Chapter 31: candidates

The next day everyone gathered at the guild, because of the S-Class promotion test. Everybody wanted to be chosen, but at the same time scared to be left for seven years again. Also, for some it seemed to be foolish to even organize the test at all because there wasn't one in a while and plenty of mages had reached an S-Class level some time ago. I, unlike them, was interested of the rules and the whole system of the test. So I was thrilled when it was time to hear who will be able to get that promotion.

"You all improved so much during this time. We had to go through such powerful forces which required so much magical energy out of us. There was no wonder you all got stronger. But only a few of you will get an opportunity to become an official S-Class wizard and only one will be promoted." Master Makarov said to the guild members who more or less waited to hear their names. "So I shall begin. The first to participate is Gajeel. His Dragon Slaying magic is really worth becoming promoted. Besides, he not once showed his worth as a comrade and friend..."

"What? I thought I was already an S-Class wizard! What kind of joke is that!?" Gajeel yelled while sitting next to Levy who seemed to be writing something. She, hearing his frustration, dug his arm with her nail several times and when he glanced at her, she shook her head shutting him up.

Meanwhile, Master talked without paying attention what Gajeel said. "..Also, Juvia is worth that promotion too. You got much stronger over the years as well. Cana, I hope this time will be lucky one to you. Gray, your Demon Slaying magic is one of the strongest in the whole guild. It'd be a shame not to give you a chance to be promoted."

"Me too?" Gray's jaw dropped. "That's unfair. I was even in a Century Quest, but still not an S-Class?" he groaned and crossed his arms on his chest.

"Gray, your clothes," Cana noticed him stripping as usual.

"Ugh," he just rolled his eyes. He didn't care of them at that time.

Master still ignored what noises were around. "...Wendy, I'm more than happy to tell you get into the test. The same goes for Lucy. You grew so much over such a short time. Maybe it was mostly Natsu's and Erza's influence to keep you at the best, or all your team, but I'm happy you managed to make it this far. And the last person... Elfman, I wish you luck."

Everyone started talking even more. Ones were happy, others disappointed they won't get promoted again. Ant the fact that the extremely strong mages worthy of a highest ranks are still not promoted. Considering that only one can get their rank raised per year is annoying too, I truly can agree with that.

But Natsu was furious compared to others. "Hey, Gramps, what about me?!" he yelled louder than anyone else silencing the guild. Right, his name wasn't mentioned.

"You? Right. Natsu, you were fighting against dragons, demons, evil forces, Alvarez Twelve, Zeref... Also, you managed to melt the whole arena of Grand Magic Games after the ten-month training. You proved not once you were really worthy of being an S-Class wizard. Congratulations, Natsu. You're promoted," Makarov smiled a little to see shocked Natsu's face.

"What? And I didn't even get a chance to fight someone," he complained.

"Are you kidding!? He got promoted and I didn't?" Gajeel started yelling again, Levy didn't stop him this time. She just looked at Natsu and the guild master with a slight shock.

"How the heck you deserved that more than me? I was fighting dragons too! And I could have beaten Zeref myself! But how the heck you're worthy more than me, you moron?" Gray groaned at Natsu.

"Have a problem with that, stripper?" their foreheads bump and their glares gave out a terrifying aura.

"Calm down now, you guys. You might will be able to finish things between you two during the test," Erza interrupted pushing them away from each other.

Natsu's mood got way brighter hearing that. Gray still wasn't too pleased but smirked.

"Alright. I'm all fired up. We shall finish this once and for all," Natsu grinned.

"That makes two of us," Gray said back.

Meanwhile Cana was chatting with Lucy. "Hey, Lucy, I'm glad you made it. I wish you luck, but we all know it has to finally be my turn to be promoted," Cana smirked, obviously too drunk to care. That endless times she got into the test was annoying the hell out of her.

"We'll see about that," Lucy said back with a giggle. There was no way Cana could leave the guild after another failure anyways. The guild was her home, her family.

I watched how everyone reacted and tried to think how worthy each of them was. I saw part of the members getting back to their previous business. Some went to look for a job, others talked to each other and slowly the atmosphere got easier. The participants got something to figure out who could be their teammates.

