Adventreader221: And the Tenrou Island Arc finally begins. I can't believe that the story has managed to come this far
PhoenixLord42: It is good to see the S-class in person
Adventreader221: And what exactly does that mean PL? Tell the community this so we can understand this.
PhoenixLord42: I have never been to Tenrou Island man I think this is going to be interesting
Adventreader221: No duh, that is something I have to agree on. Now say hi to your mom. *Points to a camera across the room*
PhoenixLord42: HI MOM
Adventreader221: Please, enjoy this chapter and we shall see you after this brief commercial.
Fairy Tail Guildhouse, Magnolia Town, Fiore
The sun shone high in the sky, but there was a bit of a nip in the air signifying that the oncoming days would begin to grow colder as the months progressed. However, for this month of September of the year X784, the changes in the weather were not what the mages of Fairy Tail would be focusing on.
To the townsfolk of Magnolia, it would have seemed as if some sort of miraculous event had occurred. Had the planets aligned? Was there a blue moon tonight? All of these questions came alongside the feeling of concern from the men and women that walked by the guild as there had not been a single shout, cry or sound of something breaking from within the guild hall.
The members of Fairy Tail were doing some sort of act to try and calm the anxiety that ran through their bodies. Some paced in circles or around the hall's perimeter. Some quietly drummed their fingers against the tabletops, their legs or their arms as they crossed them in front of their chests. Some suffered from 'Restless Leg Syndrome', their legs seeming to jump up and down at a rapid pace despite looking as cool as the approaching winter atmosphere. The majority simply just sat quietly. However, all eyes were focused intently on the single wooden door that led to the office of their guild master.
The eighty-year old dwarf had announced beforehand that today would be the day that he would make his final decision as to who would be allowed to take part in their guild's annual S-Class Trials, but for the past two hours, there had been no sign of the third guild master. Naruto, Laxus, Erza, Mirajane and Gildarts had all gone into Makarov's office with him, and a familiar pulse of magic energy showed the man had activated the silencing runes so as to prevent a certain dragonslayer from hearing their conversation.
"Man, Jiji's taking forever in there." Natsu pouted.
"The S-Class Trials are what determines the cream of the crop among mages, Natsu." Lucy lectured her best friend. "Deciding who gets to be a part of such an event is obviously going to take some deliberation."
"They had a whole month to deliberate." Natus complained loudly.
"Matchstick has a point." Gray said and shrugged as he was given a narrow eyed expression from the Celestial Spirit mage. "The thing's yearly, Lucy. Jiji got practically an entire year to take a look at who he would think is ready for the trials."
"Maybe there are some last minute changes he has to make." Levy added her two cents as she patted scratched behind Lily's ears, the black furred Exceed purring in delight. Gajeel's eye twitched. His cat was supposed to be pure concentrated badass, and now the buster sword wielding panther was as docile as a kitten.
"It does sound like Master to forget something this late into the game." Happy agreed with the blue haired girl's point. Lily took note of the way Happy and the other Fairy Tail mages nodded in unison, a confused expression appearing on his face.
"Shouldn't you be worried that your guild master is so lax with something like this?'' the former Exceed knight asked.
"Oh my dear friend, Lily…you have much to learn." Happy patted his fellow Exceed on the head. The bipedal panther couldn't help but sweatdrop at his blue furred guild mate.
"How is this guild still standing?" Pantherlily muttered.
"I wonder about that everyday myself." Lucy replied as the guild burst into laughter.
The guild continued to laugh at the Exceed's expense, but all the fun and laughter immediately vanished as the sound of Makarov's office door opening caught the ears of the entire guild hall. A deafening silence filled with a tension so palpable that Erza could cut it with one of her swords replaced the previously light hearted atmosphere.
Makarov was quite serious which made for a stark contrast to the humorous sight of him standing atop Gildarts's head like a pigeon atop a statue. Erza and Mirajane placed themselves on either side of Gildarts, flanking him like a guard detail as the Ace of Fairy Tail stood at the forefront of the guild hall. Naruto himself stood behind both the Master and Ace like a guardian knight to protect him.
From atop his perch, Makarov's dark orbs observed the faces of the many men and women he had come to see as his children. Clearing his throat, Makarov spoke up, "I will skip the formalities this year as I am sure many of you are aware of what the S-Class trials are and what I hope to expect from you all. So I will jump right into it." Makarov cleared his throat again, "You have all worked very hard and shown off what you are capable of, whether it be in terms of combat prowess or a change in character that would signify an increased maturity that is necessary to be worthy of an S-Class rank. After much last minute deliberation, the decision as to who will be taking part in this year's S-Class trials will be these Six."
"Only Six?!" Jet and Droy exclaimed.
(Insert Music: Fairy Tail- Fairy Tail Main Theme)
"Yes." The wizened guild master nodded stiffly. "Fairy Tail's S-Class candidates are Natsu Dragneel..."
"ALRIGHT! UP HIGH!"
"AYE SIR!"
Natsu was met with a high-five from his Exceed partner before turning to Gray and giving him the middle finger. "And you thought I couldn't hack it, frostbite. Looks like I'm better than you since you didn't get pi-"
"Gray Fullbuster!"
Obsidian eyes shifted and Natsu felt the strongest of all urges to punch Gray in the face. The Ice Mage's smirk was so damn infuriating as he was greeted to two middle fingers being shoved in his face, "I'm sorry, were you saying something, matchstick?" Gray laughed haughtily, his bare chest puffed out with all the pride and bravado that a seventeen year-old mage could muster. "Looks like Master knew to pick someone with actual skills instead of a bumbling clown who only knows how to blow shit up!"
"Like you're one to talk." Lucy deadpanned as she recalled past missions with her guildmate where his Ice Make proved to be more of a con than a pro. 'I don't think those farmers ever experienced a cold front in the middle of May before.'
