Chapter 23 S-Class Trials Take 2
The next several months flew by in a flurry of progressively more difficult missions as Harry worked hard to prepare for the next S-class trials. In the back of his mind, he recognized that part of the reason he'd failed was because he'd let himself dwell on his past. That he had been dwelling on his past for too long. He'd joined Fairy Tail to start over, so start over he would. Harry couldn't stop the occasional nightmare, but he consciously pushed it all to the back of his mind. It had nothing to do with him anymore. That part of his life was over. Yes, his experiences had shaped him, but they would not cripple him any longer.
This new mindset manifested itself with a fierce determination to get stronger, to prove himself a valuable member of Fairy Tail and a powerful mage in his own right. It also manifested as Harry took a greater interest in learning about his guild members. Still wrapped up in his own mind, Harry had really only paid attention to the ones who forced their presence upon him (Cana and Natsu, and to some degree Levy), and those who understood (Gray and Mira).
But now he made an effort to talk with Macao, to play with Romeo, to chat with Wakaba and Nab. He talked to Elfman and found his soft spot for small animals. Harry made Erza her strawberry cake and talked about gardening with Droy. He shared in Jet's love for speed (and frequently found himself missing his Firebolt). Harry talked to Reedus about his paintings. He listened (and tried not to cringe) as Laki waxed poetic about her Wood Make magic and slightly sadistic preference for old wooden torture machines. Harry helped Mira with her matchmaking for Alzack and Bisca (though without success). He made a greater effort to talk with Loke, whom he realized he had neglected for some time. Harry also welcomed the newest members Max and Warren, and he even asked Vijiteer (albeit hesitantly) about his dancing.
Harry by no means became everyone's best friend, but when he wasn't on missions, he did make an effort to get to know at least all the core members. The guild's membership was nearing a hundred, from what Harry understood, but there were only about thirty who came every day or nearly every day to the guild hall and regularly took jobs. There were always members coming and going on the outskirts, those who wanted to be associated with the Fairy Tail guild but rarely came to the guild hall or took jobs. Harry knew most of them by sight simply by virtue of time, but nothing about them.
Due to Harry's efforts, he began to feel more and more at home at the guild and with the other members. By the time of the Fantasia festival, Harry was seen just as often at a table laughing with Macao and Wakaba while playing with Romeo or chatting with Team Shadowgear (as Levy, Jet, and Droy called themselves) as he was with Gray or Cana. He was even caught debating desserts with Erza once or twice, and he humored Natsu's demands for a duel every now and again. Though it usually involved Natsu being slammed into the ground and a guild-wide brawl breaking out.
Harry also gave job suggestions to Nab—ever indecisive—and inquired after the mechanics of Warren's telepathy. Harry helped Max practice his budding sand magic, and he learned to his surprise that Max was younger than he was, just barely sixteen, a fact that made Max and Levy, at fifteen, the youngest full members of the guild. (Romeo considered himself a member, but he didn't have a guild mark yet, as, at five, he was still too young.)
After the Fantasia parade and harvest festival, the weather cooled and the winter rains moved in. A sense of anticipation gripped the guild, and just like last year, members were rushing around to complete jobs to prepare for the S-class exams. Harry was among them, though with less urgency as he'd been preparing for months already. Summoning up his Gryffindor bravery, Harry even asked Erza if he could accompany her on an S-class mission. Erza shot him down immediately.
"You don't need my help to become S-class," she'd told him frankly. "But if you make it this year, then we can take a job together."
"Is that a promise?" Harry challenged, only half-joking. He knew S-class jobs would be hard, and according to guild policy, every new S-class mage would be assigned a mentor to accompany them on their first few jobs to ensure they could handle the task, as S-class jobs were a huge leap in difficulty from A-class, the highest non-S-class rank. He was half-hoping that, if he did make it, Erza would be his mentor (she was preferable to Laxus, anyway, the only other active S-class mage in the guild).
Erza eyed him critically for a moment, then nodded, smiling faintly. "It's a promise."
Two months later, in mid-December, the entire guild was once again gathered in the guild hall awaiting an important announcement. Harry stood between Gray, Cana, and Loke, anxiously awaiting the news. After seeing Harry's renewed determination, Gray began working harder, too, not wanting to be left behind. Loke joined them as a practice partner, and Harry dragged Cana into it, too, seeing as she grew more withdrawn as December neared. As a group, they'd all made fantastic progress, and they were all eager to gain recognition for it.