However, Master Makarov was arguing with Gray and Gajeel for a while therefore I couldn't ask how it really was myself.

Therefore, I had no other choice, but to hope Erza knew something. She had that weird smirk on her face the whole day and I couldn't reach her mind with this many whispers of other thoughts in my head. As nobody payed too much attention to her, I approached her. "I see you know more than you tell," I said simply.

"Maybe," she didn't deny it.

I smiled. I was right.

"Why Natsu was promoted without a test?" I asked and she immediately put her index on her lips. Ah, he might hear.

We were informed from the Council he will be acknowledged as an Wizard Saint. It would be a big mess if he failed the test or wasn't an S-ranking wizard.

""Oh..." I nodded and looked at him. He truly had a great power rivaling even The Wizard Saints.

But why not tell him? I asked directly to Erza's mind.

There was enough commotion just because he's an S-Class while others aren't.

I sighed. That's true. The guild would be in a big mess if they were told now.

But I still don't get it why just Natsu? Gray and you are also as strong, I noted.

Probably because they'll be able to watch him more closely then. Such high ranking mages can go on way harder jobs or on the missions the Council wants them. I bet it'll be easier to dismiss the damage he causes when he's a Wizard Saint.

Ah, I understand, I nodded. I didn't know much about the Council's activities because they mostly orientate about all types of guilds and my parents don't communicate with them much, only with one or two each time the Council has changed. Right now I heard that the four members of the Council are non-mages, simply an aristocrats who are representatives of the eighty percent of population who does not use magic. Well, it might actually raise the trust of civilians, besides, restrict the magic using eight of the Council.

Also, my parents once mentioned that one is a real Lettercard. My mother's younger sister, to be precise, but mother made it clear that this person will only put Lettercard name on shame. Dunno about that, but I hope my parents won't be too pissed off because of my aunt.

But it's difficult to keep track of what they do anyways, because it has changed several times during the past ten years and every time the group has different values and thoughts. For example, this Council is still unstable and people in it doesn't stay too long, therefore Fiore can be easily threatened right now. It has been clear that the current situation with dark guilds, bandits, robbers and other types of crime number increased due to how the Council cannot take care of them. Not sure if my aunt has something to do with everything that happens there though.

Anyways, , it might be useful at some point to promote Natsu. He's strong and it'd be easy to send him out on missions such as exposing of the dark guilds. Usually mages are forbidden to act on their own against underground organizations unless given the permission from the Council, so sending Natsu off possibly straighten the kingdom again. And not only Natsu. If there were more Vizard Saints in the entire Ishgar there'd be more fear over them.

Besides, who said only he get's the inauguration, Erza smirked.

I smiled widely. Of course she had to be one of the candidates. Congrats.

So it is true. The Council is doing exactly what I thought. They want to straighten the country adding the gaps in the Wizard Saint list in order to slowly bring back the Council it was used to be. I honestly hope this decision will work. The inauguration will probably happen only to those who made a name for themselves too, because it'd help people to understand who and for what reasons got those promotions. And I bet majority will be from those who has already participated in the Grand Magic Games.

For the matter of fact, Sabertooth is considered to be the second strongest guild in Fiore, right? This means someone from there will also become a wizard Saint. Or at least I hope so.

I turned at the crowd which already seemed to live their normal lives. It was so lively as usual with the same arguments and jokes. Everyone were starting to drink more than they could handle because of the coming promotion or failure they didn't get in.

I enjoyed the atmosphere though. It really felt more like home than my actual home. Gosh, I really didn't want to go back, especially after what happened. And I really want to talk to someone about what happened. I need Rufus. I want to tell him everything and ask what should I do. I was afraid of that place. I didn't want to be near those people.

I don't know what to do. I'm so weak against them. I'm just their pawn they do whatever they like. I really don't want to face them. Not today, not tomorrow, not any other time.

But I pushed those thoughts away. Fairy Tail doesn't know me this well for me to open to them. Besides, it's not like I or they can do anything about it, so I should just think of something else. Something as the upcoming rest of the guild. Yes, the test.

"It's pretty obvious what the teams will be then. Elfman with Evergreen and Juvia with Lisana same as the last time. Wendy won't leave Carla here and take as her partner while Lily will help Gajeel since Levy is about to have a baby soon.," I didn't even notice when I said it.

