Back with the next chapter!

"Speaking"

""thinking""

On with the story

The Next day

Fairy Tail

"so, Erza needs to stay behind, gramps" Natsu said to Makarov as he had explained the whole last night vomiting to him

"yes, it'd be better if she doesn't come for her sake" Makarov said as he agreed to Natsu

While they were chatting, Erza and the twins were at the usual table with the others

"so, you're not going to come for the S-class exam?" Gray asked to Erza who shook her head with a sigh while caressing Mary's head as the child was sleeping in her arms

"but I need to go, it's my duty as an S-class Examiner" Erza said

"I think it's better if you just stay behind, Erza. We still don't know what's wrong with you" Mira said to her

Erza sighs before seeing Natsu walking towards them

"talked with gramps, he said you need to stay here" Natsu told her as Erza sighs

"but I'm telling you, I'm fine" Erza said as she passes Mary to Lucy

"and I'm telling you, that you're not" Natsu told to her

Erza grumbles in annoyance to her husband being too caring to her

"I think you should just listen to him, Erza. It'd be better if you check with Porlyusica like Natsu suggested" Gray told her

"for the last time, I am fine. It's probably just something temporary" Erza told them before caressing Rose's head as the child was stirring awake in the crib

"not, it's not" Natsu told to her as Erza sighs again for the umpteenth time

Natsu sighs as he looks at his wife

"look, let's check it out with Porlyusica, if it's really just a temporary sickness, you can come with to the exam, but if isn't, you need to stay behind, ok?" Natsu told to Erza who thought about it for a moment before she sighs with a nod

"good, now let's get going, we need to meet with Porlyusica" Natsu said as he grabs her hand as she stands up from her seat

"look after the two while we're away" Natsu told the others as they nodded

Natsu and Erza then walks out of the guild and headed to the eastern forest where Porlyusica lives

Eastern forest

At Porlyusica's home

Natsu and Erza were at the guild's medic who was doing some tests on Erza after Natsu getting nagged by the witch for an hour

Porlyusica was checking Erza's blood, her temperature, her eyesight, everything that needs to be checked to verify that Erza is healthy

Porlyusica use a dropper as she drops a bit of pink liquid into a test tube where it has a few drops of Erza's blood in it

She pressed the top two times as the liquid drops into the tube before she twirls it in her hands a bit and sees a few blue spots appearing in Erza's blood

"I see" she said as she started scribbling on her board

"so, is it, Gastric problems? Vitamin deficiency? Or is she pregnant?" Natsu asked Porlyusica while helping Erza stand up

"first, she isn't pregnant, the vomiting you told me about is because she just has Gastric problems that should heal in two days or so" Porlyusica told them as Natsu and Erza sighs in relief a bit

"a bit relieving and disappointing at the same time" Natsu said with a smile

"does that mean I am okay to come to the S-class exam?" Erza asked Porlyusica who shook her head as a no

"your husband was right to come to me" Porlyusica told her

"it may not look like it but, you have a problem with your magic container" Porlyusica pulled out a board as she draws drawings of two containers on it

"a healthy mage's container should look like this" Porlyusica said as she points to the container on the left side

"while yours looks like this" Porlyusica pointed to the other one where it had a few cracks

"it's called MCCS, Magic Container Crycomosis. It's a disease that causes a mage's container to crack and have problems in collecting and releasing magic at the same time"

"if not treated in time, your wife will have to say goodbye to her career as a mage forever" Porlyusica told them

"wait, her magic container?" Natsu asked Porlyusica who continued explaining

"if she had gone to the exam in her condition, she would've just speed up the disease, making her lose her magic forever" Porlyusica said as she started to take some herbs and started mixing them with some potions

Erza's eyes were wide as saucers as she was shocked to know that such disease existed and could rob her of her magic, forever

"it's curable right?" Natsu asked her as she nodded

"if you had waited a week to come here, the antidote will never work on her anymore" Porlyusica said as it made Natsu sighed in relief

"thank god" Natsu said while running a hand to his hair

"she needs to stay here for at least a month or so, so that I can monitor on her health" Porlyusica said she twirls a potion in her hands

Natsu nodded as he then looks at his wife

"you heard her, Erza. You can't go" Natsu said before seeing Erza sighing as she nodded

"I'll contact Ikaruga to have her come and help babysit Rose and Mary with Macao and the others. While you rest and recover here, okay?"