The blonde Celestial Spirit mage was taken out of her thoughts as Makarov continued with his announcement of the S-Class candidates.
"Bisca Mulan." Makarov called out.
"O-Oh, uh thanks Master, but unfortunately I am unable to join the trials this year. I have business out of town I need to take care of. It's incredibly important that I do this. I promise that the next time they come around I'll participate in the Trials." she said.
"I see. Very well then, there are only five positions left for S-Class and as such, all parties must be considered. Next is Levy McGarden..."
"LEVY!" Jet and Droy cheered for the smallest member of their Team Shadowgear, hugging her tightly.
The blue haired girl was speechless as she looked to her Master with wide eyes. Sure, she had some degree of skill in her magecraft, but she never thought it was enough to be warranted S-Class material. Hell, she never even imagined herself becoming an S-Class mage to begin with. "I'm...I'm a candidate?"
"Not a bad job you've been doing' for yourself there, eh squirt?" Gajeel chuckled as the bookworm of Fairy Tail pouted at his words.
"...Elfman Strauss"
"MAAAAAAAAAAAAN!" The male Strauss sibling roared his catchphrase as a few of his nearby guildmates patted him on the shoulders and back in support. "Just you wait Nee-san!" Elfman pointed a finger at his sister, her blue eyes looking down on him from her elevated position on the stage. "I'm gonna finally beat you!"
The beautiful barmaid offered her younger brother a sweet smile, however, that angelic look was a complete contrast to the demonic purple-black aura that outlined her body. "I won't make it easy for you, Elfman."
The pressure exhumed by the Demon of Fairy Tail was enough to make a good portion of the guild members sweat as fear gripped their hearts. However, while this show of strength would have normally made him cower and shake, Elfman refused to do so. He stood strong and tall, his own aura of magic spiking to counter his sister's. A toothy grin stretched across the male Take Over Magic user's face.
"A man does not back down from a challenge, Nee-san! Not even from his own sister!"
Mirajane nodded. "I'll be waiting."
Makarov laughed lightly at the exchange between the siblings before finally glancing at his final S-Class candidate. "And finally...Cana Alberona!"
"CANA! CANA! CANA! CANA!" The guild whooped and chanted for their resident drunkard as she looked up at both her guildmaster. She pointed a shaky finger at her face. Her silent question was met with a stiff nod and a bright smile from Gildarts. Her hands came up to her mouth to cover her gasp, but her emotions still came through as tears of joy lined her eyes.
"T-Thank you. Thank you so much Master." she wept out happily.
"Don't cry Cana, you've earned this." Naruto called out to her.
"And since there are going to be members of Fairy Tail fighting, the need for a Healer is very high so young wendy, I would like for you to tag along so that we can ensure no long lasting injuries are given to our candidates, if that's alright by you?" he asked.
"Of course, this is a great opportunity to practice my magic and improve on it." the young sorceress said smiling.
Makarov allowed his surrogate children to bask in the glow of their achievements, but the day was short and there was much to be done. The sound of Naruto slamming the base of his Bisento against the stage, the sounds of excitement were reduced to silence. He gave a nod to Gildarts and the Ace of Fairy Tail ushered his family off of the stage where she took her place beside her barrels of rum.
"Your reactions are all well warranted, and I extend a hearty congratulations to you five for making it this far in your careers." Makarov stated. "However, this year, the S-Class Trials will be a bit...different."
"Different how?" Lucy asked.
"Is it part of the reason why the four-eyes from the Rune Knights is here?" Natsu's question earned a great deal of confusion from the other mages of Fairy Tail. All eyes followed the son of Igneel's gaze, and their levels of confusion increased at seeing the newly promoted Grand General of the Fiorean Rune Knight Corp standing by the bar in his full armour and cape. These feelings were also mixed with genuine surprise for the young Grand General had somehow managed to blend in with the crowd despite his appearance, but they probably chalked it up to being distracted by the atmosphere that came with the announcement of the S-Class trials themselves.
"I would really appreciate it if you didn't address me in that manner, Natsu-san." Lahar sighed as he adjusted his glasses.
"Now where's the fun in that?"
"I'd be hard-pressed not to take such a tone with Lahar-kun, Natsu." Makarov chimed in. "After all, he will be a part of the decision making when it comes to who will be named S-Class."
"WHAT?!" Eyes widened throughout the guild. They immediately looked to their master for answers, but the elderly mage merely gestured for the young Grand General to come forth.
'Ever the dramatic one, Makarov-sama.' With a sweatdrop and a sigh, the dark green haired Rune Knight made his way through the crowd and climbed up the stairs to stand beside the third Master of Fairy Tail. He offered nods of acknowledgement to the S-Class mages present.
"Now as you have all just been so abruptly informed by your master, yes, the Rune Knights will be having a part to play in your S-Class trials, but it is not so heavy such that I will be taking part in the S-Class ascension decisions." Lahar's opening statement eased the anxiety of the S-Class candidates, but their questions were practically written across their faces and so the bespectacled Rune Knight continued. "As you are all aware, the S-Class trials are judged by your guild master as well as the active S-Class mages, but Makarov-sama was incorrect in his wording. The Rune Knights are merely acting observers in this case to see who will be our potential allies in the battles to come."
"Battles to come?" Gray asked.
"Yes." Lahar nodded stiffly. "The kingdom of Fiore has always been protected by the Rune Knights, but the Rune Knights can only do so much when it comes to safeguarding the kingdom. As such, the guild system was established to allow the everyday citizen to receive aid where the Rune Knights could not intervene and also the guilds were recognized as a part of the kingdom's military forces despite not being registered as such on paper. As such, the mage guilds across the kingdoms were seen as an expendable resource should they ever be called upon in times where the safety and security of the kingdoms are threatened. It is a harsh truth, but truth nonetheless."
"What's your point?" Natsu growled out. His annoyance at the Grand General was shared by many in the guild who understood Lahar's words.