"Indeed. But what do you guess about the others?" Erza asked me since she still stood next to me.

I bit my lip knowing I said my thoughts out loud, but decided to satisfy Erza with more of my predictions.

"Hmm... Gray... I'm not sure Loke will be able to join him once more, especially when he's Lucy's spirit and Lucy might need him," I said trying to recall old stories and memories I got from their heads. "But I don't think he needs someone as Loke to get the promotion. He's perfectly capable to win himself," I said.

"Not unless he has to fight Natsu," I froze from Erza's words. Natsu won't let anyone go through him before completely finishing him off. They might will be fighting for weeks.

"Ah, I forgot about that," I said. "This wouldn't end well then."

"Who do you think Lucy and Cana will take as their partners?" Erza asked me. "Last time these two were working hand-by-hand, but now they are rivals."

"Lucy will take Happy," I said like it was obvious.

"How do you know?" Erza asked but answered herself. "Your magic."

I looked at Lucy. She was surrounded by her cheerful friends. I was able to easily check all of them thoughts and I knew Happy would be surprised to be invited, but he'd agree. After all, he couldn't leave Natsu, even if Lucy will have to pass through him. In any way, I wasn't sure Happy's participance would let Natsu's desire to fight disappear. But I could admit, Lucy was a really clever woman. She might manage to pass just because she was intelligent.

"What about Cana then?"

"Cana... I'm not sure. She wants to have a drink first," I said rolling my eyes.

"Typical Cana..." Erza sighed.

"Yeah..." I nod. "Anyway, I was thinking... You're all leaving soon, so I won't be able to practice with you. What do you say, let's have one more little match?" I was smiling sweetly. I wasn't sure how long I'd be able to move around properly when my belly starts growing. Besides, I was sure nobody will agree to train with me when they'll find out about my pregnancy. But I really feel not too well now after yesterday and I really need such distraction.

"You look a bit too pale though, aren't you sick?" she asked back.

I bit my lip. That was true, I noticed myself my complexion was a bit too light for some time now. I didn't feel too well either. I was feeling sick more and more often. It's not like I was throwing up any time I felt sick, but some sights, smells, phrases or anything else can make my simply want to vomit. That's why I'm a bit pale. Probably.

Adding that, I was tortured last night and don't remember how I was brought to my bed to begin with. I still suffer the effects from yesterday despite the fact I managed to hold my own against their torture. It was surely surprising me, almost like I was healed from my sickness more or less, though that desease cannot be healed. Unless it was Wendy. Maybe she really managed to do something about my condition which I could only be happy of. If I'd have lost my cool then, I've no idea what'd have happened.

And I am really afraid that could happen again. And I'm scared. So scared the thought of going home already makes me tremble.

"Of course I'm fine," I said hoping to get relaxed with a little training match. Little they expect I had a rough night yesterday,

Erza smiled back at me. "It'd be nice before I leave then. Afterwards, soon enough, our team is planning to go on a longer trip, not a Century Quest again, but something also challenging," she said. "This might be the last chance you'll get to train with me."

"So this is a yes?" I asked.

"Yep, but let's make a test to you too. I want to know how much you've improved, so I want you to combine your magic with what you've learned," Erza said.

"Are you sure?" I blinked a few times. Though I doubted I'd be able to defeat the Great Titania with or without magic, she was right. I had to learn not only the sword art basics, but also how it goes with my magic. Therefore I become stronger warrior, not only swordsman, but that art becomes the part of my magic power and abilities. I nod. "All right. Let's try."

Me vs Erza. Erza vs me. Nobody imagined this fight would be more serious and taking more strength than any of the others. My mind magic... Molding magic... Telepathy... Teleportation... It guaranteed my improved strength.

Erza gave me one of her main swords as usual. I stood up in my usual posture and tried to gather the every drop of courage in me. It wasn't much of it though. I was facing the reality that it was literally impossible to defeat her. But the real magic was in one's emotion right? So I tried to gather all of it too. I had so much sadness and anger in me. I hated my parents, my name, the rules I was forced to follow, I hated I had to betray my sister and take over the empire my family was building over the centuries. I hated I wasn't allowed to be with Rufus even though I risked telling them some of the truth. I hated what they were making me go through and what they did to my health. I hate being sick. I hate! I hate! I hate it all!