Erza nodded again as she had a sad frown on her

Natsu looks at his wife's frown before pulling her into a hug

"I know it's frustrating and scary at the same time, but it will be alright," Natsu told her as he comforts her

"after I finish my part of the exam, I'll head straight back home as fast as I can to take care of you and the kids"

Natsu caresses her back as Erza hugs him back

"please, take care of her, Porlyusica" Natsu asked her as she nodded

The next three days

Fairy Tail

Everyone was gathered at the guild as Makarov was going to announce this year's S class Mage

Makarov, and the rest of the S-class mages are with him on the stage as he coughs in his hands

"This year's Exam will take place on Tenrou Island! The sacred ground of our guild!"

"This year?" asked Lucy.

"It's different each year." Warren explained to her.

"You never know what you're up against until you get there."

"And it's always hard." added Max.

"After all, those who pass become S-Class!" Alzack said with pride.

"For the past year" Makarov said "I have been observing you. Your hearts, your resolves, your desire to follow down the path of magic! I have taken them all under consideration! I have considered these individuals to be a cut above the rest!"

"Gray Fullbuster!"

Gray grins as he was pumped

"Can't say I'm surprised." added Lucy with a small smile, proud of her teammate.

"Juvia Lockser!"

Juvia blinked. "Me?" she asked in disbelief.

"Elfman Strauss!"

The man roared and threw his hands into the air, those around him covering their ears, although, nobody had the heart to scold him. This time.

"Cana Alberona!"

Cana didn't say a word. She simply lowered her head and sighed, a sight very unnatural when it came to her usual carefree, cheerful personality.

"Freed Justine!"

"I shall follow in Laxus' footsteps." stated proudly Freed, with Bickslow patting him on the shoulder in joy.

"Lecy McGarden!"

"Finally...my turn." whispered to herself Levy.

"Mest Gryder!"

A man with very short, black hair raised his head proudly, his eyes grateful for Makarov's choice.

"Man, he was so close last year." whistled Warren.

"I wonder if he'll take it this year." Someone wondered in the crowd.

"this time, only one of you will pass and become and S-class mage! The exam will start in another week. So, prepare yourself!" Makarov boomed out

"This year is going to be packed!"

"how come Juvia got picked but not me!?" Gajeel shouted

"I heard of your reputation before you joined the guild, you could say that it isn't the right time" Lily, his partner told him

"and Erza also said" Lily added in as Erza smirks with a glint on her

"you're still inexperience" She said

"damnit!" Gajeel shouted

"There are three rules that must be met to successfully pick a partner." Erza stated out.

"First, they must be a member of Fairy Tail. Second, they cannot be an S-Class mage. Thirdly, the seven people chosen by Master cannot team up with each other. Your partner must be someone outside of the seven."

"The details of the exam will be revealed on Tenrou Island." Makarov added in

"but for this year, Erza won't be participating as an examiner. She has been descripted to be sick and will on temporary leave" he said as he looks at Erza who nodded in understanding before Natsu caresses her head and gives her a peck on the head

Some of the crowds let out a sigh of relief to know that Erza won't be joining

"but in her place, Natsu Dragov" Makarov stated as everyone's eyes went wide

"eeeehhhhh!?"

"I am joining in too" Mira added in with a smile

"You mean you have to beat Natsu and Mira to become an S-Class?!" Lucy asked Gray who was a bit off guard to know that the wizard saint is joining in on the exam

"You see why it's so hard now?" threw in Macao.

"Well, I think they'll go easy on us...a little." sweat dropped Gray, as he knows that if they ever had to fight Natsu, their chance of winning is 0%

"Stop whining. This is the path all the S-Class have gone down. I believe in you all." Gildarts told them as he grins

"don't tell me!" Elfman exclaimed

"Gildarts will be trying to stop them too?!" Gray exclaimed

"I know I am new, but i won't be holding back" Natsu said with a grin as he fists bumps with Gildarts who grinned

"yeah, so am i" Gildarts said to them

The first time Natsu and Gildarts met, the two hit off pretty well as they had spars, drinks and some men to men time that made them good buds

"The exam will take place 7 days from now! We shall meet in Hargeon Port at 8 AM. I hope you spend the upcoming week wisely and prepare best to your ability! Dismissed!" announced Makarov and walked off the stage with the others

An hour later

With the emotions finally thinning away, the guild returned to its previous activities, as they now gathered around in large groups.