"My point, Natsu-san, is that because of this line of segregation between the guilds and the Rune Knight Corp, there was always tension between our two parties. Especially when it came to Fairy Tail. Your guild's ideals, morals and tendency for wreaking havoc have always led to many unnecessary conflicts between us. With all that is happening in the kingdom concerning threats such as the Balam Alliance and the intention of wishing to assist our allies beyond our borders, we need all the help we can get. Working in a mutual relationship with the guilds will aid us in these endeavours, and so the first step to bringing about such a relationship will start with the strongest guild in Fiore. A few ships from the Fiorean Navy will accompany you all to the site of your trials, Tenrou Island, where we will observe you S-Class candidates in order to get a better gauge at your skills and personalities as you will one day be called to fight alongside the Corp and we can make various battle strategies centred around your additions into our ranks when the time comes."
"You make it sound as if us fighting with you is a decision that's already been made." Pantherlily stated.
"That is because it already has." said Naruto who was now on the receiving end of the guild's attention as all eyes shifted away from Lahar and onto the giant of a man, "This decision was made by the Magic Council and I was in agreement with Lahar's proposal of trying to bridge the gap between royal military and guild wizards. Due to my being a Wizard Saint and thus a member of the Magic Council, I am now privy to certain levels of information that I was not aware of when I was just a mage of Fairy Tail. Listen to me when I say that I want you all to be prepared for what is to come, and despite our differences, fighting with the kingdom's law enforcement will better our chances to defend our guild, our kingdom, and the ones we love."
Gajeel's crimson eyes narrowed at the Wizard Saints and Lahar as he bared his fangs. "Your words are pretty, Earthshaker, but why don't you just cut the bullshit and tell it like it is. This isn't about wanting to take a look at people who are going to be comrades in arms. You're preparing us for war."
Lahar and Erza glanced at each other out of their peripheries, but remained silent. That silence only served to increase the tension within the guild hall, but Makarov would have none of it as his arm lengthened and he slapped the Iron Dragonslayer upside the head.
"GAH! WHAT THE FUCK, JIJI!"
And like that, the tension shattered like glass as the son of Metalicana held his head in pain.
"DON'T SAY SUCH HARSH WORDS IN MY GUILD, BRAT!" Makarov snapped as he picked up Gajeel in a massive hand and shook him like a ragdoll. "ALL WE WANTED WAS TO JUST INTRODUCE A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE RUNE KNIGHTS! BUT NOOOOOOO! YOU WANT TO MAKE IT ALL SOMBER AND DARK!"
"HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY!"
"SAYS WHO?!"
"SAYS EVERYBODY!" Gajeel retorted. "LILY! SQUIRT! HELP ME!"
"Can't." The two spoke in unison causing the red eyed dragonslayer to snap his bobbing head in their direction in shock.
"WHY NO-" His words stopped briefly as he saw the diminutive bluenette scratching his Exceed partner behind the ears, said sword-wielding feline purring in approval. "OI! SQUIRT! STOP PETTING LILY AND HELP ME!"
"You want help from Levy?" Makarov raised an eyebrow. "Then why not be her partner for these exams?"
"Huh?" Lily, Levy and Gajeel all turned to the eighty-year old mage in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"The trials will all involve the candidates, yes, but it is part of the way of Fairy Tail that we fight alongside our comrades. As such, each of you five has the choice to pick any member of the guild to be your partner in these events so long as the mage you select is not an S-Class mage themselves." Makarov explained as he set the raven haired dragonslayer down beside the Solid Script Magic user.
"But aren't Juvia and Gajeel already S-Class Mages?" The Fire Dragonslayer asked.
"That was by Phantom Lord standards, my dear." The Titan of Fairy Tail replied. "And clearly your old guild's standards of S-Class and my guild's are two very different things since you were both defeated by A-Class mages."
"In that case, Juvia chooses Ultear-Sama!" Juvia seemed to teleport to her friend's side, she moved so quickly. Her blue eyes then shone with a demonic light as she turned to the other members of the guild. "Does anyone have a problem with Juvia's decision?!"
With her fangs bared and hands converted into claws of water, it was safe to say that no one had any problems with the young ladies decision to be the Time Mages partner in the trials.
"Well at least me ending up as Naruto's partner is not an option." Lucy sighed in relief. "Imagine if I did. She'd claim I was still being a love rival and murder me on the way to Tenrou Island."
"Yeah, for sure." Natsu laughed. "Though he'd never get the chance to ask you to be his partner because someone else would have already asked."
"Oh really?" Lucy raised an eyebrow at the Salamander of Fairy Tail, a sly smirk on her face. "And who, pray tell, would ask little ol' me to be a part of such dangerous and harrowing trials."
"Who knows?" Natsu met her smirk with one of his own. "Could be Elfman."
Brown eyes rolled in their sockets as Lucy released a snort of amusement. "Oh please, Natsu. I've never been in a fight with Elfman so we wouldn't mesh. Not to mention the fact that he seems to be pretty much taken at this point."
Natsu followed Lucy's pointing finger in the direction of the Strauss male as he was found to be chatting with the youngest member of his family. Despite her expression of annoyance at Elfman flexing his muscles in her face, the woman still raised her fist and bumped it against Elfman's own as a show of acceptance to be his partner in the trials to come.
"Elfman and Lisanna huh?" The pink haired pyrokinetic raised an eyebrow. "Didn't expect that to be honest. Thought he'd pick Evergreen if you want my opinion."
"Just like no one's going to expect when an unlikely ally is gonna put a certain Fire Dragonslayer at the level of S-Class?" Lucy grinned. "Just tell me those words that I want to hear and I'm all yours."
"You and your formalities." It was Natsu's turn to roll his eyes. "Fine. Lucy, you wanna-"
"LUCY! YOU WANNA BE MY PARTNER?! YOU DO?! GREAT!"