Even though, it was quite strange I connected my minds with Erza during the fight, but I hoped I won't misunderstand them with my own accidentally.

And I messed them up at first. But just before loosing, I managed to take her actions as my expectation. I dodged her attacks and attacked myself. When I noticed her movements were too fast for me, I teleported myself further away from her to dodge her attacks and closer for attacking. I managed to hit her a few times, same as she hit me, but I still was standing on my feet. Guess I really was careless to get those hits, because I kept protecting my belly. Therefore accordingly, my arms were the ones to suffer.

"Nice," Erza said after my attack. "I knew you'd improve with your magic."

I smiled hearing this, but didn't let myself get distracted. Distraction was the main reason of loosing. And I wasn't ready to loose this easily. This isn't why I was training for more than a month.

Titania attacked me again. I ran towards her as well, but instead of taking her sword head on, I kneeled avoiding her blade and hit her legs and quickly rolled away from her. Erza hesitated and fell on her knees too. I saw blood tearing out of the wound I made.

"That was a clever one, but you were playing not very fair," she said standing up.

"Your legs were wide open for the hit. I don't see anything unfair in that," I breathed heavily with a little smile on my face. As hard as it was, it was also enjoyable in some way. The physical pain burning from my wounds and the adrenaline that I was able to fight back was overwhelming. Despite how hard it was, at least I had a weapon too and could fight unlike with what I suffered last night.

However, I noticed I was going out of breath a bit faster than before. It might be caused of my pregnancy, but I was still being able to handle a bit more of that. Guess this meant I wouldn't be able to fight soon enough anyways, so I've decided to go all out as long as I could.

"Very well then. Let's see how you can fight against my magic," Erza said as if she was holding back all this time. I felt shivers in my back. "Requip!"

At that moment in front of my eyes Erza's armor changed. Now she was wearing a white long skirt with iron armor on it, her chest was more open, but she was with armor bra and had white wings. She was with her Heaven Wheel armor. I gasped. I've never seen any of her armors with my own eyes before. But one thing I knew. If she uses those armors to defeat me, that means I'm much tougher than she might thought.

"Let's see how well you're educated," Erza said enjoying herself and in the sky appeared ten or more swords. They all at once flew at me and I tried to use my flexibility skills to dodge it, but I wasn't that fast and one pierced my leg through. Painfully. I lost my sword. And fell on the ground.

"Stand. We're not finished yet," Titania said. I took my all strength and somehow tried to stand. It was hard and painful and distracting. But I had to focus and not let her win. Yes, there was greater possible pain for me, so why should I fall just because there was a blade crossing my leg?

"Hey, look, Erza's using her powers against Neda-chan! And she looks she won't give up!" one of the comrades noticed our fought got mote serious.

So we fought more. I grabbed the handle on the sword in my leg and with a terrible yell took it out. Blood split down the leg immediately, hut I just got myself a weapon. Instantly after that, I teleported myself to fight and avoid attacks more often than before, because it got much harder to walk and run around. The blood loss was also greater than with my the scratched on my arms, but I was so glad I could use such magic. Mest taught me some time ago about it when I asked him. I was really interested to learn that for a good reason.

But Erza was so strong I couldn't fight anymore, just avoid her endlessly instead. I was out of my strength, but still had some magic left. I didn't know what to do though. I didn't have any proper spells for a fight, only defense, just how useless I still was after all.

Fortunately, an idea just popped into my head. Since I was experimenting to begin with, I thought I could use something I hadn't before. The Mind Molding magic was giving me plenty of flexibility for me to use, just like Ice or Memory Make. If I needed, I could create a new spell, right? Therefore, when I was about to get another hit, I shouted. "Mind Mirror!"

"Huh?" Erza blinked before the magic of her sword was reflected and hit her instead. Sadly, it was just a magic I reflected and therefore I still got a hit of the blade. She quickly stepped backwards still in shock. "What was that?"