"It's once again that time of year!" Master Makarov announced. "The time where one of you will be allowed to advance to the rank of S-Class. I've watched all of you carefully this year and have seen much growth from many of you. This year, we have two candidates with the chance to advance. They are…" he paused for effect and everyone held their breath. "Cana Alberona!"
The entire guild cheered. Harry noticed, though, that it seemed less enthusiastic and more perfunctory. Cana was grinning, but she also looked a little hesitant. Harry, Gray, and Loke heartily congratulated her and Loke gave her a push toward the front to stand beside the guild master. Cana grinned sheepishly and took her place.
"And Harry!"
Two firm hands clapped Harry on the shoulders, sending him staggering forward amidst another round of cheers and applause.
"Knew you'd get it!" Gray crowed. "'Course, I'm annoyed that I didn't. I'll be there next year, though."
"Me, too," Loke agreed. He grinned at the pair of them. "I'll help Gray finally beat you."
"I've beaten him tons of times," Gray protested.
"Not for a year you haven't," Loke corrected him, grinning. "But I'm more than happy to lend a hand next year. Deal?"
Gray rolled his eyes, grinning. "Deal." They shook, then gave Harry twin shark grins. He smiled nervously and hurried to take his place beside Master Makarov.
"The trials will take place in exactly one week on our island's sacred ground: Tenrou Island! It's time we return to the place of our birth. This week, our candidates will prepare carefully. Then you will meet me and the examiners at Hargeon Port at noon in exactly one week."
"Yes, Master," Cana and Harry both agreed.
The guild cheered for them again, then the assembly devolved into a party.
"How come you both get recommended two years in a row, and I don't?" Natsu complained as he plopped down beside them at a table. Happy landed on the table beside him with a platter of fish.
"Obviously, you're lacking something," Cana pointed out, grinning. Though it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Oy!"
"Probably common sense," Harry said mildly. Gray snorted beside him, but successfully disguised it as a cough.
"Say that again, scar face!" Natsu shot to his feet, fists raised threateningly.
"Or what?" Harry feigned a yawn.
"Get him, Happy!"
Harry blinked at the bizarre threat, then yelped as Happy grabbed the back of his shirt and lifted him into the air.
"Wha—what are you doing?" Harry demanded as Happy flew over everyone else's heads, Harry dangling from his paws.
"Avenging Natsu! You always say mean things!" Happy flew up to nearly touch the ceiling, and Harry yelped in surprise.
"So does Gray. You've never done this to him!"
"That's because Natsu can take care of Gray." Happy turned so Harry could see the fight break out between Gray and Natsu.
"You're acknowledging that I'm stronger than Natsu?" Harry asked in amusement, completely unbothered by the fact that he was currently dangling thirty feet off the ground.
Happy growled (as much as a cat can) and hurtled toward the guild doors. Harry covered his face with his arms. "Are you crazy?" he shouted. "You're heading straight for the—!"
Gray flew through the air and hit the doors, knocking them open. He snarled and launched himself back at Natsu, and Happy flew straight through the open doors, dragging Harry with him.
Outside, Happy flew up and up and up. Once he got over the surprise, Harry whooped in joy. He hadn't flown in so long! He hadn't realized how much he missed it. The wind in his face, the feeling of complete freedom. He couldn't help it; a laugh bubbled up and burst out as Happy spun in a tight circle at top speed.
"Can you do a loop-de-loop?" Harry exclaimed.
"Of course I can!" Happy protested, and then he proceeded to do just that. Harry whooped again as Happy flipped them both upside-down temporarily.
"What else can you do?"
"You're supposed to be scared!" Happy complained.
"Of what? I love flying! Do a corkscrew next!"
"I'm not a roller coaster!" Happy dove abruptly, then Harry was falling.
"Are you crazy?" Harry shouted, seeing the ground coming up very fast below him, with no way to stop, and he was not in control of his descent. Trying not to panic, he tried to think of a spell to break his fall, but he was coming up empty.
Inches before hitting the ground, Happy seized the back of Harry's shirt to catch him, then set him down. Happy glared at him (as best a winged cat can). "You're no fun. That was supposed to teach you a lesson!"