"Wait, I didn't even...But I...Who the...WAIT WHAT?!" Lucy exclaimed as she suddenly found her wrist locked in a death grip by the daughter of Gildarts. The Celestial Spirit wielder turned to the Fire Dragonslayer who was too flabbergasted to say or do anything and the former heiress of the Heartfilia family was dragged off to be registered as Cana's partner. "NATSUUUUUUUU!"
Wide eyed and slack jawed, the Fire Dragonslayer's outstretched hand grasped nothing but air. His head dropped limply with a sigh as Happy patted his shoulder in comfort.
"Well...that didn't work out."
"Yuh think?" Natsu's sarcasm was paramount as he aimed a deadpan stare at his Exceed partner. The blue furred feline chuckled and simply shrugged.
"Well, if it's any consolation, Natsu...you still got me."
"Well...I guess that's true." Natsu smirked and stood up straight, bumping his fist against Happy's paw. "The dynamic duo of Natsu and Happy rides again."
Kurama looked to Carla, "Now you feel my pain." he said as the white feline groaned at Happy's idiocy.
"Trust me, you have no idea what I feel when it comes from that buffoon." Carla said forlornly.
"Hear that Gajeel! Happy and I are gonna trounce you!" Natsu laughed and stuck his tongue out at Gajeel like the mature S-Class candidate he was.
From his place beside Levy, Gajeel's eye twitched as the fires of rage and battle burned within his soul. "Oi...Squirt."
"Y-Y-Yeah?" Levy stammered, a light pink dusting her cheeks as she found herself in very close proximity to her guildmate.
"You. Me. Partners."
Those three words did not take too kindly to the other two members of team Shadowgear though as Jet and Droy walked over to the pair.
"Now hold on just a second!" Jet exclaimed.
"Yeah, you can't just decide for Levy to be her partner!" Droy added.
Killing intent and the sharp tip of a lengthy dragonslayer iron chainsaw-sword pointed in their direction halted them from advancing any further. Gajeel turned his head, his crimson eyes seeming to glow with a demonic light. "Fuck off."
"Gajeel, don't be rude to Jet and Droy!" Levy snapped. "And besides they have a point. You can't go making decisions for me."
"Well then, do you not want to partner with me then?" Gajeel stepped back with folded arms. Levy's brown eyes widened slightly as she was caught off-guard by the sudden question.
"Well...I mean..." She twirled a lock of blue haired around her index finger. "It's not that I don't not want to be partners with you, but...are you sure you want to? I mean, I'm short and not all that strong compared to people like Elfman and Natsu."
Gajeel snorted and raised his arm. Levy flinched, expecting a strike of some sort, but her eyes widened when she felt the large hand of the Iron Dragonslayer planting itself firmly atop her head. "Salamander's an idiot and a rival, so I want a chance to kick his ass. I will never be his partner as a result. Strauss now...well he's a musclebound idiot. Fullbuster's a stripper and Alberona's a drunk. You're the best one to choose out of this entire lineup and listen to me when I tell you, no way you ain't makin' S-Class. Especially with me on your team. Got it?"
With that level of confidence and determination, it was hard to say no. In the end, Levy nodded, "Alright, you got it partner." She smiled happily.
-Somewhere in the sky of Earthland-
"Master Hades!"
The sounds of boots stomping against the floor echoed throughout the airship, their wearers standing at attention before the demonically empowered centenarian.
The Devil's Eye glowed with power, its crimson glow never dimming as the Master of Grimoire Heart strode out from the hallways. His footsteps fell like thundering mountains as he strode forward unchallenged. It seemed as though the dark mage had made his way immediately from his chamber to the area that he had made his throne room.
He snapped his fingers and quickly donned his clothing which consisted of a dark shirt paired with armored shoulder pads and shiny gauntlets, as well as chain-mail covering the parts of his arms remaining exposed, simple light pants with flames near the edges - held up by what looked like a light belt composed of two straps with the relative buttons, possibly part of the pants themselves, and dark boots.
The dark cape bearing Grimoire Heart's symbol on the back appeared and Hades adjusted the mantle which sported a high collar, lighter-coloured borders and jagged lower edges. The elderly man then grasped the horned helmet that served as his symbol of status. He slipped it on and turned to one of the grunts in the front row who wore a more ornate set of armour than the others, indicative of a higher rank.
"Status."
"The fleet is ready, Master."
"Prepare for battle."
"HAIL ZEREF!"
"Soon, very soon the Primordial Magic shall be in my grasp, and with it, I shall lead this world into a new Dark Age like never before seen."
-Fairy Tail S-Class Mage Ship-
The S-Class Mages who are going to Tenrou Island have boarded the ship and departed for the island. For Naruto, he is sitting and thinking of what he learned about the island from a journal he found. 'Red Salamander, isn't that an old forgotten guild that First Master Mavis was a part of nearly 110 years ago? The guild was destroyed back when the guilds were allowed to fight each other right? So Tenrou is a massive grave not just to Master Mavis but to her old guild, and her people.'
Soon a gigantic tree appeared in the distance and Naruto smiled, "GURARARARA, TENROU ISLAND AHEAD!" he called out with a belly shaking laugh.
Carla smiled at the beautiful island landscape before she gasped as she gained a dazed look in her eyes. The rainbow of colours that were generated by the flora were just as breathtaking as the massive tree which sprouted forth from its centre.
'Beautiful.' She thought. However, the image of the giant tree-bearing island suddenly warped to be replaced with the image of a crying man.
Black eyes glistened with tears as they flowed down his face.
"You finally came, Naruto. Now hurry, before I truly awaken...kill me." His voice cracked as he fell to his knees. "KILL ME!"
Her confusion became fear.
How did this man know Naruto?
Black eyes became an evil crimson as an aura of ebony magic flowed forth from the man.
