literally flying across the room and wrapping Carla up in a massive hug. Carla, Natsu noticed, was beside herself, absolutely stunned at the reveal. She wrapped her arms around Wendy's neck and smiled.
"And finally," Mirajane said. "Allisandra Stella."
The cheers from Carla carried over as Alli stood up. Natsu was surprised to hear her full name, and was happy to learn that it wasn't just Hisui who bore the last name of the country she ruled over.
Sonya picked Alli up in a massive hug, aided by Tyla, while Alli was just as shocked as Carla. She still beamed, though, and her face turned red from excitement or a lack of air, Natsu couldn't really tell.
Mirajane held her hand up and the four wizards lined up in the center of the room, facing their interim guild master. Instead, Meldy stepped up.
"Congratulates, you four, for being given this honor," Meldy said. She blushed. "I recall the last time Fairy Tail held this and while things didn't, um, go how they were supposed to, I can assure you that Royal Sorciere shall be monitoring the island with great intent and focus to ensure there are no interruptions for you."
Natsu nodded. That's right. Meldy had once been a member of Grimoire Heart. He and Meldy didn't get a chance to meet on the island, since she got away before Acnologia came and almost wiped it all out.
Meldy nodded and Mirajane took the center again, with Jori back to her resting position. "You all have this evening to choose your partners." The four nodded excitedly and looked around the room, then began whispering to one another. "Our only limit is that it cannot be anyone from outside the guild."
"So even other S-Class wizards can participate?" Macao asked.
"Even others," Mirajane nodded.
Natsu raised his eyebrows, and looked across the way to Gajeel, who slammed his fists together.
"Guess that means we might get to head back to the ol' island after all," Natsu said.
"Oh, I'm hoping someone picks me and you," Gajeel said. "I've been wanting to give Dragon Ultima Force a good reveal."
"Same," Natsu said.
"Report back to me this evening before midnight with your choices," Mirajane said. "All are welcome to come and watch the events unfold."
"Will he others here be allowed to go out and find Erza?" Cana asked.
"That will not be necessary," Mirajane said. "Erza has been located and will return alongside us once the trials are up."
More whispers and conversation befell the room. Natsu stood up, excitedly, just out of habit. Mira, surprised, glanced over at Natsu. He went to speak, but, realized he didn't actually have anything to say.
"Oh!" Mira exclaimed. "That reminds me."
She pointed to Juvia, Wendy, and Gildarts and then skirted across the room toward their table. She scooched in next to Gajeel, who willingly gave her room. Juvia was the last to arrive, having had to steel herself to separate from her precious Gray.
"I want to ask a favor of you five," Mirajane said. "I didn't want to make it public, so that the others wouldn't know, but I'd like for you five to be my challenges on the island. Gildarts and Natsu will serve as natural challenges, while Gajeel, Wendy, and Juvia will be my fighters, the ones that everyone has to compete against."
"You think they can tussle with us?" Gajeel asked.
"Mira, the three of us have gotten a lot stronger since we last saw each other," Wendy said.
"No Dragon Force," Mira said. "How's that?"
"A little more fair," Gajeel said. "Does this mean I can't go after Salamander?"
"Do whatever you want once the trials are over," Mirajane said. "Just don't kill yourselves is all I ask."
"Okay, then we're cool, I'm in," Gajeel said.
"And what of Gray?" Juvia asked.
"I want him to stay behind here and guard the guild," Mirajane said. "With Royal Sorciere coming with us as security, we need someone here that can defend our younger and older people. Plus I need a good babysitter for Jori, and I don't think Cana is the most dependable woman."
"You're leaving Gray with her?" Juvia asked, her face growing dark. "She wears so little clothing, it may tempt my precious Gray."
"Trust me, Jori will consume all of Gray's attention," Mira said.
"So Laxus is coming with, too?" Natsu asked.
Mirajane looked around. Natsu surveyed the room as well. Everyone was so absolved in their own conversations that they were hardly paying attention to the crew at the table.
"Erza is on the island," Mirajane said, and Natsu had to use all of his mental might to stop himself from exploding. "Laxus and I are going to go speak with her. I'm worried about her. After Jellal…she's going to be in a dark place."
"There's nothing we can do for her?" Wendy asked.
"It's your job to keep the trial running," Mira said. "Natsu was right, this is going to be an important first step in getting ourselves figured out after all of this mess we just went through. Your job may be even more important than mine. So, please, help me out here, guys."
"Of course, Mira," Gildarts said. He patted her head. "We're honored to help."
Mirajane stood up, and thanked the group with a bow. Natsu turned back to Gajeel and the others, beckoning for Gildarts to come close. He had a little plan of his own.
When they were done collaborating, the rest of the guild hall seemed to die down as well. Gildarts folded his arms and began to glide away from them, back over to where Cana sat, while Juvia blitzed across the way and clung tight to Gray. Wendy sat with the Dragon Slayers and the two remaining Exceeds.
"I look forward to these coming Trials," Mirajane said, addressing the crowd. "I'm certain that the spirit of Fairy Tail will be alive and well in no time."
"Um, excuse me, Mira?" Lisanna piped up.
"What is it, Lisanna?"
"We've all actually decided who we want our partners to be," Lisanna said, blushing.
"Then go ahead and announce them," Mirajane said. "Lisanna?"