Harry grinned. "Feel free to teach me a lesson anytime then."
"Hmph!" Happy pouted and turned around, crossing his front paws. Harry just laughed. Seeing the brawl still in progress inside, though, Harry decided to just head home.
"Thanks for the ride, Happy!" he called, still grinning from the thrill of flying again. (Maybe he'd do some research into animal take-over. He'd love to be able to fly under his own power.)
Happy shouted something very rude across the lawn, then flew back inside in a huff. Harry laughed and headed home, feeling better than he had in some time.
A week later, Harry and Cana stood on the edge of the dock in Hargeon Port. Before them was a decently sized sailing ship. With them were Erza, Laxus, and Master Makarov. Laxus looked incredibly put out. As Harry boarded, he heard Laxus muttering about having to postpone a job to be an examiner, and neither of them would pass anyway, and a bunch of other rude comments about Harry and Cana, Master Makarov, and the guild in general.
Harry gritted his teeth, half-hoping to face Laxus in whatever trial Makarov had planned so he could show him just what he thought about Laxus's rudeness and disrespect. He could take digs against himself (he'd had plenty of practice, unfortunately), but bad-mouthing his friends—dare he say one of his best friends—deserved some retribution.
The boat ride to Tenrou Island took several hours, hours that passed in an uncomfortable state of anxiety and awkward anticipation. Harry and Cana already had an agreement not to go easy on each other; they'd both be giving it their all. But the spirit of competition hadn't ignited yet; thus, they were awkward competitors the entire boat ride.
The island was in sight an hour or so before dusk. It was quite the sight, with one massive tree dominating the sky above it. Rocky cliffs rose abruptly from a sandy beach near a dock where, presumably, the ship would be moored. Master Makarov called everyone to the front deck to give final instructions.
"Your trial is to find and defeat your opponent, and then make your way to the camp at the base of that big tree," Makarov announced. "You have until sunrise to reach the camp. If at any time you find yourself unable to continue, or if you are defeated by your opponent, send up a flare and we'll collect you. The first one back is the winner. Examiners, go!"
With a sneer at Harry and Cana, Laxus vanished in a crackling arc of lightning. Erza requipped into one of her armors and took flight toward the island.
"Harry and Cana, you will choose one of two marked paths on the beach to follow to find your examiner and fight whoever you encounter—even if it ends up being each other."
Harry and Cana exchanged a look, then gave Marakov a firm nod. He grinned crookedly and raised his hand. "Ready? Go!"
They both blinked. "Um…but the island is over there?" Harry pointed, confused.
Makarov's eyes glinted. "Did I not mention? You have to get to the island on your own."
Harry glanced at Cana, who grinned and promptly jumped over the side.
"Oy!" Harry followed her into the water and struck out for the island.
Harry wasn't the strongest swimmer, but he did his best. He was very glad his pack, minimal though it was, had been spelled shut and waterproof. Cana was way ahead of Harry, but he was less concerned with beating her to the beach and more concerned with not drowning as the waves, which had looked so gentle and peaceful from the boat, threatened to drag him under every few feet.
Though it was a struggle and he was exhausted by the end, Harry somehow managed to make the shore just as the sun set. There would be light for a while yet, but that was irrelevant once Harry saw the caves ahead.
Seeing how they were marked, Harry couldn't help an amused snort. There were half a dozen caves, but two of them had huge arrows drawn in the sand plus wooden signs in front saying, "This way!" One of the tunnels had an X over it, and from the footprints in the sand, Harry could only guess that was the way Cana had gone. So Harry took a deep breath and set off into the other cave.
The tunnel was longer than it looked, Harry thought, panting as he continued into the darkness. He'd summoned a ball of light to bob beside him, like he'd done at the trials last year, in order to keep his hands free in the case of an unexpected encounter. But so far all he'd seen was moss, fungi, and a few rats skittering out of the circle of light.
Nevertheless, Harry stayed alert. His footsteps echoed off the rock walls as he advanced, sometimes crunching on loose gravel or sand. He might be facing Cana, Laxus, or Erza. Any one would be a challenge, but, as powerful as he was, Harry was hoping for Laxus. He'd been itching to teach the arrogant mage a lesson for a long time now. A one-on-one with the promise of no interference was exactly what he wanted. Another, lesser reason was because he would hate to be the one to crush Cana's chances of becoming S-class again in the event that he won. Plus he was next to useless against physical weapons. Gray's ice make was different, but against Erza's swords, he didn't stand a chance.