"Clearly my expectations were too great for you to meet, and for that I apologize." The mage's voice no longer held any of the gentleness it once possessed. He raised his arm and the titan's glowing red eyes shone in response to the mental command. "But if you cannot stop me, then your usefulness has come to an end."
The giant fist was clenched tightly. Blood lust permeated the atmosphere of the island...and the demonic titan struck.
"NO!"
Charle's eyes snapped open and she panted, her small paws clutching her chest as she could literally feel her heart racing. A gentle touch to Charle's shoulder forced her head to snap in the direction of the source so quickly that she could have probably given herself whiplash. She gave a soft sigh as she noticed that it was only Kurama, "Are you alright? Looked like you were having an episode or something for a moment there." he said.
"I-It's nothing. Just the heat getting to me Kurama-san." she said.
Kurama raised a brow, that was a first. She usually addressed men by one of several names: Brute, Buffoon, Moron, Idiot. Or even on rare occasions: Monster. Seeing her address him so politely made his eyes narrow. He knew she had to have had a very bad feeling or something else to have happened for her to act so strangely. In the end, the feline nodded, "Alright, if you wish to talk you know where to find me, or Lily if you want." he said honestly.
"Hmph, as if you can understand me. You know nothing oaf." she snorted.
"Indeed." The scarlet feline replied to the lovely hite cat, "However, Charla-san, your ability to see into people's minds will not work on me as I do not have a mind to read. After all, I am a skull! YOHOHOHOHO!"
Sweat Drops formed on the backs of the heads of all the 'non-skull' members around.
"Everyday." Happy groaned. "I had to put up with his damned skull jokes. Every. Damned. Day, as a kid"
Wendy patted the blue cat on his shoulder. "There There, Happy-san."
"No! No! You don't understand! He was obsessed with those damned jokes it nearly drove me insane!" Happy nearly shrieked in panic.
"It's been awhile since he cracked one of those jokes." Mira smiled.
"Huh, that one was actually pretty good." Lily said smiling.
"Gihi, I'll have to use that one later." Gajeel smirked.
Kurama smirked, "If you liked that one you'll love this one: "I don't think a funeral is a good idea." he stated.
"Eh?"
"Get it, cause i'm already dead. YOHOHOHO!" Kurama laughed causing Gajeel to bust his gut in laughter.
"Gihi, I see what you did there... Ah. But I don't have eyes though!~" Gajeel laughed harshly he began to wheeze beside Kurama as they laughed at the jokes.
Kurama cleared his throat and tapped his chin, "Sorry, I'm really wracking my brain to think of a good joke... oh, but I don't have a brain! YOHOHOHOHOHO!" he laughed out loudly.
Gajeel huffed as he looked at the cat, "Let me hear your best Skull Jokes...oh, but I don't have ears, at the moment!" he cracked out.
"So Gajeel, tell me what did the skeleton say before it ate?"
"I don't know, what'd it say?" the iron slayer asked.
"Bone Appetite!" Kurama guffawed out causing Gajeel to hunch over laughing.
"Tell me, why didn't the skeleton eat its meal?" Gajeel laughed out loud.
"I don't know, what did he say?" Kurama laughed.
"Because he didn't have the stomach for it!" Gajeel said.
"OH MY GOD THAT'S A GOOD ONE!" Kurama said as he busted his gut laughing.
"I'm glad someone's enjoying themselves." Erza muttered.
"Man, I don't even know how Erza is able to survive in this heat since she wears all that armour." Evergreen muttered, sinking a bit deeper into the pool water made by earth provided by Naruto and cool ocean water pulled up from the sea below.
"Erza is a monster to be able to withstand such brutal punishment." Ultear muttered as she mimicked her friends action. "Neh, Naruto can I ask you something?" she asked
"Yes, Ultear, you may?" The Wizard Saint didn't turn away from his lounging position in the chair as he tried to soak up some rays to improve his tan.
"Seeing as we are the only ones on this ship, why is it that the others didn't come with us?" The beauty asked.
"It's for the first part of the trials." The Earthshaker of Fairy Tail replied. "I'll explain once we get in closer range of the island, but for now...try to relax and enjoy the boat ride. I guarantee that you won't be relaxing much once we begin."
Gildarts cleared his throat, "If you two are done cracking humor, I would like for everyone to turn their attention to me." he said.
"Ugh, but it's so hot." Freed said, "How can you stand around like that in this heat Gildarts, especially in that kind of attire?" he asked.
"Said the stylish elder to the nudist." rebuked the old man before he cleared his throat, "Now then, as you all know the first trial consists of several paths that have the contestants either fighting one of the S-Class Mages or each other with there being only one safe path that steers away from all the fighting. You guys that aren't part of the S-Class group are to sit at the camp with Wendy and make sure nothing happens to her and if anyone fails and is hurt they can be patched up," he said.
"Right, cuz nobody wants to hurt while there is a healer around." the young girl said.
"Right. So, here's how this is going to go. The candidates for this year's S-Class Trial left a couple hours after us, so we have plenty of time to set up the camp and get into position for their arrival. There are going to be three S-Class Mages in the 1st trial so we'll get off first and decide who goes where and then the remaining two are going to participate in the second trial. That means, Naruto, Laxus and I have to decide which of us take the first trial and second trial as we have the most Magic Power of the five of us." Gildarts said.
"Right, cuz then it wouldn't allow us to see which candidate is ready for the position as a S-Class." Ezra said.
"Exactly. Now, the partners of the S-Class Candidates are going to wait on the ship for fifteen minutes before coming ashore. It won't take long for your partners to come and join you. After that, they'll explain the rules further." Gildarts said before pointing to a thin trail of smoke rising into the air, "Now I'm sure you all noticed the smoke, so I'll be brief, that is where you are going to go after we leave you. Fifteen minutes from now that is your destination." he said as the ship came to a stop, "Alright, let's get ready." Gildarts said.