Team Natsu, with the addition of Levy, Elfman, Lisanna and Juvia were in as they were discussing

"the road to become a real man is getting further and further away." Elfman said with a frown.

Mira who was passing by, smiles to her little brother.

"Stop whining, Elfman. Focus on yourself and pray to the gods you don't meet me in the exam. I won't go easy on you, even if you are my brother."

Lucy looks at the man as she can tell that Elfman was sweating in his heart

"Master mentioned partners." said Wendy. "What did he mean, exactly?"

"Sometimes, the candidates are allowed to pick a partner to help them with the exam." explained Levy. "However, only the chosen ones could obtain the ranks, partners were there purely for support. This year's rules are the first time the rule of one has been broken."

Lucy frowned. "The rule of one?" she repeated.

"That's what we call it." said Gray. "Each year, one person took the rank. Couple years ago, the only S-Class we had was Gildarts. Then Gramps started to host the exams every year, and couple years later we had 5 of them. This year's exam will probably be the toughest yet."

"Sounds like trouble." Lucy said with an awkward smile

"Speaking of partners." Lucy asked as she saw Freed teaming up with Bickslow.

"Have you guys decided on who you'll partner with?"

"I don't think I should be here." stated quietly Juvia.

"What are you talking about?" asked her Gray. "You're more than qualified to take a part."

"She's saying that because she wants to be your partner." Lucy poked Gray with her elbow with a smirk.

"True." said Juvia, this time louder. "But I just don't belong here. I'm not cut for it."

"Nonsense." Lisanna shook her head. "Gray is right, you are more than good enough. Tell you what, I'll partner with you."

Juvia blinked. "Excuse me?"

"See? You don't need me as a partner." smiled Gray. "Besides, I've already decided on who I'll team up with."

As soon as he said that, Lucy felt a hand on her shoulder. When she turned around, she was met with a big mess of orange hair smiling down at her.

"Long time no see, everyone." smiled Loke.

"Huh?" choked out Lucy.

"We made a promise last year, that we would partner up if either of us got picked." grinned Gray and fist bumped the spirit. "So, this year, we're fulfilling it."

"Sorry, Lucy, but I'll have to cancel our contract for the time being." said Loke. "Don't worry, I'm using my own magic to stay here, so no harm will come to you."

"I'm in your care, partner."

"Don't you worry, I'll carry you to the rank if I have to."

Lucy blinked in confusion. "Selfish, aren't you? Since when were you so buddy-buddy anyway?"

"So, there you have it." Gray ignored Lucy and grinned at Juvia, before extending his hand towards her. "Looks like we'll be fighting each other in a week. I was kinda hoping for a rematch with you."

The bluenette stared at the hand, before smiling a little and taking it. "If it comes to that, may the better one win."

Gray's mouth opened in slight shock, but soon gave in to a proud smile.

"I'll make sure you come out victorious, Juvia!" grinned Lisanna.

"Lisanna..."

"Wait a second, Lisanna!" screamed panicked Elfman. "If you're partnering up with her, who am I going to team up with?!"

"Looks like there's someone who's been sending hateful glares at our table for the past ten minutes now." giggled the girl and pointed at the bar counter. "She's probably mad Freed teamed up with Bickslow."

Elfman looked in the direction, only to be met with Evergreen's stonecold stare drilling a hole in his very soul. He met her eyes for a short moment, before turning back around.

"Evergreen?" Elfman voice out as he shivers

"At least you guys have a chance at passing." smiled nervously Levy. "I'll probably get knocked out in the first ten minutes."

"Yeah, you will." said a voice behind her. She turned around only to meet Gajeel's eyes staring down at her. "Guess I have no choice. I'll team up with you."

"She didn't even ask you, though." stated Pantherlily from behind him.

Gajeel ignored him. "So, what do you say? I'll beat the crap out of anyone who stands in your way."

Levy sighed. "I have no chance. I'm small, and compared to everyone else, I might as well be a kid. I'll lose quickly."

"Keep saying shit like that and you really will fail." Gajeel said while picking her up by the collar.

"Hey, let me go!"