Finally, Harry rounded a corner and the tunnel opened up into a large, high-ceilinged cavern. He was both relieved and terrified to find Laxus sitting on a boulder in the middle of the cavern.
The lightning mage rose to his feet as Harry entered the cavern. "Hoh? I was hoping to crush Cana instead. But you'll do." Lightning already crackled around his body.
Harry couldn't help a smirk. "Perfect. I've been meaning to teach you a lesson for months. You know I hate arrogant people."
Laxus snorted. "You think you can teach me a lesson? Talk about arrogance. If you even last five minutes against me, I'll be impressed. But I ain't letting you off easy. You want a match? You'll get a match. All or nothing. You beat me and pass, or lose and fail and eat your words. I hope you at least make the next five minutes interesting."
Laxus lunged before Harry registered his movement. Only instinct and Quidditch reflexes had him rolling out of the way at the last second, his eyes wide. But Laxus didn't even let him breathe as he came at Harry with fists crackling with electricity. It was all he could do to avoid the worst of the blows, but Laxus still sent him flying within seconds of his initial onslaught.
Rolling away and squeezing his eyes shut, Harry raised a hand and shouted, "Lumos maxima!"
Laxus cursed aloud as he turned instinctively away from the bright light. Eyes still closed, Harry cast a disillusionment spell on himself and immediately crossed the cavern, trying to catch his breath.
Damn, Harry thought breathlessly as the light faded and Laxus blinked spots out of his eyes. I knew he was fast, and powerful, but he hasn't even used magic yet and I'm barely keeping up.
Laxus's nostrils flared. "You can't hide forever, pipsqueak!" He shot bolts of lightning all around the cavern, unerringly right in Harry's direction. He was forced to dodge, duck, roll, or jump to avoid the attacks.
Taking a deep breath as Laxus prepared another attack, Harry quickly traced a series of glowing runes onto the ground, then darted away as Laxus attacked in the direction of the runes before the glow faded. Harry repeated this process several times, planting rune traps all over the cavern in hopes one of them would catch Laxus unawares.
"Come out, little sneak. Or are you going to cower in the shadows the whole time?"
Come out, Harry. Cowering in the shadows doesn't become you. Face me like your father did…
Harry couldn't help a gasp at the memory rising unbidden from the depths of his consciousness. A high voice, a cauldron, a circle of cloaked men…the silver trophy, Cedric's staring eyes…
No. Harry shook his head frantically, shoving the memories back. Light flashed toward him and Harry instinctively ducked and rolled away, his breathing shallow. No. I won't let that happen again.
"Come out, Harry. You realize you only have until sunrise. You can't hide forever," Laxus taunted, his nostrils flaring again.
Harry gritted his teeth, shoving the memories back behind thick walls. Time to stop hiding. His fingers flying, Harry began casting, ducking, rolling, jumping to his feet and casting again, every offensive spell he knew and then some. Sometimes he aimed at Laxus directly, sometimes at the ground to create a distraction or to guide Laxus in a certain direction. Some of his blows hit, but most of them missed as Laxus either dodged or countered. Remembering Levy's admonition about him not using Solid Script in his last trials, Harry withdrew his light pen from his pocket.
Still on the move as Laxus now had a target, though Harry remained disillusioned, Harry traced a shape in the air. From it came a thick fog, further obscuring the area.
Laxus snarled in frustration. "Clever, but you're still hiding. Aren't you going to fight me?"
"I'm not stupid enough to come at you in a fist fight," Harry quipped back, then dropped to the floor as Laxus shot lighting right where his head had been.
"Then I'll have to drag you into one anyway!" Laxus (to Harry's surprise) closed his eyes, his nostrils flaring. He scowled, then started pacing slowly through the mist.
Harry kept on the move, unsure how Laxus kept locating him but determined not to give him a stationary target. He laid a few more rune traps, but Laxus had so far avoided all of them. Harry slowly came around behind Laxus, then began casting again, this time as quietly as he could.
"Impedimenta. Incarcerous."
Laxus dodged the first, spinning on his heel. Then, as the second spell left Harry's lips, Laxus lunged.