The members of Fairy Tail going to the Island boarded a small boat and swiftly headed to the island and upon arriving, climbed out of the boat. Naruto stretched his limbs and sighed, "Kurama, you stay with wendy and make sure she has all the supplies she needs for the trials contestants if they get hurt during the exams." he said getting a nod from the feline, "I'll take the E-Path and see who comes to fight. Gurararara." he laughed out before departing.
"Hey, hold on you're not sticking to the plan! WE MUST UNITE! WE MUST STAY FOCUSED! Ugh…" Gildarts moaned out.
"Don't worry, this is a good opportunity to shake things up a little." Mira smiled, "I'll go with the little one here and help her get things ready just in case." she said as she placed a hand on the Sky Dragon Slayer's shoulder.
"Alright, fine. Anyone else have any ideas?" he asked.
"I'll take this path, uh A-Path I believe." Laxus said before going into the cave.
"I think it's best for the strongest of us to test them out and those that are slightly under you to wait for the second trial to come about." Ezra said.
Gildarts gave a sigh before nodding, "Then I'll take this path. Good luck Ezra, something tells me you're gonna need it." he said before walking off, "I guess D-Path is mine then." he muttered as he took it and vanished into the darkness of the cave.
Ezra nodded her head and looked to the members of Fairy Tail that were meant to help wendy, "Alright, let's get you set up and ready for the injured. Knowing those three, it's going to be a question of if someone gets injured but when." she said as she grabbed a box of medical wraps and began to walk to the campsite. There would be a group of Rune Knights waiting to keep guard over her, as they had explained to Lahar about Brain's intention during the Nirvana incident.
-2.5 Hours Later-
Natsu laughed as he landed on the ground of Tenrou Island at the box of smoking logs. Having already been told that Happy was at the smoke he didn't hesitate to rush to him. Unfortunately Levy had jacked the ship and had left some of them trapped on board and so she, Cana, Juvia had head starts on them. Natsu smirked as he looked to his feline companion, "Alright Happy, they said Ezra was gonna be part of the trials this year and I wasn't able to show her that I have gotten stronger." he said excitedly, "I plan to show her just how much stronger I've gotten, and then she'll have no choice but to pass me!" he exclaimed loudly.
"AYE SIR!" Happy agreed before he looked to the paths, "Some of the paths have already been taken though by Juvia, Cana and Levy so the paths closed off. How do you plan to fight Ezra if the path is closed?" he asked.
"That's easy, Ezra's name begins with the letter 'E' and that path is still open which obviously means that Ezra is down that path." he explained using his logic.
"Uh, Natsu, I hate to break it to you-Lisanna sighed as Natsu ignored her and took off to fight 'Ezra' and show her just how much stronger he had gotten. Lisanna shook her head, "And yet again, he ignores me so he can run off like an idiot." she said.
-Path E-
"Oh man, this is going to be so much fun, the second I see Ezra I'm gonna kick her teeth in and show her just why I'm ready to be a S-Class wizard!" However, this rant came to a stop as they entered a large clearing, "Hey, this place is getting wider, we must be getting close." he said.
"Hey, I think I see someone." Happy said as balls of small lights floated around causing a mesmerizing effect on the two before they realized that, it wasn't balls of light, it was holes in the tree canopy as light shined down on their opponent.
Suddenly azure eyes opened and the sound of cloth russling was heard as they finally adjusted to the light. The two felt their eyes widen and their hearts drop into their stomachs as the figure of one Naruto D Newgate stood proudly in front of them, "NO FREAKING WAY!" Natsu cried out.
"That's it, we're dead." Happy weapt.
Naruto chuckled, "Sorry, it's a dead end here. Luck just isn't on your side today." he said.
-D Path-
"Man, I didn't think this guy would be so strong. He's a monster." Gajeel huffed, "Can I at least ask why is this guy your Ace and Not Naruto if he's the second strongest?" he asked.
"He was in the guild before Naruto joined and Naruto didn't want to have an argument over something like a title." Levy said as she created Iron using her Solid Script, "I can keep you going, just don't give up." she said as Gajeel inhaled the iron into his belly.
"ALRIGHT THEN, LET'S GO!" Gajeel roared as his power skyrocketed and began to pour off him in waves of green energy, "Iron Dragon Lance: Demon Logs" Gajeel roared as he unleashed a powerful wave of sharp lances at Gildarts.
"Not bad, but you'll have to do better than that." Gildarts said as he held up his hand and the iron burst apart into tiny pieces.
-Safe Path-
Lucy sighed as she laid back in the cool water, "I think we got lucky getting this path." she said, "I mean I know that the next trial isn't going to be so easy, but I mean this is still nice." she said.
Cana sighed, "I get where you're coming from, but something tells me that the next trial isn't going to be so easy going." she said.
"Oh yeah, that is one thing I can agree with." she said before laughing, "I can't believe it, we just repeated each other's thoughts." she said.
Cana gave a giggle, "Yeah, I just realized it. You know, I am still surprised you got so overheated that easily." she said smirking.
"I can't help it, I mean this is the first time I have been in a place like this." Lucy said.
"I think we should get going." Cana said.
"Oh, can't we stay a little longer." Lucy asked her.
"FIne, ten minutes and then we go."
-Route A-
Ultear and Juvia gulped nervously, "Oh crap, I did not think it'd be like this, crap." she said.
"Oh no, we don't stand a chance here. My water is useless against him" Juvia said.
Laxus chuckled as his magic crackled around him, "So, it's you two huh, well I guess I can show a little mercy." he said.
Juvia sighed in relief, "Thank you Laxus-san." she said.
"However, that doesn't mean I'll go easy on you, so give me all you got and I'll return it by a hundred." he said as his energy exploded off his body.