"It's a shield which can reflect an attack with the similar amount of force my opponent uses," I explained intriguing red-haired woman. "However, it seems it's just a magic it reflects," I added placing a palm of my bleeding chest. It really hurt where I was hit, but adrenalin was keeping me from fainting for now. I hoped I wouldn't fait at all.

But before my eyes appeared more swords and flew right into me before I knew it.

I quickly teleported myself again and using this as an distraction ran towards my opponent. She caught my sword with her own blade already predicting this move though. The fight got same as before despite both of us were hit and bleeding pretty bad. Unfortunately, my weak hands couldn't handle the weight anymore and slid out of my hands while Erza's sword appeared just under my neck. Besides that, the same moment I received a blow from my back which knocked me out.

I woke up on a seat in the bar of the guild, Wendy already doing her job. Ah, I really lost, right? I thought for a moment. The last thing I remembered was when because of the injuries in my arms and blood loss I let go of my sword. But it seems I lost my consciousness too. How pathetic, and how long was I out?

I looked at Erza who carefully watched Wendy healing me. She was still injured, giving me the priority. After Wendy was done with me, she started healing Erza, who seemed to not mind the pain, actually.

Erza changed her clothes back to normal afterwards. She had similar amount of wounds as me, just not as bad. Probably, because I don't bleed that much duo to my slow heartbeat while Erza's injuries must have been less deep than mine.

"You did really well today," Erza said seeing me checking my healed injuries. "You do much better when you merge your abilities."

"The same I can say about you. My magic is nothing against yours," I said back still wondering how long was I out, but smiled. It's not like I didn't expect to lose. I believe, I did quite well today though. I didn't imagine I'd hold this so long.

"This was really well!" I heard someone say. Mest stood together with a few more comrades. They agreed. "You really got powerful over a few months."

I smiled to them and thanked. "Did you stand here all this time just to say that?" I teased a little.

"Nope, you were out just a couple of minutes," Cana said not even looking at me. All she saw was her liquor.

"I'm sorry," Erza apologized. "I didn't mean to knock you out from behind. You were already pale and with such terrible wounds you would probably have died."

I bot my lip. I didn't know how to comment this.

"Sorry," I apologized myself eventually.

"For what? You fought well. And I had to end this duel now instead leaving it for the rematch," Erza said, but then gave me a warm smile. "But I'll gladly beat you up again once you improve a bit."

She was seriously scary, wasn't she?

"Err...Okay," I said back giving the very same smile tp her. I'll make sure to improve. Pregnant or not, I still can get stronger, right? And when I do, I'll make sure to put up a better fight to her.

But then there was a light in her hand requipping the sword I fought before with. A light blade was still covered with mud and a bit blood, but I recognized it.

"You left it," she said and I blinked. What? No, she was the one letting me borrow... Wait... She meant...

I shook my head knowing where she's turning. "N-no. This is yours..."

"It's not mine anymore. You were training with it for a long time, so it belongs to you now. As for me, I have plenty more, don't worry."

"But this one fits with your nickname..."

"I didn't chose it. People called me like this, that's all."

I didn't know what else to say. She probably has a new sword she'd rather try out leaving the old ones behind. Considering this one was all dirty and needed to be sharpen again, she probably simply was avoiding some extra work.

But I took it into my hands like it was the first time I held it not caring it was more of a trash to her. It felt like it was something special for me. It wasn't just a sword I was training with, it was a gift from my sensei. From my friend. I knew that sword was special to her as well some time ago, so I promised myself I'd apriciate it.

"Thank you," I said and smiled gently to her. She gave me the same smile back.

I really thought I should split this chapter into two since it's so long, but I haven't published any chapters for some time now, so let it be. I also made a little introduction of Neda's mother.

Name: Ellen Lettercard

Age: 44 years old

Magic: none

Likes: housework

Dislikes: humiliation, stupidity, magic

Remarks: Neda's mother was born and grew in Hargeon as a descendent of Lettercards. She met her future husband there too and moved to Magnolia only after Neda got into the family. Ellen is a strict, old-fashioned woman who wants her children to be able to take care around themselves therefore never hired any servants. Despite her usual altitude, she educated both her daughters very well and is actually proud of how clever her children grew.