(Alright, here's a BixLu one I'm starting! It's a slow start. I would also like to say that FFN doesn't give me nearly enough genre's. So yes, it's a mystery and a romance. I wanted to add that it's the hurt/comfort and tragedy too. Some characters will die. Anyway, hope you enjoy it as I write! Thank you!)
Chapter 1: Normal POV:
While the day itself was a fairly chaotic one with everyone running around after everything that had happened after the Grand Magic Games, Lucy felt relaxed after everything that happened. Nothing seemed to be wrong, everything was back where it should be. With Fairy Tail on top once more. The dragons and her future self still bothered her… but they were gone and dealt with. She knew they wouldn't come back. Not with the gate destroyed by Natsu. It was an experience with time she didn't want ever again.
Yet, their city of Magnolia and the Mayor returned their old Guild Hall to its former glory. For winning the games. Lucy felt grateful. She knew the rest of the Guild appreciated it too. However, Master Makarov had told all of them earlier that week that he had an announcement and that everyone needed to be present to hear it this day. Lucy wondered what it was that was so important that he called a formal announcement. The Celestial Wizard leaned her arm against the bar counter and eyed Mira from the other side. "So what do you think it is, Mira?" Lucy asked curiously.
The white haired mage smiled at Lucy. "I'm not allowed to say Lucy. You'll just have to wait like the rest of them." She teased the blonde woman. Lucy sighed, "Yeah, yeah. Okay, well thanks anyways Mira." She said with slight disappointment before walking off towards her table. Where only Erza and Wendy sat at for the moment. The Celestial Mage wore more casual clothing that day. A simple light rose tank top underneath her lighter blue turtleneck sweater. Lucy felt colder that day, even though she still wore a darker blue short skirt and thigh high stockings and boots. The blonde sat at the table and let her eyes wander the room. Everyone around and excited to hear what the Master had in store for them.
Lucy's eyes fell upon Natsu and Gray arguing about something, which didn't truly surprise her in the least, but it didn't escalate thankfully. Laxus pushed both of them forward and knocked their heads together in an attempt to get them to stop. It worked as Laxus didn't show any interest in going any further. The blonde woman followed Laxus with her eyes until he promptly sat at his table with the rest of the thunder tribe. Immediately Bickslow stole her attention, as his mask was off. It wasn't usually off. She found herself shrugging it off. Though, still curious about something, she turned to Erza. "Hey—" She began, trying to ask Erza about this announcement. But she was interrupted by the Master speaking. "Alright, listen up! First, I wanted to celebrate and congratulate you all on winning the Grand Magic Games! As well as saving the world from a small legion of dragons!" He exclaimed.
Though Lucy could tell he wasn't done. Knowing that surely he didn't call everyone here just to say that. "But, with the demand of more jobs, some of them higher jobs. We need more S-Class. But I won't simply give them out. We're going back to Tenrou island… tomorrow!" Gasps and cheers erupted within the room.
Most seemed surprised with the sudden S-Class announcement. Lucy was among most of them, simply surprised. She turned to Erza, "Tomorrow?" She asked, realizing as she watched Erza's expression change to a smirk, "Tomorrow, don't worry Lucy, you'll be going too." The redhead reassured the blonde. But Lucy shook her head, it didn't matter to her that she was going, although that truly surprised her too. She cared that it was so sudden. She was glad she didn't take any jobs for the next day.
So I'm going? Does that mean I get to pick a partner this year? I wonder if Cana and I could have a second chance..?
But in the next few minutes, her theories were crushed. As Master Makarov continued to explain to everyone, "This time will be a little bit different. You'll be partnered up. That partner will be your partner the entire time we're there. The team to win the trial, both shall become an S-Class wizard." He paused as those waiting patiently for him to finish cheered again. He cleared his throat as those around them were already choosing partners. Lucy could hear Natsu picking Happy. "However… I will be choosing the teams." He finished explaining. The crowd gasped again. Natsu and Gajeel were already arguing over Master Makarov's decision over himself choosing the teams.
Lucy couldn't help but ponder who her teammate would be. She was curious if it would be Natsu. Or Gray. She wondered who it was who would even get to participate this time. Clearly it was her this time, with Erza already revealing that. But the rest? Lucy waited patiently. Then the Master continued, "Before I reveal the teams, I must tell you that you should know I have picked them for a reason. Each for a different reason. Do not fight me on this. Also, meet me at the ship at 9am. Or we'll leave without you." He joked at the end of his statement.
"So. Teams. To start, we have Natsu and Freed as a team." While Freed nodded, Natsu seemed to hold his jaw open. "I gotta team up with this guy?" He protested, much to Lucy's assumption that he would. Classic Natsu to ignore exactly what anyone just said.
"Then we have Gray and Wendy." Makarov continued, clearly ignoring Natsu. Gray moved towards their table and high fived the small girl.
"Gajeel and Juvia." His voice overpowering the whispers, Gajeel seemed to grin, "Power team." He agreed. Juvia was already crying from the lack of being on Gray's team.
"Cana and Elfman." Master Makarov seemed to smile more and more each time he revealed the teams. So far, the pairings didn't seem to truly phase Lucy. If the Master truly had his reasons for picking said teams, she would figure them out. At least for herself. Thinking perhaps it was a clue to the trials.
"Levy and Lisanna." Lucy could hear Erza chuckling quietly to herself. The Celestial Mage felt a little scared, "Erza? Why are you laughing like that?" She questioned. The requip mage however, didn't even look up from her cheesecake.
"And finally, Lucy and Bickslow." It was then, finally, that Erza looked up from her cake and smiled sweetly. "I for one think these teams will be interesting. Especially considering the challenges we have on Tenrou this time around. I wish you luck, Lucy." Erza bubbled, standing from the table.
The words of Master Makarov came back to Lucy. And finally, Lucy and Bickslow. The Celestial Mage felt confused. She looked over to the seith Mage a second time to find him staring at her already. A grin on his features. She was meant to be on a team with him? She knew she didn't dislike the man… he'd verbally passed some thoughts to her about how she dressed before. Though that didn't bother her. Her confliction's source was unknown to her. Perhaps it was the way he was staring at her now? Lucy's imagination began to run wild. She felt like a deer running through the wild, afraid of something that was completely harmless. Yet she still ran, and he still chased her.
"Remember, 9am! I suggest you go home and pack, rest up. Do dress warmly." Master Makarov reminded them, before he stepped off the railing and disappeared. Lucy sighed, "Better go I suppose." She relented. "See ya tomorrow you guys!" She yelled to her friends and team, before she left the Guild Hall, intending on having a nice bath before she went to bed.