-Back with Natsu/Naruto & Happy-
Naruto looked at Natsu and smiled at the teen, "I should warn you now, holding back isn't my style. This fight will be quick and fast." he said.
Natsu smirked as he popped his knuckles, "I'm all fired up." he said before he looked to Happy and saw him dragging their pack away, "Uh, Happy, what are you doing?" he asked.
"I figured we may as well go home." he said.
"Oh have some faith little guy. If you really think about it, Naruto should be scared of me. I'm gonna kick his butt, and I won't let up til he says mercy." he stated.
"Fine, Mercy." Naruto said dully.
"YOU CAN'T SAY THAT YET, I HAVE EVEN LAID A HAND ON YOU!" Natsu said in a roar.
Naruto chuckled as he simply raised his Bisento and laid it flat and then opened his hand and dropped it to the ground, "Alright then, show me why I should cry for mercy." Naruto said.
"Alright Naruto, get ready cuz here I come." Natsu said as his hands were engulfed in fire and then he charged head forward towards the Strongest Man in the World.
"You shouldn't just charge at him Natsu, he can pulverize his opponents!" Happy called out.
"Karyu no Go Ken (Fire Dragon's Hard Fist)" Natsu called out as Naruto blocked it with his hand while a small explosion went off kicking up a cloud of dust.
The cloud is blown away by a blast of wind courtesy of Naruto which revealed him to be calmly blocking Natsu's fist with his palm. "I told you I won't hold back." Naruto said as his hand glowed in a familiar way. Suddenly the air in front of Naruto cracked like glass as Naruto unleashed his magic point blank at Natsu as a pillar of light filled the air..
"I warned ya." Happy said as the wind threatened to blow him down to the ground. When the light was gone and the wind died down all that was left was only a small crater. Happy immediately thought the worst had befallen his friend "N-Natsu..." Happy said.
"I'm not out yet." Natsu said as he appeared above Naruto. He then surrounded his body in flames before he headbutted Naruto. The ground under Naruto glowed before it cratered under his feet. 'Amazing. He shattered the ground to cushion the blow.' Happy thinks to himself in amazement. Just how strong was Naruto to do all this without taking a single step.
"I'm not done yet Naruto." Natsu said. He then lit his hands in flame again and punched Naruto who had his hands surrounded by silver metal. He blocked the flaming arm with his right forearm before Natsu punched at his head, but that too was blocked by Naruto's palm. Naruto then backhanded Natsu before he brought his fist down on the dragon slayers head sending him crashing to the ground deepening the crater.
"HE'S BEATING HIM SILLY" Happy cried out as he watched the fight. Natsu grits his teeth before he lights his feet in flames and begins to spin like a break-dancer. He then tries to kick Naruto but he just grabs the rose haired teens foot and then starts to swing him around above his head before throwing him. Natsu grabs the ground with his hands and slides several feet back from Naruto, who has yet to move from his starting spot.
Natsu then draws his head back before he calls out "Karyu no Hoko (Fire Dragon's Roar)" and spews out another sea of flames like when he acquired Igneel's power.
Naruto merely looked on and smirked. "Heh you're not that bad Natsu. I can see just how far you've come since I found you as a kid all those years ago." he said before thinking, 'I'm proud of you Natsu, you have proved that you are a son of Igneel indeed.' and and the titan draws a hand back and thrusts it forward causing the world around to shatter. The flames collided with the crack and exploded. Massive shockwaves were sent everywhere, ripping the crust of the earth, sending trees flying as well as catching the attention of the people across the island as it shook to its core.
As the shaking died down The damage seen was astronomical. Not only that, but Natsu was nowhere to be seen. Happy sniffled, "N-Natsu… H-He's gone…" he whimpered, "You jerk, I'll never forgive you. This was just supposed to be a test, you killed him." Happy exclaimed.
"Relax, that was severely underpowered. At most he'll just have a few bruised ribs." he said.
"I'M NOT DONE YET NARUTO!" Natsu's cry came out from above.
"GURARARARA Now that's what I'm talking about." Naruto laughed out loudly.
"Metsuryū Ōgi: Guren Bakuenjin (Dragon Slayer's Secret Art: Crimson Lotus Exploding Flame Blade)" Natsu called out. Natsu then swipes his arms in a circular fashion, creating a powerful, and highly destructive, torrent of flames that barrages the blond giant. Naruto barely claps his hands together in time before the flames detonate.
Happ covers his face and grunts as the heat is so intense, "D-Did he get him?" he asks himself. As the smoke clears Natsu and Happy could only gasp at the sight of a untouched Naruto covered in an extremely mirror-like metal all over his exposed body. Happy could only gawk in awe, "That's crazy, you attacked him using your full power and he didn't even flinch!" he exclaimed.
"Dammit, and he didn't even move from his spot either, just how much do I need to improve myself." Natsu muttered to himself.
Naruto allowed the metal to vanish and nodded his head, "Very nice Natsu, I must say I'm impressed." he said.
Happy gulped, "I know, you fought like a demon and he didn't even move a single step. THAT'S BAD NEWS AS HE STILL BEAT YOU SILLY!" he cried out.
"Not that he didn't try as I certainly felt the hits on me. This gave me a good feel of your skill level. And while you didn't defeat me in battle, I still say that as your examiner that you can move on." Naruto said proudly.
Natsu growled, "THERE'S NO WAY I'M GIVING UP NOW!" Natsu yelled out, "I'M BEATING YOU NARUTO, SO TELL ME WHAT'S THE POINT OF BECOMING S-CLASS IF I CAN'T EVEN DO THAT?!" he ranted.
Naruto merely gave a small smile to the younger man, "I had a feeling you were gonna say that." he stated. And suddenly, the air itself began to shift around. Suddenly small pebbles began to lift themselves up off the ground at Naruto's feet and float up into the air as the island began to shake. As this happened, a bright white aura appeared around the man called the WORLD'S STRONGEST. Naruto's face gained a serious look as he gazed at Natsu, "But I don't know if you'll want to keep this up once I've unleashed my full power." he stated honestly.