"I'll make you shoot for the stars." Gajeel said proudly as Levy blushes

Now our attention is to a certain married couple who was chatting with Macao

"and that's where you come in, Macao" Natsu said as he had asked the Flare mage to help Erza in taking care of Rose and Mary while Erza is on the road to recovery

"got it, I'll help" Macao said with a smile

"thanks, and you won't be alone in this" Natsu said before shivering in fear as he heard a giggle behind him

"fufufufu, Natsu-han is still as stiff as ever"

Ikaruga appeared as she giggles to him

"h-hi Oneechan!" Natsu stuttered out in fear to the swordswomen who was caressing Milo in her arms

"so, Natsu-han has asked Oneechan to help in watching Natsu-han's children, yes?" Ikaruga said with a smile

"yeah, can you do it?" Natsu asked him as Ikaruga smiles

"of-course I will, Natsu-han's children are my nieces" Ikaruga said with a smile

"thanks, oneechan" Natsu said with a smile before he went stiff as Ikaruga pointed her Mugetsu-ryu at his neck

"but Oneechan's services aren't free" she told him as Natsu gulped and nodded

The days then went on as the day of the S class exam came

At Hargeon

Everyone was now at the docks getting ready to ship off

"Do be careful Wendy." Carla said, still worried about the vision she received a week prior.

"Don't worry Carla, I'll be fine." She said with a smile.

"Come on Wendy let's go." Mest said as he walked towards the ship.

"Ok, coming." Wendy said running after him. Carla waving.

"Do *sniff* your best *sniff* Levy." Jet said as tears streamed down his face.

"Yeah *sniff* we know *sniff* you can do it." Droy added, also crying.

"Aww don't cry guys. I'll be back soon." Levy said with a smile trying to comfort them.

"Time to go shrimp." Gajeel said walking past her.

"O-ok." Levy said nervously as she followed him.

"Good luck Levy!" Jet and Droy said in unison as the tears continued to fall.

"Come on guys stop crying." Max said.

"Do your best Gajeel." Pantherlily commented with a smirk, Gajeel giving him a thumbs up.

""I'll be sure to do my best for you…Laxus."" Freed thought as he looked up into the sky, seeing an image of the Thunder wizards face. "Let's go Bickslow." Freed said as they boarded the boat.

"Right behind ya, buddy," Bixlow said with his usual tongue out grin.

"Come on big brother," Lisanna said happily as she pushed Elfman from behind. "Our partners are already on board the ship."

"Alright alright, I'm going. Quit pushing will ya?" Elfman replied irritated.

"Ready to do this?" Gray asked Loke with a confident grin.

"You know it, partner. Let's go make you an S-Class wizard." Loke replied as the two pounded fists and boarded the boat.

Cana and Lucy were the next to board, the former with a distraught look on her face.

"Don't worry Cana," Lucy said with a confident smirk. "I'm gonna make sure you pass the exam."

A small smile appeared on Cana's face. "Thank you, Lucy." The two then boarded the ship.

Nearly everyone was now on the boat, except for Natsu and Erza, who were both standing in front of Macao and Ikaruga

"I'll be back home, I promise," Natsu said with a smile as he gives a kiss to her forehead

"promise me," Erza told him as he nodded

"and please make sure that you pay her with my jewels, she can haunt people in their dreams" Natsu whispered to Erza as he was shaking in fear to Ikaruga's smile

"okay," Erza said as she gives a kiss to his cheek

Natsu and Erza then turn their attention to their children in their stroller that was being held by Macao

"Rose, Mary. Daddy needs to go and help Gramps with an exam, so be good with Mommy, uncle Macao and -gulp- Ikaruga oneechan" Natsu said as when he was about to call Ikaruga a nickname, she sends a shivering stare at him

Ikaruga smiles in agreement as she continues caressing Milo's head in her arms

The twins babbled to him as Natsu smiles and gives them a kiss to the foreheads

"I'm counting on you, Macao," Natsu said as Macao nodded with a smile

"and you too, Oneechan," Natsu told her with a smile as Ikaruga nodded with a smile while Milo meowed to Natsu

"counting on you too, partner" Natsu petted Milo's head before turning to the boat that had already sailed before him

"see you guys in a few days," Natsu said as he burst into flames and summons Enryuo no Yoroi on

He spreads his wings before flapping them two times as he was now in the air

Natsu took one look back to Erza and the others as he waves them goodbye before flying at high speed, passing by the ship in a flash

Erza looks at Natsu's figure that was disappearing quickly as her hair blew through from the wind

She then hears her children babbling as she turns to them and started heading back to the guild with the others

But Erza felt an uncomfortable feeling arising in her heart as she felt that Natsu's promise to come back will be halted by the claws of the bringer of chaos

That's a wrap!

Bye bye