Lisanna sheepishly turned in the direction of her big brother, who started babbling like a little baby. Evergreen, with her hands squeezing his giant arms, nudged him forward toward Lisanna. The two embraced.
"Will you help me become an S-Class wizard?" Lisanna asked.
"A real man couldn't say no!" Elfman cried.
Mirajane clapped giddily for the two, and then Romeo stepped up. Natsu mentally prepared himself to reject Romeo. How could he present it without spoiling the big surprise?
"Happy," Romeo said, looking at the table. "I'd like you to be my partner."
"Me?" Happy asked, nervously. "Again?"
"Yeah," Romeo said. "I'd ask Natsu, but I don't want anyone thinking I've got a crutch. Plus, we've known each other our whole lives, we've practically grown up together. Let's become S-Class together, too!"
Happy bowed his head, his body quivering, before he raised his head and punched the air in front of them. "Aye, sir!"
Romeo gave Happy a thumbs-up, and then glanced at Natsu. Natsu nodded. See you in the field, Romeo.
Alli stepped up next. "Anyone that knows us should know that this is pretty obvious. Tyla, you game?"
Tyla stood up, stern as ever, and nodded. "Hell yeah."
And that left Carla. Natsu couldn't help Wendy growing a bit more nervous by the second, no doubt trying to think of her own rejection for Carla as well.
"Probably to everyone's surprise," Carla said, and turned away from the table. Wendy sighed. "Levy, would you be my partner? You're the wisest wizard I know, nothing can stop a mind like yours."
"I'd be honored, Carla!" Levy exclaimed, standing. Gajeel smirked.
"Well, this just got a whole lot more interesting," Gajeel said.
"It sure did," Natsu said, and looked to the S-Class Wizard Trials teams: Lisanna and Elfman, Carla and Levy, Alli and Tyla, and Romeo and Happy. He slammed his fists together, feeling heat blaze throughout his body. "I'm getting fired up, now."
The boat carrying the trial-goers washed ashore. Lisanna and Elfman were the first off, followed by Levy and Carla, then Romeo and Happy, and finally, Alli and Tyla. Tyla breathed in the fresh air while Alli stared up at the magnificent, massive Great Tenrou Tree.
"It's beautiful here," Tyla muttered.
"Never fails to take my breath away," Levy muttered. She grinned at Tyla. "You'll do well here, Tyla, I know it."
"Thank you," Tyla said. "But don't think I'll be holding back."
"You better not," Romeo said, clapping his hands together. Some sparks burst. "I'm giving this everything I've got."
Someone chuckled behind them, and Natsu strode up behind them. He'd snuck along as well, apparently as added security alongside Royal Sorciere. Alli saw, beyond the tree, Meldy standing atop a buoy, glancing out at the massive sea surrounding the island. Cobra and Kinana were also in view of the island, while Sorano, Macbeth, and Racer were on the opposite end.
Natsu stopped, standing at the shore, carrying two flags. "When the tree was destroyed, you came and saved it. When Fairy Tail was about to be destroyed, you saved it as well."
Alli raised her eyebrow, until she saw what the second flag was, not just the Fairy Tail flag from the guild hall. Natsu slammed the Fairy Tail one in the ground, heating the sand around it to lock in place.
"Your memory lives on forever, in our hearts," Natsu said, and crossed the Crime Sorciere flag in next to the Fairy Tail flag, burning into the Tenrou island forever as well. "This trial's for you, Jellal. Thanks for everything."
He stepped aside, opening up the island. The eight trial-goers stepped forward.
"Hope you guys are ready," Natsu said. "It's gonna be a helluva challenge."
"Wouldn't want it any other way," Romeo muttered.
Alli nodded. She saw Mirajane up ahead, standing on a small boulder, holding her hand up. "Wizards of Fairy Tail! On this day, you show us your power, your abilities, and your heart! Prove to us that you have what it takes to stand among the elite of Fairy Tail. Show the world your love and courage, and the bonds you've forged! Show them that Fairy Tail will rise like the most beautiful phoenix out of it's ashes!"
She swung her hand down and a brilliant light overcame the entire island. Lisanna, Elfman, Levy, Carla, Romeo, and Happy all dashed away to go to their starting points.
"Tyla, let's go!" Alli exclaimed, and sprinted forward. The two bolted past Mirajane, who with one final shout, proclaimed,
"Let the Fairy Tail S-Class Wizard Trials begin!"
END OF ARC 4.
Phew. That was a rough one to get through emotionally. I really, REALLY didn't want to do what I had to do with Jellal, but I couldn't see any other meaningful way out that would benefit him and Royal Sorciere as a whole. Also I know that it got a little dark, but, I just wanted to imagine what it'd be like for Fairy Tail to be as malicious as they often are pure-hearted. Don't worry, though, characters will not be taking dark turns again; Fairy Tail is back in business starting with this next arc, which is gonna be more of a return-to-form for the characters. We'll be a bit more relaxed in this coming arc, and it won't be too long, I promise.
Also: FIFTY CHAPTERS! Thank you to anyone that's read this goofy little fan-fiction and ESPECIALLY THANK YOU to anyone that's been reading since the beginning! Your thoughts and reviews have given me so much encouragement along the way, I love hearing what people have to say. This community is fantastic. Fairy Tail fans are the best. See you all in a few days for the start of ARC 5: RETURN TO TENROU.
Cheers :D