Happy took a step back as Natsu gasped in shock, "T-There's some kind of pressure building up in here." the feline said.
Naruto continued to speak as his coat fluttered from a unseen breeze, "In order to walk the path of Magic, and eventually reach its peak, there is one thing you still lack." he said as a immense aura burst out of his body causing the ground to be torn apart, "Let me, show you!" Naruto called out as his power washed over the island.
-Play; Fairy Law OST-
The ground burst apart and began to float up into the air as an immense pressure was released from his body. The world around was quivering in fear at the might of the world's most powerful dragon slayer and the sky itself had darkened in color due to this immense pressure. Reality itself began to splinter apart as cracks began to grow in the air around the man of destruction as he allowed his power to flex itself through all openings of the world around him.
Outside the cave he stood in, rays of radiant light began to shine through and show other parts of the island as it continued to shake. Lucy was drying herself off and felt herself gasp as the ground began to shake and an unknown pressure pressed itself on her shoulders, "H-Hey, what is that?" she asked in shock.
Cana looked up and felt her brow furrow, "It's Magic Power, incredible amounts of it." she said honestly.
"J-Just what's capable of producing so much magic it can shake a whole island?" Lucy asked.
"I can name several things that can do it." Cana replied.
-Camp-
For Wendy Marvell, she could only shiver in terror as the incredible power of Naruto washed over her, "I-It's utterly terrifying. Just how can one man possess so much Magic Power?" she asked herself.
"That's something you have to ask that monster if you see him again." Carla gawked before she stumbled as the island shook once more.
-D Path-
Gildarts grunted as he felt Naruto's power wash over him and smirked, "That just proves he's not holding back any more. Guess that Naruto's just showing off right now since he's unleashing this much magic from his body." he said.
"I knew that he was a monster, but this is just ridiculous." Gajeel said as he tried to ignore the pressure from Naruto's power.
"How can he stand with this much magic, I thought he would explode with such a high amount." Levy said in fright.
"Trust me, this is merely the dregs of his power, and you both know it. If anything this is merely a flex of the muscle." Gildarts stated.
-Back on E-Path with Naruto-
Naruto merely stood in his place as he released his magic. Natsu was a stunned messed as he tried to keep himself from blowing away from the harsh winds being made from Naruto's release of power. To the pink haired dragon slayer, Naruto currently held the image of a demon, his body shown black as his coat floated up at his shoulders above his head while his body was shrouded in a dark shadow causing his eyes to glow a menacing red. Gathering his courage, what was left of it, he gave one last battlecry as he charged at Naruto. However, Naruto merely gives a growl and Natsu comes screeching to a halt several feet from him. As if being forced to his knees, Natsu can only bow before Naruto as the pressure of the man's magic becomes too much. And as this happens, Naruto seals the unfathomable amount of power he had unleashed back up as if it was nothing to him.
-End; Fairy Law OST-
As this happened, small rocks fell from above and landed with small clacks and other noises. Natsu is breathing heavily and his heart is beating a million beats a second as he wheezes out, "I… accept defeat."
Happy whimpers as he hears his friend, "Natsu…" he says.
Naruto's smile reappears on his face, "A wise choice." he tells the young man, "I applaud anyone that has the courage to stand up and face their enemies." he tells Natsu. He takes a deep breath, "However, the wizards who are the most courageous are those exceptional few who know when they have to stand down." he states. "Remember Natsu, there's nothing wrong with feeling fear. After all, how else would we come to know our own weaknesses? You need to know them, in order to become a stronger, more gentler person." he tells the young man before his smile grows, "A necessity for those who want to be S-Class. And now that I have shared this knowledge with you, you pass kid." he says happily.
Natsu looks up in shock, "B-But, I didn't beat you…" he says in shock.
Naruto chuckles, "Don't argue with me. I'm the examiner, and I say you pass." he tells Natsu, "You've made it through the first round, but this is just the beginning. You know how the Old Man can be, so this is nothing compared to what he has in mind for you." he says proudly, "Have confidence in yourself and your friends and you'll go far." he tells Natsu. Stepping aside he continues, "And now that we've finished up your test, let me share something else. Possessing powerful magic isn't the beat all end all. One thing I can appreciate is your hunger to win, your burning desire for victory is amazing for one so young." he said smiling, "I say that cuz I have it too. Like you, I don't wanna lose." he says turning back to Natsu, "I'll take you on anytime you want. Now go and become a S-Class Natsu. I know you can do it." he tells Natsu.
For Natsu, it's like a dream come true, and he can only cry tears of joy at the words Naruto tells him.
Adventreader221: And that is a wrap, how do you feel about this chapter man?
Phoenixlord42: It was good as the fight Natsu was so dead
Adventreader221: Oh yeah, and you have to give the kid credit, he does not know the meaning of 'Stay down' either so it's a win in my book.
Phoenixlord42: But Natsu still got his ass thrashed
Adventreader221: Oh yeah, that he did. THAT! HE! DID! Now the reason there are large gaps between the original series and this is cuz we simply wanted to change things up and this is what we came up with. Now don't worry, the other fights are going to come next chapter and they ought to be just as good as the one here. Anything you might wanna say before we leave bruh?
*A massive barrel of beer appears in front of Adventreader221*
Adventreader221: OOH, MY FAVORITE, You know just what I like my man. *Begins to drinks from the barrel* You can finish the outro man *Continues drinking*
Phoenixlord42: You say I look out for you man. So yeah these are good chapters. I hope you FAVORITE, Follow and Review people. Flames and Trolls are not welcomed ever I don't care who they are.
Adventreader221: *Puts barrel of booze down* Yeah, they get ignored, so just don't post if you don't have something nice to say. PEACE
